Published at 21st of November 2020 3:32 pm

Volume 4, Chapter 6: Hypocritical Alliance Part 2

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

Translator: Skythewood

Editor: Hiiro

Ⅱ

Farnesse Kingdom Letizia Castle Hall of the Lion King

In the Hall of the Lion King which was illuminated by a Barbarossa style chandelier, a party hosted by the Royal family was being held. Lavish food and expensive wine were laid out on several round tables in the middle of the hall.

High ranking military officers and ladies in extravagant dresses were chatting with a glass in hand.

「Everyone seems to be enjoying themselves.」

「It’s all thanks to you, Your Majesty.」

「Haha.」

Nodding cheerfully at the table near the end of the room was the ruler of the Farnesse Kingdom, Alphonse Sem Garmund. The King looked well in his first public appearance in a long while, which would surprise the people who knew him well. He would speak with Cornelius standing by his side from time to time, and smile happily.

The Imperial forces in the north had been expelled to the national borders, and the Central War Theatre had concluded with a decisive victory. Even the sudden invasion of the Nozan Persilla army was routed by Olivia’s Eighth Army.

And now, they were in the midst of a major counter offensive, named 『Dawn of the Lion Pride』. The Royal Army that had been on the defensive would aim to invade the Empire, and even the Imperial Capital Orsted— Furthermore, they would be fighting as allies together with the Holy Nation of Mekia, so Alphonse would naturally attend this party.

As for Olivia who solved Alphonse’s worries one after another was enjoying the delicacy on the table with a face filled with bliss.

Following up with the previous celebration party, the Palace chefs did their best for Olivia for this party too. Alphonse personally complimented the Eighth Army for their victory.

Even after being recognized as the top warrior in the Kingdom, Olivia didn’t change the way she acted despite her elevation in status to the commander of an Army.

(She’s the same as usual… My face is burning up just from looking at her.)

Claudia couldn’t help sighing as the dishes on the table disappeared one after another. Olivia’s dignified figure as she issued the command to counter attack the Nozan Persilla army seemed to just be a daydream.

(It would be great if she could show a little dignity as a General……)

Claudia knew it was strange to demand a 16 years old girl to look dignified, but she had her troubles as a subordinate too. Olivia might be famous as a warrior and no one would dare belittle her, but since she was the commander of an army, Claudia hoped she could at least attempt to put on an act— that was how Claudia felt.

A few days ago, she happened to encounter Brad in the castle and discussed this with him, but he brushed it off with a smile, saying 『It’s pointless to teach a toddler tactics.』

Surprisingly, Olivia had some measure of self restraint. Claudia heard that after Cornelius appointed her as a Major General and they parted ways, Olivia ran into Otto and interacted with him like a proper superior. However, Olivia said with a sour face that she ran away in the end.

Even if Otto was the 『Iron Mask』, just what happened to prompt Olivia who was the senior officer to flee with all her might…? Claudia couldn’t imagine.

(Well, that did sound like something Her Excellency would do…)

Claudia thought as she observed Olivia thoroughly again. Olivia was wearing a black dress that was puffed out greatly. She was not interested in fashion as usual, so Claudia prepared this for Olivia.

Instead of a gown that boldly reveals her cleavage and back, this was a cute one piece dress with frills and laces. Olivia might look a little childish, but there was no problem after she put it on.

In the end, anything would look good on a great beauty.

「Claudia, if you don’t eat now, there won’t be any left, you know?」

Olivia was eyeing another table.

「Your Excellency, please stop eating for now and greet the guests. There are many people waiting to meet you.」

A lot of people had been peeking their way for some time now. Those who had their eyes on Olivia weren’t just high ranking military officers, but also people related to the Royal family. Their attempts to butter up to Olivia felt unpleasant, but they couldn’t be ignored either.

Claudia didn’t like this part of noble society, but her mother Elisabeth said that the values of the various nobles would differ greatly too.

Olivia placed her fork and knife on her empty plate and frowned in open displeasure.

「Ehh~ can’t you do the greeting on my behalf, Claudia? That’s the job of an adjutant, right? I’m really busy right now.」

After devouring all the food on this table, Olivia charged towards the next table.

Claudia followed her closely.

「Please consider your position. No matter what, you are the Commander of the Eighth Army, Your Excellency.」

「Even if you say that, it’s not like I wanted this…」

Olivia pouted with her eyes locked tightly on the dishes.

