The Guard's Quiet Question
Two days had passed since Nicholas's forces withdrew.
Although the shoulder wound had healed, the accumulated fatigue and overexertion from the days spent confined to her quarters had finally driven Jeanne out into the open for the first time in a long while.
While Jeanne stood on the tower examining the soldiers' condition, Gaspar arrived.
Are you feeling well?
I heard from the physician that you might need to have your arm amputated.
If you weren't a mere commoner, wouldn't this wound have kept you bedridden for days, perhaps even weeks? Yet here you are, moving about so healthily.
Jeanne gave a small shrug, as if to say she was fine.
Strange rumors have been circulating in the fortress these past days.
Gaspar's words struck Jeanne immediately. She offered an awkward smile.
It concerned the divine's plan.
The divine had promised to spread the rumor, and already it had reached even Gaspar's ears. Truly a capable being.
Gaspar offered Jeanne a single sheet of paper.
That portrait was surely painted by the divine. The skill is quite remarkable.
Did he say it resembled me? Where?
The moment Jeanne first saw her own portrait in the distribution pamphlet, her expression twisted.
The deltoid muscle rose like a mountain. The shoulder was broad enough to gallop across. The muscles in the portrait knight surpassed even Diego's in thickness, threatening enough to look inhuman.
Except for the hair color, it was impossible to find any trace of resemblance to her.
I never said it resembled you. I said it was painted well.
Of course Jeanne had no interest in beautifying herself like her sister Marie. Still, this was a different matter entirely.
Enough. If I get worked up over this, I'll only be burdening myself alone.
Precisely. Little would be gained by debating the divine.
Jeanne and Gaspar's gazes met.
You would have struggled with him as well.
The princess would have had a difficult time because of him.
No words were needed. Their thoughts were understood.
On the matter of the divine, they agreed.
Gaspar's expression softened.
As a knight, I acknowledge you. But I do not yet know if the princess is the future of this kingdom.
Deciding whether I am the heir can wait for later.
I see. Yet as the war draws to a close, that will become crucial.
Gaspar closed his eyes.
Philippe VII had not chosen an heir. With so many children, only the eldest son was missing.
Louis had been the strongest candidate thus far, but the war would upend the succession structure.
Gaspar had backed Louis up to now.
He knew Louis did not suit the throne's nature. Yet the power of his mother's family was immense. Even though Louis was not legitimate, as the eldest, Gaspar had supported him. This matter had shaken his resolve.
'Well, who can say what will happen.'
The woman before him, once an overlooked royal with no one to care for her, might now reshape the succession.
Then it was wise to forge an alliance on this side as well. Gaspar finished his calculations and spoke.
Even the founding king who ruled this land was once a knight.
Jeanne stared at Gaspar.
Gaspar bowed his head in simple respect and descended the tower.
***
In peacetime, the sole workshop of Eleang was limited to crafting farm tools or repairing soldiers' weapons. After the war, it had become bustling once more.
Not only had several residents of the fortress been assigned as blacksmith's assistants, but a second temporary workshop had been erected to handle the flood of tasks. There, work without flame was performed—sharpening blades, making bows, or repairing leather armor.
Clang! The crisp ring of metal meeting metal echoed through the air.
Despite the summer heat, the blacksmiths fed firewood into the forge and sweated profusely. Their arms, swollen with muscle, were every bit the equal of knights'.
In one corner of the workshop, another figure performed tasks unlike the rest. Before him stood a long row of cylinders crafted from an unfamiliar metal that looked almost like a weapon.
Hugh, who had been crafting prototypes based on Jeanne's guns, turned his head at the shadow falling across him.
Huh? What brings a knight here?
The face visible beneath the helmet was strikingly refined and handsome. Though not the perfect paragon of beauty, the knight had clearly been every woman's first love. His clear blue eyes crinkled with a smile as he spoke.
Curiosity sparked it.
I am just a commoner. You need not address me formally.
Is that so? But this is stuck to my mouth. Simply tell me I'm younger, all right?
Then what is the curiosity?
If she had been a woman, perhaps her heart would have fluttered. But sadly, Hugh was a perfectly ordinary man. While still working, he answered a little curtly, displeased that the knight had interrupted him.
The knight who came to see Hugh was Lucas Asherard of the Second Knight Order. He crouched and examined the disassembled gun in his hands in detail.
This, from the demonstration last time. It was quite impressive. I know Diego, I mean, Lord Diego, does not seem fond of it. Yet compared to a bow, it clearly has advantages.
Ah, do you think so?
The words recognized the value of his work. Warmth filled Lucas's eyes.
First, the killing power pleases me. Penetration is clearly superior to arrows, and though I cannot say about accuracy, it is far closer to direct fire than a curved-arrow trajectory. With practice, it could surpass even that.
