303. The Master's Grace (2)
303. The Master's Grace (2)
- 1 -
"Alright. Tell me what happened."
Those were Maria's first words when she greeted Sonia, who had just returned to their quarters.
Behind her, arms crossed as she studied Sonia, Artemis and Jarax were also watching.
Artemis leaned against the window as if indifferent, but her sharp eyes missed not a single shift in Sonia's expression.
Jarax's blue scales glimmered as he ducked his head sheepishly.
"I, too, was unable to contain my curiosity."
Sonia fell silent for a moment.
Then, without her realizing it, a faint curve touched her lips.
The expression was an exact likeness of her master's—unfathomably deep, clear yet dark as a lake.
And enchanting.
"Everything is proceeding according to Master's plan."
Joy welled in her eyes.
"Queen Rieselotte has agreed to cooperate. She met with Master in person and..."
Sonia paused briefly and smiled.
"Was overwhelmed."
"Only natural (緣), isn't it."
Maria raised an eyebrow.
"If there's anyone who could keep their wits after seeing our Master, that would be the stranger thing."
Artemis turned from the window and regarded Sonia with deep eyes.
"How did the Queen react?"
"She was more resilient than I expected. She's young, but she carries the weight of a nation on her shoulders. However..."
Sonia shook her head and gave a small smile.
"Before Master, she ultimately realized what choice she had to make."
"In that case..."
Jarax added his voice, sharp yet deep.
"Our purpose in coming here is nearly achieved."
"Yes. What remains now will be decided by success or failure."
Sonia recalled the pirate demon beasts of Astaroth she had seen in days past.
According to the testimony of those around her, the enemy forces they had witnessed at the time were even larger than usual—but at the same time, there were accounts that the enemy's scale seemed to grow with every encounter.
If so, it would be arrogant to limit their thinking of the enemy's strength to that alone.
"Starting tomorrow, we will begin constructing the coastal defense system in earnest."
Sonia folded down her fingers one by one as she spoke.
She was reconfirming the tasks they had already divided among themselves.
"Sir Jarax is to take command of the mercenary corps and the training of the Uland army. Sister Maria, please take charge of our interactions with the nobility. We must demonstrate that harmonious cooperation between demon beasts and humans is possible."
"Don't rush it too much."
Maria waved her hand.
"Winning the hearts of nobles takes time. Nobles, wherever you go, are nothing but corpses propped up by their pride."
"I know that."
A mischievous glint rose in Sonia's eyes.
"That's precisely why you're essential, sister. Among us, you've interacted with nobles the most, haven't you?"
Maria let out a small sigh.
"Ah, really. Having to deal with those irritating things again..."
The other two women let out soft laughs.
Only Jarax stood there blankly, not grasping their jest.
"At tomorrow's Fate (緣) Banquet, the Queen will formally introduce us. Standing before those 'lofty' people..."
A troubled look appeared at the corners of Sonia's mouth.
"It won't be easy, but I'll have to get used to it."
She was merely a commoner-born, ordinary mage who had received the affection of her master, Libertas.
Deep in her heart, she was far removed from the sphere of nobility.
And yet.
After letting out a sigh, she soon hardened her gaze to steel.
'Everything is for Master... and for a better world.'
She repeated the conviction she had inherited from her master.
- 2 -
The next morning.
Rieselotte stared at her own pale reflection as she received the attentions of her lady-in-waiting.
The face in the mirror felt unfamiliar.
Makeup was layered on, gradually erasing it, but the shadows beneath her eyes, more deeply sunken than usual, and the remnants of disheveled hair still lingered in her field of vision.
Could that young person visible in the mirror truly be called a queen?
'The monarch of a nation, surrendering in her heart to a figure from another country...'
The events of the previous night surfaced vividly in her mind.
The black dress, the violet eyes. And the overwhelming presence.
Something tightened in her chest.
Simply recalling that woman's gaze made her heart pound.
'Huu...'
Rieselotte swallowed a sigh.
She had to stay composed. These feelings were a first for her.
Since the age of twenty-two, when she had donned the crown and taken responsibility for the lives of her people, Rieselotte had never once imagined herself surrendering to anyone.
