Chapter 5 - The Final Move
As tension between Delunio and Soljest rose in the West, an uneasy air loomed over the Earthworld Empire to the East. The feud between Second Imperial Prince Bardloche and Third Imperial Prince Manfred was the cause. Both factions suffered greatly the previous year thanks to First Imperial Prince Demetrio’s fall from power, forcing each side to focus on recovery.
Bardloche was the first to regain some of his strength. He mobilized his troops as soon as he could encroach on his younger brother’s domain and take Manfred down.
Unsurprisingly, Manfred didn’t sit idly by. He rallied a counterattack, and the two sides clashed.
Then, after several days of scattered skirmishes and an endless staring contest…
“…Those guys played it safe again today, huh?”
One of Manfred’s soldiers stared across the plain at Bardloche’s army.
“They rant and rave but never attack. Where’s their fighting spirit?”
His comrades offered their thoughts.
“Yeah, but we’re not much different. All we did today was fire off some random arrows.”
“I thought this was supposed to be a big, decisive battle. What gives?”
“…I just went with whichever prince looked like the winnin’ horse. Guess I chose wrong.”
“Keep it down, idiot…!”
The careless, chatty soldiers glanced around. Fortunately, their superiors were nowhere nearby.
“…You guys agree, right? Neither side is lookin’ too good.”
Bardloche and Manfred. Defeat hung plain about the two princes. Originally, one of them was meant to take the throne, but Lowellmina dashed those plans.
“That goes double for us. Prince Manfred’s army is just a ragtag bunch of bumpkins from the provinces…”
“I bet the enemy’s havin’ a rough time, too. Loyalty only goes so far.”
“Can’t argue that,” one soldier replied, eyes still fixed on the opposition. “Still, today’s just another stand-off.”
“Stayin’ in the army means eatin’, so no complaints here… What’s the top brass thinking?”
“Who knows? I hope they at least intend to win.”
The soldiers’ grievances and doubts floated into the air unanswered.
“Everything is going according to plan.”
“Yeah. Hate to admit it, though.”
A mansion in a local town overlooked the staring contest. And in one of its rooms sat Bardloche and Manfred.
“I agree, but we’re out of options.”
The two faction leaders were in the middle of a clandestine meeting. As to why…
“This needs to hurt Lowellmina’s sect.”
Wein had assumed Lowellmina was the target of this battle. Sure enough, the princess was the intended victim.
“You’re preparing to rile up those regions, right?”
“Yes. Inciting them one by one shouldn’t be too difficult.”
Some of Manfred’s troops would secretly slip into each Imperial territory and sow chaos while the two armies were busy fighting.
“We’ll place blame for the damage and injuries on Lowellmina. Think she’ll take the bait?”
“She has no choice. Lowellmina has maintained her persona as a stalwart patriot of the Empire. She can’t afford to ignore the people’s distress.”
The scenario was thus:
While tensions rose in the Empire, and Bardloche’s and Manfred’s armies remained at an impasse, vassals “unrelated” to the situation would stir trouble in every region. Citing the deadlock as an alibi protected the princely brothers from suspicion and forced Lowellmina to deal with the fallout.
“Staring won’t cost us much money and resources, and Lowellmina’s faction will hemorrhage both.”
“She pulled one over on us before, but we’ll bring her down hard this time,” Bardloche said. He then sighed, irritated. “Still, our reputations will suffer.”
“We do what we must.”
Their armies would maintain the stand-off while Lowellmina was busy offering humanitarian aid. The downcast people of the Empire would undoubtedly wonder what their princes were playing at, but Lowellmina’s threat loomed so large that Bardloche and Manfred had no choice but to collaborate.
“Presently, our reputations can’t match Lowellmina’s. Therefore, we must throw them away and force our opponent to defend hers,” Manfred explained.
“…”
Bardloche remained unsatisfied, but his brother continued.
“Besides, a poor reputation can be fixed later. Once the Empire is prosperous again, history will summarize this contest for the throne in two short sentences.”
Bardloche sniffed. “You got a point there. Still… One of us will be pinned with the bad rep for all eternity.”
