Chapter 135

Lady Luna had just been ruminating on Vanessa’s words from a moment ago.

Kill them?

On the grounds of violating military law… and even their families?

Luna first quietly instructed Violet, who looked flustered beside her, to stay still before assessing the situation.

Unlike Cecil’s cry filled with anger, Vanessa was eerily calm.

“Going to battle means putting your life on the line. Perhaps those in the southern region, enjoying peaceful times without war, may have forgotten this fact, but it remains a stark reality. Can you truly believe that soldiers who can’t even follow basic military laws can properly fight against not only the Southern Continent but also the Brance Army and Serpina Army?”

“Isn’t that too extreme?! I understand Vanessa’s intentions well, and I agree about the need for preparation. But… this feels wrong. Have you listened to the soldiers’ opinions? What about the sentiments of the territorial people? Haven’t you noticed how laughter is fading from the streets, Strategist?”

“…….”

Vanessa closed her eyes and sighed deeply.

Then, as if making some kind of resolution, she slowly opened her eyes and stared straight at Cecil.

“Cecil Loengrin. If you continue to shield those who violate military law, it will be regarded as insubordination against Lady Karelia herself. And with the legitimate power granted by our Lord, I shall punish you accordingly.”

After saying that, her tone softened slightly as she added:

“Cecil, you are an irreplaceable talent to our army. Please stop here. I don’t want to harm you either. Please make the wise choice.”

Upon hearing this, Cecil glanced at the trembling girl beside her.

This girl, crying tears—just because she is the daughter of a soldier who violated military law, she would have to meet her end here.

Is this the future of Karelia we’ve all dreamed of?

The answer to that question wasn’t hard to find.

Simultaneously—Cecil slowly drew the sword hidden within her robes.

“If you consider this insubordination, then so be it. You’ve been granted legitimate authority by our Lord, after all. Punish me then.”

“!!”

“Why don’t you go ahead and execute me right here? Wouldn’t that set a fine example?”

Vanessa’s pupils quivered upon hearing Cecil’s words.

The soldiers watching the scene also sensed the growing severity of the situation and could only swallow dryly, unable to utter a word.

As minutes of silence passed—

Finally, Vanessa’s lips parted.

“…Please don’t harbor too much resentment.”

With that, she gave a slight nod.

One of the sturdy soldiers standing beside her drew his sword.

At the same time, another soldier began moving toward Cecil to apprehend her.

“Wait! Strategist!”

“Uh, wait…!!”

Though the soldiers started murmuring among themselves—

In the Karelia Army, where Karelia’s absolute power was firmly established, Vanessa’s orders were equivalent to those of Lord Karelia herself.

“Thank you for your hard work until now. Farewell.”

“…”

Cecil slowly closed her eyes.

What came to mind was the moment they first planted the emerald-green flag into the ground.

Under the radiant banner of ‘a life where everyone can live happily and peacefully,’ we gathered together.

Even donating most of the Roengrin family’s assets earned through commerce to the Karelia Army was something I never once regretted up until today.

If my death causes Karelia to realize something important—to understand that Vanessa’s policy of fear is wrong…

She clenched her eyes tightly, preparing for the pain that was about to come.

But… she felt nothing.

Since she was still breathing, she mustn’t have died yet… right?

At that moment.

“Stop this immediately!”

Recognizing the voice of a woman she’d heard before, Cecil slowly opened her eyes.

In front of her stood a woman with wheat-colored hair.

I know this person. She worked tirelessly alongside the territorial people cultivating farmland—a rare diligent individual these days…

“Lady Luna…?”

Lunarien Iniyan.

The lady of Tevelo Castle, who had previously protected the young girl like this—

Now stood before her, opposing Vanessa—

And the will of their Lord.

“Vanessa. Calm yourself and look at the bigger picture. Do you truly think executing Cecil here is the right decision?”

“…Lunarien Iniyan.”

Vanessa, meeting her ruby gaze, muttered under her breath and gritted her teeth slightly.

Regaining her composure quickly, she responded in a cold tone.

“What exactly do you think you’re doing?”

“I’m asking you to halt this unnecessary execution.”

“Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“I do. I’m speaking as a Lady to the Strategist, aren’t I?”

Vanessa’s eyebrows twitched slightly at those words.

A Lady. The only position equal enough to engage in dialogue with a Strategist—indeed, one that sometimes commands the Strategist directly—is the Lady.

“As someone who understands I am the proxy of our Lord, surely you wouldn’t dare defy him too, would you?”

“…!”

Luna bit her lower lip slightly.

Vanessa’s gaze was unmistakably different when looking at her compared to when she looked at Cecil.

The sharp sense of vigilance was clear.

This woman… was highly wary of her.

Honestly.

She knew full well that her actions might amount to defiance against their Lord.

No matter how high the status of a Lady, defying the sovereign’s orders was impossible. It was possible she might be executed alongside Cecil here.

But.

“Sir Swoen said it himself… A ruler must possess bold integrity…”

It was something Swoen told her back at Jeilrant Castle while insisting she drop formalities when speaking with him.

Strangely, recalling his voice made the fear rising in her heart dissipate.

Alright. Let’s take one step forward then.

If it were Swoen, what would he say here?

Recalling his confident and always surprising advice, Luna selected what she thought would be the closest approximation of his words.