She had firmly stood her ground against Kakia's overbearing attitude and against Astaroth's threats.
But before that woman yesterday...
'How foolish of me.'
Rieselotte squeezed her eyes shut.
She could feel the lady-in-waiting's hands massaging around her eyes.
Massaging her when she was suffering from fatigue was one of the royal ladies-in-waiting's daily routines.
Originally she had paid it no mind, but now that she became newly aware of it, it began to trouble her.
'There's no one I can fully trust.'
It was an all-too-natural (緣) truth, and yet also a truth that was not natural at all.
That the ruler of a nation had no one fit to serve as her hands and feet.
It was far too wretched a thing.
She thought of Sonia.
'That's why I tried to draw her to my side...'
At first, the Queen had wanted to bring the young and capable mage Sonia under Uland's shadow.
Because she had thought her a talent worth recruiting at any cost.
Because she had merely thought her a subordinate of Echidna's.
But the moment she met that woman in black, Philia Elskopf, that plan shattered into pieces.
The gaze that Sonia directed toward the woman she called Master held a depth entirely different from ordinary respect or affection.
Trying to win over such a person? It was a laughable notion.
'So do I regret it?'
To the question she had posed to herself, Rieselotte let out a deep sigh.
"...No."
In the space from which even the lady-in-waiting had departed, the answer was murmured alone.
That answer was imbued with resolute firmness.
What she sought to protect was solely Uland and its people.
Would she continue to suffer under the guise of Kakia's protection, or would she accept a new alliance and attempt change?
There was no room for choice.
'Godfather...'
Her chancellor, currently her only 'person of her own,' came to mind, but she could not speak of this matter even to him.
'He is conservative. If he learns of this backroom deal, he might try to sell this transaction to buy Kakia's trust.'
Hendrick was no different from her adoptive father, but he was as averse to adventure as he was loyal to the royal house.
He would not go so far as to call it absolutely unacceptable, but recklessly revealing the matter would be an excessive gamble.
"I must walk alone."
When her heart grew heavy with that solitude, she suddenly recalled 'Philia's' eyes.
Within that deep gaze was a certain conviction.
A gaze that appraised Rieselotte yet also expected something of her.
Somehow, strength returned to her spine.
"May my choice be the right one."
She cast her gaze beyond the glass window to the cityscape spread out before her.
Houses huddled under the faint morning sunlight, and the marketplace grew empty between them.
There dwelled people who suffered from hunger every day.
For their sake, she had to accept any danger.
Rieselotte drew a deep breath and picked up her crown.
Today was the day of the welcome Fate (緣) Banquet for the mercenary corps.
- 3 -
Evening. The Fate (緣) Banquet hall of Wolfsaehir's main palace opened its doors.
Though the palace's other luxuries had been cleared away, this space alone still sparkled brilliantly.
Everywhere could be felt the pains taken to decorate the Fate (緣) Banquet hall well with only the barest minimum of finery.
The idea of affixing glass where gold leaf had peeled away—rather than covering it with new gold leaf, so that the light would be reflected—was proof of creatively overcoming financial hardship.
The nobles began gathering in the Fate (緣) Banquet hall one by one.
Divided into two factions and assorted smaller factions as they stood, their political stances differed, yet they shared one curiosity.
Namely, about the 'demon beast mercenary corps.'
"Is it true that it's an army of demon beasts led by a mage? Was it not called a mercenary corps?"
An aged count lowered his voice to ask.
"I heard the commander is not a mage but a lizardman. The mage is merely a political representative."
"What does it matter? The important thing is that they defeated Astaroth's pirates at Tremilite."
"Fighting alongside demon beasts—it's unbelievable. How the Holy Kingdom will view this..."
"Haven't you heard? They've already dispatched a saintess to Hysen. Your information is late."
"What? Is that true?"
While all the nobles were murmuring in such a fashion, the doors opened.
"Those are..."
Every gaze converged on the figures who appeared beyond the door.
Three women, and the demon beasts standing as their escort.
Sonia wore a dress that blended blue and black hues.
Her gray hair was elegantly tied up, and a pearl necklace gave off a soft glow at her neck.
