“Even though its initial purpose is complete, the Romelia Alliance will still be needed. True, we may have eliminated the Demon King’s army within our country. However, many of his forces still remain on the Axis continent. To the north, the supposedly impregnable Gangarga Fortress has fallen into the hands of the demons, and further in lies Lobarn, which they’ve turned into a stronghold. No one can guarantee that the Demon King’s army won’t launch another attack from the north.”
lord Dunham’s insight was commendable. I too believed the Demon King’s army would not remain idle.
“Is there a chance the Demon King’s army might invade again?”
However, I spoke against my true thoughts. I didn’t want to be accused of stirring up public fear to justify the alliance.
“I’ve heard the northern borders are well defended?”
I emphasized the kingdom’s solid defenses.
Indeed, the kingdom’s defenses were robust. Currently, along the border facing the Demon King’s territory stood the fortress known as the Gates of Gazar, guarded by General Zaria’s Black Hawk Knights.
“The border defenses are certainly strong. But nothing is absolute. If the Demon King’s army invades again, it won’t be the kingdom we’ll rely on, but you.”
lord Dunham seemed to trust us more than the kingdom that hadn’t come to our aid.
“Besides, I don’t believe Lady Romelia’s goal is merely to defeat the Demon King’s army within our borders, correct?”
“lord Dunham, that’s…”
“No need to spell it out. This isn’t something to be discussed openly.”
lord Dunham interrupted me.
Indeed, I aimed not only to eliminate the Demon King’s forces within our borders but also to eradicate those that had infiltrated the Axis continent. Ideally, I wanted to cross the sea, invade the Demon Continent, and rescue the captives.
But this involved national politics, and it wasn’t something a mere count’s daughter should speak of.
“In any case, I intend to repay the debt I owe to Lady Romelia in another form.”
lord Dunham gave a meaningful smile.
“That’s a very generous offer.”
I replied cautiously.
lord Dunham’s words were indeed appreciated. To influence national policy, many supporters are needed. Even one backer is invaluable.
“Understood. I will agree to join the alliance and write a letter of introduction to Seryure.”
I verbally agreed to the alliance and promised to write the letter of introduction.
As I conversed with lord Dunham, the music in the hall ended, and Al and Ray returned with their dance partners.
“That was a splendid dance, Lord Albion. I’m not done dancing yet.”
“Indeed, Lord Raven, could we have another dance?”
The two ladies, their voices passionate, were gently declined by Al and Ray, who claimed to be thirsty.
The two accepted wine goblets and sat beside me.
“You’ve become quite the dancers, Lord Albion, Lord Raven.”
“Please, stop it, Captain Rome.”
Al made a displeased face when I teased him.
In the three-year war against the Demon King’s army, Al and Ray were knighted. They changed their names accordingly, but they disliked the formal titles, so I used them for teasing.
“We are quite exhausted, though.”
Al murmured, and Ray sighed. They both seemed exhausted.
“Are the heroes of the battlefield having trouble with the ladies?”
I laughed, and both Al and Ray frowned.
“It can’t be helped, Lady Romelia. We’ve already danced with ten pairs.”
“Yes, while we can punch enemies, we can’t do the same with ladies.”
Ray drooped, and Al said something rather alarming.
But it was understandable. Everyone knew their names now, and many women admired them. Additionally, in Polvic, many men were drafted into war, and many lost their lives. Thus, young men were scarce, and the soldiers were in high demand as dance partners.
“And how did it go?”
“How did what go?”
Al responded to my question with confusion. He was as dense as ever.
“Your dance partners. They were quite charming, weren’t they?”
“They were noble ladies. We’re not suitable matches.”
Al responded sensibly. Even though they were now knights, Al and Ray had been commoners until a few years ago. Marrying a noble was usually out of the question.
“No, that’s not necessarily true.”
lord Dunham, who had been listening, countered.
“Indeed, those two are baron’s daughters, but both come from military families. With your battlefield reputation, you’d be welcomed, not made to feel out of place.”
I nodded at lord Dunham’s words.
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“How about it? Those two would be a good match. If you’d like, I can arrange it.”
lord Dunham was quite assertive. He likely aimed to win Al and Ray over.
“As long as the threat of the Demon King’s army remains, I have no intention of settling down.”
