Chapter 64
Catherine didn't teleport into a room inside the mansion like she had when visiting Orleans. Instead, she arrived at a warehouse on the outskirts of the fortress. The reason for enduring this hassle was that Panya was the stronghold of the Iterana Empire's northern border guards. It was the region safeguarding the empire from Abyssland, the continent's largest monster habitat. If Catherine and Demian suddenly appeared inside the fortress, it could cause all sorts of problems.
"I never imagined I'd get to see the infamous Panya like this."
Demian marveled as he walked along the long fortress walls.
"Infamous? Sounds like the rumors aren't great in the Imperial Knights."
"Being transferred here is right below forfeiting your Imperial Knight commission as punishment. Most knights are nobleborn, right? Who'd want to fight monsters every day in this barren wasteland?"
"I think I heard that if an Imperial Knight survives here and returns, they get treated differently."
"Yeah, well... if they survive. No one could deny their prowess then."
Yawn. Familiar scents everywhere.
While Demian scanned the area as they moved, Yaong poked its nose out of the bag, sniffing nonstop.
Catherine savored Panya's familiar aura as she headed toward the south gate.
"Still the same old place. The biting wind, the chilling atmosphere."
Panya was the continent's largest fortress and one of its top cities. But unlike others, it boasted an unmatched bleakness and somber mood. With only a line of people waiting to enter outside the gates, the desolation was even more pronounced.
Dark and creepy. Perfect air for us!
It did look like monsters could burst out any second.
"You said Panya's your maternal family's home, miss? How often did you come as a kid?"
"Pretty much every year. I'd stay a month or two, then head home."
"Then you must know the border guard knights here. I hear they're pretty rough."
Catherine quietly recalled the traits of the border guards she knew. "Rough" was a bit vague.
"Once you get to know them, they're not that scary."
Nosy and loud fits better.
To announce her visit, Catherine joined the end of the entry line. It shortened quickly—a sign that Panya was safe, with no major incidents.
"Next! Show your ID."
The security guard extended a hand toward Catherine. Even the guards here were noticeably burly, befitting the empire's most dangerous territory.
"Hand over the ID, Demian."
"Ahem. I don't just give this to anyone... Only 'cause you're the miss."
"I know, just hurry up."
Catherine gathered both IDs and handed them to the guard. If her guess was right, they wouldn't get in.
"......Imperial Knights?"
In other territories, Demian's ID might cover entry on credit, but not here. Sure enough, the guard eyed Demian suspiciously.
"Hey, kid. What's an Imperial Knight doing here? No notice from the capital."
"Just traveling."
"Bullshit. What knight vacations in Panya?"
Demian replied with obvious annoyance, then realized his mistake and nodded.
"Yeah, now that you mention it."
Catherine itched to smack him for the nonsense, but held back for his knightly honor.
The guard blocked them with a "crazy people" look.
"Suspicious. Entry denied. Step aside."
So they squatted by the gate, waiting for the captain.
Demian pouted on the ground. "Miss, you sure you're the Panya Marchioness's granddaughter? This treatment?"
Demian's hooked again. Never learns.
"Just wait. They'll come once they see the IDs."
A few minutes later, a bizarre shout approached from inside the fortress.
"Miss!
Demian shot Catherine a "no way" look. She shrugged lightly.
"Told you I was coming."
"Miss!"
The man who burst through the gate was a giant at least two meters tall. Spotting Catherine squatting against the wall, he froze. Then he grabbed the guard checking IDs by the collar and shook him.
"You bastard! Making our miss sit on the cold ground? Eyes in your ass? Who's suspicious, huh?!"
"Guh—stop shaking me, captain! Who's this miss?!"
The fuming man hurled the guard aside.
"We'll deal with you later, punk."
He rushed to Catherine, hooked hands under her arms, and hoisted her up effortlessly. His face brimmed with worry, concern, and joy.
"Aigoo! Miss! Why come without word? Thought some shady types showed up when I saw the IDs—nearly scared me to death seeing your name!"
"Captain Karl's unmarried. Nothing to drop."
Panya's guard captain, Karl, bellowed a laugh and hugged Catherine tightly in greeting. Yaong squirmed and groaned from the bag sandwiched between them.