Altogether, her appearance could be called the epitome of restrained beauty.
Maria wore a formal dress of red and gold, seemingly inspired by the ceremonial robes of royal knights.
Her reddish-brown hair flowed freely in waves over her shoulders, and a ceremonial longsword was ornamented at her waist.
Artemis was attired outright in a formal suit decorated in silver and navy blue.
This was because parts of her body still visibly retained aspects of an 'undead.'
Smooth fabric clung directly to her slender figure, and her dark blue hair half-concealed her face like a hood—yet that very mystery instead captivated people's gazes.
Jarax and the other demon beast squad leaders were also attired in formal dress, each in their own fashion.
In Jarax's case, his build was so impressive that even in a tailored suit, he possessed the grandeur of a man in armor—but regardless, he was dressed to the nines all the same.
"Wow..."
"Oh, I didn't expect much since they're mercenaries, but quite...?"
"Every single one of them is formidable..."
From here and there, exclamations or veiled praise leaked out.
Sonia met each of the gazes gathered upon her one by one, then bowed slightly in greeting.
Her companions also showed their respect in the same manner.
"Pull yourself together."
Artemis whispered to Sonia.
The only person who knew that she was entirely shrunk inward at this moment was Artemis, who had been with her for a 'long' time.
"Yeah."
After briefly clasping Artemis's hand as it patted her shoulder, Sonia smiled faintly.
The atmosphere of the Fate (緣) Banquet hall shifted to liveliness, and the nobles' eyes sparkled with curiosity.
However, they did not yet approach.
Because the person who would announce the start of the Fate (緣) Banquet had not yet arrived.
"Her Majesty Queen Riselotte sen Yail Ulfsehir Sailosia Haulan, lawful monarch of the Uland Kingdom, Duchess of Wolfsaehir, and... lawful heir of the White Wolf bloodline, enters!!"
It was from that moment that the vitality of the Fate (緣) Banquet hall truly began to shine.
The nobles first formed a procession of greetings toward the Queen, and only then flocked toward their respective interests.
Some gathered among their own factions to converse, but many flocked toward Sonia's party.
"Lady Sonia. It is a pleasure to meet you."
A young nobleman approached first and offered his greetings.
Sonia promptly recognized him as one of the faces she had memorized.
He was the son of a ducal house of the royalist faction, one of the two parties that divided this country.
"I am honored to meet you, sir. I am Baroness Sonia Medive Maledict."
Reciting the title that Echidna had arbitrarily granted her, Sonia inclined only her head, without excess.
"I have heard that your exploits at Tremilite were remarkable. To possess both noble character and excellent skill as a mercenary—it is admirable."
Sonia smiled demurely and covered her mouth.
"Thank you. However, we merely act according to the will of Countess Echidna."
"It is astonishing that the Countess Lamia's existence is real. What does she actually look like?"
"She is an exceedingly beautiful person. She also possesses a dignity befitting her appearance."
"Ooh..."
As time passed, more people gathered around Sonia and her companions.
The young nobles especially showed interest in the three women.
"Would you perhaps have any inclination to dance a single number?"
"I could guide you to the famous sights of Uland."
"Our house is planning to hold a small tea party tomorrow—it would be an honor if you would attend."
However, the three women had no intention of wasting time on promises with the nobility.
They were busy as it was, and once that busy time had passed, they would have to leave this country.
Maria refused with courtesy but firmness, and Artemis did not even grant them a glance.
Sonia smiled gently and declined politely.
"Thank you for your kind offers, but our mission is our highest priority. We must soon stop Astaroth's demon beasts, who will appear again."
A touch of embarrassment rose on the faces of the young noblemen—and occasionally noble ladies—who had actively approached.
But not all of them were like that.
"I believe that your will to fill every moment with duty is certainly noble and worthy of admiration. But leisure is absolutely necessary. Even just a single dance..."
The son of the royalist ducal house who had spoken first kept trying to approach Sonia.
A young noble unaccustomed to rejection, making an obstinate approach.
Just as a fine wrinkle was about to form on Sonia's brow at this...
"Excuse me for a moment."
An unexpected voice cut between the nobles and Sonia's party.
The person who drew their gazes was the Queen's head lady-in-waiting.