His piercing stare all but said, “And obviously, it’s gonna be you.”
Manfred returned his brother’s sharp gaze, and their silent war lasted for several seconds. Perhaps realizing the invisible sparks flying between them were meaningless, Bardloche switched topics.
“So when will Lowellmina make her move?”
“That’s the one question I can’t answer. But knowing our sister, it’ll be a hard fight. She’ll want to take as little damage as possible.”
“Prime Minister Keskinel and the West will get involved if we drag this out too long. Falcasso will go for the kill if it catches an opening.”
There were three nations with roads that connected East and West. Natra to the north, Mealtars in the center, and the Falcasso Kingdom to the south. The last of the trio had the route closest to the heart of the Empire. Earthworld and Falcasso clashed countless times in the past, and as leader of a military faction, Bardloche couldn’t make light of the old foe.
Oddly enough, Manfred shook his head. “There’s no need to worry. The prime minister can’t do much after mobilizing the Imperial army for his own purposes, and I hear Falcasso already has its hands full.”
“You mean last year’s famine?”
“That’s part of it, but it also looks like Eastern Levetia is trying to branch out. Falcasso’s busy dealing with it.”
“A turf battle between faiths, huh? What a bunch of idiots.” Bardloche stood abruptly.
“Oh? Are you saying you don’t believe in God, Bardloche?”
“No, I’ve got plenty of faith. The Emperor, the One True God, resides within the Earthworld Empire,” he replied. “We’re done here. If anything happens with Lowellmina, notify my subordinates.”
“Very well, but keep on your guard.”
“Thanks for pointing out the obvious. Just don’t betray me,” Bardloche spat on his way out the door.
Now alone, Manfred whispered, “Oh, I won’t. Not until Lowellmina is taken care of, anyway.”
“They certainly are cunning.”
Lowellmina Earthworld sat in a corner of the Imperial palace in the heart of Grantsrale, capital of the Empire.
“Using such methods to tie me up at the eleventh hour… Hah.”
The bundle of documents in her hand described key information about Bardloche’s and Manfred’s armies. The princess had outside sources and spies who successfully infiltrated both camps. And the princes’ withering leadership made it easier to mine secrets. There was always the possibility of false testimony, but not many had the discipline to keep loyal and lied when their ship was clearly sinking.
Lowellmina was fully aware of her brothers’ scheme and all it entailed. However…
“It worked anyway!” Lowellmina groaned, gripping her head.
From absorbing First Prince Demetrio’s faction to demonstrating her political prowess by reestablishing trade relations with Patura, things had been looking up for Lowellmina in every way.
Unfortunately, that was also when her brothers decided to ally against her.
“Didn’t you two hate each other…?! Please just fight more and give me an easy win…!
Even if she had every detail about her foes, whether she could deal with them was another story entirely. Lowellmina could only sigh as she made a string of ridiculous demands.
“I would love to strike that devious pair head-on, but my position makes it difficult to sortie an army…”
Lowellmina’s Patriot Faction had no military and promoted peaceful conflict resolution. Initially, this absence of firepower was involuntary; since her sect lacked steel swords and shields, it bolstered its defense with a mantra of love and peace.
Her ever-growing support could now muster an army if desired, but Lowellmina hoped to avoid that. Not because she’d suddenly become a pacifist. If it turned out that violence was the answer, she’d whale on both brothers in a heartbeat.
So why did someone like Lowellmina, possessed of all the makings of a berserker, wail in the palace like a lost kitten? There were two reasons:
First, her message of peace would come back to bite her if she resorted to force. The idea of an empress was already unprecedented. Lowellmina wanted to avoid losing popular support.
Second, Lowellmina had no experienced generals. They were already in the service of the two princes. And although a skilled negotiator, Lowellmina wasn’t well versed in military tactics.
Even if I could raise an army, I doubt I would win. And victory wouldn’t preserve my reputation… I suddenly feel exhausted.
Despite these hindrances, she had to find a way to resolve this predicament.
