Author's note : That was a far longer break than I intended, but life don't ask your permission before smashing you with a mace. I don't know what was the worst between exam and driver license... Huhum. Enough moping around. Thank you kindly, all of you, for your patience. Now, as always, I answer to reviews, that were really abundants this time around ! Thank you all again, it make me even more motivated ! I will try to bring the next chapter a little faster !
Greyjedi449t : I'm glad you enjoyed it ! I hope this chapter will please you too !
Guest : Blood will come back later :p stay tuned and wait for it !
Slaggedfire : Ouch, that's what they call spelling it out. Camilla really is not that popular it seems.
kerrowe : You'll see by reading the chapter. And yes, moss is life ! Or rather, protect your life.
pt1of : Well, Lora is not one to accept any kind of slacking off... As for business, the closest comparison would be like the fall of Berlin's Wall for ex-URSS industries. Not as damaging, but close for some people. Greenhouse no, it's not at this level, and furthermore Nohr do not have enough sunlight for greenhouses to work properly. Date ? Hum... It may be seen like that ? Read to see ! And Garon know better than intruding into that problem, Lora must learn on her own. As awlays, thank you for beta-reading the chapter !
Belonging kind : Yeah, someone excited each release ! If I could I would write a lot more, but life is not really listening to my plea. As for the Ice Tribe, well... About as well as you can imagine. Badly. And yes, Izana is already archduke ! He doesn't seem that young in Fates when he is met.
Guest : And another shot at Camilla ! Jealousy, not a bad description although it is more than that.
NightmareKnight1 : A lot of reasons, but psychological issues are part of the answer.
Guest : Haha, don't worry, one day it will all come back. Peace never last long enough.
Tests Trials and Tribulations : To see my story called "amazing", that make me so glad. Also, nice reading of Camilla's situation, obsession is a good word for it. I thank you also for your comforting words, don't worry, I do not concern myself with those kinds of comments. It is worth neither time nor effort.
Rentozu : "Faint from too much praise" I almost feel embarrassed. Thank you very, very much for your heartfelt review, and your appreciation of the way I handled the story thus far. I hope you will like what's following just as much.
With everything said, I hope you will enjoy the story unfold ! Leave a review if you liked it or want to help me improve ! Good reading !
The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 13
Excited cheers. Trampled soil. Fierce challengers. Attentive noble houses. All of that and much more was present under the eyes of Xander, who sat in the honor tribune with his younger sister Camilla and their host, lady Faye. The field was immense, a square of dirt surrounded by six-floor of bleachers, allowing nobility as well as common people to see the gathered warriors ready to compete for victory.
''How eager they are all to obtain your favor, this year tournament should deliver quite well. Wouldn't you agree, crown prince?''
The sweet and lascivious voice of the young duchess sounded as dangerous as the blades arranged at her arm and belt, but Xander answered with the poise expected of him, apparently unaffected by that dangerous charm of lady Faye.
''It seems so. I expect only the best to receive the prize you offer.''
And what a great prize it was: a horse chosen in the stable of the duchess, alongside a full suit of armor and a weapon custom made out of the best steel Nohr had to offer to the champion. The invitation had been all but a coincidence, sent just three days after the departure of the king and queen, making the crown prince the one to be present at the martial tournament arranged by duchess Faye.
''And who know, maybe you will find someone worthy to be your retainer. It's been far too long since you have been separated from yours.'' Added Camilla before drinking sipping her glass, humming the wine appreciatively.
''Maybe. But it remains to be seen.'' Said the blond prince with an almost dry tone.
The look Camilla gave Xander was enough to understand that she regretted her words. The two retainers of Xander did not stay in his service very long: they died during the kidnapping of their lost sister Azura, barring the kidnappers from other royal apartments. Since then Xander pushed back the moment he would have to take new retainers, the severity of queen Lora's judgment helped immensely in that regard. But his sister was right. Now that Lora was absent, the begging would only become stronger, and this tournament would be the best moment to find worthy candidates.