「Even so, the General of an army—」

「Oh, someone’s coming.」

Olivia pointed behind Claudia. When Claudia turned to look, the door opened and a woman in a white dress entered with a graceful smile.

「「「……」」」

In that moment, the venue was silent as if time had stopped. This was immediately followed by sigh of awe and praise from all over the hall.

(That’s the monarch of the Holy Nation of Mekia, Holy Angel Sofitia Hel Mekia… She is as beautiful as the rumours says, and can even rival Her Excellency.)

Sofitia’s high heels clicked as she walked gracefully towards Alphonse.

Behind her was a silver haired lady and a blue haired beauty with delicate features. From their confident movements, they were undoubtedly outstanding soldiers.

And also—

(So he really came, and he is as carefree as ever…)

Johann who tailed the procession noticed Claudia’s gaze and waved with a frivolous smile. Olivia also noticed Johann and waved happily.

(That jerk! And why is Her Excellency waving at him!?)

Unaware of the fuming Claudia, Sofitia who was standing beside Alphonse spoke slowly:

「Friends from the Farnesse Kingdom, nice to meet you. I’m the ruler of the Holy Nation of Mekia, Sofitia Hel Mekia. We will be working together to crush the delusions of grandeur of the Arsbelt Empire, which fills me with joy.」

Sofitia bowed with her hands on her stomach, and the hall was filled with thunderous applause. Was it because of her overwhelming leadership charm? It was just a token greeting, but Claudia could feel Sofitia’s respect in her words.

The military officers raised their heads high as they listened to Sofitia’s speech.

「Your Holiness Sofitia, we are eternally grateful that you had chosen to ally with us. We have heard the news of how the Holy Nation vanquished the army from the Imperial vassal state, Stonia Duchy, and we are in awe of your military might.」

「Your Majesty Alphonse, the puppets of the Empire are just a gathering of mobs to the Holy Winged Legion, the Empire made a foolish choice. They would soon learn how much of an imbecile they are to show hostility towards the Holy Nation of Mekia.」

「Haha, it is as you say. Let us walk hand in hand forward to crush the Empire’s ambitions, and return peace to the Dubedirica continent.」

「Yes, let us put an end to this war torn era and usher in an age of peace and harmony.」

Sofitia showed a fearsome smile, and Alphonse smiled in return.

The Farnesse Kingdom might be on the decline, but the Holy Nation of Mekia’s economy and military might was still no match for it. Given the size of the two nations, this was only natural.

But when comparing the individual monarchs, Alphonse and Sofitia, anyone could tell that the Holy Nation has the edge.

「May the Farnesse Kingdom and Holy Nation of Mekia prosper forever!」

After leading the toast, Alphonse ushered Sofitia to the guest seat of honour. The hall turned rowdy once more, and Claudia realized that Olivia had already slipped away to another table. She didn’t stay idle while the two monarchs were giving their speech.

(Her Excellency is really… Hmm?)

Claudia felt a gaze from behind. She turned back, and saw the two women on either side of Sofitia were staring at Olivia and evaluating her. Olivia noticed and stopped for an instant, but continued eating without turning back.

(The two of them… probably heard about Her Excellency’s martial might from Johann, so it’s understandable that they are watching Her Excellency so closely. However, those aren’t eyes evaluating a future ally on the battlefield.)

A frivolous character entered Claudia's field of vision as she glared back defiantly. It was someone Claudia didn’t want to meet.

Seeing Johann flick his brown hair up, Claudia subconsciously clenched her fists.

「Oh, my heart is going to burst if you look at me with such passionate eyes. Claudia, you are as beautiful as ever.」

Holding his hands respectfully before him, the first thing Johann did was flirt with her. In response, both the silver haired and blue haired women rolled their eyes.

(I might get along surprisingly well with the two of them.)

Feeling a sense of comradery towards the two of them, Claudia glated at the suspicious looking Johann.

「You actually dare show your face so openly here. Thick skinned is used to describe men like you. Or maybe shameless would be more fitting.」

「It’s been a while since we last met, and you are as cold as ever. But that’s one of your charms, Claudia.」

Johann showed his white teeth with a smile, giving Claudia goosebumps.

「… So you really are from the Holy Nation of Mekia.」

Johann showed a refreshing smile.

「Are you convinced I’m not an Imperial spy now?」

「Yes, but you still piss me off.」

「Ehh?! But why?!」

Johann made a show of widening his eyes. Claudia strongly felt that she physically couldn’t accept this showy man.

