"The knights have returned! Make way! Make way!" The citizens of Gorinville lined the boulevard to cheer and get a chance to watch the triumphant return of the knight orders as they paraded through the capital. Since they didn't need to worry about stopping to fight, it took the knights just over two months to march from Toldrin back to Gorinville. James and the Golden Lions led the parade to be the first to bask in their citizens' praises. Children threw yellow and white flower petals from the upper floors of the taller buildings that got swept along by a gentle summer breeze adding a majestic air to the parade. All the participating knights had made sure their armor was polished and not a speck of dirt was on their clothes to show the people a beautiful sight upon their return; all save one. Bringing up the rear of the parade were the Hellhound knights led by a young girl in a robe that refused to wash clean. Even if the Hellhounds had an infamous reputation, the people were so swept up in the joyous occasion that they kept cheering even for them.
"…" A white flower petal fluttered in front of Lucina who caught it between her gloved fingers. Despite the gloves, Lucina felt a warmth from the white petal which caused her to smile.
"Who would've thought," Carl joked from beneath his helmet, "They're actually cheering for us? You think they even know who we are?"
"The Hellhounds are too well known for them not to," Jeremy replied and gave a wave to some of the onlookers.
"Sinicism has no place in a parade, Carl," Elise teased as she smiled at a group of children who waved at her.
"It's not my fault I dislike it that they're only happy to see us since we won a war," Carl complained. "Any other day and they'd be avoiding us like a plague. Right, Lucina?"
"…" Lucina remained silent as she allowed the white flower petal to be picked up by the breeze and fly away.
"Lucina?" Carl called out again but Lucina still didn't respond or even motion to show she heard him. The others exchanged worried glances as Lucina started acting strange as soon as they made it to the capital. "Lu-"
"We're almost at the palace," Lucina finally spoke but didn't turn around or acknowledge Carl's previous statements. "Peter, get everyone situated so they can enjoy the festival but make sure they don't get too rowdy."
"Yes, Commander." Peter waited for her to keep speaking, but Lucina once more fell silent. The Hellhounds quietly brought up the rear of the parade all the way to the palace and to the royal family who waited for them.
***
"Now entering! Crown Prince James Arlexton and Second Prince Terence Arlexton!" James and Terence entered the grand throne room with their heads held high as a servant announced their entrance. They wore matching outfits that displayed the grandeur and wealth of the royal family, but Terence's was black and gold while James wore white and gold. The throne room was filled with nobles from across Urldrusk who were dressed in their finest clothes to match the triumphant and festive occasion. Banners of all the participating knight orders hung from the stone pillars that lined the room, and a rich red carpet was rolled out that led from the entrance to the steps just below the throne. A few of the nobles were already well into their drinks but were still sober enough to not cause a scene as the leaders of the knights began coming in one at a time to receive a congratulation from Marcus. When the princes were at the foot of the steps leading to the throne they both took a knee and bowed their heads.
"Welcome, my triumphant sons!" Marcus exclaimed loudly to bring everyone's attention to him as he rose from his throne. Since this day would be written about extensively in their history books, Marcus wore his finest white and gold suit, the most expensive golden jewelry he owned, and the most luscious golden silk cape the tailors in the capital could make. Stephany remained seated but gave a relieved smile as she saw Terence walking up the aisle of people unharmed. Her white dress and black hair were adorned with gold jewelry that glinted in the light; a pretty doll sitting silently in its place. "It fills my heart with pride seeing you both return after having both braved war for our kingdom…no…for our empire!" Marcus raised his hand into the air and the nobles applauded the declaration and the two princes. With a motion from his un-raised hand, Olivia stood up from her throne and walked toward the princes. She wore a gold and white dress whose style didn't really match her and looked a bit too garish on the twelve-year-old girl, but it was picked out by James so she had to wear it for the occasion.
With a practiced voice that was regal yet soothing, Olivia addressed the princes as she placed a laurel wreath atop each of their heads, "May glory follow your footsteps and wisdom guide your hands as you both continue to give your all for our empire." She offered her hands which both princes took so they may rise, though Terence had to let go as he went to sit next to his mother while James was escorted by Olivia to his throne next to hers. Everyone gave a cheer as the royal family was once more reunited.
"Now entering! Commander of the Azure Hawks, Duke Richard Ordrin!" After the princes came the leaders of the knight orders to receive their congratulations starting with the dukes and going down by ranks as the precession went on. Richard wore a white and azure blue knight commander's uniform with a blue and yellow cape fluttering behind him as he ascended the aisle. Mordrist proudly entered in her black knight commander's uniform with her fur-lined cape trailing behind her, and Hoffman wore an olive green business-style suit with a brown shoulder cape that had golden frills along its edges. Olivia was also surprised and relieved to see Count Lyllium standing tall and proud in her black and pink knight's uniform as she strode with dignity toward the throne and didn't let the cast and sling her left arm was in bother her. One by one the leaders of the knight orders entered until there was only one remaining. "Now entering! Commander of the Hellhounds…Lucina Felswore!"
