Chapter 32

“The battlefield is like a finely tuned scale.”

Even the slightest disruption on one side will ruin the balance, leading to a crash that can’t be avoided.

“The supply lines have been secured! We can proceed through this winter without issue!”

“Wasn’t the situation at the Gartarn territory in dire straits?”

Gartarn was a crucial supply base that could extend to the western frontlines.

However, it had been consumed by the Demon Race, rendering that route unusable…

“We’ve received word that the Windsor Knight Order, under Her Majesty the Queen’s orders, has sent support and resolved the problem.”

This was touted as a solution to the issue.

For Duke Benas, the Supreme Commander of the West, this was the best news he had heard recently.

“As expected, Her Majesty has a plan!”

“But… didn’t the Duke express dissatisfaction over why we are prioritizing support for Gartarn when the frontline is about to collapse?”

“If I must conceal that fact, I’d be willing to cut down my aide,” he said, his tone deadly serious.

“What did I just say?”

Once the balance was restored in Gartarn, the previously dire situation in the West improved dramatically.

Not only were supply lines flowing smoothly, but with the path to Gartarn opening up, a tactical ace was added to their hands.

With that in mind, the Demon Race had no choice but to lessen their pressure.

Stability had returned to the West.

And this news had already reached the royal capital quicker than Cecilia, who was probably dozing off on a train right now.

“See, Sir Erterion? Didn’t I tell you I was right?”

“What in the world… This isn’t just a casual stroll around town.”

Erterion couldn’t hide his disbelief.

“Resolving the kingdom’s biggest issue in under a week is just absurd.”

Stabilizing the battlefield.

It sounds simple, but it’s an incredibly difficult task.

Of course, the kingdom had the resources to eliminate the threat from the Gartarn territory.

But in doing so, some area would be left vulnerable, and demons rarely miss such opportunities.

“Moreover, they even apprehended terrorists along the way. It seems they were so terrified that they spilled everything about their actions.”

This was what surprised Erterion the most.

What kind of folks are terrorists?

They’re the ones who wreak havoc on the kingdom with nonsensical logic.

Despite being traitors to humanity, their convictions are so strong that no amount of torture seems to faze them.

And yet, this time, those terrorists buckled under fear. Thanks to that, they could effectively counter the ‘supply collapse’ that had been their goal.

“Just imagining what would have happened if that child had failed to stop the terror makes me shudder.”

The magic engineering train was the main route for supplies. The Gartarn area was vital precisely because it was close to the final station.

If they used the train, supplies meant for the western front that should have arrived in ten days would be delayed by three months.

If supplies got delayed for three months…

They might have been forced to retreat from a line they had desperately defended for a hundred years.

“Who could have predicted this? Aside from Her Majesty, of course.”

Erterion couldn’t help but admire the Queen’s insight.

Even if the decision still seemed reckless, just look at the results.

With the surplus resources remaining in the royal capital, they had flipped the tide in an instant.

The invasion by the Demon Lord’s forces was a dangerous omen of the sacred flames.

At this timing, when vital resources couldn’t possibly be drawn from the royal capital, this was the optimal scenario.

The Queen quietly smiled and clasped her hands behind her back.

“Adversity and hardship are always upon us in times of turmoil. Those who overcome it and move forward are called heroes. Sir, rejoice. A hero has emerged. The balance of power on the continent will change greatly now.”

Indeed, she was a mysterious Queen.

Sometimes she seemed like a thoughtless girl, but at critical moments, she always made the right choice.

In the 300-year reign of the Rianen Kingdom, she had never once made a wrong decision.

Feeling the overflowing devotion towards the Queen, Erterion spoke.

“I stand corrected. Yes, Your Majesty is indeed right. She’s different from Edward. Clearly… But what’s she hiding behind her back?”

“W-what?”

Queen Lydia, flustered, hid her ‘worship tools.’

Erterion felt a chill creep in.

“You didn’t leave her out there praying for her safe return, did you?”

Sending a precious knight into peril and then praying for her safety out of uncertainty…?

In that moment, the loyalty he held for the Queen began to crumble.

Through gritted teeth, Erterion spat.

“After living for 300 years, have a little sense!”

**

Cecilia, practically a sister to the Windsor Knight Order.

The news of her achievements was met with joyful celebration by many, yet some couldn’t muster a smile.

“… No casualties?”

Edward checked the report for what seemed the hundredth time.

“She made an entirely different choice from me. Cecilia Windsor.”

Edward set the report down with a calm expression.

However, his tightly clenched fist had turned pale.

“And, quite ostentatiously too.”

If she had gone to the Gartarn territory, she couldn’t have avoided ‘that incident.’

Knowing that yet not incurring any casualties was a clear intention.

