-Callia-

  I was led back up the maze of stairways, and eventually I was brought to a shifting plate. I let the headache of sensory overload hit me as I adjust to the new surroundings. The scent of cold yet fresh air hit me first, but it was shortly followed by the sensation of low air pressure that was familiar when flying at a great height. Before me was a gorgeous garden that led down one path before a raised stone dais. My sense of mana went wild as an overwhelming presence dominated the entire region. The source was an elderly man with long white hair and a golden crown studded with jewels that couldn’t be described with words. They exuded a sense of absolute authority that felt unquestionable.

  The knight urged me forward as I tried to take in everything. The entire garden was ringed by large claw-like stone pillars, but in the gaps between I could see the sheer drop-off of the castle. The white tower still stood taller, but the city below was just a splash of color contrasted off the distant views. Finally I crossed the garden path, arriving before the throne itself. All around, spectators sat leisurely sipping tea and gossiping while Queen Karia stood on my right, chained onto her stand. On my left was Queen Vienne as well as numerous court ladies. Immediately I could see the presentation being framed so that Karia appeared alone and guilty while Vienne used numbers and the presentation to their advantage. I was brought to a stone circle in the middle of the confrontation, and the king signalled the knight to withdraw.

  “Ser Callia, common knight of Portten. Raised as such for valor in the defense of said people. Before we proceed, are there any titles, backgrounds, or deeds in need of additional presentation? ” My mind goes blank at the question. What kind of deeds does one present at an assembly like this? Before I could answer, Vienne snaps from the side.

  “Can someone even earn such a rank when it is done fighting against their liege lord? Baron Eldraine may have been temporarily raised to his rank, but he still had full authority in his acts! I will move that the girl's title be immediately dismissed.” I look to my side in shock and anger as my hands ball up. I take a slow breath and relax as the king's voice echoes back.

  “The legitimacy of her title can be debated after she confirms her deeds and titles. Ser Callia, do you have any to present, or may we proceed?” While I appreciated the orderly nature of his statement, the dismissive impatience also stung. My mind raced quickly as I thought of anything that might apply. I summon Baron Mecca’s letter from the void.

  “Your Highness, while my companions and I were travelling to the capital, we assisted Baron Meccas with an earthkin experimenter who was plaguing his people. He requested we present this letter to your majesty during our visit. In addition, I personally led a rescue party to successfully recover Viscount Nox’s youngest child from abductors.” A servant stepped forward, retrieving the letter before bringing it to the king. We waited in silence as the king opened the letter and took his time reading it.

  “The baron praises your service and recommends that while I confirm the transition of mayoral authority to your brother, he recommends I raise your family to the status of baron. A glowing praise from a man who fought his whole life for humanity.” A vindictive and smug smile crept to my lips as I darted my gaze to see Vienne’s reaction. Unfortunately, beyond a small frown, she had no reaction. Stupid politicians with their unreadable faces. Though I did feel a drop of irritation bleeding out of her.

  “With this in mind, I shall confirm the question of the legitimacy of Ser Callia’s standing settled. As for the recommendation of uplifting, I will set it aside until after the present trial. Now Queen Karia, you have called Ser Callia forth as a witness to testify on your behalf.” Right as he finished speaking, a sense of danger overwhelmed me. I blinked to the side. It takes a moment to adjust my perception, but over the spot I had been standing on, a hummingbird the size of a person lay slumped with a missing head.

  You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

  I barely have time to say a word before Karia speaks up confidently. "Ser Callia is a chosen one, which means various monsters are drawn to attack her. I believe it isn’t necessary to explain how demons are created. Unfortunately, Queen Harlanou’s mind has been unsound for some time, and the allure of Ser Callia pushed her past the brink. My assault on Harlanou was not unwarranted, as the queen’s very soul was at stake. At the time of my intervention it was unclear if she had crossed the line, so I was forced to incapacitate the queen until it was clear.” I carefully move back to the center podium as staff drag the hummingbird away and clean the mess. Karia’s statement brings a hush over the crowd. A piercing voice shrieks out from my left.

