The Fiery Queen of Nohr : Part 16
Author's note : I'm so happy, I have been accepted into my master's degree ! I can rest in peace ! Or rather, write in peace. And here is the new chapter ! pt1oef is, as usual, to thanks for the beta-reading. Now, onto replying to reviews !
Spartastic 4 : I did a full recharge, Bountiful Sunlight is ready to cast ! Two maids acquired indeed. I do try to be more vigilant about misspelling. And your prayers will soon be answered. We approach the moment the game start, very soon.
Rnij : Fire overload is bad for your mental and physical health kids, don't try it ! And it is human Garon yes.
Guest : Yep, using the First Flame is not without danger. There is a reason she isn't just always in Lord of Cinder. When she fought Peri it was a different issue. She can be so rigid sometimes that she lose sight of things that should be obvious. Like, that she was about to kill Peri rather than accept someone that did not fit her completely unrealistic criteria to be Xander's retainer.
Greyjedi449t : Thank you ! And the awaited update is here.
Blaise Welsham : You're welcome, I hope this one will captivate you too !
Imperial Warlord : Thank you very much. Here is the next one, hoping you'll find it just as awesome !
EatenJaguar98 : Ah, please don't eat yourself. It's painful. Very much. But to answer you, we are almost into the beginning of the game. And it will be indeed very different...
pt1oef : The First Flame in Lora is indeed trying to make her link the Fire to ensure its own survival. It would have... Disastrous consequences. Glad you like the relationship between Lora and Garon. And yeah, a Lord of Cinder is extremely tough. To give you an idea, Lora already have endgame Lunatic boss stats, but as Lord of Cinder, she is even stronger.
Johnny Rain : Your wait is over, here is the chapter ! I'm happy to hear you liked the story !
BelongingKind : No problem, life take priority after all. Oh yes Peri as a fangirl is amusing, well when you think about it she likes murder, blood, killing, and to her Lora is more or less the "best" model of that available. And oh no, Fateslandia is a pleasant walk in the park compared to Dark Souls. And thanks for appreciating the care Xander have for Peri. Yeah, he have good reasons to be worried.
As always, I encourage you to leave a review to express your opinion ! With all that said, enjoy the story !
More than a hundred participants. One hundred and eighty-six, to be exact. The Great Tournament of Windmire never had so many participants. Or rather, no one had ever seen more competitors joining the tournament in past years. Contestants not only came from Nohr, but also Nestra, Cheve and even Mokushu, a country on the south of Hoshido. For the commoners, it meant more exciting battles, longer festivities, and greater spectacles, extending the tournament to ten long days instead of the usual four or five.
Unfortunately, with this greater than usual Tournament combined with the massive armies sent by the lords and lady obeying the Right of Service, the logistic had become a never-ending nightmare. The city intendants worked themselves to death sorting everything. Matters brought by nobility slowly climbed up to the sovereigns themselves. Thankfully, the princes and the eldest princess did help out sorting most of the useless requests. Like asking to requisition a quarter of the city to settle their household.
"Ridiculous", Lora inwardly snorted when she remembered that peculiar request. The crater surrounding Krakenburg had been big enough to contain all those complainers.
The biggest surprise, however, was that Lora found herself interested in the tournament. The event fundamentally never bothered her, but any tournament which she couldn't fight in was boring by definition. Yet this one had been made above all the previous ones by the numbers and varieties of trials. The usual jousting, archery, and great melee were accompanied by pleasant novelties: axe and javelin throw on foot and horseback, splitting a massive wooden pole with only five hit of the blade, and even a more tactical challenge of reaching first a flag in a specifically trapped field. While it was obvious none of the contestants could have matched the queen's strength and skill with a blade, she couldn't say for sure that she could have hit the small hanging shield with a throwing axe on horseback like some of them did. That was made it interesting, to see demonstrations of skill and strength alike in domains still foreign.
This tournament was also not just a pretext to the festivities. It was meant to bring only the best warriors out of the rank and nobility, those destined to lead and fight battles for the glory of Nohr. And it was three of those aforementioned bests in particular that were now standing before the king and Lora in the shadow of the royal tent, just outside the sea of tents that made the tournament side field.
