Trumpets sounded as Vixella and Alexei stepped past the decorated gateway and then into the throne room.

On each side of the room stood royal knights playing trumpets but also with their spears and swords at the ready.

These royal knights, unlike the royal guards who were for show, were extremely capable fighters.

Vixella then began to consider her chances of survival against all of them in such a confined area.

To the side were rows of various noble families, knight families, and their servants.

The highest-ranked ones who had more influence were standing closest to the throne.

The whole room was made from marble and etched with various glimmering mana jewels.

If the throne room were to be ransacked alone, that person could retire for the generations to come.

The two of them stopped before the Emperor's Throne without looking up at him.

Alexei felt very out of place but followed after what Vixella did the best he could.

Suddenly, she stopped to kneel and lowered her head.

"Vixella Langford! Arriving to answer the summon of his majesty!"

Alexei nervously followed after, although a bit stiff in his movements.

"A-Alexei Kiravichi... A-Answering the summon of his majesty!"

The aging Elderian King then nodded with content.

"Good etiquette for an adventurer, deserving my praise."

"This one humbly thanks his majesty."

"At ease...", he brushed his hand, "Raise your heads, brave adventurers."

The two slowly looked up the red carpet steps.

What they saw on the golden throne was an old man in his sixties.

Although being a king... His presence was rather intimidating, to say the least.

Beside him was a dignified young lady who resembled his appearance.

And to the side was... A plain man in a suit with brown hair and brown eyes.

Nothing out of the ordinary showed from his looks. He was very plain-

"Your majesty. May I have a word with-"

Vixella traced her eyes at the man beside the throne.

"Ah, with Sir Greedfallen? Granted."

"Hm, Xenthur... Is this your doing?"

"Yes? So it may seem."

"I'll heal you after this, free of charge."

"Let's not get too hasty in front of his majesty-"

The young dignified lady to the other side giggled a little, covering her mouth with a handheld fan.

"So, the two of you are acquainted? Sir Greedfallen? Miss Langford?"

Vixella's attention shifted to her who had inserted into their conversation.

The lady caught her gaze decided to step forward.

She took her dress and then did a perfect curtsy.

"My apologies for the interruption, I am Princess Sasha Silverestia."

The sense of 'dignified' was her aura. Long silver hair and gray eyes.

She had such a figure that perhaps a corset wasn't even necessary.

Vixella was glad she, the Elderian Princess, introduced herself without having to be asked beforehand.

"Greetings to the Princess!", she kept kneeling, "And yes... Sir Greedfallen and I have a complicated past."

There was then very apparent murmuring in the background upon hearing that.

It seems like the nobles were somewhat discontent with that statement of hers.

Alexei nudged at Vixella a little, "Gah... So you have friends in higher places as well? No wonder-"

The king abruptly laughed in on that as everyone looked his way before slowly quieting down.

"Vixella Langford, due to your accomplishments, I hereby grant you a title of power equal to a Count."

Even louder murmurs were heard from then heard within the throne room.

The rank of Count being granted to a commoner was never heard of.

Normally, one starts as a Knight or Baron, and would then slowly rise the ranks.

It usually takes generations or significant contributions to Elderia to rise in rank.

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/404059426413084672/877933251627483146/Noble_Ranks.png](Simplified example of nobility ranks during the medieval period.)

So this kind of treatment was surely out of bounds for the many nobles present.

Vixella immediately felt cold sweat upon noticing the envious gazes coming her way.

"Your majesty... If I were to be rude, I would humbly wish to decline."

"That will not do!", he insisted, "I shall make you a noble of the robe! Meaning you will not be granted any land."

Seeing how a noble of the robe is only a noble with titles lacking territorial power, the murmurs began to stop.

Everyone seemed to quiet down after the king said that out and some content remarks were then heard instead.

((https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nobles_of_the_Robe))

"Hm, if I were to become a noble of the robe, what would be required of me, your majesty?"

"You shall be sent off as an emissary across the lands to spread the goodwill and strengthen the relations of our kingdom."

That meant even better for the nobles! Further praises and good remarks were then heard within the throne room.

Knowing that Vixella won't be present in the capital, they won't have to worry about her interfering with their decisions.

"Hm, it seems I have no choice but to accept."

"Good! Then, Countess Langford, please make way... And since you are of now of befitting rank, you may stand."

Vixella nodded and slowly stepped off to the side to where Xenthur walked down the steps to meet her.

"So, how does it feel, my lady? We've returned to where we've begun, much like in the long-forgotten past."