''Now now. The first wave of contestants will soon enter the arena. I trust your favor will fall to the one that will be crowned victor.''
Xander refused to answer this particular honey trap, only humming to show that he listened. If by any chance he was to designate a favorite, it would either encourage the other to surrender to gain his favor or lead to shame if the chosen knight was to lose. ''Do not accept their words senselessly, but neither show you are ignoring them. Viper they may be, you will have to listen their presences and words. The king cannot rule alone.'' That lesson of his Father Garon resonated more than ever in his mind now when he was the regent.
Seeing his own cup filled by a servant, Xander drank a single sip, looking very attentively at the duchess. Not much older than himself, lady Faye rejected the court actual fashion and displayed a very short, almost masculine haircut of raven-black hair underlining her sharp face. She also wore very few jewelries, favoring only a silver bracelet on her arm and another around her neck. Although her dress embellished with sapphire, it apparently looked far more conventional. However, some strange details still shew through: the discreet stiffness of some parts suggested some sort of light protection under, likely chainmail. There were more than just one dagger at her belt and at least one another on her left arm, as Xander caught the presence of another in her silken sleeve. Only gods know how many other weapons were hidden out of his view. A very dangerous woman which for some reason his sister-Camilla appreciated a lot, another reason that made him accept to watch the tournament.
''Here they come.'' Announced Camilla, turning Xander's gaze toward the starting joust.
The rules of the joust were simple. Every fighter was to unhorse his or her opponent without falling off his or her own horse in two of three rounds. If there was a draw by some luck or equal skills, the contestants would go unmounted and solve the situation on foot with the weapon of their choice. Accident could happen but injuring the opponent horse was frowned upon and could lead to disqualification. On the other hand, maiming was prohibited and judged almost as severely as actual murder, which was also proscribed in the tournament. Unless specified, magic was forbidden as well as enchanted items. The tournament was to be a place to demonstrate skill, not how good your sorcerer was.
The gap between the first contestants could not have been more obvious. A young knight whose inexperience could be seen in his armor adorned beyond reason and his floating cape was expertly unhorsed three times in a row by his much older opponent, resulting in a torn cape, broken decorations and a fractured leg. Multiple servants and a healer took the inexperienced fool away under the laugh of the crowd as his opponent bowed toward the tribune. Xander frowned a little in front of the pathetic display. Such tournaments were place where lord's sons generally made their first steps. He knew for a fact that they were generally made to fight each other during those contests, and the fact that this one encountered a veteran meant the duchess wanted this public humiliation.
''Poor baron Howe.'' Lamented the duchess with a palpable sarcasm. ''His fool of a son made a fool of himself in a vain attempt to impress me. Maybe I should have been more explicit in my lack of interest.''
''Tell me about it, dear Faye. Young men who do not understand the word 'no'.'' Exaggeratedly sighed Camilla before the two shared a knowing chuckle.
The following rounds were a lot more interesting. Two of them ended in draw and were forced to finish on foot, and Xander could admire a knight beat a little lord of the south with a single hit of heavy mace. The mace was considered a disgraceful weapon, but still extremely dangerous in the right hand. Much like an axe it could break bones through mail and significantly dent plate, and the fact that the knight managed to only knock out his opponent without more serious consequences was a testament of skill.
''My, my. Is my big brother thinking of going in the fray himself?'' Asked Camilla with a sliver of teasing, noticing Xander's intense examining of the combatants.
''You know very well it would not be fair, sister. I will not deprive brave competitors of a victory they could have grasped.''
''Of course, how silly of me.''
Camilla's suggestion was all in good spirit of course, but Xander could not afford such egoist attitude as the crown prince. Those who fought today came to oppose their steel in fair duels, and his involvement would only rig the entire thing. His pride and his position forbade him to fight without his legendary sword, and he knew perfectly well how few could match him on the virtue of that blade alone. And even if he fought someone whose skills made them able to fight equally, he could entirely make a fool of himself by losing. Something that was out of the question.