Those three piqued her husband's curiosity much as she did in their first encounter long ago, and Lora had been keen on seeing why. Despite their unquestionable martial talents, their identities were completely unknown, as no one among the participants or spectators could recognize them by either name or face, which was curious for people with such formidable skills. Their traits obviously did not match that any hoshidian, so they could have passed for nohrians quite easily had they not precised they were foreigners. The first two were men: one was blond, with pale blue eyes and a square face, while the other had softer features, brown eyes and dark gray hairs. The third member was a woman with extremely long red hair arranged in twin-tails, going down all the way to her hips. The red haired and gray haired ones were donned in white doublet with brown and blue top respectively, with a large shoulder brace on their left and metal shin guards, and with their swords they looked like typical mercenaries. The blond one wore a yellow mage attire inexplicably revealing his stomach, yet his stance was almost identical to that of the other, revealing to the eyes of professionals that he was used to the sword.
''Odin Dark, Laslow, Selena. You three won the great melee today. Quite the feat for young newcomers.'' Commented Lora.
''Of course, your highness! Such trifle was but a step in the heroic path leading-''
The blond boy, Odin Dark said this as his red-headed companion Selena dealt him a sharp elbow strike to the ribs, instantly shutting down his theatrics and made him finish in a more down to earth tone.
''-I mean, we are used to fighting together, your highness.''
''Hum. Where are you from, warriors?''
They tensed perceptibly, but from the question or Garon's rough tone, Lora couldn't be sure.
''We come from a small village beyond the South-West of Nohr, your majesty.''
''Yeah, it was tiny and boring and miserable. We came here to demonstrate our strength, and that tournament was the perfect opportunity!'' Exclaimed the red-headed in a half derisive and half confident tone, quickly regaining her composure.
''Tell me then. How and from whom have you obtained such strength.''
''… Our parents were part of the local militia, your highness. Bandits often attacked, and we had to learn to defend ourselves very young. It is only recently that it became peaceful enough for us to depart.'' Said the gray-haired one, Laslow, with noticeable hesitation.
The king pondered during an instant before waving his hand toward them.
''Participate in the dueling contest tomorrow. I may consider a special reward should you demonstrate your power.''
The three bowed and left. Lora was surprised. He didn't press them much. No, he was deliberately not asking much. Compared to her own experience, it was surprising. She had faced far more questions and interrogations from Garon and Katerin, and she just knew that the king was going to ask them to serve. It was the whole purpose of the Great Tournament. Even if he didn't, she would have asked to test them personally.
''Leave us.''
The guards bowed to her order and went outside the tent, leaving only the royal couple inside.
''You will recruit them, I am certain of it. So why have you not insisted more?'' Asked the queen, puzzled.
''Tell me, my queen, what do you think of them?''
Lora frowned a little, trying to discern to where her husband was trying to lead her. They were strong, obviously. She saw them in the arena, and their victories were all but luck. They deliberately set themselves as a low priorities target by only defeating those attacking them directly and not using horses, not even those of their opponents. They left their opponents to wear out in number and strength before they swept the remaining opposition by precise and coordinated assaults. That kind of tactics could have been the result of many fights against superior numbers, but no amount of fighting against bandits or the like could have given them the ease by which they fought in the middle of the melee, or their knowledge of battlefield chaos and how to survive it. They had seen war, not just small conflicts, they had been thrown into a war where they had to act like a cohesive unit in a larger force.
Lora then thought about what the girl, Selena, said. That they wanted their strength to be recognized, to use it for their own gain instead of wasting it. A fairly understandable motivation, especially in Nohr. Yet it didn't feel… Genuine. The girl was sounding like she was trying to convince herself more than anything else, and if she noticed it there was no way the king wouldn't have.
On the other hand, Lora was almost certain they didn't lie about their parents' occupations and training. The three reacted the exact same way when the one named Laslow talked about it: with hesitation, unease, and a barely hidden pain. So they were truly trained by their family… No, their family had been very close and part of the same army. They likely fought under their wing, maybe even took the mantle after their death. Yet they didn't appear to be remnants of a lost conflict. A victory then, but a hollow one, maybe there was nothing left of their home afterward. It would explain their pain and departure. Meaning they may have nothing else but each other…
''You want to make them agents.''
''I want them for my children, should they also prove their individual skills.'' Corrected the king.
''It will be a good test of their abilities and characters.''
Lora agreed before standing up. To work with those you may not be able to trust was something they should know closely already, but to have an imposed retainer would be far more challenging. Retainers were not simply personal servants and bodyguards. They were the closest and most trusted individuals for a lord. To have an unknown party fulfilling that function would not be accepted readily. In fact, she would be disappointed if they accepted without objecting.