"You just had to go and start this 'new game plus' for us, didn't you? And here I had planned to lead a quiet life-"

They then continued their exchange very subtly so that it would not disturb the others present.

Alexei, on the other hand, was left kneeling alone before the throne and had begun to lose composure.

"Relax, boy... Is this your first time in the palace?"

He flinched and clenched his kneeling form.

"Yes...! Ahm, my sincere apologies...!"

"Then, Alexei Kiravichi, for your accomplishments alongside Countess Langford, I appoint you as Lord Protector."

"I graciously accept, your majesty!"

The princess giggled slightly and came down the steps, "Then, Sir Alexei... I shall be in your care."

"P-Pardon...?", he wasn't too sure why the princess suddenly approached him like that.

"Were you not informed, Sir Alexei? The duty of Lord Protector is to become my personal escort."

"Ahm... Wait... I didn't sign up for this-!?"

((IRL, Lord Protector is the regent in absence of a ruler. // We'll take it as something else in this story due to how cool it kinda sounds.))

The crowd of nobles murmured a little more before applause and clapping deafened the scene.

The two were then given named insignia pins to show upon their outer clothes.

After that ceremony was over, Xenthur was abruptly lobbed on Vixella's shoulder.

"M-My lady...!? What are you doing-!? Y-You shall unhand me this instant-!?"

He flailed, kicking his legs and swinging his arms to try and break free.

"Your majesty?"

Vixella's bright yet chilling eye smile made the room fall silent immediately.

"Yes... What is it?"

"If I were to be sent across the lands then it is natural that I have an assistant of my choosing, no?"

"I see... Then a necessary sacrifice it shall be... We shall find someone to stand in for Sir Greedfall's absence."

"I beg your pardon-!? You surely jest, your majesty-!? P-Please, anyone-! Spare me from this woman's wrath-!?"

"Hm~ Let us head to the Royal Kitchens~ Your punishment for dragging me into this is to... Eat Grizzly Boar Meat with me---!!!"

"No... Not that accursed meat! I-I repent... M-Mercy... Mercy! No, not again! NOoOoOOoOOOOoo-------!!!"

That was the last thing everyone in the throne room heard and saw as they disappeared beyond the tall marble gateway.

A CENTURY LATER

(Palace Trumpets Transition)

Vixella who was now in a noble's dress strode through a long open-air walkway.

Xenthur who readjusted his color with his eyes closed in dismay sighed loudly.

"Somehow... I survived that ordeal..."

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/455394821364908032/456136920603295745/dress.jpg]

((The dress doesn't drag on the floor, unlike the picture.))

The two walked forward without paying mind to anything else, seemingly in a hurry towards their destination.

Zooming out the open-air balcony walkway, below them was the courtyard overlooking the bustling cityscape.

Alexei was following after the Elderian Princess who slouched over to smell some flowers.

Sasha Silverestia.

Her appearance lived up to the name.

Long silver hair and grey crystalline eyes.

It greatly resembled her father, the Elderian king.

Her mother, unfortunately, passed on the day she gave birth.

Sasha, the sole child, was to inherit the throne after her father.

She also had a firm stance in not finding a spouse until she became Queen.

Sasha stood up with a slight smile.

"Sir Alexei, let us have tea."

"Right away, princess."

He then guided her towards the pavilion where some servants were waiting.

...

Back on the opposite side of the grand palace castle.

Vixella and Xenthur sat in one of the planning rooms.

Her figure was finely presented thanks to the elegant dress and its puffy detached sleeves.

She was focused on the map by the table, especially at the newly drawn borders of this era.

"And here I'd wished for A World with no Boundaries."

((That's an Ace Combat Reference, lmao.))

[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/404059426413084672/473851211217502208/Map_change.JPG]

"Indeed, it took me some time to accept this realization... The empire... Is no more."

This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.

"Hm, you make it sound as if it's a big deal for us."

Vixella who got bored while surveying the map expanded and retracted the arm-blade hidden in the puffy detached sleeve.

Around her neck was the Legendary Adventurer Plate made from crystalline material... It was fitted over her frilly collar piece.

The elegant dress, on the other hand, was quite encumbering for daily use.

It was meant for noble occasions. Thus, was extremely hard to move around in.

This fact did was not of concern since for a noble, looks and etiquette are a must before agility and combat prowess.

Although it was of great concern to Vixella who usually scaled distances faster than others... Plus, it was a dress...!

Xiveall who had somewhat accepted his new fate as a woman was still coming to terms with wearing girly attire.

Conforming 'his' ego to become some beautified noblewoman was already taxing his sanity to a great extent.