「Everything about you pisses me off. After all—」

「Hey, if you keep getting angry, you will get wrinkles.」

Olivia interjected and patted Claudia’s shoulder. Claudia took a look, and saw that the dishes on the table had been swiped clean.

「I-I don’t have wrinkles! I’m still young!」

Claudia raised her voice and Olivia giggled. Claudia was just six years older than Olivia, so it was mean to say she has wrinkles.

「Ahaha, sorry— Long time no see, have you been well?」

Olivia patted Johann’s shoulder without any reservation. Johann’s eyes turned sharp for an instant, then smiled.

「Yes, it’s wonderful that Lady Olivia is as lively as ever. Your sexy gown was great the previous time, but your dress tonight is amazing too. It’s regrettable, but this dress still couldn’t match up to Lady Olivia’s charms.」

「Hey Claudia. If I’m not wrong, this is known as a sweet tooth?」

Olivia tilted her head with her index fingers by her lips.

「It’s slightly different, the correct term is glib tongue.」

Claudia corrected and Johann shook his head.

「You are both wrong, I’m just stating the truth.」

「That’s just flattery!」

Claudia raised her voice again, and a hearty laugh entered her ears. She turned to find Sofitia smiling with a glass in her hand.

「Oh, everyone is so lively here. If you don’t mind, may I join you?」

(——?!)

Olivia didn’t change even though the number one target to be wary of appeared, and casually answered 「Okay.」 While Claudia was still stunned, Olivia touched Sofitia’s dress.

「Why you?!」

The silver haired woman behind furiously tried to stop Olivia, but Sofitia stopped her by raising her hand with a smile.

「Your Holiness Sofitia!」

「Lara, it’s fine.」

「But she suddenly—」

Before she could finish, Sofitia knocked her silver sceptre onto the floor.

「I said it’s fine.」

「Yes… Pardon me.」

Lara glared at Olivia and backed away. Claudia pulled Olivia away in a hurry and apologized profusely.

「No, I should be apologizing for the behaviour of my vassal— Ms Olivia, you are interested in this dress?」

「Yes. This is the first time I saw such a glittery dress, and it’s super smooth to the touch.」

Lara was glaring at Olivia with a scary face, but Olivia wasn’t fazed and even commented 「This is made by crushing Brilliant Silver Ore, right?」

By the way, Johann was looking at the two of them with a wry smile.

「Your Excellency, please use honorifics. You are being rude to Her Holiness Sofitia.」

「Ehh…? But why do I have to use honorifics? She’s not my superior officer though?」

「She isn’t, but she’s the monarch of an allied country, so you have to use honorifics.」

The light blue haired woman snickered, as if to laugh at Olivia’s ignorance. Olivia who was being laughed at looked Claudia’s way with a mystified expression.

「So I have to use honorifics toward monarchs? But—」

「You· Get· It· Right?」

Olivia turned pale and she nodded repeatedly to show she understood.

「Sorry— No, my deepest apology.」

Seeing Olivia bow stiffly to apologize, Sofitia showed a smile as warm as the sunlight in spring, then said there was no need for her to apologize.

Claudia felt relieved.

「Fufu. It is as Johann says, Ms Olivia is not proficient with formal speech. I don’t mind at all, so you can do away with the honorifics.」

「Ehh? Can I?」

「Yes, it’s fine.」

Claudia couldn’t take Sofitia at her word unconditionally. This wasn’t something a monarch would say to a person she just met.

(… Does she really mean it? Sorry, but let me confirm it.)

Claudia stared at Sofitia, and saw the colour of truth deep within her eyes. Claudia was shocked by how broadminded she was.

「Really really?」

「Sofitia Hel Mekia will not go back on her word.」

「But Claudia will turn into a Yasha…」

Olivia muttered as she looked timidly at Claudia while fiddling with her fingers. What’s a Yasha— Claudia decided to ask her after the party.

「Is it fine with you?」

Sofitia asked, which stunned Claudia. There was obviously a problem, but if it was just this occasion, it could be forgiven. But from the flow of the conversation, they would probably meet again in other places.

Claudia was still troubled over it when Sofitia suddenly placed her hands over Olivia’s with a smile.