''If that is all, I will oversee the preparations for the duelings tomorrow. With special care for those three.''
Garon nodded, then Lora left the tent, a couple of royal guards following. Dusk was near, and all activities around the tournament were slowly dying down. Squires were running between the way to accomplish some missions, bowing deeply when they crossed her path while avoiding to let whatever they were holding fall on the dry ground, be it weapons or shield sent to the smiths for repair, victuals to appease whatever appetite one could have before falling asleep, and even one bringing what was quite evidently one of the many harlot that could be easily found around such event, though if it was for himself or to satiate the desire of a superior, Lora didn't care. What she did care was that any of them could be a disguised assassin or even be used as a distraction for one, and so she ordered one of her royal guards to make a round around the field of tents. No soldier were to receive or accept the attention of any prostitute while in service.
''Majesty! Your majesty!''
A yelling soldier came full throttle and bowed, holding a pile of parchments. They were taken by the royal guard who examined it with a suspicious gaze before handing it to the queen, deemed them to be what they appeared to be: reports. Specifically, reports about the troops brought by the Right of Service and their meshing into the royal army.
''Soldier Declan. I will not ask what mischief brought you to become once again the mule messenger of the castle.''
''Your highness hurt me, didn't do a thing this time, I swear. Not my fault captain's more bitter than his favorite booze.''
The slim soldier's usual denial was accompanied with a contrived regretful face as Lora kept walking toward the great field where the tournament would keep going tomorrow. Only when they started to cross the empty space separating tents and tournament open field, the queen spoke again.
''Report, soldier.''
''Yes sir.'' Acknowledged Declan, dropping the insolent act. '' Lady Peri's nut job. One moment crying her eyes out, another enraged and the other all cheerful. Threaten to kill servants all the time. Grinning all ears when about to do it. Sliced open a maid trying to give her wine and when prince Xander came in she shouted the maid tried to poison her. Yeah. Damn wary she is. Not eating a thing she hasn't made by herself, but damn… she cooks good, think its her hobby. Bet she could even work in royal kitchens. Big serious about her job though, can't ever find her slacking off and never disobey prince Xander.''
Lora frowned at the picture the soldier described. It was at the same time worse and better than she expected from the brief contacts she had with the now infamous retainer of Xander after the evaluation she gave. It seemed the qualities the prince discerned were well and truly present, but her eccentricities were still concerning: she would not tolerate a killing spree among the servants although a poisoning attempt was not so unbelievable. Many would kill or send a killer to have a chance to take her place. If the prince managed to rein in her nature then there were no issues, but one too many slip and she will be demoted, whether or not the crown prince agreed.
''Beruka's also a piece of work. Known assassin, rumors say she's still on the market. Cold like Ice Tribe's lake and my wife together. I mean she's never angry, never happy or anything. Not sure she can smile at all. Fact, not even sure she knows what a hobby is. Either working, watching her mistress back or just standing. Not kidding, just standing there until she is given something to do. Even lady Peri just cook or something. Most I've seen Beruka do? Sharpening something. Also, not sure if she spotted me or not, but last time in duty she just looked at me like, well, my wife when she sees spiders.''
Irritating, but the queen could not blame Declan for being spotted by a master assassin. The soldier had proven himself an invaluable informant inside the castle, much more effective than she would ever have guessed. Although he had been smuggling until joining the army, well even after since she discovered him in martial court, where the soldier barely evaded punishment by helping to catch his former associates. To lose him to princess Camilla's retainer would only make things unnecessarily complicated.
''And what have you found about the thief prince Leo took at his service?''
''Well… Turns out, I knew him. Not know now, your highness, I've just seen him in the past once or twice that's all. Not sure he remembered me at all.'' Very quickly added Declan. ''Name's Niles. Guy's a bastard, loves to hurt people with words, but I'd rather have him around than the other two psychos. He's honest about it you see? Weird thing is, he seems to have made a full turn. I mean, haven't heard or seen him steal at all. Seems to do just like me, just sneaking around for his higher-up. May not steal again but still got all past connections. Think prince Leo knows about me, had to use the master keys to help him catch Niles. If guy's half as smart as I heard, sure as hell he found out by now. Also think that's only matter of time before Niles find out too. Bastard's very good at finding things, peoples or other.''