As the princes’ pretend war lagged on, turmoil erupted across the Empire. This was a scheme devised to consume the resources required to ensure the populace’s safety. Lowellmina’s reputation would rise in the process, but to defeat her political opponents’ troops, she needed soldiers and assets to back them. She couldn’t let everything go to waste.
“Sooo that’s why we absolutely must secure Wein’s help. B-b-but…”
Lowellmina had an idea, but it was too risky on her own. To that end, she’d sent her trusted retainer Fyshe to Natra. She was due back any moment with news of the outcome.
“Now? Now? Now? Fyshe!”
Lowellmina anxiously waited for her subordinate until she finally heard familiar footsteps outside the door.
“Your Highness, I have returned.”
“Fyshe!”
The person who entered was, without a doubt, Fyshe Blundell.
Lowellmina practically flew into her.
“I’ve been waiting. Nothing happened during your trip, right?”
“No. I have no major incidents to report,” Fyshe replied, handing a letter to Lowellmina. “Forgive my brevity, Your Highness, but this is a response from Prince Wein.”
“Thank you very much.” Lowellmina accepted the letter, broke the seal in one smooth motion, and looked it over. Then…
“Most excellent!” she exclaimed. “We can proceed as intended! Well done, Fyshe!”
“We have only your strategy to thank, Your Highness.”
Fyshe smiled at her lady’s relief. However, Lowellmina’s expression soon turned pensive.
“Still…I have some concerns about these added conditions. I see no reason to object… But what do you think he’s planning, Fyshe?”
“Ah, yes. It seems to be related to the present turmoil in Soljest, but Prince Wein didn’t offer much detail…”
“There was apparently a coup during the alliance ceremony in Delunio.”
“Yes. I heard the Delunio army mobilized to overthrow the usurper around the same time I left Natra.”
“I was not terribly concerned since the West is quite far away, but hmm…”
Lowellmina was silent for a few moments, though swiftly collected herself.
“No, pondering the matter here won’t solve anything. While I am concerned about events in the West, I must address the Empire’s troubles first.”
“In that case…”
“Yes, I’ll depart soon. I know you’ve only just returned, Fyshe, but please prepare yourself as well.” Lowellmina smiled.
“I wonder how the great enemy of our Empire, the Falcasso Kingdom, will welcome us?”
“Yes, I suspect the Delunio and Soljest armies will be clashing forthwith,” Tolcheila mused, enjoying a piece of fruit in a room of Delunio’s state guest house. “Goodness, how will my big brother ever survive?”
The Delunio army totaled fifteen thousand and was bound for Soljest. The enemy, led by Tolcheila’s brother, Kabra, numbered ten thousand. Based on each side’s marching pace, they were due to meet at any moment.
“Do you mean to suggest Soljest will lose, Your Highness?” the subordinate beside her inquired.
“I can’t imagine another outcome. There’s no reason for Soljest to win.”
The subordinate frowned as if her words were incomprehensible.
“Our Soljest soldiers make up an elite force personally trained by King Gruyere. Regardless of number, Delunio’s forces will inevitably fall behi—”
“That is precisely the reason,” Tolcheila stated. “Father himself reared our troops. Even if they are Soljest’s national army in name, one could say they are loyal members of the Gruyere Forces. How long will they tolerate my unaccomplished brother’s orders?”
“I see… And if you account for Kabra stealing the throne…”
“Well, even my brother isn’t hopelessly stupid. He likely has some plants in the ranks. If Delunio invades our homeland, many will prioritize patriotic duty and serve Kabra. He’ll be able to mobilize his troops to a degree… Whether that’s enough to steal victory, however…”
Regardless of ability, the commanders in Kabra’s army could not utilize their full potential with an idiot at the helm. Tolcheila judged their failure was imminent.
“At any rate, Soljest will lose the first battle.” Tolcheila sniffed. “Thereafter, Delunio shall truly taste defeat.”
“Your Highness, does that mean…?”
“Yes. Soon enough, a certain someone will arrive in Delunio. I’d best prepare, too.”
Tolcheila envisioned the events ahead and cracked a daring smile.
Meanwhile, as Tolcheila planned her next steps…
A visibly frustrated Falanya sat and stared in a room of her mansion.
