A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic

Chapter 116: Ceremony Once Again

***Arc 6 One Who Pierced Through, Chapter 116 Ceremony Once Again***

“Here, Kreschenta.”

“Ahhhhn…ehehe.”

From the victory ceremony to the banquet, there was a short break.

The victory ceremony was followed by a brief interlude between the victory ceremony and the banquet, during which Selene, the chairperson of the ‘Council of Krische Dress is Black’, suggested that Krische should change her dress, and for a time it looked as if the country might once again be in the throes of civil war.

However, Krische Christand, who belongs to the ‘whichever is fine just, I want to have breakfast as soon as possible alliance’ proposed a truce, saying that she felt sorry for Kreschenta, who could not even eat properly at the dinner party, and suggested that they have a snack time.

This is only for the queen, Kreschenta’s sake.

However, there was a sophisticated scheme hidden in this proposal, if she spoiled Kreschenta, the leader of the alliance, and pamper her until she’s full, she would be able to go around the dinner party with Bery without any complaints later.

Suggestion while leaning against Berry――’A cute dress is the best for Krische-sama’ leader, Bery also agreed saying ‘It's true that Kreschenta-sama will be busy after all’ as there’s also a benefit for herself.

Thus, the civil war was averted.

Kreschenta, who was in the middle of changing clothes, was in her underwear, sitting on Krische’s lap, and she was pleased to be feed by Krische herself.

Apart from Serene, who was somewhat displeased with the situation, the scene was peaceful.

“Kreschenta -sama, how about this one?”

"Nn... anything is fine."

Glancing at the black dress Bery showed, Crescenta answered.

Her body, which didn't show any growth of a woman at all, was hidden by her grown-up pale pink underwear, and Kreschenta rubbed her cheek against Krische’s chest. It seems that it's her true intention that she didn’t care about the dress and was only focusing on being spoiled by her older sister.

‘Kreschenta sure is a spoiled kid’, said Krische putting on a big sister air while petting her head and occasionally letting out a small yawn.

She woke up very early in the morning, and the ceremony was not only a little sleepy, but also not very interesting. Krische is a little sleepy, and Bery chuckled when she saw that.

"Haa... Marshal. I feel heavy now."

"I mean, there is no other suitable person other than Selene-sama. It can't be helped."

She climbed on her sleepy sister.

She puts her chin on Krische’s shoulder and said to Selene seated behind Krische, who was leaning back on a chair.

“Having the real power in the military is the most important thing. So that when it comes to is, we can use its strength. In order to let everyone, know that we can take such measures, I personally find it easier for Selene-sama to do various things than General Verreich.”

It was politics.

Kreschenta is too young and has no track record.

It is only natural that people would underestimate her. If they underestimate her, they will turn hostile. Some would try to take advantage of her.

It was always violence that silenced those kind of people without question, and that violence is the military.

Naturally, it was more convenient to have Selene, who has closer relations with Kreschenta, than the general Nozan, when she need to exercise the power of the military.

If all they wanted was to proceed peacefully, she could have put the marshal position on hold and let Krische temporarily assume its role as the ‘Alberinea’.

Later, a marshal in name only would be chosen from among those who were dissatisfied with Kreschenta――a random suitable candidate and used as bait to establish order in the royal court.

But Kreschenta wants to seize power over the entire royal palace as soon as possible.

Considering that she would have to resort to forceful measures to achieve this, it was more preferable to take advantage of the situation of the end of the civil war and keep the military as a whole under her under the cover of confusion.

Kreschenta intended to eventually replace more than half of the civilian officers.

She hated wasting time and money on them.

"And whatever the circumstances, it is an oath I have with your name that I will repay this favor. Moving the Margrave as the leader of the nobility and the marshal to king's territory. I want to spend time with Onee-sama in the safest place. At the very least, the benefits should be worth the responsibility and hard work.”

"I know. My head just hasn’t catch up yet."

*Haah*, Selene sighed.

Her first battle was against the Holy Empire.

In order to not bring shame as Bogan's successor, she took the first step as a military officer――since then, in just half a year, she became a military officer's highest rank, marshal.