Of course, Leo would be the one to find out. The youngest prince was definitively the smartest among his siblings, and such anomaly would only comfort him that Declan was more than he appeared to be. Lora would have to talk with Leo about that, and also about his retainer. This Niles may be a mere thief, but… She would be a hypocrite to judge him for having the service of one after having struck such an odd friendship with Greirat in the past. Even if the position of retainer was far above anything a thief should occupy, the portrait her soldier painted told her this Niles fulfilled an important role, one she could not judge by her standards. As for Declan, she had another task for him.
''Very well. Soldier, I have a new task for you. Three individuals won the great melee today. I want you to watch their every move and report them to me. Find also everything you can about their past and origin. Verne and Chloe will assist you in this.''
"Yes sir."
The soldiers saluted as they reached the tournament field, or more exactly the large pavilion built on the side of that exact field. Declan bowed and joined the guards already protecting the place while Lora went into the little building, the royal guard with her igniting the torch inside. She sat at the small table, silently considering the list of illustrious and unknown names together that formed the contestants for tomorrow duels. Odin Dark was absent of the list. Intrigued, she considered the reasons which could push an apparently puffed-up young man to hide his swordsmanship. Debilitating arm wounds? Unwillingness to potentially fight his comrades? In any case, it simplified what she had in mind. Quickly arranging the competition, she put the two other at opposite ends of the fighting tree. To see how they would fare against each other in the finale was an interesting possibility.
"Yaaaah!"
The war cry resonated on the top of one of the Northern Fortress many towers as Corrin lunged forward, her flailing sword targeting the side of her opponent… Before being stopped dead in its track by a sharp blow to the head.
"Ouchi!"
"You are still too impatient, little princess." Admonished the queen, swirling the long spear in her hand before delivering another strike.
The white-haired princess jumped back to evade before ducking again under the blade, only to be tripped by the weapon vicious comeback. Corrin rolled in panic, narrowly avoiding another hit before she had to raise her weapon to parry. The impact almost knocked the sword out of her hand and she jumped aside to try to recover balance, suffering another hit to the ribs from the long spear handle.
"Never try to parry a thrust without a shield. Come again."
"Ow… Yes! Mother!"
Once more Corrin charged the queen, sword in a low stance. This time she managed to deflect the first attack, avoid a vertical cleave with a spinning dash… which left her vulnerable for the weapon coming back just like before, crashing on her shoulder and sending her roll on the ground again. The princess stood up, arms shaking, moving much more cautiously this time. But Lora suddenly advanced, her spear moving with swiftness as it showered the young girl with precise strikes.
"You -ouch- told me -ow- you wouldn't -eow- move!"
"Talking makes you wide open!" Curtly replied Lora as she kept pressuring the princess with a flurry of assaults.
Most of them found their target and soon Corrin found herself covered in more bruises, trying desperately to protect herself until the queen disengaged, leaving her some breathing space. The princess used her sword as support to stay on her feet, panting heavily as she instinctively rubbed the places where she had been hit. Lora looked down on her for an instant before lowering her spear.
"Your enemy might change tactics at any moment to open your guard. Complacency breeds death, little princess."
Corrin groaned. Her body was aching everywhere, as much from exertion as from all the bruises that she knew were forming under her clothes. She hated when Mother did that. Even if he was just as strict, big brother Xander was honest and didn't change rules on the fly. Mother said she had to evade her attacks and reach her, not that she would defend! And it always happened before she could react!
"Princess Elise, it is your turn."
"Yes, queen Lora! Hold on big sis!"
The last princess of Nohr trotted from the side, a staff as tall as she was in her hands. She was even smaller then Corrin, with long blond hair flowing in twin-tails and a perpetual cheerful expression. Corrin loved her little sister. She could play for hours with her, and even big sister Camilla would join when she was there! A warm green light enveloped her when Elise held the staff high, bruises and cut vanishing under the healing magic. A couple minutes later Corrin was once more healthy, if a little exhausted.
"You can do it, big sis! I'm with you!"
Corrin smiled at the cheer before rising her blade, but Mother shook her head.
"This time it will be your commanding that will be put to the test. Call your retainers."
"Uh, yes! Jakob, Felicia, it's your turn!"
"At once, lady Corrin."