“Nghhh…”
“Your Highness, you needn’t ruminate so much,” Sirgis said from beside his perturbed, moaning master.
“But everyone is else locked in heated debate while I’m just sitting here like a log… It’s so infuriating.”
“It cannot be helped. There is only so much we can do.”
Falanya was the guest of a foreign country, after all. Furthermore, unlike Tolcheila, she hadn’t planned to start any trouble and brought the minimum number of delegation members. Falanya wanted to take action, but she lacked the personnel.
“Besides, your hand is not entirely empty, Your Highness.”
“…I wonder if Nanaki and Zenovia have arrived safely.”
Wein offered Falanya two pieces of advice to prepare her as a politician.
The first was never to let an opportunity pass her by. Even if it fell into her lap, there was no guarantee it’d stay there forever. If glory was right in front of her, it was best to snatch it.
The second was to seize control of the situation. Grabbing whatever chance came along was important, but there wasn’t always going to be one. Someone could interfere at the last second. At times like those, she couldn’t sit around waiting for a blessing to fall from the heavens.
Be proactive, Falanya. Be the kind of political player who wraps the whole world up in their will.
Falanya followed that advice and made a move with her two greatest cards, Zenovia and Nanaki.
“Do you think this will work, Sirgis?”
“Unfortunately, I don’t have enough information to predict the outcome. However, if I must say anything, it is this: Even if this endeavor fails, no one else could have conceived of or executed such a plan, Your Highness.” Sirgis’s words lightened her heart a shade.
Someone knocked on the door, and a servant entered.
“Pardon me. Princess Falanya, I bring two matters of import.”
“What are they?”
“First, a guest has arrived at the mansion.”
“A guest?”
Falanya and Sirgis exchanged puzzled looks.
A guest.
There were no meetings scheduled today.
“Second, our members keeping watch over the palace have relayed a message. It seems a noble has arrived.”
This cleared away Falanya and Sirgis’s confusion.
Given the timing, this unexpected visit had to be the work of Princess Tolcheila. There was no mistaking it.
“Do you know who this noble is?”
The servant nodded. “The director of Levetia’s Gospel Bureau, Caldmellia.”
“Caldmellia is here…?”
Prime Minister Mullein grimaced at the news.
“Yes. She wishes to speak with His Majesty… What shall we do?”
“She’s a top Levetia authority with the power to act on behalf of the Holy King. We can’t refuse her. Call King Lawrence to the audience hall. I’ll be there soon.
Mullein’s mind raced while his subordinate left to carry out his command.
Why now?
Maybe it was all a coincidence, but the possibility it wasn’t remained on the table.
I need to keep my guard up.
Mullein clicked his tongue and headed to the audience room. King Lawrence was already present, as were his guards and vassals.
“Your Majesty, thank you for meeting with me.” Mullein bowed.
Lawrence rattled a shaky reply. “I-it is fine. M-more importantly, Mullein, I heard someone from the Gospel Bureau arrived.”
“Yes, but you needn’t worry. Please leave everything to me.”
Mullein saw no point in explaining. He cut their conversation short and faced the audience hall entrance. The heavy door opened, and a single woman stepped inside.
“I sincerely apologize for my sudden visit. I am Caldmellia, the director of the Gospel Bureau.”
Everyone gaped. According to reports, Caldmellia was an old crone, yet the woman before them possessed glowing skin, glossy hair, and youthful radiance. She could pass for someone in her thirties. Perhaps even in her twenties.
Still, all present understood at a glance that she was a very different kind of woman. And a dangerous one at that.
“Ah, oh, um…”
Caldmellia’s perilous yet irresistible charm left Lawrence at a loss for words. Mullein, however, glanced at the king’s clumsy appearance and managed to regain his composure.
“We bid you welcome, Lady Caldmellia,” Mullein greeted with all insincerity. “Well then, might I ask what brings you to our nation? If you are here for leisure, please enjoy Delunio’s many vistas to your heart’s content.”
“I assure you I will explain… But please wait just a moment,” Caldmellia replied with an apologetic look.