The sunlight came out a little under the heavy clouds, increasing the already excited mood of the audience as the next fighters came in. The ground was already nothing more than plowed earth under the violent trampling of the horses, and the first accident happened fatally: the mount of lord Hendrick skidded and fell on top of him, rising a concert of exclamation in the crowd. Xander tensed but kept still as multiple servants helped to extract the poor man away from his mount. But judging by the colorful insults the crown prince heard among the racket, the man was alive and more upset about the misstep of its mount than its own injuries, easing Xander immensely.
''More shock than harm, but it is unfortunate. Sir Hendrick is renowned for his spear, and I was eager to see how far it would go.'' Lamented Camilla.
Not trace of annoyance was visible in the face of lady Faye, but Xander remembered that sir Hendrick was one of her vassals. This accident aside, he could have very well been the one to triumph in the tournament, an outcome that would have increased her prestige while making the prize into a reward to her liege-man. A proof that skills are not always what ascertain the issue of a battle, thought the prince, as the mercenary who should have fought sir Hendrick got unhorsed and eliminated easily. And a painful reminder for the limitation of healing staffs; they easily closed cuts and stopped bleeding, but they couldn't mend broken bones or deep muscle wounds without time and rest.
An enthusiastic battle cry attracted the prince's attention in the arena, making him look more attentively. What seemed to be a surprisingly young girl almost trampled her opponent before the second round started, making the people laugh before the obvious panic of the knocked loser. Laughing like a child, the girl paraded around before going back in position for the next round. The stampede of the horse started again and the girl once more unhorsed her opponent with a violent hit under the shield. With another burst of laughter, she waved her spear, droplets of blood spreading from the tip showing that she pierced the armor, making the healer run to her opponent lying down.
''Who is she?'' Asked Xander to lady Faye.
''Lady Peri, crown prince? She is quite peculiar, if rumors are to be considered. But you may know her father better: Lord Shawn.''
''The Mourning Wolf.'' Acknowledged the prince. ''I've seen him in the court more than once, always wearing the colors of bereavement. Is this Peri his only child?''
''She is. Her father hasn't married again, and many think he never will, making her the sole heir of the family.'' Added the duchess.
The third round finished just as fast the two first, with a resounding victory of the young girl who made a little victory parade again. Dismounting, she went with her horse alone to the stables of the contestant outside the arena. Had she no servants nor squire to help her? thought Xander. The tournament kept going on. There was another accident as a young lord lost the control of his mount, a massive stallion, and collided with his opponent in a clamor of steel and scream from the crowd. The tangled mess was hurriedly unmade by the best efforts of servants and when the two bodies were taken out, more exclamations of shock erupted until Lady Faye stood out, commanding her soldiers to evacuate the mess and pacify the rabble before announcing a short break in the tournament.
''I regret that such inconvenience happened in front of you, crown prince, elder princess.'' Lamented lady Faye, as she elegantly sat back in the tribune.
''Think nothing of it, dear. What folly took this man, to ride a beast he could not control.'' Eased Camilla. ''There is a limit in willing to impress your peer.''
''Maybe it is from you they should model themselves. If rumors are to be believed, you can tame wyverns as if they were mere puppies.''
''You flatter me too much, dear. I simply found my way around those adorable things.'' Smiled the princess.
Xander stoically nodded. However exaggerated, it was very true that his sister had an ease with wyvern that he never could replicate no matter how hard he tried. He could somewhat mount those trained to accept messengers, but to even approach those who claimed a specific master was beyond his best efforts. Horses on the other hand were far more to his taste: friendlier, and a lot less vicious.
A servant came in the tribune, bowing deeply in front of the royal before giving his message. ''The healer managed to stabilize them, milady, even though they had to use the prepared elixirs on each of them.''