The gray-haired boy obediently came forth. Far from the skinny boy Corrin saved from, he was now some weight back on his arms and legs and grew almost as tall as her. Even if he was still slim, his servant clothes fitted him much better. And he made such good teas now!
"Coming, lady Corrin!"
The maid came trotting, stress reflecting in her blue eyes. Corrin liked Felicia, even if she was… a little clumsy? Completely unbalanced? Butterfingered? How does someone even bind himself with the laundry? But she was so nice! And she could make ice! Ice! She thought mages could only use fire, wind or lightning! Ever since Mother brought Felicia and made her Corrin's maid, she did her best to become friend with the pink-haired girl. And it worked! If only Jakob could be nicer to the newcomer…
Corrin was taken out of her thought when Lora's long spear disappeared, replaced by a slender rapier in her right hand and four thin blades between the fingers of her left hand, a strange association Corrin has never seen before. If Mother didn't change the rules again, her goal was to have her servants hit at least once. Butlers and maids were trained to fight with throwing daggers while supporting their allies with healing staves, but the first time, when she tried to have Jakob attack while Felicia defended, Mother simply pushed the first aside to knock down the second. What to do, what to do, what to do… There. She had an idea. She never tried something like that before. Maybe it would work for once!
"Everyone, throw all your weapons at once!"
There was a stunned silence immediately followed by a shower of daggers sent by Jakob, then shortly after by Felicia, who even threw her healing staff! There was too much of them to be all dodged!… Mother jumped. She jumped so high! And she just threw… Hey, she only had four throwing blades in hand, where did all those come from? Eyes wide, Corrin could only look in disbelief as all blades either missed or were deviated by Mother's thin blades and rapier until she landed, sprinted toward the now weaponless Jakob and Felicia and knocking them down easily.
"Princess Elise, heal them. As for you little princess, can you tell me what you did wrong?"
Corrin's fists tightened. She was sure she would do it this time! Why? Why was nothing working? She tried everything! Trying to find something to say, she ended unable to even start a phrase, fighting the tears forming. She looked down. She couldn't face Mother's disappointed expression…
"Look up, Corrin. A princess of Nohr should always show her pride."
The deep voice calling out to her immediately made Corrin jump with surprise. He was there too!?
"Father! You're here!" Exclaimed the princess with glee, wiping the tears while running toward the towering man in black armor.
Garon chuckled and took Corrin under the arms, making her spin around a little before putting her back on the ground. His white beard was so huge now! There were even two little mustaches growing out of it on the sides of the beard!
"Why I didn't know? I waited so long! Really long! I can't even remember how much long!"
"Now now, dear daughter. I was trying to keep my presence a surprise, but I could not let you in tears like this." Said Father, visibly amused by her energy. "What exercise were you going through?"
"… Leadership."
"Hum, I see. Obviously you did not succeed. Now, do not cry. Think about what is asked of you."
Corrin didn't understand why Father would ask something like that, but she tried thinking. Hard. Where was the problem? She tried everything she could think of in the past days. Even asking Felicia to make a scene so that Mother would laugh and lose focus! Not only it failed, but she didn't even crack a smile! The snowballs failed too… Mother was just too fast. They were just children. Father himself said he couldn't beat Mother! It was just impossible, and Mother always cheated! Wait. If Mother cheated, then it wasn't really cheating, right?
"Mother, can I see your weapon closer? It looks so weird! Pleaaaase?"
For an instant, Corrin feared she had overdone it, but Mother nodded and she left Father's arms to walk toward Mother, who was presenting her blades in evidence. Not too fast, not too slow, she mustn't rise suspicion. Almost. Jakob was on his feet, Felicia just stood up too. They were so close. Corrin looked at the weapon as she approached, noticing the rapier was thicker and the knives longer than she thought at first glance. They were in fact quite longer than throwing daggers, looking almost like miniature swords. Where did Mother hide all those she threw… They all disappeared? There were no blades on the roof except those of Jakob and Felicia? She was confused now… Oh right, the plan! Corrin dashed and grabbed Lora's arms holding the knives, yelling:
"Jakob Felicia now!"
Just at the corner of her eyes she saw Jakob and Felicia stunned before the boy's face turned from surprise to determination. He lunged while realization dawned on the maid, reaching toward Mother who was surprised and!
"Intercept, Flora."
