It was exactly a week after returning to Greze that letters arrived, one after another, from the Axios County and the Varnan Viscounty.
This was also right after Cassia had slightly revised the letter she’d written to her father and sent it off, following the promise she and Zester made to visit Ruberno.
Clap, clap, clap, clap, clap.
Paul, who had come to deliver the two letters to Cassia, clapped his hands together, deeply moved. He even looked like he was on the verge of tears.
“Madam, might I be so bold as to request the honor of praising you?”
“I don’t need it. Keep it to yourself.”
“I truly thank the heavens that you came to Greze and became a ray of light for us. These days, I pray to God every day.”
“I said don’t do it.”
Cassia scratched her cheek in embarrassment as she reread the two letters.
The letters weren’t long. They expressed gratitude for recent subjugation effort and for securing peace in the North and praised them for exemplifying noble virtues on behalf of all, stating that they deserved to receive a commendation.
The commendation was a token of sincerity from those who knew just what Greze needed most.
From gold bars to expensive fabrics and leather, horses, and even ores like iron used in weapons-making; the supplies were chock full of things that would substantially help the territory’s finances.
She would somewhat guess the true intent behind these gifts. They likely wanted Cassia, a southern noble, to quietly cover up the events that occurred in Viche.
In the first place, the incident was a spit on Zester’s face, so she had no plan of spreading it publicly outside the North. She had already decided to be satisfied with plundering Viscount Viche’s wig business, considering the man’s incredible atrocities.
“Master must have achieved great merit not only in the Imperial War but also in a past life. Otherwise, how could he possibly have been able to welcome such a perfect lady as the madam of this territory?”
“Paul.”
“I truly…”
Paul finally broke into tears. Cassia was shocked to see Paul gently pulling up his monocle and wiping his eyes with a handkerchief.
When she told him about what happened in Viche, Paul’s reaction had really shocked her. The normally kind and gentle butler smiled as he cursed the viscount, saying, ‘What a worthless crusty bastard. No one will pity him even if you destroy three generations of his family.’
Then he had lavished Cassia with praise. How rare it was for a noblewoman taken hostage to not only survive but persuade barbarians to become soldiers. It was a feat, he said, more worthy of song than any warrior’s tale. He continued praising her, and it didn’t stop even after quite some time had passed.
Just when it seemed like he was finally settling down, a load of gifts arrived from the Axios County and the Varnan Viscounty today and Paul erupted all over again.
Cassia glanced sideways at Paul with a look that seemed to say she was fed up but didn’t hate it then she burst into laughter.
“With this, the castle’s finances will be stable for a while. We’ll have enough to train the new barbarian soldiers too. You’ve worked hard, Madam.”
“Thank you. But does this really deserve so much praise?”
“Yes. I was surprised myself. Especially Count Axios, the gold bars he sent…”
Since it was just the two of them in Cassia’s chamber, Paul leaned in playfully, cupped his hand over his mouth, and whispered:
“Thirty!”
“What?”
“Here I thought Viscount Varnan’s five gold bars was already a staggering sum… As expected of the richest man in the North, he’s quite generous.”
“Hm…”
If she’d known this would happen, she wouldn’t have bothered sending that letter to her father, Count Ruberno asking for help.
“And look carefully at Count Axios’ letter! He saw right through your intelligence, Madam!”
At the end of Count Bertol Axios’ handwritten letter, there was indeed a greeting addressed to Cassia at the end.
| _______________________________________________
…I sincerely hope the Baroness recovers quickly from her recent shock. Moreover, I feel a simple letter of gratitude is inadequate for a lady who showed us such noble virtue… It would like to invite my old comrade, Baron Greze, as well as Baroness Greze, to discuss the future of our north. So I take this opportunity to inquire whether you both are willing to share your precious time. Once again, I would like to applaud the remarkable wit of the Lady. From Axios. |
Cassia reread the end of the letter several times with slight discomfort in her expression. Unlike her, Paul’s face was bright with delight.
“You see, even though they’re all Northern Lords, Master Zester never quite got along with the lords of the larger territories.”
“There’s no reason he shouldn’t have. I bet he just acted like an idiot and stayed low.”
Cassia spat out sullenly.
He didn’t need to bow or grovel before them so why did he keep acting like he needed to and treat them like they were nobler? Even after three years of holding a noble title, he still hadn’t shaken that inferiority complex, and Cassia was secretly concerned.
In her previous life, she had never cared to learn what Zester did outside their home, but now she realized there was a reason he had been called the ‘dog of the wealthy nobles’.
Rather than being driven by money, it was more like he was lying flat on his back and allowing himself to be treated like a real dog. It was obvious when you consider how long he had groveled and followed Viscount Viche, who clearly only intended to exploit him, and treated Viscount Viche like a benefactor.
“In any case, Count Axios is a major representative of the North, so this is a great opportunity. Just maintaining ties with Axios will elevate the status of our territory. This is all thanks to you, Madam.”
“Why are you praising the Count so much? Someone might think you owe him your life.”
“Madam, you don’t know about the Imperial War three years ago? Oh right, you must have been quite young at the time, and the war was in the North too…”
“I’ve heard bits and pieces. Count Axios led the army, right?”
“Yes. It was a war where both forces were evenly matched, and yet our empire’s army pushed them back overwhelmingly. The Count’s brilliant tactics are still famous today. You know, he did…”
Cassia filtered Paul’s reverent voice and thought of the great Count Axios, the man named Bertol.