It was a message and a warning that she intended to walk a path different from Edward’s.

“… To reject a hand of peace extended to you. Truly, how very you.”

Edward’s eyebrows twitched as he resolved firmly.

“I’ll make you regret this, Cecilia.”

He vowed to sprinkle ashes on what should be a flower-strewn path ahead of her.

Because Edward’s world was always gray.

Meanwhile, at the magic engineering train station.

“Captain. Fidgeting like that won’t make the train go any faster.”

His aide, Michael, remarked with a dull tone. Kairon, dignified, replied.

“I fail to see the significance.”

“… You’ve been pacing the same spot over fifty times now.”

“…”

As always, Kairon maintained his composure, embodying the ideal knight.

But when it came to anything related to Cecilia, he lost his cool.

“Didn’t they say they completed their mission safely? You don’t need to worry; Cecilia will be fine.”

Of course, Kairon, having seen the report first, knew that Cecilia was safe.

Yet, that uneasy feeling lingered. Perhaps only seeing Cecilia in person would ease this anxiety.

Rumble rumble…

“Ah, the train is arriving. Captain, there are many people around, so maintain your dignity…”

Kairon was already hurrying toward the front.

Chhhhhh.

The train stopped, releasing a plume of magical smoke.

Slowly, people began disembarking, and Kairon quickly searched for silver hair.

After a short while, Cecilia stepped off the train, and Kairon rushed to her side.

“Cecilia.”

“Yes?”

Cecilia seemed no different than usual, her expression unreadable.

Yet, there was something visibly different about her. Small bandages wrapped around her right arm and thigh.

“… You’ve been hurt.”

As Kairon’s gaze fell on the bandages, Cecilia casually mentioned.

“It’s just a little bruise.”

Kairon’s heart felt like it was splitting apart.

She was still a child yet to undergo her coming-of-age ceremony.

And this child, upon returning from the battlefield, treated her wounds as if they were nothing serious.

‘At least until she becomes an adult, I will never send her to any dangerous places.’

Kairon resolved deeply. Cecilia was gazing up at Kairon with bright eyes.

This was the look of Cecilia seeking praise.

Normally, he would advise restraint, concerned that excessive adoration since childhood might lead her astray, but today…

“You’ve worked hard.”

Kairon suddenly embraced Cecilia.

Feeling her small frame, he thought to himself.

I will ensure that this child walks only flower-laden paths in her future.

**

‘… Hmm.’

Cecilia stood tall in the grand ballroom, blinking her eyes.

All eyes were on her as she stood on the red carpet running down the center.

“Cecilia Windsor.”

Queen Lydia was not her usual playful self; her expression was serious, devoid of laughter.

Her charismatic voice echoed throughout the hall.

“You have not hesitated to face any danger for the Rianen Kingdom and its people. Your sword has pierced through enemies, your courage has protected countless citizens, and your sacrifices have saved everyone.”

‘… Is that all?’

Honestly, it wasn’t that difficult a task.

If she hadn’t considered casualties, handling ‘deception’ was on the easier side.

Of course, there was nothing wrong with it. A medal; it meant more flashy gear for a newbie to show off. But…

‘Why do I feel so uneasy?’

Nevertheless, Cecilia maintained perfect etiquette and knelt on one knee.

“I hereby acknowledge your contributions and wish to honor you with the White Silver Martial Medal.”

The Queen approached with a gentle smile.

As she pinned the medal on Cecilia’s chest, she whispered softly.

“I hope your sword and convictions continue to shine as a light for our kingdom.”

“It’s an honor…”

The martial medals of the Rianen Kingdom aren’t strictly categorized.

However, the rank of the award is determined by the ‘nickname’ attached.

In other words, ‘White Silver’ was a name personally given by the Queen, inspired by her image of Cecilia.

For example, Edward was awarded ‘Holy’.

At this point, Cecilia felt an intense sense of crisis.

‘Why… is it not the Sword Master Medal?’

Cecilia’s title was the Sword Heroine.

In a simple martial award ceremony, it had to end with the title ‘Sword Master’ no matter what came before.

But saying it was just a ‘medal’ meant…

“Moreover, considering your victory in the critical situation of the Gartarn territory, I recognize that your rank has increased by one level.”

Cecilia’s eyes widened.

‘Oh, no.’

“As the Sword Heroine Cecilia, I hereby raise your rank and designate it as White Silver…”

Cecilia dashed forward and clamped her hands over the Queen’s mouth.

“I—I refuse.”

“…!”

“…!!”

“?”

In that moment, the Windsor Knight Order, who had been gleeful moments ago.

And the royal knights, seized by envy, jealousy, and spite.

Everyone present in the hall froze.

For the first time in the history of the kingdom, an award was being refused by the recipient.

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