"Eh, it's a figure of speech! Still no sense of humor, miss. Haha!"
Right! Catherine's an old-lady humorless type!
Yaong popped its head over the bag, agreeing loudly. Karl blinked down at the little yellow head.
"Huh? Talking cat...? Haha! Got a pet now?"
Not a pet! The great Night Dominator, Gargoyle-sama!
"......A gargoyle?"
Karl's eyes flashed murderous. To a man who'd spent decades slaying monsters, they were just prey. He could've piled slain beasts into hills.
Catherine shifted Yaong's bag to her back.
"Don't bully it, Captain Karl. I've been raising it lately."
Hmph. Catherine is raising me!
Karl's glare vanished. He nodded like a parent seeing their grown child.
"Hmph! True to the Marchioness's blood. Raising a gargoyle—such boldness. Our knights could learn from you."
Under Karl's guidance, they entered the fortress. Unlike the stark exterior, inside buzzed with life like any city. The oddity was the exotic items—magic tools made from monster corpses and Abyssland plants.
As Catherine and Karl caught up on news, walking along...
"So, what's this, miss?"
Only at the border guard HQ did Karl finally eye Demian.
Demian spoke awkwardly. "What do you mean? Rude much."
"No way... This leech your...?"
No way in hell.
Thankfully, Demian shuddered and denied it vehemently.
"Sorry, old man. Miss's lover's not me—it's Chezare..."
Demian's Catherine's servant.
No room for Catherine to interject. Karl's eyes widened, and he clapped in awe.
"Whoa! Her servant, huh? Haha! Our miss is amazing—keeping an Imperial Knight as a pet!"
He strode inside alone. Familiar with this, Catherine patted Demian's shoulder consolingly.
"Hang in there, Demian. Captain Karl tunes out when he's excited."
Demian looked pale already. "My future's bleak."
Karl shoved open the HQ doors with a boom. "You lot! Our miss is he—huh?"
The building was eerily empty, silent. Only a boy sentry at the entrance.
Karl scanned inside. "Hey, kid. Subjugation?"
The boy snapped to attention. "Yes! About 40 monsters spotted near Orange Tart! Marchioness and 30 guard knights mobilized!"
Still busy as ever.
Catherine eyed the spruced-up interior, lost in nostalgia.
Played here with knights as a kid. We'd puzzle together till monsters showed—then they'd rush out, leaving me waiting half a day.
Memories more bloody than wistful.
Demian looked torn—baffled by "Orange Tart" or shocked by "40 monsters"? He picked the latter.
"Forty? Horrifying number. You okay?"
Karl puffed proudly. "What choice? Beg the Emperor for more troops?"
"You do every year."
Ahem! Karl hunched, coughing awkwardly.
Heading out, he asked, "Miss, see the Marchioness now? Or wait here?"
Catherine decided quickly. "I'll go. Gotta greet her after so long."
"As expected! Filial daughter!"
They followed Karl along the walls. Built toward Abyssland, HQ offered a clear battle view from atop.
Sniff sniff. Even the Night Dominator's blood boils at this scent.
Demian had been quiet. Tension gripped him atop the walls—rare for him. Karl noticed, slapping his back jovially.
"Enjoy the show, lad. Few in Iterana match the Marchioness's ferocity. Hence 'Reaper of the North'."
"I know."
Why else come for her autograph?
They gazed at Abyssland. Black mist raced across the plain—mid-sized horde, once every half-month.
Catherine turned to the walls. Mounted knights fixed on the mist, tension thick.
Soon, a female knight stepped forward, raising her sword skyward.
"Come forth, Paimon."
⟨ Demon Summon ⟩
The heavy, resolute voice carried. Not loud, yet all eyes turned. A massive crimson magic circle bloomed in the air. Whipping winds shaped flames into a sleek black panther.
The demon Paimon bared teeth at the black horde, grinning.
Plenty of prey today.
Panther flames scattered like ash, seeping into the knight's sword. Soon, flames danced along its edge.
She surged forward, slashing massive monsters. Knights roared, following her charge.
Mesmerized, Demian asked Catherine, "Miss... That fierce warrior woman is...?"
"Yeah."
Catherine nodded casually.
"Panya Marchioness of Hansburg. My grandmother."