The cold voice of Mother almost frightened Corrin until her attention was caught by someone she hasn't even see until now. A maid with a strand of light blue hairs stood suddenly in the way of Jakob. Felicia's sister! He tried to bypass her but she pointed a blade at him while Felicia just stood there, dumbfounded. Corrin deflated, looking at Mother… Who was smiling… At her.
"Well done, little princess." She said approvingly to her surprise, undoing the princess's grip before putting her weapons away. "Now, can you tell what you did wrong before?"
"I, huh, could've done that from the start?"
"Yes, but it is only part of the answer. What else?"
"Uh… Cheating is not cheating when we fight?"
Mother laughed softly, a small sound that made the heart of Corrin jump in surprise and happiness.
"You are starting to understand. Listen well, Corrin. In battle, there are no rules except those you force upon yourself. In the end, the only thing that matter is victory. And being alive at the end of any fight is a victory in itself."
Lora was now kneeling, her glimmering eyes on the same level as Corrin's own. The princess confusedly felt that she wasn't talked like a child, that she was told something of the utmost importance to Mother.
"Some will say it is dishonorable to use any means to achieve victory. And a few of them may survive while upholding their code. But the truth is that death does not make any exception for the self-righteous. Dead cannot speak of honor. When you fight, do so with all the tools, all the allies and all the weapons at your disposal. Understood?"
Corrin nodded seriously, not entirely sure she understood everything but determined to engrave the lesson in her mind.
"From now on, whenever I do not explicitly forbid something in an exercise, remember you are free to do it if you think it will give you a chance. I will still not tolerate disobedience, nor you will take my words as permission to do as you please. Rules and laws exist for a reason. Are we clear?"
"Yes, Mother. I understand. I think" Nodded Corrin once more, trying not to break eyes contact.
Mother smiled and struck her hair affectionately before standing up and facing Jakob and Felicia, her expression returning to their usual severity.
"It seems you are taking training under Gunter seriously. Jakob, your perfect obedience to your lord's orders is commendable. Be sure to react to them in time. Felicia, throwing your healing staff away would have condemned your lord, had she been wounded. Never repeat such mistakes."
"Oh go- yes your majesty I will, I won't, I mean, yes." Babbled the young pink-haired maid while bowing with Jakob who answered a clear "Yes your majesty".
The cold wind howled, making the princess shiver as she saw the faint sunlight turning even weaker. Evening already? Her pointed ears were starting to feel numb.
"The air is becoming cold. Corrin, Elise, you are free to go. The queen and I have important matters to discuss."
"Okay!"
Following her exclamation, Elise took Corrin's hands before starting to run toward the tower's stairs, the others coming right behind. They stampeded on their descent, Corrin almost stumbling when she missed a step while the anguished calls of the slower Jakob, Felicia, and Flora echoed behind… Until they did hit something that just came out of a door and almost fell on their back, if not for the strong hands that caught them.
"How many time have I told you not to run in stairs, young ladies?"
Standing in the stairs and holding each princess by the arms, Gunter's old face couldn't hide his exasperation. Corrin fidgeted, unable to get out the strong grip, while Elise simply made a big smile.
"Hi Gunter, how are you? We were racing with others!"
"Princess Elise, please do not undo all my hard work educating your older sister…" Sighed the old knight before squinting. "Did you say others?"
Just an instant later a ball of arms and legs fell from the stairs right in front of them, not hitting them by some kind of miracle.
"Lady Corrin/Elise, are you alright?" Came the simultaneous cries of Jakob and Felicia, Flora only groaning from under them as they tried to stand up.
Corrin winced. It seemed obvious that Felicia's clumsiness and their speed combined provoked the disaster. With another sigh, she was left free by Gunter.
"You will be lectured about this. All of you. For now, I must join the king and queen. Young ladies, I trust you to go to your room and not cause another scene."
After a final stern gaze, Gunter climbed the stairs. Pouting, Corrin helped Flora to get up, whose blueish hairs became a mess after the fall. The maid was completely different from her sister: always silent and polite and never laughing. And actually capable of doing something without tripping. Maybe it was for that she was technically at Mother's orders, even if she worked for her at the Northern fortress. And why she intercepted Jakob when she tried her plan that should've worked, understood Corrin, now slightly upset… Oh yes. Mother didn't say she had to go to her room. Gunter neither. Just that she and Elise were free to go.
"Big Sis? Aren't we gonna play in your room?" Asked her little sister, tugging her sleeve.