The nobles, quickly guessing the reason for her appearance on this occasion, withdrew; the ducal son hesitated briefly, but his friends beside him drew him away.
"Lady Sonia. Her Majesty the Queen seeks you."
"Understood."
Sonia moved, following the head lady-in-waiting, and when only the rest of the party remained, the murmuring began again.
Though the principal figure had departed, the companions beside her were more than enough to gather gazes.
Murmuring arose among the nobles watching Sonia's retreating figure.
"With that bearing, is it true she has only recently become a noble?"
"An elegant bearing with an added air of mysterious dignity..."
"That imposing physique... a demon beast? What does it matter?"
Among them, there were some suspicious sorts as well, but...
In any case, the young noblewomen looked upon the three women with jealous eyes, and the older nobles with appraising eyes.
Before anyone knew it, nobles interested in politics had gathered around Maria, and Artemis had attached herself as an escort alongside Sonia.
Curious nobles also began gathering around Jarax. They were nobles of knightly origin.
Whether true coexistence between the two races was genuinely possible remained unknown, but the possibility itself, one might say, was a visible sight.
- 4 -
"You've come."
Rieselotte greeted Sonia as she approached the upper seat.
The Queen radiated a beauty cold and lofty as moonlight.
No one was at her side.
There were ladies-in-waiting and attendants, but they withdrew far off at a single gesture—as if they were shadows.
"Shall we go somewhere quiet?"
"I will gladly follow, Your Majesty."
Rieselotte guided Sonia to the terrace.
In the evening sky, stars were faintly twinkling, the moon was rising, and the lights of the city were dimly visible in the distance.
"It seemed the nobles were bothering you, so I called you away. If it was an interruption, I apologize."
Sonia slightly bowed her head.
"Thank you, Your Majesty. I am not accustomed to such occasions."
"In that respect, you resemble me. But you must grow accustomed. You are a noble now, after all."
The Queen's expression grew somewhat more at ease.
Seeing a sense of affinity rise on her face as she offered advice, Sonia too gave a faint smile.
They spent a moment in shared silence, enjoying the quiet.
Their gazes were directed beyond the terrace.
"...I have not told anyone that Lady Sonia is in fact a person of Hysen."
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Sonia spoke in a gentle voice.
"Our mission is to aid Your Majesty and Uland. Other things are unimportant."
Rieselotte gazed at her for a moment.
As if trying to read the heart contained within.
"You... follow that person with true sincerity. It is not mere loyalty."
"Yes."
A single word.
The emotion contained within it was deeper than the ocean.
"Master is everything in my life."
Sonia's voice was firm.
"She is the reason I can be here now, and the strength with which I can move forward."
A glint like starlight shimmered in her eyes.
Absolute loyalty.
Blind love.
"Had she not existed, I would by now..."
Words left unfinished.
But Rieselotte read the emotion within and felt her heart pound.
She wondered how that overwhelming woman she had met the day before could draw out such deep loyalty, and whether she herself might someday become such a leader.
"The figure Your Majesty saw is but a tiny fraction of Master."
As if she had read Rieselotte's very thoughts, Sonia continued.
"For Master's strength comes not from fear, but from care and affection."
Rieselotte nodded. She could find no words that felt appropriate.
"Well then, I shall return inside first. No one will come here, so if you wish to remain, please do. I will send someone when the official schedule arrives."
Sonia bowed her head respectfully.
"Thank you for your consideration, Your Majesty."
After the Queen departed, Sonia remained alone on the terrace.
She drew a deep breath, facing the night wind.
In her hand was a wine glass that an attendant had just brought. The deep, pomegranate-colored liquid glowed softly, catching the light of the sky greeting the night.
"If only Master were here."
She murmured it abruptly. She missed the touch that always embraced her from behind, stroking her hair.
And at that moment.
- I am always by your side.
Upon her shoulder, she felt a small warmth.
- Sonia. My beloved disciple.
That voice seeped into Sonia's ear like a wisp of wind.
Yet to Sonia, it came as a warmth hotter than the sun.
Sonia carefully turned to look beside her.
"Master..."
At that moment, everything in the world became perfect.