She had first met him during a territory war in Greze. If you’re wondering why a territory war broke out in a territory the size of a pinky, it was because it was so unfortunate that it was sandwiched right between the Axios and Varnan Territories. The Greze territory which already had a harsh environment, was also unlucky in its location.
Whenever the northern elites squabbled for power, it was inevitably used as an arena for their conflicts. With no avenues for sightseeing yet constantly plagued with battles, Greze territory possessed the worst possible conditions.
The Emperor surely knew this so why on earth had he bestowed Greze territory as a reward?
Cassia ground her teeth in frustration.
In any case, the lords of the North were greedy, cold, and obsessed with land grabs. It wasn’t unusual for Count Axios and Viscount Varnan, who had seemed quite friendly earlier, to start bickering with each other for unknown reasons.
Viche would support Varnan and Zester would support Axios. In other words, the territory war was a challenge to the man hailed as the ‘King’ of the North, Count Axios.
Remembering those days brought tears to Cassia’s eyes. There was a time when she had gathered as many poor residents as she could find and brought them into the castle, praying day and night for an end to the terrible war.
Bertol, Count Axios, had been brought into the castle in terrible condition after one such territory war. For a man called the Black Lion and King of the North, his situation was quite precarious.
Zester, who had rescued him, had an unusually desperate look as he pleaded with Cassia.
『Please save the Count. He’s like a benefactor to me. I beg you, Madam.』
Well, even without Zester’s pleas, Cassia wouldn’t have ignored someone on the brink of death. She would have done her best regardless of who it was.
In any case, Cassia nodded, reassuring Zester and told him not to worry. Back then, even though her husband had been very stiff, she still had a desire to make her marriage a success.
At the time, it had only been about 6 months since she moved to Greze and she was still blushing when she saw Zester’s face.
『Don’t die. Just hold on a little longer.』
If you die, Lord Count, my husband will be very sad.
The 17-year-old Cassia was overflowing with emotion. What if something happened to Bertol, Zester’s precious comrade? She felt like it would be all her fault.
Together with the village doctor, she nursed Bertol day and night. She skipped meals, barely slept, afraid to leave his side in case he worsened.
While Bertol hovered between life and death, the tedious battle between Zester, who took command of the Axios forces, and the Varnan-Viche allied forces waged on. It was only after news of their victory broke through that Bertol finally recovered.
Right, if you think about it, Cassia was the one who saved Bertol’s life.
‘Shameful bastard. Doesn’t even know how to be grateful.’
The man ought to have been bowing in gratitude but just thinking about how he treated her made her grind her teeth.
Just how little did he think of Zester, to make a move on the already married Cassia, even suggesting she become his mistress?
『Frankly, you almost became the Madam of Axios, did you know?』
『I deeply regret turning down His Majesty’s offer. No, perhaps it’s not too late now』
Even after the war was over and the territory entered a period of stability, Bertol stayed in Greze under the pretense of recovering. For some reason, he became obsessed with Cassia, persistently pursuing her during his stay in the Castle.
Just remembering it made her dizzy.
Even at the dinner table with Zester, he acted boldly. Cassia could still remember the phantom sensation of a hand brushing hers under the dining table and it made her shudder.
Zester treated Bertol with utmost respect, seeing him as a precious comrade and a nobleman he revered but clearly, the reverse was not true.
Cassia had sensed that disparity all too clearly, and even now, after going back in time and seeing Bertol’s face again, she found it quite unpleasant.
Though they had fought many wars together, only Bertol received the fame and recognition…
『Are you close to Count Axios?』
『Hmm, I wouldn’t dare say close; he’s someone I’m grateful to. He’s the one who allowed me to go on an official campaign as an Imperial soldier after working as a mercenary, and it’s thanks to him that I’ve acquired this small territory.』
『Oh, I see. So he’s something like a benefactor.』
『Indeed. Come to think of it, if it weren’t for the count, I wouldn’t have met you either. I am even more grateful now.』
A few days ago, Cassia had tried to subtly suggest to Zester that they keep some distance from Axios but it didn’t work.
“Madam?”
“Oh, yes. He’s an amazing person, you say? I understand.”
She replied nonchalantly, ending Paul’s spiel but as she remembered Bertol, a new worry started to creep in.
‘Come to think of it, that territory war is only a few months away.’
Even if she knew it was coming, did she have time to stop it? Who would believe it if an ignorant noblewoman suddenly starts saying ‘War will break out soon’?
Especially since this was a crucial war that needed to happen at least once to properly determine the hierarchy of power in the North. Maybe she should just close her eyes to it and avoid it for a while?
Of course, such thoughts didn’t last for long. Cassia wasn’t the type to abandon her people to fend for themselves just to save herself.
‘If I can’t stop the war, maybe I can at least do something to prevent it from starting in Greze.’
How could the so-called King of the North be so oblivious to an incoming war, that he was brought to the castle in a state where he was one step into the gates of death?
Cassia rubbed her forehead, rereading Bertol’s letter with a frown.
She had absolutely no desire to see this man again, but if she ignored this, things might play out exactly as they had before. As she read the invitation disguised as a thank-you note again and again, her thoughts twisted with worry.
The war terrified her and she hated the idea of seeing Bertol’s face. Remembering how she had suffered in silence, unable to speak up at such a young age…
“Huuuu…”
A long, frustrated sigh rose into the air.
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