「It’s settled then, from this day forth, Ms Olivia and I will be friends. There is no need for formal speech between friends.」

「Friends?」

「That’s right, friends.」

「I see! I don’t have to speak formally to a friend!」

Olivia nodded with satisfaction. While Claudia looked on dumbfounded, the conversation progressed, and they even talked about inviting Olivia to visit the Holy Nation of Mekia as a guest.

When she finally snapped out of it, Claudia interjected in a hurry.

「Your Holiness Sofitia, please forgive my impudence. Such an important matter shouldn’t be decided privately between the two of you, since all of us has our given status and position…」

Sofitia nodded.

「It is as you say, I might have been too excited about this. I will propose to His Majesty Alphonse for Olivia to visit as a guest to deepen relations between our nations, I think he will be happy to accept. After all, we are already friends.」

She said, and Claudia showed a troubled smile.

(I see, so that’s their plan… But what are they trying to accomplish by inviting Her Excellency to the Holy Nation of Mekia?)

Behind the two of them chatting happily, Claudia quietly increased her wariness.

Ⅲ

Farnesse KingdomWest

A carriage drawn by two horses was moving in the dark and vast forest. The ones guarding the carriage wore light purple armour engraved with silver wings. Knight Escorts of the Holy Angel. Wary of the rustling leaves and faraway howls of beasts, they protected the carriage with the highest level of security.

The extravagant carriage made by one of the top craftsmen of the generation ferried the Holy Angel Sofitia Hel Mekia, who was dressed in equally extravagant clothes. Aside from her, there were also Sorcerers like Amelia, Johann and Lara seated with her in case of any emergency.

The top seat of the Twelve Winged Guards, Historia, was leading the way with 20 elite subordinates. Lara ordered all obstacles to be eliminated without any reservations, and they were ready for any emergencies.

The subject of these security measures, Sofitia, made idle chatter in the carriage for a while, then said to Johann who maintained a serious face since their departure from the Royal Capital Fizz.

「Johann, are you upset about something?」

「— Pardon me, but why are we rushing back despite the risk? You must understand that the forest is extremely dangerous at night, Holy Angel.」

「Johann, are you questioning the Holy Angel’s decision?」

Lara seated opposite Johann said unhappily.

「I do understand the danger of the night time forest, and the troubles this is causing Ms Historia and the Escort Knights. But the fastest way back to the Holy Nation of Mekia is through this forest.」

Instead of a safe route, cutting through the forest was four days faster. This didn’t mean that the Farnesse Kingdom was negligent on public order, the areas where humans could live was just that limited on the Dubedirica continent.

The forest surrounded by mountain ranges was ruled by beasts far stronger than humans. Especially the beasts designated as dangerous beasts had been a threat to humanity since ancient times. The only advantage the powerless humans had over the beasts was their 『intelligence』. It took many eons to carve out their own territory.

The history of Humanity was one of coexistence with the wild beasts.

「The Holy Angel chose to rush back despite the danger… is it to invite Olivia Valedstorm to visit as a guest as soon as possible?」

Johann stroked his chin as he probed.

「That’s correct, King Alphonse agreed to my request without any hesitation. From that sense, he is really easy to deal with.」

If she was dealing with the Imperial Emperor Ramza, the renowned Benevolent Emperor, it wouldn’t go so smoothly. He wouldn’t have let his strongest warrior Olivia go so easily, even if it was to an allied nation.

In the short time she interacted with King Alphonse, Sofitia had figured out his capabilities.

「Holy Angel, are you planning to recruit Olivia Valedstorm into the Holy Nation of Mekia?」

Amelia who was sitting beside Johann asked with a blank expression. But Sofitia didn’t miss the faint frown in her brows.

「Fufu. If that is true, will you be against that, Amelia?」

「I won’t object to the Holy Angel’s decision, but…」

「But…?」

「… I just can’t stand her ways. She’s a glutton and acts so impudently to the Holy Angel.」

Amelia didn’t hide her displeasure, and Lara besides her nodded firmly in concurment.

Sofitia also saw Olivia eating all the food on the table like a hurricane. Her appetite was shocking, and her blissful look while eating was very cute. Her beauty that even exceeded what Johann described made it hard to tie her with the Death God that made the Imperial Army tremble in fear.

「Her impudence to the Holy Angel aside, I don’t understand why Amelia dislikes her so much. She has a cute face and had a similar atmosphere to Angelica, right?」

Sofitia nodded in agreement with Johann’s assessment. In terms of their innocence, Olivia and Angelica were alike.