"Not yet Elise… Want to play hide and listen?"
"Uh? Oh yeah!" Approved the youngest princess, understanding quickly.
"Lady Corrin, Gunter asked you to go to your room." Pointed Flora, still trying to arrange her clothes and hairs.
"No he didn't! And I'll go. Later." Added Corrin. "Come Elise, and don't make noises!"
"Lady Corrin, I'm not entirely sure about what you're trying to do..."
"Don't worry Jakob, just be silent! And, uh, Felicia… Watch your steps please?"
"Of course I do!… Oh, understood." Half-agreed the pink-haired maid, unsure.
They all climbed the stairs back the most silently they could, hoping not to be found by a sentinel in duty or worse, that the adults would have finished their conversation too soon. Hopefully, they wouldn't, and they would catch something, thought Corrin. But the more and more she approached the top of the stairs leading to the tower's roof, the more she had to fight her apprehension. A muffled sound made her spin around so fast she almost fell. It was only Felicia who almost sneezed. Trying to breath deeply despite the mixing fear and excitation, she started to climb again, catching up to Elise who still kept going. Her little sister was moving with exaggerated movements as if she played a thief, completely focused in the "game". The door! They were almost there. With infinite precaution, Corrin leaned on the metallic frame and listened…
"Big sis, I can't hear a thing!" Whispered Elise with surprise.
"Me too! The door is too big!" Realized Corrin with frustration, keeping her voice low.
"What are we going to do?"
"I don't know!"
"Lady Corrin, can we go back now? The old man won't be happy to see us."
"Shush Jakob! I'm trying to…"
With a loud grating noise, the door opened slightly. Corrin paled. She had put her hand on the door handle without noticing. Without a single word the children all fled in catastrophe, imagining an angry Gunter on their heel.
"It was Corrin."
Lora's assured declaration stopped Gunter in his track and the knight turned around, skeptical.
"Are you certain of this, your majesty? Despite my best efforts, I cannot affirm for sure that it is not the work of some spy or impudent servant."
"I am. I can recognize her presence quite easily now."
"You can tell from a distance now?" Asked the king, knowing how she likely knew.
"I cannot say if there was anyone else with her. It is easier to feel her… Unique presence."
The gray-haired knight nodded and sheathed his sword, drawn the very instant the door rattled. Garon moved his hand away from the sword hidden under his heavy cape. Assassins were rarer than ever around the royal family, but recent events made them all more cautious than ever. It was a good thing the children were away. Such matter was not for them to worry about.
"So, neither survivor nor witness, and the only thing found is a torn hoshidian banner and some of their arrows." Grimly resumed the king. "It is too obvious."
"Hoshido have no interest in provoking us like this. If they wanted, they could simply close their border and do much more damage." Agreed Lora, thinking aloud.
"With all due respect, your majesties, I cannot entirely agree. It may be the work of a single lord of their, avid for vengeance. The village was remote, far from their lord's protection, but close of the mountains near the northern border. It would be far too easy for a troop to slip through, execute its sordid deed and come back."
The king reflected on Gunter's counter-argument. In that light, it would not be so far fetched. Something else made him highly suspicious of the false flag explanation he would have favored otherwise. The slaughter. Bandits never slaughtered whole villages, not with such thoroughness and brutality. They killed the strongest, those who resisted and those who were the most likely to oppose them, leaving only the weak alive to plunder time and time again. But here, there were no survivors at all. Men, women, even children, not a single soul escaped alive. Even punitive expeditions between lords in feud were not as deadly.
"Are you convinced Hoshidian could have done that?"
"I expect anything from people who actively kill any enemy soldiers surrendering to them." Stated Gunter loud and clear, a hint of resentment piercing through his steeled voice.
This statement shifted Lora's stance slightly, enough for Garon to see that she was now doubting. It was indeed how Hoshido did war. But for now, decreed Garon in his mind, the repercussion of such grave accusation, even if true, far outweighed the few lost lives of a remote hamlet.
"We will not make a direct move toward Hoshido. For now. Marquis Alex will be commanded to increases his effort against bandits and smugglers, and mages will be sent to evaluate the Barrier once more."
He could feel it in his aging bones. Something was wrong, very wrong as he gazed at the night sky where stars started to appear. Even if he hoped it would be an isolated incident, something whispered in his mind that it was only the beginning of a very slippery hill…