To hear that made the prince frown. Elixir were extremely rare and costly to acquire, even for a great lord as rich as the duchess. In more way than one, the two contestants were indebted now with more than just their lives: to repay the use of one of those potions that could seal all but the deepest wounds would make them unable to refuse next to any favor, especially since they were only of lower nobility. In a sense, they just about enslaved themselves. Xander could not shake the crawling shiver of suspicion that the incident had been planned, since the two possessed lands just near those of the duchess that were part of the greater dukedom that belonged formerly to her father... Part of him dreaded the moment where he would have to take the throne. To jump right into the snake's lair.
''There are not many contestants left. Is there anyone that catches your eyes yet, crown prince?'' Asked lady Faye after dismissing the servant.
''Someone does. I will see how far it will go.''
The lady sent him a knowing smile as a platter of fruits and wine was brought. Soon after, the duchess signaled the continuation of the fight. Only height contestant left. Six. The girl, Peri, was still among them, and Xander once more couldn't help but notice that something looked strange to him. She looked... Relaxed. Made mistakes with her holding of the shield, in the way she controlled her mount, but most of all seemed to have fun more than anything else. It was almost... Alien. But it was also fascinating in a sense. If the girl managed so well despite her obvious inexperience, fighting seemingly for fun, how well could she progress under the training of a true master of arm?
Only four left. Peri won the first two round, then was dismounted once, twice after her opponent managed to exploit her loose use on the shield, making the girl cry in rage as she trampled her helmet, revealing a surprisingly childish face surrounded by long blue-pink hair arranged in twin-tails.
Mounting once more, she galloped toward her opponent, who once more hit her shield... before being violently unmounted and stunned on the ground. Xander was impressed: Peri detached the shield from her arm beforehand and when the opponent stroke it with his spear, she had let it fall while leaning on the opposite side, avoiding the hit before striking her unbalanced enemy. A surprisingly astute thinking that he hadn't expected from her quite immature attitude. She truly had potential, not just in her strength.
Even if Xander doubted the news would be well received, he knew inside himself that the choice was already done. To see the girl finally lose in the semi-final and score at third place neither, and he mechanically rose to give praise to the victor with all the gravity needed of him before heading for the open banquet outside. The food was plentiful: meat of all sorts from game to farming livestock, and a wide variety of vegetable and fruit, most of those came from Hoshido-the benefit of peace.
''You are awfully contemplative, dear brother. May I learn of the thoughts rippling into your mind?'' Commentated Camilla, taking Xander out of his daydream.
''You are right, sister, there is much in my mind. After this banquet, I will offer lady Peri to come back with me to Krakenburg.'' Answered the prince to the slight surprise of his sister, who stopped cutting the tender steak in her plate.
''You are thinking of taking her as retainer, are you not? You know the queen will not approve of her.''
This perspective was exactly what Xander dreaded the most. It was not that queen Lora was entirely unreasonable or unable to change her mind... But he never, ever, saw or heard of it happening except when it involved his father Garon. And when Lora disagreed with something, it was almost as if she made it her personal goal to eradicate the opposing position.
The last time had been one that still was the talk of the court: a female member of the Royal Guard was caught acting "like a fragile maiden" to seduce some nobleman. Queen Lora declared such behavior a disgrace to the position of Royal Guard and dismissed her to some obscure border guard duty. And when the guard tried to protest... The queen crushed her, broke her weapon, and forced her to leave her armor before being sent away. In front of the entirety of her former comrades of the Royal Guard.
''She has immense potential waiting to be exploited. Before Father come back, I will make her good enough to meet the queen's criteria.'' Assured the prince.
''I do not oppose you, dear brother, far from it. If there is ever the need, I will be there to support your decision. Hopefully, this girl will not suffer like my poor Beruka did''
The support of Camilla eased the crown prince, even if the known animosity her sister had for the queen may very well aggravate the situation instead. But since Camilla managed to keep the mysterious girl-Beruka she hired as retainer despite hiding her very existence for long, then he maybe had more chance than he himself evaluated, thought Xander, politely nodding at the salute from a distant noble at the table.
Of course, all of this would be moot if lady Peri refused his offer, but Xander had the feeling that it wouldn't be the case. All that was left was preparing a suitable schedule for the training sessions...
