Volume 3 Chapter 5 Reunion
"What did you just say?" the envoy snapped.
"The acting Marshal is returning," the messenger said calmly. "Her Majesty declared it clearly—as long as you understand."
The audience hall in the Tyria Kingdom's palace—once known as the Kingdom of Ashreach—buzzed with noise again. The sudden arrival of the Holy Maro Empire, a ruthless neighbor that had swallowed many lands, stirred panic. Tyria had heard rumors of envoys being sent, so they readied themselves—whether to fight with swords or fight with words. The envoy, confused himself, delivered the message.
"We do not understand Your Majesty's intentions," he said firmly. "We were ordered strictly not to send any troops beyond this."
"Is that so...?" A nobleman chuckled. "That woman is truly an empress! So she lives!"
Within Tyria, Eleonora and Silvia were officially declared dead in a rockslide accident. The Grand Duke Casunat spread this news quietly after the attack, buying time. Nobles mourned the "hero" but also felt relief.
"Sir Envoy, I apologize deeply. Please give my congratulations to your lord on her return."
The role of acting Marshal was rare in Tyria, but recently it was tied to one woman: Eleonora di Kamitafira. To many, she was a legend—a hero who crushed the invading Loriengita Empire's forces, launched a decisive counterattack, toppled the empire, and united the Tyria Peninsula under the Kingdom of Ashreach. If she had royal blood, she might have overthrown the king himself.
She was beloved by military nobles and celebrated by the citizens as "the knight of knights" who had shattered enemy encirclements to save lives. Her story inspired countless plays.
Once the envoy's report from the Holy Maro Empire was confirmed, the core ministers were summoned.
"I never imagined the Holy Maro Empire's empress was the former acting Marshal," one whispered.
"But I heard she died in an accident. Grand Duke Casunat, explain this."
Casunat, under many eyes, replied with a tired voice, "It seems the information was misunderstood."
Though frustrated, he maintained his composure. But one face had turned pale—Tovennebe, the Minister of Finance. Three years ago, Silvia, once a saint in the academy, had seduced Crown Prince Fabiano and then fallen from grace. Those who supported Fabiano lost influence, and Eleonora herself had become a target for elimination before she could cause more trouble.
The conspirators were wiped out to avoid suspicion. But who could have expected Eleonora survived—and even rose to lead a nation greater than their own?
"More importantly, what is their real purpose in returning to Tyria?" another minister asked.
"Judging by recent moves, it looks like they want to bring Tyria under the Empire's control," Casunat said grimly.
"To investigate, they should host a banquet to buy time."
The ministers exchanged confused glances.
Casunat laughed heartily, then named a man. "Baron Poniète."
Giovanni di Baron Poniète had been living a quiet, uninspired life since Eleonora and the others left the country. He managed his lands well but spent his days focused on his art and family, with no ambition for court life. So he was baffled when summoned to serve the king.
At the court, surrounded by the king and ministers, Baron Poniète bowed respectfully, silently wishing the meeting to end quickly.
"Baron Poniète, I have an important role for you," the king said.
"I will obey your command, Your Majesty," Giovanni replied.
"An envoy from the Holy Maro Empire has arrived," the king continued.
When he heard "Holy Maro Empire," Giovanni laughed to himself, amazed at how small and sheltered his world was.
"The envoy said the 'Marshal deputy has returned.'"
Giovanni didn't miss the weight of that phrase. It called to a hero—a woman chosen by fate. A quiet thrill stirred his heart.
"Baron, you will assist with the upcoming feast."
"I humbly accept."
* * *
After finishing the campaign against Arlis-Otroot and Linhaga, Eleonora traveled south from the Rorch territory into Avenetti. Facing the sea, this land's mild climate reminded her of home in Kamitafira. The alabaster castle stood beautiful and imposing; first-time soldiers visiting Tyria gasped at its grandeur.
Eleonora finally exhaled in relief.
Nobles from Avenetti had come to welcome her, but among them were familiar faces.
"It is an honor beyond words to host Your Majesty of the Holy Maro Empire," a noble said.
"Thank you for your warm welcome," Eleonora replied quietly.
Behind the art-obsessed Baron Poniète, Eleonora almost called out to Gustavo di Retonto, a fellow Polina Academy alumnus, and his fiancée Clarissa di Avenetti. Nostalgia welled up inside her, but she swallowed it back.
"Tonight, a welcoming banquet is planned. Soldiers, please enjoy yourselves," the commander announced.
Cheers erupted. Tyria was famous for its food, and soldiers always found joy in good meals and drink.
At the open banquet, Eleonora stood surrounded. As the young empress of a rising power—and a woman—she drew constant attention.
"Your Majesty, there is a small gift from our lord. May I escort you to the next room?" Baron Poniète asked.
"I will go," Eleonora replied, standing as he offered his arm.