It's not just a matter of promotion.

The only people who were not perplexed would be the idiots here, Krische and Kreschenta.

"Krische think it’s good, but Selene is slo――because she take her time to think, it's better to be in the back where she can calmly think about things... Uuh."

"Shut up. I know."

Selene pinched Krische cheek from behind her and pouted.

Accumulation of experience plays a large part in the ability to judge and make decisions on the fly. At present, Selene was still weak in such areas, and cannot be said to be first-rate as a front-line commander.

Although her tactical and strategic thinking itself is excellent, her sense alone cannot compensate for his inexperience.

She still remember being lectured by Krische that if she couldn't kill him with fifteen men, she should have dragged more of the Black Century’s member and killed Gildanstein even if it’s really pushing it.

Combat is always to the minimum, and on top of that, one should aim for the shortest.

Krische had a point when she said that if everything will be over by defeating Gildanstein, the highest priority should be to put all her efforts into the fight and settle it quickly.

From the start, in that situation even without Krische, just 5 minutes—just a little more, and with a trivial move, she might have been able to obtain victory without relying on Krische.

There were many sacrifices, and the battle left her with nothing but regrets.

Even if she tried her best, the result was not the best, and it was a result born by Selene's inexperienced.

Because she understood her inexperienced, she also had the feeling that she wanted to continue to study for a while, and that's why the position of Marshal, that fell on her lap suddenly, was very heavy.

“Regardless of how Ojou-sama feels……As a servant, I am happy that Ojou-sama is away from the front lines.”

Bery said quietly while checking the dress for any frays.

When Serene glared at her, Berry smiled wryly and shook her head.

"I don't know the battlefield, so I can't say anything arrogant. I don't think that Ojou-sama is inexperienced, in fact, I think Ojou-sama is doing the best she can.”

“That's no consolation you know.”

Selene pinched Krische's cheeks muni muni.

*Uuu, uuu*, Krische groaned.

“Ojou-sama is stretching yourself too much. Since Ojou-sama is the successor of Gotoushu-sama, Ojou-sama probably want to fight like Gotoushu-sama, but that will surely not come true.”

“......?”

“Gotoushu-sama as blessed with ingenuity, skill, and luck, running through countless battlefields for decades, continuing to demonstrate military exploits, and surviving through many crisis——he was truly a Hero.”

Bery smiled as she recalled.

“Is the Ojou-sama intending to overthrow the various things that the head of the family has built, with a mere few years of effort? Is Ojou-sama’s, the Gotoushu-sama respected by the officers and soldiers of Christand, such a small goal?”

"…that is"

"Of course, there may be many things to learn on the battlefield. If you don't learn it, you may not be able to surpass Gotoushu-sama. But isn’t that fine. Gotoushu-sama and Ojou-sama are two different people, and their lives and what they can learn from them are also different.”

Bery placed the dress on the table and gently stroked Selene's head.

Selene made a frown, but did not resist.

“Even if the Ojou-sama can’t learn what Gotoushu-sama has learned, there will be times when Ojou-sama can learn things that Gotoushu-sama was unable to learn. I think that it will be fine, if someday, Ojou-sama can achieve something that is not inferior to the head of the family in some way.”

Her hands are tender and loving, just as her mother did to herself when she was a child.

Bery always treats Selene like a child.

“Especially since the position of marshal is not something that Ojou-sama wishes to obtain, it should rather be seen as just a stroke of luck. ……I believe that Ojou-sama can fulfill such a responsible role better than anyone else, so I do not feel uneasy about that.”

“......You mean to tell me that you're worried about me being on the front lines?"

Selene said that and Bery laughed happily.

"Fufu, you shouldn't look at it like that. Well, I can't say that I don't have that kind of feeling from the point of view of someone who could only wait, but it's not limited to the young lady."

She moved her hand that was stroking Selene’s head to Krische’s, and she narrowed her eyes.

Krische mouth relaxed, and Serene removed her hands.

"...It’s my selfish desire. Please forgive me."

“How can you say that when you don't even feel bad about it at all, really”

"My, did you find out?"