“I’m with Al. I will always stay by Lady Romelia’s side.”
Al and Ray firmly declined lord Dunham’s offer.
They were always like this. Despite many women approaching them, they never considered relationships. Even potential good matches were turned down.
While it was reassuring they weren’t swayed by seduction, I wanted to attend their weddings and hold their children, but it seemed that opportunity was far off.
“Captain Rome, what about you? Isn’t it time you settled down?”
Al retaliated, likely as payback for my teasing.
“Me? I’m past the suitable age, and no man would want a woman with such a bad reputation.”
I shook my head.
I was already over twenty. Being in the military was also problematic. A young woman in a male-dominated environment was seen poorly. In the capital’s social circles, I was rumored to be a scandalous woman chasing men.
Marrying someone like me would bring them trouble. Honestly, I thought I’d never marry.
“That’s not true. Many families would be happy to have you as a wife, Lady Romelia.”
lord Dunham denied my resignation.
“For instance, how about my family? I have three sons, though none are here. You can take your pick.”
lord Dunham introduced his sons as if they were goods. I could only laugh.
“You’d make enemies of the royal family.”
I gently admonished him.
Since the broken engagement, the royal family had tried to erase my existence. My leading soldiers and being celebrated as a saint by the people must have displeased them.
“But doesn’t the ‘Romelia Knights’ bear your name, yet officially has no connection?”
“That is…true.”
I nodded at lord Dunham’s words.
Though called the Romelia Knights, I had no authority or command.
In the records of the Cashew Defense Force, my name wasn’t listed. The commander was Albion, and the vice-commander was Raven.
Officially, I was nobody. If anything, I was just a count’s daughter visiting the soldiers.
“So, it doesn’t matter who you marry, right?”
“It’s not that simple. Though unofficially, I lead the soldiers.”
I shook my head at lord Dunham’s words.
To punish the Cashew Defense Force, they decided to hold me accountable for my crimes. They aim to take down the Cashew Defense Force by accusing me. Despite dividing our roles to prevent such political and legal interference, the soldiers still follow my orders. If I strengthen my ties with the nobility, the royal family won’t be pleased.
“We can’t afford to make enemies. Besides, the Church sees me as a target as well.”
I pointed out the poor relationship with the Holy Church of Salvation, the national religion of this country.
The root cause of my broken engagement with Prince Henry was the discord between me and Elisabeth, the Church’s sanctioned saint.
After defeating the Demon King Zelgius, Saint Elisabeth announced her engagement to Prince Henry and held a grand wedding that same year.
Now, as the Queen, she has two princes and a strong connection with the Church, making her position unshakeable. She’s a presence fittingly called the Mother of the Nation.
Elisabeth despises me, and the Church does not recognize the people’s calling me a saint. They’d probably label me a witch if they could.
Moreover, my training of healers without permission at the Caresa Monastery became an issue, leading to Priest Note being excommunicated and the monastery being destroyed by Cardinal Fermine, the Church’s de facto leader.
The students of Priest Note and healers from all over who joined me were ready to face excommunication to follow me.
“I’ve heard of the friction with the Church. I was outraged by the excommunication of Priest Note, who saved many lives. Even in this city, many people oppose the current state of the Church.”
Lord Dunham criticized the Church, but this was a dangerous topic.
“Lord, that’s enough.”
“Oops, I misspoke.”
At my warning, Lord Dunham hurriedly shut his mouth.
Indeed, the current Church is soaked in greed. They demand high donations for healing and turn away the poor, even if they’re injured. Many people criticize this approach, and voices against Cardinal Fermine, seen as the embodiment of greed, are growing.
However, this concerns the national religion, and we shouldn’t speak carelessly.
“Returning to our topic, Lady Romelia, you are the daughter of the Graham family, correct? Surely many families wish to be connected with the Graham family?”
“That’s the biggest problem. I’m just a wayward daughter who left home and does as she pleases.”
Lord Dunham brought up my family name, but I told him the relationship with my family was the worst.
Breaking off my engagement with Prince Henry greatly tarnished the family name, making me a pariah in the Graham household. Leading an army only worsened things, with relatives calling me disgraceful and demanding my disownment.
Father never said anything directly, but I doubt he thinks well of me.
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