''Your majesties, we are almost at the coast.''
From beyond the cabin's door the words of the captain faintly registered in Lora's mind, who was trying to escape the dangerous predicament she was in. Not the boat, even thought it was close second. No, the true threat in sight was on the game board, a magnificent art piece made of engraved wood and metal, the sculpted ivory of the pieces gleaming in the sunlight coming from the window.
The board represented the continent and the pieces armies, with simple goals to attain victory: either capture the enemy king, destroy the last of his troops, or capture the capital city. But the board was made with more than enough details to complicate this simple matter: every river, every forest, every relief was finely carved or painted upon the board.
Furthermore, the rules allowed for more than enough tricks to shift the course of battles, symbolized by the silver and gold cards accompanying the game, each allowing a specific action that was written on it. But presently, fate seemed to oppose Lora at every turn. Garon managed to draw two "Breakthrough" card in a row and had two armies deep into her territory, threatening the capital.
Drawing a golden card, Lora sighed inwardly. "Abundance", one of the most useful card... In other circumstances. Right now, the ability to double her gold reserve was useless, for she already had the maximum number of army token on field and could not recruit anymore.
''You drew a useless card, did you not.''
''Do you truly have to be so joyful about it?'' Asked the queen while moving her flying troops back.
''Aren't you when you pummel me into the ground each spar?'' Teased back the king, revealing an "Ambush" card.
Lora groaned and retired her pieces. He was right, but she would not give him the pleasure of agreeing. Garon drew, then placed his card on the board. "Rush", allowing him to move two time one of his army and siege the capital under her disbelieving gaze. What sort of bad luck was that?
Now Lora only had one turn to act. And unless she drew "Secret Pathway" or "Forced Truce"... The shine of the card "Counter-Charge" seemed almost mocking as she looked at it. A dead draw, once more.
''My victory. It makes four to two now.''
''Was it what you expected when you offered me this game, my king? Should I consider it... a declaration of war? Is it?'' Said Lora, earning a faint chuckle from the king.
''A nice effort my queen, but there is still progress.''
Lora shook her head even though it at least was better than her first, disastrous attempt at humor where Garon almost called a healer. Picking up the pieces, she put the game away in its dedicated ornamented box.
''I immensely prefer this game to chess, though. It is less... restrictive, although the cards shift the balance in an often-unpleasant way.''
''Disregarding the fact that you always loose at chess against Leo?''
''Your son is a prodigy.'' Protested Lora, knowing well that it was nonetheless true. ''But chess does not reflect the battlefield accurately. There is no chaos, no surprise from the enemy... I am afraid it may give very bad habits to your son.''
''He will learn soon enough.'' Agreed Garon, shielding his eyes from a sudden ray of sunlight. ''Out of curiosity, what is the piece you think reflect reality the most accurately?''
''Do you have one in mind already?''
''I find the knight to be an accurate representation of his real counterpart. Flanking is how cavalry is used, and it is the exact movement done in chess.''
Lora pondered a bit on that, realizing that her instinctive choice, the pawn, was not good enough. The question was not as easy as she thought at first.
''The king. Once he is taken, everything is over in both game and reality.'' She finally answered.
Something in Garon's gaze changed at her words before he replied, sighing.
''Not always. If there is someone else to take the crown, if the army is still strong, then the king is not truly lost, and the game is not yet over.''
''But the king would still be dead.'' Pointed Lora in spite of understanding what he meant.
Silence blanketed the room for a while, with only the occasional rolling to indispose Lora, gripping the armrest of her chair at every single of them. Even if she only had the light armor of the dancer for now, she did not trust the water to carry her a single bit... Maybe she should actually accept the swimming lessons.
''Since I won the choice is mine, is it not?'' Spoke her husband, breaking the uncomfortable stillness.
Right, she almost forgot the little bet they made before starting to play. The winner of each game could ask for a story the other did not know yet. With her two win, Lora already had the occasion to ask about things she never expected to ask about before, namely the family of the king and one of his greatest blunder.