"…" All eyes turned to the entrance as a young girl walked alone up the aisle. Despite it being summer, Lucina wore brown, fur-lined winter boots and a pair of thick, dark brown pants. Her white shirt which was barely visible underneath her robe looked to be the cleanest piece of clothing she was wearing since it didn't have old stains of dirt or blood on it. Thick leather gloves covered her hands which were just poking out of the torn sleeves of her robe. The once pristine, white wizard's robe was torn and tattered and was a sickly crimson red that brought more unease to her appearance. As she walked past, the nobles closest tried to back away as the stench of rotting iron infected the air around the young girl like a looming shadow. Elise had done her best to brush Lucina's hair down before she came but it still looked like a thicket of thorns cascading down her back. When she reached the foot of the steps, she took a knee and bowed her head.
"The prodigal Wizard returns!" Marcus bellowed as he addressed Lucina. He seemed to be ignoring the smell coming off her and continued, "Words of you and your Hellhound's exploits have reached far and wide, Wizard Felswore. As the youngest of your line, you've brought considerable honor to the Felswore house by your actions." Charles, Elizabeth, and Adam were all in attendance and held looks of relief and shock at Lucina's appearance. "The hardships you faced and the battles you fought for the glory of our newly formed Arlexia were many, and will not go unnoticed." Marcus clapped his hands together before extending them out to the kneeling girl. "Wizard Lucina Felswore, Commander of the Hellhound knights, for your actions in securing our ultimate victory I wish to reward you; more so than any other! Ask and I shall grant you a prize worthy of your deeds!"
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"…!" The nobles started whispering about what a twelve-year-old girl could possibly wish for with many already criticizing her wish despite Lucina not even speaking.
After a brief silence, Lucina asked, "Are there any restrictions to this prize, Your Majesty?"
"So long as it is within the realm of possibility for me to grant, I don't see many," Marcus replied and rubbed his chin, intrigued by the purpose of Lucina's question. Olivia was tense as she watched Lucina's unflinching figure and silently cursed Marcus for what he was doing; he was testing her. Marcus offered Lucina a seemingly unconditional wish for her deeds but this was a test of Lucina's greed and allegiance. The Hellhounds were supposed to be on the royal family's leash so how greedy was their favored dog, and did it know who its owner was? If Lucina overstepped herself then it could not only affect her but also her family.
"Then…" Lucina said and raised her head to match Marcus' gaze. Olivia felt her chest tighten in fright as she finally got a good look at Lucina's face and her broken eyes. Lucina's gaze was distant and without much focus, and there was a hollowness to her eyes that sent a chill down Olivia's back as it reminded her of the artwork for the Lucina she knew from the otome game; as did the fake smile she held on her face. But what caused an even greater pain were the next words Lucina spoke, "I would like to ask for the County of Solfin." The nobles threw a fit.
"Such arrogance!"
"That is too much!"
"A child dares-"
"Silence!" Marcus' voice echoed throughout the throne room and silenced it. His gaze returned to Lucina and the two stared at each other in silence for a few moments before Marcus asked, "While not the most difficult of wishes for me to grant, I am left with questions as to the why. Solfin is far away not only from the capital, but also your home of Gauldrin as Solfin sits along the western coastline. Not to mention, by seeking to claim the County of Solfin you would need to leave your family as there cannot be two Felswore lines holding equal titles. I ask of you your reasons before giving my decision, Wizard Lucina Felswore." Marcus gestured for Lucina to rise so she may speak while standing, and everyone's attention was fixated on Lucina. Elizabeth looked like she was about to faint at the thought of Lucina leaving the family after she had just come back from two years at war, and both Charles and Adam had to help keep her steady.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Lucina said and got to her feet. The unnervingly calm look on her face never left as she explained her actions to Marcus, "I ask for Solfin because it is one of the easier pieces of land for you to grant since Your Majesty is the one who currently holds the title so there won't be any messy disputes on de jure ownership from other nobles." Marcus mostly held land at the center of Urldrusk while the four dukes were given ownership of their respective lands with few exceptions; one such exception was Solfin. Solfin was a county that consisted of a single city and some surrounding farmland that was currently under the ownership of Baron Rolf who answered directly to Marcus instead of Richard despite Solfin being within Holst's borders. These land exceptions were done by the first king of Urldrusk to assert his dominion more clearly over the three founding dukes by holding onto key pieces of land in their duchies and Solfin was chosen since it sat at the mouth of the Helker River which was the main trade route to the west. By holding both ends of the river that went into and out of Holst, the king held strength over the Duke. "Since I am the leader of the Hellhound knight order, an order that answers solely to the imperial family, by granting me the County of Solfin I could continue my duties as Commander since I would be directly answering to you, Your Majesty." Lucina deliberately changed 'royal family' to 'imperial family' to stroke Marcus' ego over forming Arlexia; a tactic Olivia had told her about in her letters.