She appeared out of nowhere yet expected them to wait? What was going on?
While Mullein wrestled with the confusing situation, a small shape appeared in the entranceway behind Caldmellia.
“Oh, am I tardy? I do beg your pardon.”
The figure was Tolcheila.
Mullein was further mystified. Not the least bit shocked by the director’s presence, Tolcheila readily joined the audience, standing by Caldmellia to offer greetings. The princess’s arrival was indeed no accident.
“Princess Tolcheila, what is going on…?”
“I invited her. Her Highness is involved in my plan,” Caldmellia answered in Tolcheila’s stead.
The two were connected. They were in league together. As soon as Mullein realized this, an ominous chill ran up his spine.
“Well then, might I ask again what your business is, Lady Caldmellia?”
It was a dangerous yet inevitable question, and Mullein failed to hide his concern. Caldmellia’s crimson lips lifted into a bright smile.
“I’m here to deliver an ultimatum to the Delunio Kingdom.”
A stir ran through the audience hall.
“‘Ultimatum’…?”
“What is she talking about?”
“Why would someone of Levetia say such a thing?”
All present expressed bafflement and agitation. Mullein turned to them with a raised voice.
“Silence! You stand before the king!”
The harsh rebuke returned silence to the audience hall. The prime minister knew this didn’t solve the main issue, though.
“Lady Caldmellia, what exactly are you implying?”
“I imply nothing… Don’t tell me you intend to make excuses after all that’s happened?” she said. “Delunio has sorely betrayed the Teachings of Levetia, and we cannot turn a blind eye. The Church will regard Delunio as an explicit enemy unless this issue is promptly addressed.”
“That’s ridiculous!” Mullein cried. “Delunio has ever been a fervent supporter of Levetia! You dare to falsely accuse us of betrayal?!”
Mullein’s tone turned ragged as thoughts piled on top of each other. He always knew that Levetia might intervene in a war between Western nations. Yet while Delunio was an active participant, the primary conflict was the sibling rivalry in Soljest. Mullein assumed the Church would only intervene once the battle was more or less decided.
However, here it was, making a one-sided declaration before the skirmish officially began.
He couldn’t grasp Caldmellia’s intentions. And in a political atmosphere like this one, failing to read his foe’s motives could only mean they were a step ahead.
“What sin has our nation committed that you would accuse us of lies?” Mullein demanded.
Caldmellia gave a brilliant smile. “For becoming Eastern Levetia’s vanguard and attacking Soljest.” The words were a damning knife thrust into Delunio’s heart. “That is your sin.”
“ !” Mullein was shaken by the blow.
Eastern Levetia.
If only the war with Soljest had been the only complication. He never imagined he would hear of Eastern Levetia here.
“According to our earlier investigations, Delunio has received significant support from Eastern Levetia. Moreover, the Soljest invasion is an act of aggression by Eastern Levetia through Delunio.”
Mullein had no immediate response.
Delunio had indeed received aid from Eastern Levetia and invaded Soljest. These two points were unrelated, but it wasn’t inconceivable to conflate them.
Lawrence, unable to contain himself, exclaimed, “Y-you’re wrong! Th-that wasn’t why we were heading for Soljest!” His gaze fell on Tolcheila, who watched everything in silence. “Our motive was to overthrow the treasonous Kabra and return the crown to its rightful heir! Isn’t that right, Princess Tolcheila?!”
Lawrence was correct. Delunio’s forces set out only after conferring with the Soljest princess and securing her approval. The nation never acted on its own. The situation would be rectified once she confirmed this.
And so Tolcheila…
“Whatever do you mean?”
…kicked Delunio off its ladder with the sunniest smile.
“I don’t recall any of that.”
“What?”
Lawrence wasn’t the only one perplexed. Everyone else in the room felt the same. Delunio rallied its warriors to help put Princess Tolcheila on the throne. That was both the nation’s official stance and the unequivocal truth.
But everything had been turned on its head by Princess Tolcheila herself.
We’ve been framed!
Mullein realized what had happened and immediately groaned.