In this way, Lora learned that Garon's three siblings all died in childbirth or soon after, and how in the impulsiveness in his early ruling he had promised a vacant barony to the winner of a hunt, all because he wanted the competition to be fiercer. That little folly almost triggered a war among the nobility to the point that according to the rumors, well-known assassins, receiving too much contract at the same time, had to send letters of excuse to their employers to explain why they couldn't do it themselves and sent apprentices and subordinates instead.
In return, for her own defeats, Lora had to recount stories of Lordran she learned in her travels. She spoke of the last of the gods, the decrepit Nameless King whose mere stomp of the foot could call upon lightning, and the strangeness of the Archdragon Peak where he resided. A place that seemed more like a mausoleum than anything else, the tomb of the last of the gods waiting to be defeated in combat, or so she theorized. She had not thought of that when she came to it, simply hunting the incredibly powerful soul that the Nameless King was.
The second story had been about the Abyss Watcher, the vigilant army of the Wolf hunting down every trace of the Abyss and its creatures. Their dedication so strong, that they destroyed an entire kingdom suspected to shelter Darkwraith. Before her king surprised look she presented the greatsword and dagger made to be used in tandem, explaining the basic of the fighting style of the Legion: thanks to the blood of the Wolf and their enchanted rings giving them inhuman endurance, the Abyss Watcher let the weight of their sword pull them forward in seemingly erratic attacks and jump, the dagger acting a parrying tool, pivot in more complex offensives or simply for quick slashing strikes very close.
''Then ask, my king.'' Said Lora, curious to see what was on his mind.
''Tell me about your family and youth. I want to know how you became a royal knight.''
Her family... That question was unexpected. It has been so much time. She... simply stopped to think about them. They were dead after all, dead for so long when she came back as undead...
''I was the third and last child of my father, born into a lesser nobility bought by money and marriage rather than the sword, and my father wished for the family to ascend higher. My brother was to become the new lord, and my older sister had a marriage arranged before she could even walk. As of me... I was destined to priesthood, since the Church of Lothric held immense power as one of the three Pillars of the kingdom.''
She took an instant to recollect herself, letting everything come back before narrating again.
''But I wasn't attracted by that, even thought my mother did her best. I always sneaked away from lessons to play with my brother and other kids, playing soldiers and knights despite the awaited scolding. I simply couldn't stay in place. What I remember the most is my sister help: she managed to bring me food under the nose of our parents when I was told to pray in asceticism, and distracted the nanny to allow me to go outside...''
Her voice wavered as she tried her best to remember her sister's name. Elenor? Alienor? She could not be sure. And it ashamed her. Lora remembered her laugh, her knowing smile, but it was like a fog has come on everything else.
''It escalated until I approached six. Mother was upset in my lack of progress and resistance while I wanted nothing more than become a knight in shining armor. No matter how much I was punished it did not change, and it was finally Father that consented to my wish first. He said that I was too feisty to become a priestess.'' Smiled Lora, vaguely remembering his booming voice. '
'Mother followed soon after, and I was prepared to become page for my seventh spring. I never learned how, but Father managed to send me to the service of the royal family.''
''You can certainly guess how it happened now, with how often you tear apart the dreams of those asking to have their sons and daughters as Xander's retainers.'' Noted Garon with a smirk.
''It is not the same...''
The queen realized she fell for it a second after the chuckle became a hearty laugh. How did she kept taking those arrows up to the feathers? It was more and more likely that she would die of embarrassment instead of any battlefield, thought Lora as the king's laughter ceased and awaited her to continue.
''Unlike Nohr where most of them are always raised by their family until knighthood, noble children of Lothric had to leave their home at the age of seven to become page in service of another noble house, often of higher standing. They serve as attendant to the house and in return are educated in all skill required of a knight: horse-riding, hunting, combat, courtly manners and literature. All of this until the child is fourteen, whereupon he become a squire.'' Explained Lora, noticing the obvious spark of interest she got out of her husband. ''Now that I think about it, have it ever been done in Nohr?''
