Chapter 49

The farmers worked diligently as she encouraged them, tilling the fields with great effort. A woman approached her.

“Lady Luna! There you are.”

“Ah! Hello, Lady Cecile.”

Cecile Loengrin—one of the founding heroes of the Karelia Army and an only daughter of the wealthy Loengrin Clan who had donated all her fortune to Karelia after being moved by her virtue. Her neat short auburn hair and monocle suited her meticulous personality perfectly. She was known for her gentle demeanor akin to her liege, earning immense respect within the Karelia Army.

She was also one of those who advocated welcoming the wandering Lunarien Iniyan into their fold. This made her relationship with Lunarien closer, beyond mere business ties.

“How’s it going? Everything running smoothly?”

“Well… Though everyone is doing their best, the weather hasn’t been cooperating much, so I’m unsure if we’ll meet this quarter’s target.”

Even in these modern times where agricultural technology has greatly increased production, nothing beats good weather. It truly dictates the success or failure of farming.

“Lady Luna, your efforts aren’t unseen; people passing by often notice. Don’t worry too much—I think things will turn out fine.”

“I’m at a loss for words when you say such kind things.”

Luna bowed deeply before cautiously asking, “Why did you seek me out?”

Cecile knew she had special duties from Lady Karelia this quarter, making her visit here unusual. Clearly, there must be a reason.

“Our liege seeks you, Lady Luna.”

“My liege?”

Nodding, Cecile confirmed it. Though unclear why, as a vassal, Luna couldn’t refuse her liege’s summons.

“Understood. I’ll head to the royal palace immediately.”

“That’s good. Though I’d love to catch up after so long, both of us are busy right now… Perhaps another time we can chat more.”

“Always welcome, Lady Cecile.”

Smiling, they parted ways. Turning to the farmers, Luna announced,

“Everyone, since my liege needs me, let’s call it a day. Feel free to head home. I’ll finish up later.”

“You don’t need to come back, Lady Lunarien! Leave the rest to us! You don’t have to show up today!”

“No, no, that’s alright—don’t push yourselves…”

“Please allow us to work on your behalf!”

“…Everyone…”

Touched by the farmers’ insistence, Luna bent down 90 degrees and said sincerely,

“Then I leave it in your capable hands. Thank you again tomorrow. Please take care not to overexert yourselves and go home safely.”

“Safe travels!”

Unaware, Luna missed how her humble attitude towards the farmers became a topic of admiration among them.

—

Madlen Castle lacked the grandeur of metropolitan palaces, built instead for practical purposes. Its design reflected both its original minimalistic plan and the current ruler Makana Karelia’s distaste for unnecessary luxury.

Now familiar with the castle corridors, Luna headed toward the audience chamber.

Upon arrival—

“Oh, Lady Luna. Welcome.”

Karelia greeted her warmly. Her emerald green hair was neatly tied up with simple ornaments, her dark-green eyes radiating benevolence and wisdom. Even plain clothes seemed regal on her due to her presence—a leader not defined by authority but by inclusive leadership.

Beside her stood Vanessa Trinity, with her short brown hair framing a somewhat aloof expression. The strategist complemented Karelia perfectly, handling what Karelia lacked.

“Lady Lunarien Iniyan reports for duty upon receiving your summons.”

“Stand easy. So, how’s the agriculture project coming along?”

“Though I’ve been working hard, I fear my abilities fall short, and we might not reach our targets.”

Karelia tilted her head thoughtfully.

“Your abilities? Nonsense. We all know the weather hasn’t cooperated lately. Stop blaming yourself unnecessarily.”

“But still…”

“Nope, enough of that. That wasn’t the main reason I called you here today.”

Shifting to a more serious tone, she continued,

“Lady Luna, I have a request.”

“A request?”

“It concerns Tevelo Castle. Do you know which one I mean?”

Realizing something significant, Vanessa flinched slightly, unnoticed by Luna.

“Tevelo Castle… the one near the border with Ohana Army?”

“Precisely. And you know two of your friends, Lord Tifa and Cain, are stationed there.”

When they first joined the army, Luna was assigned to Madlen while Tifa and Cain went to Tevelo. They hadn’t met since then. Knowing her friends guarded the border while she stayed in the capital weighed heavily on Luna.

“Yes. Recently, the old lord Carlos wished to step down due to age and health reasons. I admire his dedication despite his years, so I decided to honor his wish. Thus, the position of Tevelo Castle’s lord is currently vacant.”

“I see…”

“What do you think?”

“Hmm… Carlos-sama must have worked tirelessly… that’s what comes to mind.”

“And?”

“And? Well… forgive me, but I’m unsure how to respond properly…”

“Hmm…” Karelia chuckled lightly.

“Lady Luna, you’re such a pure soul. Let me cut straight to the point—it suits someone like you better.”

“…?”

“Lady Luna, effective immediately, I appoint you as the new lord of Tevelo Castle.”

Startled, Luna’s eyes widened dramatically.

“My liege! Such a sudden promotion… it’s far too much for someone like me—”

“I apologize for interrupting, but my decision stands. I want to give Lady Lunarien a bigger stage to showcase her talents. I don’t wish to see them wasted here in the capital.”

“But…”

Just then, an unforgettable voice echoed in her mind.

*”My liege! Stay healthy! And should opportunity arise, seize it without hesitation! I shall return to your side!”*

“Sir Swoen…”

Her first strategist, buried deep in her heart, whose promise of helping her claim the world still lingered.

Could this be an opportunity?

Becoming a castle lord meant managing a territory and potentially winning the hearts of its people. In extreme cases, even rebellion could become possible—an easier path than starting from scratch.

But betraying Karelia, who trusted her so deeply, felt wrong. Luna didn’t want to hurt someone who believed in her…

Recalling why she lost her previous nation, she realized:

*”No… I must remain calm. My indecision already cost Sir Swoen dearly. I cannot run away from responsibility any longer.”*

This *was* an opportunity, betrayal aside.

Remembering her vow to seize every chance, she nodded firmly.

“Very well, my liege. I accept.”

“Excellent. I trust you wholeheartedly.”

Rising from her seat, Karelia extended her hand.

“Lady Lunarien Iniyan, from today forth, you are the lord of Tevelo Castle. Dismiss all current duties and proceed immediately to assume your responsibilities.”

“Understood. I shall do my utmost to bring no shame to Lady Karelia.”

Whether this was a blessing or poisoned chalice remained unclear, but Luna hesitated no longer.

For Sir Swoen, who trusted her fully, she seized this moment with fierce determination.