Volume 2 Chapter 18 Palm Return
The Fran Nuse Kingdom's leadership reeled in disbelief. Just as they had begun to feel safe, the Dolbor nobles declared the sacred treaty void, citing King Charles's mental breakdown. Eleonora's disappointment ran especially deep—her secret plans to slip away and travel had just shattered.
"So, what about the treaty-breakers?" she asked.
"They've begun hiring mercenaries," Erika replied. "Paying steeply, it seems."
"If it's the national treasury footing the bill, of course they won't hesitate," Eleonora muttered.
She examined the intel Erika had gathered, estimating the enemy's movements.
"Three months. Maybe less. No need to wait—I'll go ahead with my men."
"Your men? You mean those slum recruits?"
"They've improved. Narrow trained them well. Honestly, even I was surprised."
Once little more than outcasts, the group had learned to work together—maybe out of desperation or greed—but their training had fostered surprising unity. They even negotiated their ranks to avoid standing out, keeping egos in check.
"Still... three hundred won't stand a chance. They've got at least four thousand."
"They're scattered for now," Eleonora said sharply. "I'll head into Dolbor territory. François, reorganize the Ropsein army. You'll strike with Wilhelm as the main force."
François gave a graceful bow, spun on his heel, and exited. Eleonora watched him go, amused—he hadn't even asked Elodia, the nominal lord, for permission. Then again, she was doing the same.
"The council system keeps power decentralized. That's fine. We'll whittle them down one by one. Defeat a few noble armies and the others will lose their nerve."
"What's the first target?" Erika asked.
"Teanuki. It's the symbolic royal capital. We take it, and they'll feel the pressure. Next, we head south—Bo. That'll put a knife to Zootuur's throat."
She pointed to locations on the map with her quill, then turned north.
"Send a formal request to Haral's prince-king. Looks like the battles will keep coming."
"And Suno?"
"They're the only reliable outside force. If we lose them, we won't regret it."
"You don't trust us dark elves?"
Eleonora snorted softly. "You have a different role. The intel you've gathered will decide most of the war. We need your people alive—not on the front lines."
"Yet you still don't trust them."
Eleonora met Erika's gaze and answered clearly.
"I don't trust light troops who fling magic without care. But I do trust you as the spies who will win us this war. I use the Suno people... but I rely on the dark elves."
Erika tilted her head, gave a small chuckle, and turned toward the door.
"You sure know how to flatter."
"I only speak the truth."
"Exactly," she said with a smirk, flashing her sharp canines before silently leaving.
Elodia, who had been quietly watching, spoke as Eleonora returned her focus to the map.
"Everyone is depending on you."
"That's a heavy thing to say."
"And maybe it should've been you on the throne, not me."
Eleonora didn't reply immediately. Instead, she gave a light bow, avoiding Elodia's eyes.
"I was never chosen to carry this country. That was my brothers' fate, not mine."
Elodia clenched her fist, her voice quiet but firm. "But I am king now. I must guide this nation."
"I never thought Charles would be imprisoned," Eleonora murmured.
"There are fools everywhere. All they care about is land and coin."
* * *
Elsewhere, two veterans—[Iron Wall] Bertrand de Ewatipo and [Rock Breaker] Dorothea de Wafor—sat beneath the shade of old trees, discussing the chaos engulfing the land.
"So, what now?" Dorothea asked calmly.
"I've served three generations. My duty is done," she added.
Bertrand nodded solemnly. "Then it's time to decide how we go out."
"Let's retire. We're both over fifty. You should be praying, not plotting."
Bertrand chuckled. "In times like these, strength doesn't retire."
"What will you do then?"
"I'll take Senabarol."
That was the capital of Tanyaluka, just beyond the Renepie Mountains. A region filled with old Clanf families—but to the south lay the ever-watchful Green Crescent Theocracy.
"You're aiming for a crown?"
"In war, nobles fall and beggars rise. That's just how it is," Bertrand scoffed.
"Then go ahead and wear your stolen crown. But know that usurpers don't last long."
With that, they parted—after thirty years of camaraderie—with barely a word more.
Dorothea sighed, lost in thought.
In her youth, she had journeyed far east to the Cassay Empire, where she had learned of a foreign power called "qi"—different from her own inner magic. She'd mastered deadly techniques that could end a fight with a single blow, even from a slight frame like hers.
"Am I using it wrongly?" she wondered aloud.
Her master had taught that qi harmonized heaven, earth, and all living things. True masters spent their years reciting poetry—not swinging swords. But she had no desire to live a thousand years.
"This will be my last duty. A throne is too heavy for a child."
