Chapter 13 The Conspiracy's Pinky
"Good day, Lady Althea."
"Do not call me that name."
Lieutenant Colonel Althea didn't even bother to hide the disgust in her voice.
Seated on the reception sofa within the Brigade Headquarters was a striking blonde woman, draped in the coat of a senior officer. Without stepping further into the room, Althea stood firmly in the doorway and delivered her words with a cold edge.
"Duke Litreille. Civilians are not permitted in this facility. I must ask you to leave."
Litreille showed no sign of concern.
"I went to great lengths to arrange for the 'excellent staff officer' you were so desperate to secure. And this is how you welcome me?"
"The officer I requested was from Army General Headquarters. You are not that person," Althea said, voice sharp. "If anything, it was your Fifth Division—our family's unit—that moved on their own accord."
She couldn't deny it. It was likely thanks to the Litreille family's backing that the officer had been dispatched. Still...
"I am grateful for your help. But that's a separate matter. Please leave."
"You're still just as impatient as ever, my dear princess," Litreille said, voice playful. "But that's part of your charm."
Althea's cold stare answered the weight of that entangling, suggestive gaze.
"I dislike you."
"Then we are perfectly balanced."
"Stop speaking nonsense and leave."
But Litreille remained seated, unbothered.
"Will you not even entertain my goodwill?"
"There is no goodwill between us."
"Then I suppose I must give up on any thought of cooperation."
Litreille rose to her feet with a faint smile, and Althea's guard immediately went up.
"What are you plotting?"
"If you refuse to cooperate, it's best that neither of us know."
Althea's eyes narrowed as she stared down the other woman.
"You're not planning to remove my younger brother by force, are you?"
"Well... there's no need for soldiers. One drop from a vial is enough to spare everyone unnecessary pain."
Althea's voice turned venomous. "Poisonous woman."
"It's your fault for being so uncooperative. If the legitimate heir were to step aside willingly, no one would have to die. You don't want a tragic tale of siblings tearing each other apart, do you?"
Litreille's tone was overly dramatic—but behind it was unmistakable intent.
"Lord Serin is only four years old."
"Yes. He's at that adorable age. Such a precious little brother... who will one day take the family headship from me."
Her voice was sweet, yet chilling.
Althea fell silent, then muttered in a low tone, "State your demands."
Litreille stepped forward. Due to Althea's petite build—small even for a noblewoman—she had to tilt her chin up to meet Litreille's gaze.
"I want to observe the Sixth Special Task Brigade in action. Recently, soldiers from the Bruges Dukedom have been seen near the border. I'd like you to correct their behavior."
"The mountain infantry from Bruges?" Althea asked, unfazed by the height difference. Her sharp gaze pierced back.
"Even if we call it the Sixth Special Task Brigade, we only have a single infantry platoon. Our operational capacity is extremely limited."
"Of course. I'll move the Third Division to reinforce the border. The political work—leave that to the Mildor family."
"Understood." Althea gave a short nod, then asked quietly, "What about your Fifth Division?"
"The Fifth is stationed along the Agan Kingdom border."
That was true. But Althea gave a thin, cold smile.
"It seems the Fifth Division's generals no longer obey a commander who'll be overthrown by her younger brother in the near future."
"Yes... so it seems."
Litreille's eyes lowered slightly. Her lip trembled faintly, teeth clenched.
Seeing her reaction, Althea scratched her head.
"My apologies. That may have been uncalled for. I may dislike you, but that doesn't give me the right to speak so harshly. Forgive me, Duke Litreille."
"I would much rather you liked me than offered apologies."
"Saying that with such confidence, while making no effort to be likable."
Althea snorted quietly and folded her arms.
"Well then, now that our business is done—leave. I can't focus with someone like you in the room, aiming for my virtue."
"I suppose it's time to take my leave, then."
With a graceful turn, Duke Litreille offered a slight bow.
Althea called out toward the hallway, brows furrowed.
"Hannah, escort the Duke."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Corporal Hannah responded with a crisp salute. But Litreille didn't so much as glance her way.
"There's no need for a commoner to see me off," she said bluntly.
"I see."
Althea nodded slowly, then glanced at Hannah.
"How about Second Lieutenant Krombelt?"
"Hm... I suppose that's acceptable."
Litreille hesitated for just a breath, then offered a crooked smile.
"I wouldn't want to treat an officer like a commoner. I'll allow it."
"'Allow it,' huh? Seems we really won't get along after all."
Althea turned her back to the Duke and gave new orders to Hannah.
"It's Duke Litreille's request. Have Second Lieutenant Krombelt escort her. Once she's gone, clean this room thoroughly. I want that expensive perfume stench gone."
"Huh? Um...?"
Hannah froze mid-salute, clearly panicked. The guest was one of the kingdom's most influential nobles—being flustered was natural.
"Brigade Commander... isn't that a bit much?"
"Oh dear," Litreille said with a faint chuckle as she looked up at the tall corporal.
"I assumed you were just a rough female soldier, but... quite a pretty face, aren't you?"
"Do not lay a hand on my subordinates."
"Just a joke. Take care now."
Once Duke Litreille had exited, Althea stood in silence, face twisted in visible irritation. Her gloved hands curled into tight fists. But after a moment, she let out a long, resigned sigh.
"I suppose I've got no choice but to play along..."
She glanced at the clock and spoke again.
"Call Second Lieutenant Krombelt. He should still be near the castle gate."
Notes:
• Althea - Colonel Althea Medelin. Female. Brigade Commander of the 6th Special Task Brigade. Young woman in her twenties with long black hair. Noble from the Medelin family, a rival to the Litreille clan. Professional and disciplined, yet approachable. Holds a high rank despite her age, indicating exceptional ability. Relationship: Superior to Euner Krombelts, welcomes him to the brigade.
• Duke Litreille - Female. Politician from the Litreille family, not a soldier. Beautiful woman around 20, wearing military uniform with a family crest. Described as suspicious and of high caution. Relationship: Rival noble family to the Medelin clan, encountered by Euner on his journey.
• Agan Kingdom - A neighboring country to the Schweidel Empire, engaged in a long-standing war. It is one of the heretic nations, despite being part of the same religion. The Agan Kingdom's infantry is described as tenacious, holding their ground against the Schweidel Empire's forces.
• Hannah - Hannah Heiden. Female. A Corporal in the 6th Special Task Brigade. Her appearance is tall with broad shoulders and a reverse triangle athletic build. She has a confident and assertive demeanor. Her relationship with Second Lieutenant Krombelts is initially formal but becomes more respectful after recognizing his rank. She is strong and capable, easily carrying heavy luggage.
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