''So little that it does not matter. No noble house of Nohr would send their children to another unless they are liege and vassal. Even so mistrust run deep, and not without reasons.''
A pitiful truth, but an undeniable one in the land of wolf and vulture that was Nohr. And it fell to the king to keep the kingdom united despite it.
''I dampened the mood, did I not.'' Sighed Garon, shaking his head. ''Forgive me, love. Please go on.''
''There is no need to apologize.'' Reassured Lora. ''For my hard work and dedication, I was eventually made one of the three squires of prince Lorian. I was tasked to carry the prince's equipment and maintain it, while the two others were in charge of his horse and flag. It was an immense honor, so great that my Father ascended in the court of Lothric. Since it was a time of peace, we did not see the battlefield for a long time, and our duties were somewhat lessened between the tournaments where the prince participated. His way of holding the greatsword was marvelous, and he stood above all other by his skills and dignity.''
A devious smirk formed on the lips of Garon, wrinkles contracting as he crossed his arms on the table, head resting on his closed fist.
''Is this more than admiration that I am hearing in your voice, love?''
''You will not get me this time.'' Retorted the queen, earning an amused gaze as she leaned on the table. ''I did have a slight crush on the prince. But it never went further, and I am sure the feeling was shared by most of the court damsels. If I worked anything harder in the vain hope of catching his attention, without much chances to success.''
The king softly snickered but did not insist, knowing well that he had made fun of her enough.
''When I crossed my nineteenth year, the Demon War was declared, and all three of us squire accompanied the prince on the frontline. When Lorian fought the Demon Prince, we were defending his flank with the royal guard, preventing other demon from interfering. The two other squires died, one of them under my eyes trampled by a gigantic Taurus demon, and I was severely injured myself.'' Said Lora, instinctively touching her left flank where the large red-purple scar was still present under the clothing and armor.
''But for surviving and defending the prince without retreating, I was dubbed into the royal knights after the return to Lothric, about a year younger than the tradition dictated. I had never been as proud as that day, knighted by king Oceiros before the whole court.'' Fondly recounted Lora.
''Your father was generous to give you a chance.'' Commentated Garon.
''Yes, he was. I saw him in the court sometimes as well as my brother, but not much. I mostly corresponded with my mother and sister, until... Well, until the rebellion happened.''
The king nodded before rising, offering his hand to stand up before they went on the ship deck. The coast was indeed in view as well as the port, although Lora has to squint to see it there. Green all over, a fertile land bathing in the sun that have never needed a war to get anything.
''Have you met the Archduke before?'' Asked Lora, wondering about what sort of man could send such ridiculous invitation.
''No, and neither I have come to this country before. According to those who visited it, Izumo is a place of quietness, where people can forget their worries for a time. I expect Izana to be a man in the likeness of his country, wise and serene.'' Reflected Garon out loud, looking at the faraway landscape.
A welcome change in comparison to the nohrian court, at least. Maybe... Maybe she could use the time away from Nohr to relax a little. Maybe it would not be so wrong.
''You can't just get rid of him like that!'' Insisted Corrin with an annoyed pout.
''Milady, I cannot allow this ruffian to stay in service any longer.'' Firmly affirmed Gunter.
The hall of the Northern Fortress was an unusual place for an argument between the princess and the old knight, and even less with witnesses like the guards and servants currently present. The wrinkled, sharp features of Gunter kept their edge as he looked down on the young girl's red eyes.
''He has been nothing but an annoyance to the other servants, his chores are never done in time, and whatever is done is unacceptable by any standards.'' Enumerated Gunter. ''There is no reason for his presence. He may as well do nothing and be a better influence on this place.''
The onslaught of criticism seemed to squash the subject of the whole discussion, a young boy in work clothes about the age of the princess standing between two guards. His silver hair fell upon his face, hiding any feeling he could have expressed other than with his resigned posture.
