Volume 2 Chapter 7-2 The Genderbend Female Traveler, Understanding The Situation
When Erika gave her answer, Eleonora nodded. So that was it—the girl simply lacked the strength to back her words.
That made things easy. To stop people from looking down on her, she'd have to flash some violence.
"First, we have to make you the center of control. That fiancé of yours is in the way."
"Shall I kill him? I don't mind doing it in bed."
"No... assassination won't work here. He needs to lose in front of everyone, fair and square."
With that, Eleonora tapped her magic blade and declared:
"This is the unified will of the Keitel clan."
Rendosde Fortress was called a fortress, but to later generations, it would seem more like a village. Built on a small hill, it was ringed with wooden walls. Its people hunted to survive and grew food in a few small fields. Several rivers nearby kept them from thirst.
"And so," Eleonora said, "for the rise of the Keitel clan, we serve this woman."
The villagers went silent. The chief's only daughter, Erika, had dropped a bomb. To kneel before a tall, well-built woman like Eleonora?
"Don't talk nonsense! Don't you have any pride!?"
The voice belonged to Klaus, a supporter of Franz. If Franz married Erika, Klaus's position would rise too. He couldn't allow this sudden betrayal. To him, Erika was just a pawn—one that had just tried to rebel.
"The war in the west will reach Magelun soon. If we stay divided like this, we'll be eaten alive."
"You think she can rule the Black Forest?"
"I do."
Murmurs spread among the dark elves. From the crowd, Franz stepped forward and stood before Eleonora.
"You expect her to unite Magelun? That land has been split for centuries. Are you insane?"
"Then why don't you test her, Franz?"
"What?"
"If she can beat you—the strongest warrior we have—then maybe she's got a shot."
Franz stroked his chin, thinking for a moment.
"I could die, you know."
"Then admit I was wrong and do as you please. But... that goes both ways."
Erika laughed her usual laugh—high and cold. Franz frowned and drew his sword.
"When?"
"Right now."
The moment the words left her mouth, Eleonora launched a sharp kick at Franz's groin. But Franz leaped high, twisting his body mid-air and throwing a handful of knives.
She ignored the fakes and blocked the real one with Tottnok. Expecting a follow-up, she braced—but Franz kept his distance, then drew his longsword.
"What? You're not rushing in?"
"Idiot. I'm not stepping into your reach."
Franz swung. His blade shot out a crackling arc of lightning. Eleonora barely dodged the first few blasts, but one skimmed her foot. The jolt sent pain through her whole body. She collapsed.
Franz raised his sword again.
"I'll fry you until you stop twitching."
He smirked, ready to end it—but Tottnok was already in the air.
The sword traced a clean arc and landed on the ground behind him.
"Ha! That your last shot? Pathetic."
Eleonora didn't answer. She raised her right hand.
"What, begging now? Stupid girl, that won't—"
"Franz! Move!"
Klaus shouted, but too late. Tottnok's true skill—return to the master's hand—activated.
The blade flew back at full speed, slicing through Franz's torso and returning to Eleonora's grip, now soaked in blood.
"Franz! Damn you!"
Klaus lunged with a knife, wild and angry. Eleonora didn't flinch. She turned slightly—and Erika's dagger struck Klaus in the side of the head. He dropped.
"A duel ends when the loser is dead. Try to undo that, and you're a fool."
Eleonora turned to the dark elves around her.
"Anyone else have something to say?"
Silence. One knelt. Then another. Soon, they all bowed.
"I name Rendosde the temporary capital. Erika, send messengers to Kudemburg and Tsiphirai."
"What's the message?"
"Walk beside us—or die."
A dark laugh echoed through the woods as the messenger took off running.
One month later, envoys from Kudemburg and Tsiphirai arrived. Each bent the knee before Eleonora, who stood proud in the light of her victory.
Character Notes:
• 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.
• Rendosde - A fortress located in the southeastern part of the Black Forest, claimed by the Kaitel tribe. It is where the tribe's people live, engaging in hunting, gathering, and some farming.
• Klaus - A member of Erika's tribe, critical of her behavior and leadership. He expresses frustration with her attitude, particularly toward Franz, who is set to become the tribe's leader through marriage.
• Franz - An outsider set to marry into Erika's tribe to become its leader. He is more tolerant of Erika's behavior, focusing on his goal of leadership.
• Magelun - A dangerous and barbaric land, but a potential refuge from the East Clanf Kingdom.
• Kudemburg - A location governed by the same dark elf chieftain as Tsiphirai. Known for producing high-quality breastplates favored by cavalry and infantry.
• Tsiphirai - A western location governed by the same dark elf chieftain as Kudemburg. Erika has connections here.
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