  “Nonsense! You’ve had it out for Harlanou for years! MY investigation suggests that she acted decisively, stopping you from mobilizing the castle knighthood with deceptions of glory against your rivals. Your collaboration with the paladins prior to Harlanou’s attack suggests that you used some underhanded means to frame her for bearing the hunger.” To me it sounded like bullshit, but the nobles listening all around broke out into whispers, looking at Karia like some kind of menace. Even the king looked at Karia, expecting her to disprove it.

  “Ser Callia, under what circumstances did you encounter the paladins on the day of?” Karia’s confidence made me relax slightly.

  “I have a soul bond with my twin brother. He is currently in Port Town, and at the time, reports suggested a force of twenty-five elves raiding and butchering our neighboring towns. We have the means of transporting aid directly to our home, so in a moment of haste I interrupted Queen Karia’s audience with the paladins. I requested assistance, and the paladins volunteered to head over first. After that, Queen Karia left to bring volunteers from among the palace's knighthood.” I glanced nervously at Karia, but she just sent a reassuring smile.

  “During the meeting you interrupted, did you notice anything unusual with the paladins?” She confidently follows up the initial question, and immediately I remember what she was referring to.

  “There was a withered humanoid figure with gray and black skin bound by a leash to the paladin. It had its neck snapped, yet it was still trying to reach for me as it died.” Honestly, the thing was so creepy at the time that I intentionally ignored it. It hadn’t seemed all that important at the time, but in hindsight I did want to know what it was. I had seen all kinds of monsters, but most had some kind of base or foundation in normal wildlife. However, my description silenced the crowd. The king leaned back with a mix of irritation and relief.

  “Do you have any other accusations, Queen Vienne?" When a moment of silence passes, I can see the queen dip her head either in thought, shame, or submission to the king. “Then for now I declare Queen Karia guilty of excessive force used in restraint of royalty, but done so out of necessity. To atone, she will lead the subjugation force in countering the elvish invasion; she may not partake of anything except bread and water until the task is complete.” I sighed in relief but also felt a jolt of excitement. The nothing but bread and water punishment felt a bit random, but having Karia personally lead the army in battle felt like a win. I could even feel Karia’s excitement radiating from her despite her composed demeanor.

  “Your will be done, your majesty.”

  Marching Orders

  Lilia looked down at the thousands of bloody children in formation. The butler arrived, delivering her marching orders. She was to take this ‘army’ and clear out all the pests between Harlanou City and the southern river that divided the north from the south. Once that region had been purged, she was to return to resupply and start marching east. By the time of the Royal Army's arrival, the road was expected to be cleared of pests.

  While Lilia was relieved that they hadn’t been ordered to attack the elves. Which would’ve been a complete massacre marching. She still didn’t trust the kids to be able to handle what he did assign. Still, she didn’t want to turn her dad against her again. The memory of being abandoned in the woods stood out as the last memory before the large gaps of what Shadow had stolen. Still, she was strong now, which meant even if the kids weren’t ready to fight monsters, she could.

  Calling Jasmine to her side, she gave her instructions.

  “We are marching to clear the pests between Harlanou and Rax. Before you shout at me for sending kids to fight, just know this wasn’t my choice. Duke Harlanou intends to use monsters to sharpen us. Arrange them into groups with the intention of surviving as long as possible. While they may be weak, that just means I’ll have to work harder.” Jasmine tsked as she turned her head to the side before moving into the crowd to organize them. Lilia looked at the setting sun and gave a soft prayer; it was a habit she had picked up from Freema. It irritated the shadow, which was the only win she could muster.

  Stepping back, she returned to her room and started panicking as she realized she couldn’t find the blood. She overturned everything once, twice, but before she could start the third time, Jasmine burst into her room. Giving Lilia a disdainful glare, looking at the mess, she kept her comment short and clipped.

  “It’s time to go.”