Amelia who was on surprisingly good terms with Angelica asked with a troubled face:

「… So what if she’s similar to Angelica?」

「Oh, it’s nothing.」

Johann smiled, and Amelia clicked her tongue.

「Holy Angel, I have no objections to recruiting Olivia Valedstorm— the goal is to understand Magic, correct?」

Lara’s words wiped the smile from Johann’s face. Sofitia nodded with a smile.

「As I expected… But can we learn it that easily?」

「To achieve this goal, first, we have to pull her to our side. There’s nothing more stupid then messing up the matter by rushing things.」

Even Sofitia couldn’t judge Olivia’s character with a few short exchanges at the party. However, she understood that Olivia didn’t have any grand ambitions. If she had some desires, Sofitia was confident of recruiting her to Olivia’s cause.

(There’s also the matter with Sir Sieger.)

When she learned that not just Amelia, but even Johann was defeated, that surprised Sofitia. Since they would be fighting the Imperial Army in the future, they couldn’t ignore the problem of Felixus.

Johann tried persuading him to join the Holy Nation of Mekia, but negotiations fell through. Olivia used Magic to block the unavoidable Flaming Wheel of the Flowery Wind, while Felixus defended with his sword techniques. It was clear from this that the two were on par with each other. Since Felixus had no intentions of turning, Sofitia had to obtain Olivia’s prowess to minimize the losses of her forces.

That was the reason Sofitia had to be extremely careful.

「I have no objections either. But even if she is willing to teach us, we might not be able to learn Magic.」

Johann sounded dismissive of Magic. Since he was a top Sorcerer, he must have his own pride.

Sofitia interpreted it as such and didn’t refute him.

「That’s fine too. The strongest warrior of the Kingdom and a practitioner of Magic, that alone would bring immeasurable benefits to the Holy Nation of Mekia.」

「If Olivia Valedstorm accepts the Holy Angel’s invitation… What kind of privilege will you grant her?」

Lara looked tense when she asked that.

「Indeed, Ms Olivia was promoted from Major to Major General in one shot.」

「It is as you say, Holy Angel.」

「From her accomplishments, I think it’s still not enough… Hmm, we have to at least prepare the post of Senior Chiliarch for her.」

There was a dull thud in the carriage. Sofitia looked at the source, and saw Amelia frantically picking up the cup she had dropped. The cup was empty, so the carpet wasn’t wet.

Lara coldly glared at the Amelia who was apologizing profusely and said:

「Senior Chiliarch, huh… Forget about Magic, I haven’t even seen Olivia Valedstorm’s swordsmanship, so it’s hard to gauge if she’s suited for the role.」

Lara said as he looked at Johann.

「Holy Legate Lara, you still have doubts? I don’t want to admit it, but Magic does exist, and the Magic she displayed is obviously superior to Sorcery. And I’m far inferior to her in swordsmanship. Frankly speaking, I don’t think Senior Chiliarch is enough to justify her capabilities.」

「In our current ranking system, the only rank above a Senior Chiliarch is the Holy Legate. Johann, do you think Olivia Valedstorm is more suitable for the seat of Holy Legate?」

Lara’s hair swayed lightly, and Johann showed a troubled smile.

「What I think doesn’t matter, the final decision lies with the Holy Angel.」

Feeling their gazes focusing on her, Sofitia straightened her posture.

「As you all know, I have never appointed people to positions based on their status and lineage, only based on their abilities. And I believe what Johann reported, and she did win impressive battles in the war against the Imperial Army. However, I will need to judge with my own eyes. Before we formally welcome Ms Olivia, I will gauge her abilities.」

Amelia and Lara nodded.

To be honest, there was no need to test her abilities. The best evidence was how she revitalized the gloomy Royal Army to such an extent.

But aside from Johann who had actually sparred with Olivia, it was hard for Amelia and Lara to accept this. Since they were bound by common sense, it was difficult for them to understand someone that operated outside those bounds.

And of course, they would never object to the decision made by Sofitia. But it would be unacceptable for the ruler of the Holy Nation of Mekia to bear any grudges.

To unite the continent, her vassals must not have doubts about her.

(Speaking of which, Ms Olivia might not accept my invitation. In any case, I have to gather all the famous chefs within the nation. Next will be that woman following Ms Olivia. That’s probably her adjutant, she’s a bit of an eyesore.)

The scene outside the windows was that of a harsh world that repeated the cycle of the strong feasting on the weak.

The carriage rattled as they moved swiftly in the darkness.

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