''But he has nobody with him! If you send him outside, what he will do?'' Protested the princess.
''This is not your concern, young lady, and this little tantrum of your will not change a thing about it.''
Clenching her fist, Corrin tried to think of something. It was unfair! It was stupid, but she had to do something there! She wouldn't accept something like that again! Restraining the tears coming, she blurted out:
''Then I'll take him!''
For a brief instant the old knight seemed dumbstruck. Absolute silence came over the hall. The princess, just as surprised that she had not been rejected on the spot, pressed on.
''If he is mine, you can't throw him away! I want him, and I'll get him!''
''Young princess...'' Started Gunter, for the first time apparently unsure of what to say.
''Because I'm a princess, I take him as my retainer! That's an order!''
The high-pitched scream resonated in the hall, hiding her lack of confidence in the sheer volume. Corrin looked at her caretaker and tutor in the eyes, waiting for his answer. She had never yelled at him. She had never dared to. After an instant of deafening silence where she only heard the crazed beating of her own heart, Gunter spoke.
''If it is what Milady wishes. Be sure that you understand the consequences of your action.''
Briefly stunned by his acceptance, the princess quickly nodded and took the boy's hand before sprinting to her room with him. It worked. She could not believe it worked. Running past the guards she almost tripped on a maid cleaning the floor and profusely apologized before going on slightly slower. The door of her room, at the top of the tower. Panting from all the running she came in and fell on the bed, exhausted both emotionally and physically.
''Why did you do help me?''
The depressed voice of the boy she took with her took Corrin out of her reverie. She sat on the bed, facing the young servant whose head was still down.
''They are right. I don't know how to do anything. I can't make tea or cook, or clean. What do you want me to do for you?''
''Huuu.. Can you tell me your name first?'' Asked the princess, unsure.
''Jakob, milady.'' Answered the boy flatly.
'' That's a nice name! I am Corrin. And... Your first task will be to chat with me!''
''Chat?...''
''Yes!... I have no one to talk all day, and I haven't seen you talk to anyone either, so... Yeah, chat!''
The boy, Jakob, stood up a little more and for the first time Corrin could see his features clearly. He wasn't bad, a little scrawny and dull, but he had nice steel colored eyes! He looked somewhat like Gunter, with that old man hair.
''I don't remember seeing you before, I mean, a lot before! When did you came here?''
''I was left here.''
''Oh, sorry, I shouldn't have asked...'' Precipitately apologized the princess. ''You know, I was left here too! I never left the fortress... Mother and Father say its for my good, but... I wanna see how it is outside for once...''
''Should I guide you outside then?''
''Ye-no, no! I mean, I want to, but I tried once, and... And...''
Corrin tried to contain her sobs, everything reminding her of how Silas just disappeared after he tried to prepare a picnic for her outside the walls. She asked again and again, but no one answered where he was gone, just that he would never come back. It was all her fault, and she couldn't even say sorry to him... Something was dropped into her hand. A little handkerchief, that she used to wipe out her tears quickly.
''Thank you Jakob.''
''It's nothing, milady...'' Said the boy with a bit of embarrassment, the first emotion he displayed apart from apathy. ''But I can't be a retainer. I have no skills at all...''
''It's fine! You'll learn to do other things, and until then I'll just have the other servants do it as usual!''
''But they said...''
''I don't care what they said! You'll learn, and you'll be the best! Like Mother said, as long as you try, you will succeed one day! You can only lose when you give up!'' Cheerfully repeated Corrin.
The boy seemed completely taken aback by her enthusiasm, looking at her in awe like she was some sort of divine miracle before suddenly kneeling in front of her.
''Heh, Jakob?'' Said the princess, surprised.
''I swear to you, milady, I will try as hard as I can to be the best butler you will ever have!'' Fervently declared the boy. ''I will follow your every words from now on! I swear it!''
''Uh, huh, thanks Jakob... Can you...''
''Yes?''
''… Please stand up? I, can't chat with you like that.''