Tolcheila’s permission to mobilize. Caldmellia’s condemnation for it. And now Tolcheila’s denial. There was no longer any doubt. The two were working together, and this was part of their plot.
“Wh… What’s going on?!” Lawrence exclaimed, jumping up from his throne. “My country and soldiers were trying to help you, Princess Tolcheila!”
Caldmellia turned to the princess beside her.
“Is that right, Princess Tolcheila?”
“Oh dear. I fear I’m still drawing a blank.”
Tolcheila and Caldmellia beamed with obvious derision, and Lawrence fumed.
“G-guards!” The soldiers trembled, startled by their typically meek king’s roar of anger. “Arrest them! I won’t forgive any insult to our nation!”
“Goodness. What do you think, Lady Caldmellia?”
“He hoped to talk his way out of the situation but resorted to violence upon realizing his failure. This simply won’t do.”
Tolcheila and Caldmellia remained unfazed. This only provoked Lawrence further. That’s when Mullein stepped in.
“Please wait, Your Majesty! Assaulting them will only give Levetia more leverage!”
“Are you suggesting we leave them alone?! Quit screwing around! Guards!” Lawrence again called for backup.
However, Mullein swiftly vetoed the order. “Stop! No one move!”
“H-hey.”
“What should we do?”
“It’s the king’s order…”
“Yeah, but…”
The guards looked at each other and debated whether to obey their lawful master, Lawrence, or their true master, Mullein.
It was Mullein who seized the reins of this farce.
“His Majesty is exhausted! Escort him to his room immediately!”
As the one on more familiar terms with the guards, Mullein ordered them to forcibly drag Lawrence from the audience hall. Caldmellia watched with glee.
“Lady Caldmellia, I have confirmed receipt of Levetia’s ultimatum,” Mullein said. “The circumstances were quite sudden, so please allow us some time!”
Caldmellia giggled. “He-he, that’s true. In light of this pleasant spectacle, I shall wait several days… Let’s end matters here for today.”
The director of the Gospel Bureau calmly turned her back on Mullein and left. Tolcheila spun around to follow after.
“Princess Tolcheila…! Damn you…!”
Mullein couldn’t stop himself from cursing the girl. Her response was upbeat.
“He-he, I shall retire as well. An important detail may come to me with a good night’s sleep.”
Tolcheila left the audience hall, her gait infuriatingly airy.
Once the stars of this drama were gone, Mullein beat the wall, furious.
“Your Excellency…!”
A subordinate immediately rushed over, and Mullein seized him by the collar.
“This is a gag order. Not a single word of this can leave this room! And confine Lawrence to his chambers, no matter what. Understand? Everything will be a waste if he runs wild now!”
“U-understood!”
“Send a messenger! Our forces are not to move another inch! Do not lay a single finger on Soljest!”
“But, Your Excellency, if all has gone according to plan, we are already on the verge of combat. The message won’t make it in—”
“Silence! Just do it! And find Yuan! Immediately arrest every Eastern Levetia member in the palace! Every last one in the entire country!”
“A-are you certain of this?”
“I doubt holding them will be enough to stop Eastern Levetia as a whole, but the damage will spread if we don’t keep them in check! Go!”
Mullein’s subordinates scattered like baby spiders.
Damn it, I can’t believe this…!
He’d had a bad feeling the moment he saw Tolcheila and Caldmellia next to each other, but Mullein never imagined this turn of events.
Was this Tolcheila’s plan all along?
Tolcheila desired the throne, but King Gruyere and her brother, Kabra, were in the way.
She sent Kabra into a panic by making her ambitions public. Then she deliberately left Soljest to incite his frenzy. Tolcheila used her brother to eliminate her troublesome father.
With that done, the princess used Delunio to depose her brother. She discerned the nation’s intentions and successfully pushed it to mobilize against Soljest.
However, Tolcheila knew Delunio would interfere with her rule if she borrowed its strength. Thus, the final stage of her plan was to remove that inconvenient debt via Levetia.
The whole thing is absurd… But she has me right where she wants me!