Nobles from Tyria and Maro rose to follow, but Eleonora's subtle signal stopped them. The Maro nobles sat back down, and Baron Poniète declined the Tyria nobles' advances.
"Sorry for dragging you along like this," he said.
"Don't say that, Sir Baron. We are comrades in arms," Eleonora smiled.
Baron Poniète opened the door wider. Inside, Gustavo and Clarissa waited with warm smiles.
"Eleonora! You really came back!" Gustavo exclaimed.
"It's been a while, Lady Kamitafira... no, now Her Majesty the Empress," Eleonora teased lightly.
"It's been too long, both of you. I wish we could have graduated together," Clarissa said, shaking hands warmly.
The four settled at the table with wine, sharing memories.
"So, what happened after that?" Gustavo asked.
"It's a long story... To escape pressure from the church, I was convinced by a certain fool I met on the road to found a new country. I went to Magelun and established the Kingdom of Ropsein," Eleonora explained.
"Lady Kamitafira always thinks big," Gustavo said in amazement, while Baron Poniète laughed quietly.
"Then East Clanf challenged us to battle. Before I knew it, we'd taken control of West Clanf too. They told me to take responsibility and become empress!"
"You're really something, Your Highness. First, you topple the troublemakers, then you even take the country itself," Clarissa joked.
"So close! Why weren't you there yourself? You missed so many great moments!" Baron Poniète said, eyes on the sky in rare relaxation.
"The reason we came here is, of course..." Eleonora began.
"I was just returning home, but now I govern a country. Considering the trade ports and control of the Doaria Sea, I want the Kingdom of Tyria to join the empire."
"And the royal family?" Gustavo asked cautiously.
"Don't worry. Even inside the empire, it's a loose confederation. Tyria will continue running as before, just under the Holy Maro Empire's banner."
Her terms were so gentle that the three nobles from Tyria visibly relaxed. Eleonora listened carefully to their current situations.
"What happened to everyone after I left?" she asked.
"Oh, Clarissa and I married after graduation. Last year, we had a child," Gustavo said proudly.
"What!? Lady Clarissa... no, the lady is now your wife! Congratulations! I'll send a gift soon," Eleonora smiled.
"Say it, Your Majesty. It can't be helped," Clarissa responded politely.
"Oh, I was just thinking about it, but please don't call me Your Majesty. At least call me Eleonora in front of your old friends," Eleonora said softly.
"Well then, Lady Eleonora. I'm so happy to see you again," Clarissa replied.
Eleonora was shocked to hear friends married with children, but happiness outweighed the surprise. Their joy healed the weariness that ruling a nation had brought.
"And what about Italy and the others?" she asked.
"Ah, Theodore is completely under Italy's thumb now. Still, their marriage is strong, which is strange," Gustavo laughed.
"Lady Italy is expecting a child as well."
"Good news always come in numbers. When we reach the royal capital, I'll visit the Vidilva residence," Eleonora said.
Baron Poniète, careful not to break the warm atmosphere, suddenly asked, "Speaking of memories at the academy, what about the saint?"
"Silvia... no, Johanna is well. She cares for the orphans at the castle."
"Orphans?"
"Yes... maybe guided by our late father's spirit? After following the crow's path, she saved two near-death children and is training them as knights."
"The heirs to your sword must have a hard life!"
"Hey! That's harsh! I figured it all out alone. Compared to that, having a mentor is a blessing!"
Laughter filled the night until late. Tyria nobles whispered they had never seen Baron Poniète so skilled at hospitality, while the Holy Maro Empire side said they had never heard their Empress laugh so freely, raising Tyria's reputation higher than ever.
Notes:
• Tovennebe - The finance minister of Ashreach who plots against Holy Maiden Silvia. He believes she must die for targeting the Crown Prince and sees her as a threat.
• Fabiano - The Crown Prince. Mentioned as the representative of the new students.
• Poniète - Giovanni de Poniète. A baron and Kingdom Army commander with a quirky habit of relating everything to art and poetry.
• Giovanni - A baron and Kingdom Army commander with a quirky habit of relating everything to art and poetry.
• Arlis-Otroot - A semi-independent region with strong influence from the East Clanf Kingdom.
• Linhaga - A region in the story where the nomadic tribe Rujarama resides. It is specifically associated with the Anpanino Plains, a fertile area suitable for livestock and agriculture
• Clarissa - Daughter of the Marquis Avenetti. Gustavo's fiancé.
• Gustavo - The second son of Count Retonto.
• Magelun - A dangerous and barbaric land, but a potential refuge from the East Clanf Kingdom.
• Italy - A young woman, possibly of noble or knightly background, who is studying and plans to exchange her family’s shield as a gesture of gratitude.
• Theodore - Italy's fiancé, the second son of the Cullu Viscount family, with whom Italy has a strained relationship.
• Johanna - Silvia's new name.
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