Dorothea rose, gently tapped the boulder she had sat upon—and as she stepped away, a crack split it clean in two.
Meanwhile, in the royal palace...
"Your Majesty, please rest. Leave the rest to me."
The towering Duke Grandcud bowed low before the young dowager queen, Amelie, who held her infant son in her arms.
She gave him a frosty glare. "Do whatever you like, Father."
"To be called 'Father' by you... it fills me with pride."
Grandcud looked fondly at his grandson, King Arsène—still a baby. He had confined Charles and placed the child on the throne, declaring himself regent. Most lords supported the move, though a few voiced quiet dissent.
Mercenaries would soon be dispatched to silence those dissenters—and eventually, the duke planned to march on Parisess. But that would take time.
"My husband..."
"Lord Charles is... possessed by a demon. We've called an exorcist."
Amelie knew he wouldn't be killed—yet. His sudden death would spark outrage. The duke was using the situation to tighten control, especially over the stubborn south.
As he left, Arsène began to cry. The attendants gathered quickly.
"Your Majesty, the wet nurse is on her way..."
"Must I lose my husband and my son?"
The women said nothing, eyes lowered in silent sorrow. As Amelie gently held her child close, her heart swelled with bitterness.
"So much for all the loyalty I gave... I will never forgive you, Father."
She looked toward the door he had exited, her expression cold and resolute.
Notes:
• Charles - Male. King of the West Clanf Kingdom. He has brown skin and a regal appearance, often seen in royal attire. His speech is accented due to his southern roots. He is melancholic and pragmatic, prioritizing economic stability over territorial expansion. He has a newborn son, Arsène, and a sister, Elodia. His relationship with his lords is strained due to his passive governance.
• Dolbor - A kingdom ruled by Charles, known for its thriving commerce and strategic location. It is located east of the continent and is a key player in regional politics.
• Erika - A dark elf (forest person) with exceptional agility and magical abilities, including silencing and invisibility magic. Her appearance is characterized by dark brown skin, ash-blond hair cut in a short bob, long ears, and red-black eyes resembling dried blood. She has a detached and playful personality, often showing amusement or indifference to conflicts. Her relationship with others is distant, though she seems to have a tribal connection with men like Klaus and Franz.
• Erik - Son of the fallen warrior Danruhav, seeking revenge and a new land, eager to prove his strength in battle.
• Narrow - Male. A former Viscount's son who severed ties with his family to serve Eleonora. Wears an iron mask due to past leprosy, now cured. Skilled in military strategy, governance, theology, and heraldry. Speaks formally and is determined to prove his worth. Has a distant relationship with his family. His combat style is unknown, but he is entrusted with leading a platoon of 300 men.
• François - The fourth son of Baron Lanramoncie of the Loriengita Empire. The one who join the tournament before.
• Elodia - The second princess of Loriengita. She has shown favor to Georges, who aims to marry her by achieving military merit.
• Teanuki - The royal capital of Dolbor, located in a bustling commercial area. It is a major port city with a castle overlooking the streets. The city is known for its economic prosperity and strategic importance.
• Bo - A location south of Teanuki. It is a target for Eleonora's strategy to seize and put pressure on Zootuur.
• Haral - The Chief of the Suno people, a tall and imposing figure. He values strength and generosity, prioritizing land, gold, and resources for his people.
• Dorothea - Dorothea de Wafor. An elderly warrior and former member of The Twelve Sacred Blades, known as [Rock Breaker]. Her appearance is not detailed, but she is described as someone who has served for 3 generations. She has a respectful relationship with Bertrand and is considering retirement.
• Bertrand - Bertrand de Ewatipo. An elderly warrior and former member of The Twelve Sacred Blades, known as [Iron Wall]. His appearance is not detailed, but he is described as someone who plans to take Senabarol. He has a respectful relationship with Dorothea and is ambitious.
• Senabarol - The capital of the Tanyaluka region, located south of the Dolbor Kingdom, beyond the Renepie Mountains. It is a town with many Clanf families and is a target for Bertrand's ambitions.
• Green Crescent Theocracy - A region located immediately south of Senabarol. It is mentioned as a source of concern for Dorothea and Bertrand.
• Cassay - A great eastern nation where Dorothea learned about 'ki,' a different power from inner magic. It is a place of significance in Dorothea's past.
• Amelie - Female. The Dowager Queen and daughter of Duke Grandcud. Her appearance is described as beautiful. She is resentful towards her father for confining her husband and taking her son. She has a strained relationship with Duke Grandcud.
• Arsène - Male. Charles's newborn son, who ascends the throne after Charles is dethroned. His appearance is not detailed, and he is an infant, so his relationship with Charles is minimal.
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