"Indeed, I certainly cannot allow someone under one of the dukes to hold power in my Hellhounds," Marcus joyfully laughed as Lucina's praise worked. "And you are correct in that Solfin answers to me so it would be the perfect place for you Hellhounds to make roots." While Marcus continued to ponder over his thoughts on the matter, Lucina sent a smug grin over to James who cocked an eyebrow at her in bemusement. Even if Lucina was given Solfin, James didn't see how that would affect him in any way so he wasn't sure why she was so smug about it, but Terence knew the reason. Terence understood that if Lucina was granted Solfin then she would hold real power within the nobility as well as a key strategic location within Holst; her home duchy. Solfin was the gateway to the west so whoever owned it would hold considerable sway over trade as Lucina could use her position to impose taxes and fees on merchants she didn't align with; while this practice was officially frowned upon it wasn't illegal so long as it didn't go too far. Marcus also understood this fact and brought up his concern, "But even if Solfin is a good fit for the Hellhounds that doesn't solve the issue of there being two Felswore lines holding the same rank. Was there a Baron family you sought to marry into and wish for them to be elevated to Count? Are you interested in Baron Rolf's son?"
"No, Your Majesty, I would like to create a new house," Lucina clarified.
"A new noble house?" Marcus was getting more and more amused by Lucina's words and the gathered nobles were getting restless.
"Yes, and I could think of no greater honor than for my new house to be given our name by Your Majesty the Emperor." Another stroke to Marcus' ego.
"Hahaha!" Marcus laughed and patted his stomach with his hand. "I didn't realize you learned to sharpen your tongue as well as your magic on the battlefield!"
"My time with the Hellhounds has been a most enlightening experience," Lucina spoke with an elegance that she had Jeremy help her refine so she wouldn't be looked down on for her speech.
"Indeed, it seems the hound is grateful for the leash," Marcus laughed and got a rise out of some of the nobles. Olivia grit her teeth at Marcus' jab at Lucina, but Lucina didn't show any indication of even hearing the joke and kept silently staring at Marcus. "I am satisfied with your words, Wizard Lucina, so I shall bestow upon you the honor you seek!" Marcus contemplated for a few moments on what to name Lucina's new house and his eyes were invariably drawn to her red robe. "Sanguine." The words reverberated around the throne room and caused Olivia to flinch. "From this day forth you shall be the first of the Sanguine line! A fitting name for the Butcher of Toldrin who brought Peltaira to her knees!" Marcus was getting a kick out of seeing how far he could go since Lucina wasn't showing any reactions to his goading. Some of the nobles laughed along with Marcus while others held their tongues, and the Felswores grit their teeth and clenched their fists in silence. Marcus walked down the stairs and stood directly in front of Lucina as he drew his ceremonial sword and Lucina took a knee in preparation for receiving her title. "For your service to Arlexia, and your commitment and loyalty to the throne, I, Emperor Marcus Arlexton, grant to Lucina Sanguine the title of Countess of Solfin!"
"!!!" Olivia's eyes widened and her fists clenched not from shock, but anger. While she was certainly uneasy about Lucina becoming more and more like the person from the reverse harem ending, Olivia was more upset over what Marcus had done since she now knew what it meant. Noble titles were not tied to gender so by all right Lucina should have been given the title of Count but by naming her Countess instead of Count, Marcus was deliberately saying that Solfin still belonged to him.
"Rise, Countess Lucina Sanguine!" It was the most backhanded reward Marcus could give.
"I am honored, Your Majesty." Yet Lucina still showed no sign of annoyance or displeasure. Giving a curtsy with her robe, Lucina continued, "I, Countess Lucina Sanguine, from this day forth, will faithfully serve the Empire of Arlexia as befitting my stature."
"It pleases me to no end to gain such a noble and powerful vassal, Countess!" Marcus put his hand on Lucina's shoulder and gave it a squeeze. "Now you are both a Wizard and a true noble of this empire!" He was deliberately dancing around addressing Lucina being named The Harbinger of Zulm, and kept calling her a wizard. "And, now that I'm able to get a good look at you, you've appeared to have grown since I last saw you almost two years ago."
"Indeed I have, Your Majesty," Lucina responded and gave a slight bow. During her time with the Hellhounds, she had grown to be one hundred and forty-five centimeters tall, though she was still shorter than Olivia who was now one hundred and fifty-seven centimeters tall.
"In that case, please allow me to gift you a gown for the coming ball celebrating the founding of Arlexia! I cannot possibly have one of the guests of honor, and a Countess at that, wear non-formal attire." Marcus retracted his hand from Lucina's shoulder and looked it over to make sure no blood had gotten on him. It was also clearly evident on his face that the smell was starting to get to him.
"I would graciously accept your additional gift, Your Majesty," Lucina replied and gave another curtsy with her robe.
"Good!" Marcus motioned for one of his retainers to approach and he addressed the man, "Escort the Countess to Madam Doris' boutique and make it known that price is not an issue so long as the gown can be prepared by tomorrow's ball."
"At once, Your Majesty!" the retainer bowed before turning to Lucina, "Please follow me, Countess."
"Of course," Lucina replied and gave a departing bow to Marcus before following the retainer out of the throne room.
"…" Olivia's heart and mind raced as she now felt like she was one step closer to her terrible ending. But what hurt her heart the most was that Lucina didn't look her way or acknowledge her even once.