He then finally regretted it upon realizing that he went as far as to fall for a man (Alexei) and then also !@#%-ed him.

Vague memories had also begun to resurface.

This was thanks to the fight with Connor back then.

Each time Xiveall was put in a near-dead state, he would recall an unwanted memory.

It was always like that... That's why he trained very hard to become a strong fighter...

And even asking a genius herbalist (doctor) like Luna who handled all kinds of patients, she couldn't find an answer to the strange condition.

"Hm, so we're heading to Katraia...? What- Let me guess... There's some stupid internal conflict going on?"

"As expected... You caught up to the events of this era so quickly."

"Yep, it literally does not say here on the map that their nation is divided into four territories."

"Humble as ever, my lady... You haven't changed at all."

She pulled out a handheld fan from her left sleeve to play with it.

"Sigh, my life in this world is built upon countless misconceptions."

"You are quite the jester. Well then, my lady? Are we ready to depart?"

Vixella stood up and tucked back in her handheld fan.

"Lead the way."

"Yes, my lady! Let us pave forth a path, crushing every obstacle in our wake!"

Xenthur then folded up the map and tucked it inside his tailcoat.

"We shall also secure buyers for our Magic Jars Inc. on the way."

(( INNER CONFLICT ARC -- BEGIN! ))

In truth, Vixella was the kind of person who would run away from troublesome responsibilities.

Being an emissary is tough, yes... But if she could spread her company's influence then sure.

After all, there was no strict regulation in how she handled their affairs.

If it ends in a somewhat favorable outcome then it's fine, said the senate.

The high-ranking nobles who govern the country below the king had high hopes for her.

This was akin to when Xiveall went around the world to gather companions and relics to fight the demon forces.

The only major difference this time was that everything seemed to be a lot less dangerous... Yup, no demons!

...

"It should be a breeze without demons... But hm, I take back what I said."

The view then shifted out, revealing that Vixella, Xenthur were sitting inside a cage.

They were being dragged along in the prison wagon by the end of a military caravan formation.

Just a while back, they were ambushed and captured by this Betrasian strike force on the way to Zyron.

The two knights escorting them had tried their best to break them out of the encirclement but to no avail.

Vixella and Xenthur who didn't want to raise any suspicion on themselves surrendered without much resistance.

Towards the eastern border of the peaceful Elderia was a rural land governed by four different warring factions.

This rural land, Katraia, was governed by King Alderius Heineken in the central territory, the capital of Zyron.

To the western forests by the border crossing over to Elderia laid Ikrus, a neutral faction in the current conflict.

Kartasus laid low in the eastern plains and was renowned for their cavalry. They were allied with the Zyronian faction.

Betras by the Southern Coast, in contrast to the rest of them, was on extremely bad terms with basically everyone.

As one would notice, the current state of affairs in the rural nation of Katraia wasn't looking too good.

That's why Vixella was sent as the middle-man, an emissary who would arrange a truce for them.

However, it seemed like she was somewhat late for the tea that was already spilled beforehand.

"This is an interesting outcome, is it not, my lady?"

"Sure, but it's boring to be stuck inside a cage... Wouldn't it be more fun if we were chained and forced to walk?"

"I understand... Alas, this cage is nothing compared to my pow--- ER--- Mmph-!?"

The soldier guarding the prison wagon who heard struggling turned around to check on them.

He seemed a bit confused, seeing Vixella who was holding back Xenthur's mouth and all.

"Aah, and here I thought those two knights were executed already..."

Vixella idly hinted Xenthur at the knights that were being dragged into view.

They were both stripped of their gear and now only had prisoner rags on them.

The Betrasian military consisted mainly of Corsairs who fought off pirates around Afria's coastlines.

Lightly armored and wearing a sailor's cap, they mainly relied on pikes, shields, and crossbows.

One of the corsairs approached the female knight's side to smell her hair was headbutted away.

Clutching his nose, the same man angrily shoved her over to hold her by the hair against the ground.

She screamed out as her ragged tunic was ripped into shreds by another corsair move in beside them.

More corsairs surrounded her as one of them kicked her in the gut, causing her to cough in pain and rollover.

Upon seeing the fine pair of bosoms come into view, the corsairs laugh and begun to unfasten their uniforms.

The male knight who was right beside them struggled and rushed over to stop them but was stopped by a pike's shaft.

He fell over and hit the dirt before having his head stepped on. He was forced to watch the scene just out of arm's reach.

Upon seeing Vixella simply look unphased at the occurrence, the one guarding their prison wagon laughed.

"Is the lady interested? Well... I did hear from somewhere that noblewomen usually had weird desires..."