Where did he go wrong? Was it because he accepted Eastern Levetia’s aid? Was it because he tried to take advantage of the chaos in Soljest? Or was it because he underestimated Tolcheila, seeing her as merely a young girl?
At any rate, I need to find a way out of this…
Mullein mulled over his options until servants came running back to him.
“Your Excellency! Yuan is not in his room!”
“Eastern Levetia is nowhere to be found! Their rooms are completely empty!”
“What…?!”
This was no coincidence. They’d recognized what was happening and escaped.
“…Find them! They couldn’t have gotten far!”
Mullein’s mind raced. Delunio’s position would grow increasingly tenuous if he failed to catch Yuan and the other members of Eastern Levetia. He managed to buy a few extra days with Caldmellia, but what kind of counterattack could he devise in that time?
If all else fails…
He had to survive. Even if it meant throwing everything else to the wolves.
Mullein’s gag order failed, and news of the incident in the Delunio palace spread among the castle town’s leaders.
“As Your Highness predicted, the turmoil has escalated…”
“Still, I never expected Levetia to show up here.”
This information had slipped through the cracks and reached Falanya’s group as well. As to how her delegation stayed in the loop despite little connection to the Delunio palace…
“Speaking of surprises, I’m shocked that you came here.”
Falanya looked across at Yuan, the missionary and cardinal Mullein was hunting frantically.
He and his compatriots had secretly made their way to Falanya upon learning of Caldmellia’s arrival.
“You must have sensed the immediate danger.”
“Mission work requires a sharp intuition. We’ve already sent word to the faithful in each region. They’ll all go into hiding.”
This was a matter of life and death, yet Yuan smiled. Falanya was both astounded and impressed.
“Nevertheless, aren’t there safer places than with me?” Falanya asked.
“Only if I wished to run away. However, as I intend to stay in this land and watch how things develop, there’s no better protection.”
Falanya was Natra’s representative, and now that Caldmellia’s appearance had caused an uproar, Delunio wouldn’t want to upset the princess, let alone subject her to harm. The government would be hesitant to touch Yuan and his people while they were under Falanya’s protection, even if they were discovered.
“Still, I assumed we’d be refused. You have my deepest gratitude for taking us in, Princess Falanya.”
“As a member of the Natran royal family who accepted the oppressed Flahm, I have inherited a tradition of tolerance,” Falanya said with a grin. “At least, I’d like to say as much. The truth is I did so because it seemed practical.”
“Please don’t worry. My own faith is still lacking. I trust gold on a scale more than faith in humanity,” Yuan answered lightly. “However, we have been chased out of the palace. Excluding the information we gathered prior to our escape, I don’t see how we can be of much use…”
“That alone is priceless. I’ll ask you for more details tomorrow. Let’s end here for today. I’m sure your presence puts your subordinates at ease.”
“Well then, I shall do just that.” Yuan bowed and left. He maintained an easygoing attitude, but the cataclysm of events in Delunio surely left a lot on his mind.
The man beside Falanya was the same.
“Sirgis, I know this situation is hard for you, but you should try to rest, too.”
Caldmellia’s arrival pushed Delunio into a corner almost instantly. Undoubtedly, it would be difficult for Sirgis to rest, knowing his homeland was in such a state. When Falanya saw his anguished face, she feared he might collapse at any moment.
Sirgis must have realized this, for he nodded. “…Understood. Please excuse me.”
“Of course. We can revisit this discussion later.”
Falanya watched Sirgis leave. Now she had the room to herself. Nanaki was typically hiding in the dark corners, but he was absent. For once, Falanya was truly alone. This was no time to rest, though.
Director Caldmellia of the Gospel Bureau…
She’d heard from Wein that Caldmellia was a nuisance of the highest order. What sort of deal did Tolcheila strike to get her here?
At this rate, Delunio will be swallowed by its neighbors.
In the West, being named an enemy of Levetia was a death sentence. Not only that, Delunio was a profitable nation right next to the Old Capital. There was no question other countries would plot to take advantage of the situation and carve up chunks of Delunio for themselves.
Falanya promised Sirgis she would help save his homeland if he agreed to become her faithful vassal. But at this rate, she’d be unable to uphold her end of the agreement.
