Crest of the Strongest Knight

Chapter 136 - Toward Destiny

Even Medrauta had to agree with the baron there. She knew Viviane had some sort of plan for the duchy, but never did she imagine her lady thinking ahead so many steps. Not only did she successfully secure additional compensation for the brave soldiers who were forced to fight against overwhelming odds, but she also secured the promised pardons for the criminals who fought under her banner, earning their undying loyalty.

Those feats alone were impressive, but managing to get the duchy back on its feet after only a single day simply spoke unfathomable volumes of her sheer ability. Of course, Viviane always attributed her statesmanship to the exchanges she had with Lady Scarlet, but anyone with eyes could see how much Viviane had grown. Not only that, but she had also considered the duchy's safety and its future, seizing control of the territory not for her own sake, but as a measure to prevent further infighting.

The nobles and knights in the room all shook their heads slowly, marveling at Viviane's incredible insight. Of course, they might've had a far more muted reaction had she been older and wiser, but the moves she made to ensure the duchy's safety while pursuing her own agenda were impressive nevertheless.

"I'm glad you think so highly of me, Baron Dietrich. Alas, it is now time for my knight and I to depart. I don't know what awaits me at the spire, but I know it is something that only I can face." Viviane said solemnly.

Marilyn pursed her lips before releasing a sigh. "Very well, Lady Castellia. But you need not face it alone. We shall send with you a company of soldiers to march on the spire."

Medrauta shook her head. "No. That would take too long, Dame Marilyn. We can't risk a six-day march just to reach the duchy's borders. The garrison there would be overwhelmed by the time we arrive, and based on the contents of this letter, I daresay they're only managing to hold on by a thread right now."

"My knight speaks the truth, Dame Marilyn. I mean no disrespect to you or the brave soldiers of this realm, but I do not wish to send more of them to their death so soon after our latest victory. Let them rest upon their laurels for a little longer. These battles are not for the common man to fight." Viviane said.

"...Understood, Lady Castellia. Will you be departing tomorrow morning then?"

Viviane shook her head. "No. We leave immediately, and I shall nominate both you and Baron Dietrich to manage the duchy's affairs in my absence unless another worthy candidate makes their appearance. Please work together and ensure the people's safety."

Marilyn bowed her head, touching a hand to her chest. Of course, she already knew Viviane would opt to leave as soon as she could. The senior knight's question had been nothing more than a formality and hopeful wish. After all, Viviane was still a child in her eyes despite the noblewoman's talent for statesmanship, and a senior knight like her could not rest easy when she knew mere children were placing their lives on the line against foul beasts manifested by dark magic.

"You may rest assured that we shall do everything in our power to protect this duchy and its people, Lady Castellia." Baron Dietrich bowed.

"Excellent. I'll be counting on all of you." With an elegant curtsy and smile, Viviane looped her arm around Medrauta's, leading her knight out of the room and toward the castle's exit. A few sections of the structure had collapsed during the earthquake, but most of it remained intact thanks to its sturdy construction.

Instead of navigating the halls and exiting through the building's front door, the pair chose to take a rather unusual and normally dangerous shortcut. Arriving at a large hole in the side of the castle formed by the collapse of several support beams, Viviane and Medrauta peered down at the stables below. It was a convenient exit for their purposes, the knight sweeping Viviane off her feet and carrying her snugly before jumping down.

"Hup!" Medrauta landed lightly on the ground, her steel boots leaving deep impressions in the dirt. She set Viviane down shortly after before heading to their horses. Of course, they could have taken the carriage they rode here, but the pair knew they weren't simply traveling to another area of the empire anymore. Once they arrived at the duchy border, they would no doubt be assailed by foul creatures as they attempted to push through and reach the capital.

"What do you think the capital looks like right now?" Viviane asked. Despite her best attempts at keeping her voice even, its slight shakiness betrayed her worry.

"...Honestly, I'm not too sure, Vivi." Medrauta sighed. "But I know Dame Eirlys is there, and Sir Bradley too. I'm sure everyone's fine."

"...Aren't you worried about your friends though?"

"Of course I am," Medrauta said as she mounted her steed. "But Melindra's the best rider I know. I've never beaten her in a joust even once, and she even gives me a run for my money when we're fighting on horseback. Nearly lost a duel to her once too."

"...Melindra?" Viviane raised her eyebrows in surprise. She certainly wasn't expecting Medrauta to compliment Melindra so greatly when the lavender-haired knight was incredibly scatterbrained.

"Yeah, Melindra. Don't underestimate her. She looks and sounds like an idiot, but when the chips are down, there's no one else you'd want at your side. Same goes for Esme. She's got a real thick skull, but she's stronger than I am if we're talking about pure strength."

"I mean, isn't that a given? She's practically twice your size," Viviane grinned.

"Exactly. They'll be fine, Vivi... Let's believe in their strength, and our own too."

Viviane nodded. "Yeah... You're right, Medrauta. We'll reach the capital and put an end to this once and for all!"

"Damn straight," Medrauta grinned.

With that, the pair urged their horses forward, anxious to face the trials that awaited them.