True. Moreover, learning it would likely be far easier than archery. So it would be good if we could mass-produce it.
Is mass production underway now?
Not yet. I cannot do it alone. A full manufacturing workshop would be needed. Before mass production, I am researching improvements to make it feasible.
Hugh continued his enthusiastic explanation.
The loading is too cumbersome and time-consuming, which is why the rate of fire lags behind the bow. The problem of loading gunpowder with a ramrod could be solved by placing the powder inside the bullet like a cannon. But the ignition method is the issue. The current flint-lock is too cumbersome.
I see.
Lucas nodded in agreement as a hammer strike from another blacksmith nearby caught his eye. Sparks flew each time the heated metal struck the anvil.
Could the principle not be applied somehow?
What? That device?
Hugh turned to the direction Lucas pointed. Lucas's voice flowed in.
I do not know much about gun structure, but if it is simply that external ignition is cumbersome, could we not embed a self-ignition device in the gun itself? A device that strikes flint or metal to produce sparks, the same principle used in fire starters.
Hmm… If we create a firing mechanism where pulling the trigger causes sparks from flint or metal contact, and that ignites the gunpowder… Wait, would it work?
Really?
Yes. With a spring mechanism, the impact of flint striking flint could be sufficiently realized. The issue would be miniaturizing it enough to equip a gun, but it does not seem impossible.
Did I help?
Yes, you did.
Lucas's face brightened. He smiled brightly and gave Hugh a warning.
Then I ask for your cooperation!
Huh?
Lucas bowed his head with a big grin and greeted the commoner, then left the workshop at a brisk pace as if an emergency had arisen. Hugh stared at the back of Lucas's departing figure in confusion.
Lucas's next destination after visiting the workshop was Jeanne's office.
On the right stood Fabian, on the left Diego, and in front of them Diego. As they debated who should accompany the princess, suddenly Lucas appeared. All three knights turned.
Lord Captain!
What is it, Lucas?
I was wondering if I could know your next schedule.
I will tell you the detailed schedule later. External disclosure could cause trouble. But first, I will be leaving Eleang.
Jeanne could remain in Eleang to repel the enemy attack. Yet to minimize war damage while maximizing victory chances, she needed to influence more places. Therefore, it would be far more effective for her to traverse the entire kingdom and fight the enemy. To achieve that, the entire Second Knight Order must be brought along, or at least a light detachment to avoid overcrowding. Diego and the divine had clashed directly over the decision.
Lucas stated his purpose for coming here.
Then may I remain here?
Hmm? What is your reason?
Last time, a soldier named Hugh demonstrated a new weapon. I became curious. I wish to stay by his side and help.
It was unexpected. Lucas was known for his curiosity, but to show interest in a gun?
Diego signaled with crossed arms, but Jeanne, who had planned to select only a few from the beginning, listened to Lucas's words willingly.
Very well. I was going to bring you anyway, but I will bring another knight instead.
Thank you!
With a bright smile, he left the office. Fabian, Diego, and the divine watched him with curious eyes.
Jeanne alone wore a satisfied smile.
***
Another day passed. Scout reports confirmed Aaron's forces still remained in Roire. They would not threaten Eleang immediately.
Jeanne gathered the Second Knight Order. After a brief briefing on upcoming tasks, she distributed personnel according to the prior discussion.
Diego, you will remain here. Although Nicholas is dead, the enemy will not end this with one strike. Aaron's forces still remain in the capital. They will continue attacking Eleang in the second and third waves.
I will obey.
I will take only a portion of the Second Knight Order down with me.
The companions had already been decided.
She would infiltrate the enemy's mobile units across the kingdom and locate militia groups to rally them. As a small detachment, their synergy must be excellent.
Jeanne had chosen those she knew well and with whom she communicated.
Of course, based on her future memories, the situation might differ now. But as they traveled together, they would quickly grow close as before.
Ethan, Ines, Chastan, Dane, and…
I will go.
One knight raised his hand and volunteered.
Nael. I will bring the five of you.
Jeanne glanced at him and added his name to the list at the end.
She had thought Nael would not open his heart yet. She had been hesitant, but his willingness brought gratitude.
The knights summoned by name completed their preparations and gathered once more. In front of the lined-up knights, Gaspar, the commander-in-chief, stood.
Jeanne knelt before Gaspar.
No matter how high a duke or chancellor Gaspar was, his rank was still lower than the princess's. Their relationship remained stiff.
But not now.
As commander-in-chief and head of the Second Knight Order, he addressed her.
As commander-in-chief, I grant you permission to act in my absence as the Second Knight Order's head.
Jeanne, as the head of the Second Knight Order, will lead this war to victory.
Jeanne answered Gaspar as a knight.