Bery laughed mischievously and picked up Kreschenta who was in her underwear.

Kreschenta, who had been enjoying the pleasure of being on Krische’s lap, looked up at Bery and glared at her.

“Now, it's time for you to get dressed, Kreschenta-sama.”

"...we still have a little time. Please let go."

"Krische-sama, once you've finished changing your clothes, let's take a little nap, shall we?"

"Yes... Kreschenta, change your clothes."

“Y-you coward.”

Bery gets her dressed, regardless of Kreschenta’s complaints.

Krische also helps with that, happily.

Selene, who was staring at that scene, smiled wryly and sat down in her chair again.

following in her father's footsteps. Become a worthy successor to her father.

What was important to her——Selene thought about it, and just looked at them.

The madder twilight streamed into the glass-enclosed large hall, and the many wonderful dishes seemed to shine in that light.

Same dining format as before.

Selene with Elvena, Kreschenta with Arne, and Krische with Bery.

As expected, it didn’t go like before.

Naturally, Selene, who had become the highest rank of military officer, and Krische who hold position equal to that, were greeted by aristocrats whose faces she didn't even know from here and there.

Krische was starting to get fed up with it but, it was Eluga who came to the rescue.

"Haa...Krische is hungry *(peko peko)*."

"Haha, as one would expect it's hard to eat after becoming Her Majesty's sword."

Eluga called out to the two of them under the guise of an important conversation, and he took them out to the balcony.

Since Eluga had the title of assistant to the supreme commander there were only a few people who could interrupt him.

A Koku and a half after the dinner party began, Krische was finally able to have a decent meal.

Next to Eluga was a slender noblewoman――Eluga's wife.

Her eyes were slightly wrinkled, but she was a tall, tight-fitting beauty with elegant golden hair.

Their age seems quite separated, but the way her arms are around him was harmonious, and she looked at him a few times, as if she is troubled.

"Oh, excuse me, I haven’t introduced her yet, have I? This is my wife, Vanatella.”

“Nice to meet you, uhh..."

Vanatella looked Eluga seemed even more troubled.

As a daughter of the Christand family, it would be better to call her Krische-sama. However, the head of the family is already Selene, and Krische on her own was a great noble who has been given the title of Alberinea.

It seemed inappropriate to call her that.

From what she had heard, Krische was originally the first princess, if that is the case, she felt that the appropriate way to call her would be Her Royal Highness――If she were to attach her peerage she felt that it would be appropriate to call her as Grand Duchess Christand.

However, she was not officially granted the status of Grand Duchess as a sibling of the King――Vanatella was at a loss as to how to treat this girl.

Krische tilted her head, and Eluga also tilted his head at the state of his wife.

Only Berry nodded as if she understood and told her.

“I have heard that Margrave Faren shares the joys and sorrows on the battlefield with Krische-sama and has a relationship that transcends position. Please don’t be reserved, I hope that Krische-sama have the same relationship as before."

"Is that so... pleased to meet you, Krische-sama."

Vanatella bowed gracefully, and Krische responded.

Finally, Eluga noticed and chuckled, feeling bad about this.

"I'm sorry. Krische-sama is not very particular about this kind of thing. Take it easy."

"...I would appreciate it if you had told me that first."

Vanatella glanced at Eluga somewhat sullenly, then turned her gaze again to Krische.

She looked at her hair and beauty and smiled happily.

"I heard from my husband, but Krische-sama really is beautiful. That’s a nice dress, it suits you very well."

"Umm, yes, thank you very much. Vanatella-sama's dress is also very beautiful."

Krische’s eyes were glancing at the food she had brought to the table.

When Vanatella sensed her gaze and smiled wryly, telling her not to worry.

Krische looked at Eluga and Bery as if she was a little troubled, and they both smiled as well.

"It looked like you couldn't even eat, so I called out Krische-cama. Please don't worry about it."

"Hehe, yes. Do you want to eat too, Skeleton?"

“Hahaha, I'm a small eater...but guess I'll have some.”

Vanatella stiffens at the mention of ‘Skeleton’ and Berry looks at her apologetically.