Nanaki and Zenovia are on the move… Yet even if they succeed, it’ll be tough to stop this.
One more. She needed just one more move. How would she find one on her own this late into the game?
Falanya was lost in thought when a clunk sounded just outside the window.
“…?”
The princess looked in the direction of the noise and couldn’t believe her eyes.
Someone was there.
Falanya nearly shouted in surprise but caught the words at the last second. She knew this person standing with their feet against the window frame.
“Ninym?!”
Falanya rushed over to open the window. This visitor was unmistakably Wein’s aide, Ninym.
“Shh. Please keep quiet, Princess Falanya,” she whispered as she soundlessly slipped into the room.
“Huh? Wh-why are you here?”
Falanya hadn’t heard anything about Ninym coming to Delunio. It was a total surprise.
“Prince Wein sent me. I apologize for my sudden appearance, but this was our only option since we didn’t know the truth of the situation.”
Delunio was a Western nation that rejected the Flahm. With war on the horizon, Falanya was essentially all but a well-guarded hostage. The estate was already being watched. Obviously, Ninym hadn’t waltzed in through the front door, but Falanya was shocked to see the other girl all the same.
“Princess Falanya, are you injured or suffering from any discomfort?”
“No, I’m fine. The mansion is under surveillance, but I’m free for the most part.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. Nanaki is always with you, but I thought if by some chance he wasn’t…” Ninym paused, and a question occurred to her. “Your Highness, where is Nanaki?”
As Falanya’s guard, he definitely should have been with her, yet he was nowhere to be found.
“Oh, um, I asked him to do me a favor. He’s out.”
“He left your side in this emergency?”
Ninym’s eyes narrowed. Falanya faltered under that gaze but remained tough.
“Y-yes, but it was important.”
Falanya saw Ninym as an older sister but was ready to take the blame for Nanaki’s absence. The princess steeled herself and stared back into Ninym’s crimson eyes.
The two looked at each other for a moment, but it was Ninym who gave in.
“If you insist, Princess Falanya, then I suppose there’s no use dwelling on it. However, I will remain by your side until he returns.”
“Please do. Thank you.”
Falanya sighed, relieved, then collected herself. “So did you really come all this way just to make sure I was safe?”
“No. I’m also here to deliver this from Prince Wein.”
Ninym offered a wax-sealed letter. Wein had purposely sent his loyal aide to ensure it was delivered safely. That alone spoke to the message’s importance.
“…”
This made Falanya hesitant to accept the letter. Her brother entrusted her with this trip abroad, and she wanted to meet his expectations. She feared this letter would urge her to return home.
Falanya understood Wein’s concern but wanted him to trust that she would see this matter through to the end.
“Princess Falanya?”
“S-sorry. I’ll read it.” She accepted the letter from Ninym and looked it over. The imminent plea to return home—was nowhere to be found.
Stunned, Falanya reread it two, then three times.
“Ninym, when did Wein plan all this?”
“Around the same time as the coup in Soljest.”
This message was Wein’s helping hand for his little sister making waves in Delunio—a lifesaver. It was the move Falanya had been waiting for. She couldn’t help but shiver.
Her brother had predicted everything that would occur following the uprising in Soljest.
“…Honestly, all I can say is, I’d expect nothing less of my brother…”
“He also said you are free to disregard this letter if he’s overstepped his bounds.”
“No, no, I wouldn’t waste Wein’s efforts. Now… Yes, now we can do something.”
An image materialized in Falanya’s mind, the solution to all their problems.
The princess trembled with immense joy. Did Wein ever feel this way? This sense of omnipotence, like everything was in the palm of your hand…
“Okay!” Falanya slapped her cheeks.
She had to get a grip. Getting drunk on this euphoria would only trip her up, and unlike Wein, she was a rookie. Opportunity or not, Falanya had to reach out carefully and keep her wits about her.
“Ninym, I’d like to ask for your help. There’s something that must be done right away.”
“I understand… What would you have me do?”
Falanya grinned just like her brother.
“Something wicked, of course.”
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