“…I have no intention of defying our Lord.”

“Then please step aside.”

“But…”

Meeting Vanessa’s vigilant gaze unflinchingly, Luna spoke clearly.

“I intend to oppose the Strategist’s judgment.”

“What… did you say?”

“I serve Lady Karelia. If it’s her will, I’ll follow it. But I won’t blindly obey everything Vanessa says.”

Vanessa, who had somehow maintained her composure until now, lost it completely upon hearing those words.

This was an enormous declaration.

It essentially meant ignoring her authority altogether, regardless of any delegation.

“…Lunarien Iniyang. Are you challenging the authority of our Lord?”

“Not at all. I’m merely exchanging opinions with the Strategist on equal footing.”

“My words!!!”

Vanessa shouted loudly.

“…My words are equivalent to those of our Lord Karelia!”

“I don’t believe that. Lady Karelia would never issue such a cruel order.”

“……!”

Unable to contain her frustration, Vanessa trembled for a while before speaking in a tone colder than ice.

“Very well. If that’s what you desire, it’s only fitting to grant it.”

“…”

Taking the sword from the soldier beside her—

She pointed it directly at Luna and declared:

“I’ll personally carry out your execution. Your crime: Defiance against our Lord. Any complaints?”

“Strategist, regain your senses. You’re not our Lord. Your will cannot equate to His!”

“Are you done talking?”

“…!”

The killing intent flowing through the tip of the blade made Luna keenly aware that the moment of choice had arrived.

Should she simply accept the blade?

No, she couldn’t allow that.

“Lord! Stay healthy! And when the opportunity comes, don’t let it slip! I’ll definitely return to your side!”

Hadn’t she made that promise? To survive no matter what.

Hadn’t she promised to meet Swoen again?

Thus, she had no choice but to fight her here.

Let the consequences be dealt with later; for now, her focus was solely on neutralizing her.

Vanessa was a strategist, not a general. Though intelligent, Luna believed she could best her in combat.

Just as she carefully moved her hand towards the hilt of her sword—

“What nonsense are you all engaging in?!”

Everyone present turned their heads toward the source of the voice.

There stood Makana Karelia, the ruler of the Karelia Army.

Judging by the accompanying soldier, it seemed someone had alerted her to the seriousness of the situation.

“Can’t this madness cease immediately?!”

“…!”

Vanessa immediately dispelled her killing intent, returned the sword to the soldier, and knelt on one knee.

Luna followed suit, kneeling to greet her rightful Lord.

Karelia remained silent for a moment before approaching Vanessa first and speaking with a heavy tone.

“…What has happened here, Vanessa?”

“It was merely a discussion regarding the punishment of those who violated military law.”

“Cecil? What exactly is going on here? And… why…”

“…?”

“…Why have we come to draw swords against each other?”

While asking bewilderedly, Makana received no immediate response from the three individuals.

* * *

Afterwards—

Having understood the situation roughly explained by Vanessa, Makana spoke gravely.

“Vanessa, I sincerely appreciate your actions born from loyalty to me. However, I must admit, this current situation seems excessively harsh.”

“Lord, but—”

“I understand. I know your heart. Still, I ask that you give me face and refrain from such actions for now.”

“…!”

Vanessa remained bowed, unable to utter a word.

Makana sighed briefly before turning to address both Luna and Cecil.

“And Cecil, Lady Luna. Considering your past contributions, I’ll choose not to press charges this time. However, remember that Vanessa’s orders are equivalent to mine, as the sovereign of this nation. I hope there will be no more unpleasant incidents like this.”

“But Lord, punishing even the children through guilt by association is too cruel. Regarding this part—”

“Cecil.”

Cutting off Cecil’s urgent plea, Makana continued in a tone tinged with regret but firm resolve.

“I’ve entrusted military authority to Vanessa. Please abide by her judgment.”

“But Lord…!”

“I won’t repeat myself, Cecil. …I apologize.”

“…!”

Cecil bowed deeply.

Beside her, Luna naturally noticed that she was biting her lips, struggling to suppress her indignation.

“Then, let us pretend today’s incident didn’t happen. As for the child’s punishment, I’ll specially pardon it this time. Understood, Vanessa?”

“Yes, Lord.”

Given the words came from the sovereign himself, Vanessa immediately bowed her head.

“…I’ll head to the Royal Palace first. Please prepare for the meeting. Excuse me.”

With that, Makana left.

Vanessa approached both Luna and Cecil afterward.

“Cecil. Please remember Lord’s words earlier.”

“…!”

“And…”

While addressing Cecil with a somewhat softer tone—

Her words to Luna were laced with open hostility.

“Lady, if you wish to avoid trouble in the future, it would be wise to adhere to the laws of this country.”

Saying that, Vanessa departed following Makana.

…Somehow, we managed to escape disaster, huh?

“Haa…”

“Are you alright…?”

As tension eased, Luna stumbled slightly and was supported by Violet standing beside her.

Relaxing into Violet’s support, Luna exhaled deeply and addressed her hero.

“Sir Swoen… Somehow, I managed to endure.”

All thanks to Sir Swoen being with me, she wanted to convey.

Always, the one who strengthened her heart in her thoughts, she wanted to thank him deeply.