"It's not that? I'm simply waiting for something to happen."

"Waiting... For something to happen?"

The guard looked back at the scene, not understanding what she meant.

"Hm, just watch."

The buck-naked Corsairs were feeling the female knight's body all over.

She then screamed upon seeing a man position himself for penetration-

"Make way for Commander Amoth!"

The soldiers made way as he came into view past the ranks of soldiers.

Vixella took note of their commander in scale lamellar armor and cloak.

He took long strides towards the imminent rape scene.

"Ohh... Commander Amoth! Are you here to join us--- Eh?"

FSSHHHHHH! As his cloak swished, in the blink of an eye, all of the corsairs who attempted rape were castrated on the spot.

" " " "AaaAaaRGghHhH!!! O-Our... Little J-Johnnies---!?!?!?" " " "

They all crumbled down, clutching their crotches as dark crimson spilled everywhere.

"Pathetic greenies like you bring shame to the rest of my men!"

He then spun back his double-bladed daggers into their sheaths.

The caravan fell silent for long minutes as the corsairs who had joined in bleeding out.

A soldier then stepped up and covered the female knight with a long piece of cloth.

The other corsair who had held down the male knight was also taken away and tossed into another prison wagon.

One of the officers stepped up with a rigid salute.

"Commander Amoth... Is it the usual procedure?"

"Yes. Burn their bodies. Do NOT leave a speck."

Back at their prison wagon, the one guarding them whistled.

"Seems like you were right, young lady..."

"See? I told you something would happen."

"Then maybe I don't even need to stand guard later."

"Hm?"

"No one will dare to do anything to you guys after that, hah."

...

"Commander, it seems we will arrive at Zyron much faster than expected... Will there be a change of plans?"

"No, this is all within the time margin. We shall commence a surprise attack once dawn comes upon us."

...

A day and night later, all the remaining Corsairs had hidden the caravan in the nearby forest to attack Zyron.

Vixella, Xenthur, and the two knights who sat in the prison wagon were watched over by some slack guards.

"Hm, should we break out of this cell?"

Vixella who laying on her back whispered out to them.

"Countess... I'm afraid this cage is enchanted and etched with runes to stop magic attacks..."

The female knight hinted quietly whilst the male knight raised his hands that were bound by anti-magic cuffs.

"It's not just that... Our hands are also tied like this... We can't even use magic... We're stuck helpless..."

"These cuffs won't do anything...", she then turned to face Xenthur, "How about a synchronized breakout?"

"Very well? After your signal, my lady."

Although her hands were bound, Vixella dropped out her fan inside the sleeve and held it over her head.

Xenthur then lifted his hand as a pitch-black magic circle appeared before them, surprising the two knights.

One of the three guards saw this and was about to shout, but his head was splattered by the fan which was thrown at him.

Although it looked just like some normal hand-held fan... It was in fact made from pure enchanted valoratian steel.

The bars of the cage were quickly bent aside by Xenthur's shadow hands as the two knights rushed out.

And just before the two remaining guards could draw their swords, the knights whacked them with their cuffs.

"We did it..."

The female knight sighed a breath of relief as Vixella walked over with a keychain she found and uncuffed them as well.

They all then followed her to check the many crates strapped onto the wagon for their equipment.

"Hm, find anything? I'm pretty sure our belongings should be in one of these crates... Aah---- Bingo!"

After taking back what was theirs, Vixella and Xenthur rushed out of the tree line and ran up Zyron's outer walls.

This, of course, left the two knights who were left below that same wall looking somewhat awed at their performance.

Vixella and Xenthur then looked down at the knights.

"Hm, are you two not coming?"

"Countess, it might be better for us to head back and notify the Elderian Forces to mobilize just in case!"

"Okay then! Stay safe!"

"You too, Countess!"

The two knights ran back to hidden wagon formation, unfastened the horses, and sped off into the dim morning forest.

...

After rushing towards the palace, Vixella bash-kicked through a small reinforced window on the slanted roofs.

Xenthur didn't have time to think either as he also plopped through the same window she had just busted apart.

They both landed in the throne room, looked around at the dim-lit surroundings, and stood up slowly.

Just then, the many tips of various bladed polearms rushed out to encircle them from all directions.

Vixella quickly unfastened her emissary insignia pin from her dress and raised it high.

The Royal Knights of Zyron backed away upon seeing that but kept their weapons at the ready.

"Aye! Just great! You come here now of all times, lass? All of us are currently are in deep shit! You hear me!? Deep shit!"