She was embarrassed to be in Vanatella, but she was dumbfounded by the look on her husband (shujin; head (of household)) face, and shook her head, giving Bery a wry smile.

"It seems like it's true that their relationship surpassed their position... Fufu, skeleton..."

Vanatella shook her shoulders in a funny way and looked at Eluga, covering her mouth.

Eluga must have assumed this would happen when he brought his wife. He didn't seem to care about it in particular, as he ate the meal with Krische with the looks of a good-natured old man, which should be called the look of an evil look of a god of death.

"Even though he’s bothered by it care so much. Every time our son sees his face, he would cries... After coming back, I thought he is in such good mood, so this is why."

"Krische-sama also said that he was very good to her on the battlefield."

"With this face, I wasn't worried about cheating, but... I'm convinced. He might look like this but he like children――Ah, no, it's rude to say that."

"No, fufu, Krische-sama is that kind of person."

When she smiled wryly, Vanatella returned her smile and stared at Bery's face.

"Could it be, Lazura-sama's..."

"Ah, yes. Sorry for the delay, let me introduce myself, I’m ger younger sister, Bery Argan."

"I see, no wonder I thought you two looked alike. I've met Lazura-sama several times, and we've been on good terms with each other, but...both sure sisters are all beautiful, aren't they?"

“No…”

Berry shook her head, troubled, and Vanatella approached her face with concern.

“I don't know if this is the right thing to say at a celebration, but I'm sorry for your loss.”

"thank you. It was a painful thing, but... I've sorted out my mind."

“I'm glad to hear that...but please don't take it too hard. Please rely on me at any time. I've heard a lot about Bery-sama from Lazura-sama, so I can’t think about it as just someone else's problem."

Vanatella grabs Berry by the shoulder, and looked at her face.

“I've heard about you from Lazura-sama, but it's such a shame that such a beautiful woman is only a servant. What do you think, are you interested in a marriage proposal?"

"Um, that..."

She was small in stature, with large brown eyes framed by long lashes, which made her look very young.

However, her face was very well-groomed, and her gestures and facial expressions were calm and somewhat mature.

That gap was attractive.

Berry has an indescribable charm.

She is a talented person who can't be left alone for Vanatella, who has been a match maker for many people――Vanatella brings her face closer.

"Even like this I have many connection. I'm sure I'll find someone who fits Bery-sama’s preference. If it’s someone as young and beautiful as Bery-sama, you will surely be popular, please leave it to me."

“Umm, I'm not that young... I'll already be thirty soon..."

Even though Berry answered with a troubled look, she brought her face even closer.

"I was thirty-five when I became my husband’s (shujin) wife, Bery-sama is still quite young. Don't worry."

"Ha, ha..."

Berry takes a step back and leans back slightly.

Vanatella stepped further,

“This is a bad habit, Vanatella. Stop it."

It was Eluga who stopped her.

Vanatella glares at Eruga, and she sighs as she puts her hands on her hips, saying ‘even though we’re having fun’.

"Really, how troubling. Why don't you calm down a little?"

"I think it's a great loss for someone like Berry to be single. Though you might not understand it."

"It's just your hobby right....I apologize for my wife."

“N-no……"

Vanatella asked Berry, who had a wry smile on her face.

"But are you really not interested in marriage proposals? I'm not lying in what I said, though I think Bery-sama would have a lot to choose from."

"That's, umm..."

Bery lets her gaze wander to Krische, who has been watching events unfold as her cheeks puff up with food.

When Krische noticed her gaze, she staggered over to Bery, entwined her arms and loosened her cheeks.

“Bery will be together with Krische forever, so she won't get married. Right, Bery."

"...Fufu, yes."

Bery smiled happily and she caressed Krische’s cheek lovingly.

Krische happily pressed her body in Bery’s arms and squinted her eyes.

“I am content with my...present life in Christand, so I have no connection with such things. …I am sorry for your concern."

When Bery bowed, Vanatella looked at Krische and Bery,

"...I see, it seems that it was unnecessary concern."

She nodded as if she was convinced by something.