A middle-aged man with a crown upon his head grumbled up to meet with them by the center of the throne room.

In the background laid an unmoving body, bloodied under the white cloth that was commonly used to cover the dead.

"That's my son... Castor... He... He died protecting our citizens... He... Did his best to protect everyone-"

Suddenly, the clanking of plate armor could be heard approaching around the corridor.

The Royal Knights all pointed their weapons that way but stopped upon seeing who it was.

A wide stout figure clad in full etched plate armor (+ helmet) clutched his bloodied arm and staggered inside.

"King... Bad news... They flanked us by the garrisons... We couldn't hold it out... They took our men by surprise..."

"Paladin Baron, what's the situation outside?", one of the armored officers inside the room asked out.

"Most of our forces are stuck and had barricaded themself inside the armories and barracks..."

"Then who is halting their advance-!?"

"N-No one... Sir... They are slowly advancing up the districts as we speak..."

"Damnit...! At this rate, Zyron will fall into the hands of that bastard uncle of mine...!"

Vixella casually strode up to meet him.

"Paladin... Your arm looks pretty bad."

"Lady... I wouldn't want to stain you with my blood--- Ugh, is this... Holy Spirits...?"

Baron took off his bucket helmet, revealing a slightly handsome babyface, in contrast to his rigid posture.

"Hm, please stay still for a moment."

Vixella orchestrated with her hands as the bubbly healing magic formation and firefly-like holy spirits swarmed him.

"But wasn't that Higher Grade Healing Magic-!? My lady...! Are you feeling light-headed or aching anywhere-!?"

Upon taking off the helmet, his voice also was less coarse and deep, sounding more like a curious child.

Vixella smiled wryly, "This is nothing~! Thanks for your concern~", and headed back to King Alderius and Xenthur.

Baron moved his previously injured arm around before putting back on the bucket helmet.

"I promise to return victorious!", he received a longsword from one of the palace knights and returned the same way he came.

One of the few advisors in the background stepped out from the group that was huddled together.

"My king... I suggest a proposal of surrender to minimize the losses-"

King Alderius angrily waved his fist at the group of advisors who in return shrieked in fear.

"You cowards can stay shut! The situation has become even worse! If they capture us all then our nation is screwed!"

Xenthur brushed his arm to the side to present Vixella who stood dumbfounded beside him.

"Fear not... I and my lady here are quiet... Capable combatants... So to say."

"Aye, that's funny! All of you Elderians can fight, yeah... I can feel it... The both of you have done in a bunch of people, huh."

"Indeed... Countless lives have fallen under our very hands! Muhahahaha!"

Xenthur then struck an evil-looking pose, causing everyone to cringe at it.

Smacking Xenthur as he tumbled to the ground, Vixella sighed loudly.

"Please ignore him, he says such blasphemous things sometimes."

"My lady-!? How could you say such a thing about me- Aaah...!?"

Xenthur retorted out before being stomped on by Vixella.

"That aside... How about round up all capable fighters under my wing?"

"Lass... It's not that I doubt you...", he took note of the crystal plate by her collar piece, "But do you mind telling us what you plan to do?"

"Hm, I'll make sure your son's death won't be in vain... That's all."

The room fell silent for a short while before King Alderius nodded once.

"Well, you all heard the lass... Go and gather the best of your men."

" " "Yessir!" " "

All the officers stormed outside immediately.

"And before I head out to save the world... Have you heard about Magical Induction Jars?"

Vixella smiled happily as she took a brochure off Xenthur who was still flat on the ground.

King Alderius immediately became somewhat impressed by the contents presented as he looked through it.

"Aye, lass! I've heard about these...! Haha, what wonders have you brought upon this cursed land of ours?"

"Cursed land? Hm, then a blessed one it shall be once we supply you with these jars!"

"Aye! But can I have samples to get approval from our very stubborn court magicians first?"

He then hinted at the back where some robed figures nodded without saying anything.

"Of course? But only if you sign this contract in advance... It's effective within the week."

Upon seeing the king hesitate, she continued, "We'll also give you a lifetime discount."

"Aye lass, it's a deal."

Baron who rushed back into the throne room with a dozen officers and soldiers coughed to get their attention.

"Your majesty... Lady... I assume the two of you haven't forgotten of our desperate battle ongoing outside?"

"Indeed, let's not get too off-topic.", Alderius coughed, "Well then lass, our best men are all here."

Vixella nodded before shifting her feet to face all of the paladins, knights, and soldiers who had formed up.

"Then, brave fighters... Let me brief you about how we shall turn around this that situation the enemy had turned upon us."