Chapter 214: Daily Life Change

***Arc 9 One Who Sent Off, Chapter 214 Daily Life Change***

"I'll never forget this grudge...!"

With fury, Ranu Kalud struck the ground.

South of Wulfenite, their numbers, who had taken refuge in the mountains of the Calbyas, were now less than a thousand.

Most of them were either killed, escaped and taken prisoner, or killed at the hands of Rano Kalud.

His eyes, which looked somewhat gentle, widened, bloodshot.

No one dared to speak to him, and everyone was desperate not to incur his anger.

Elsren was defeated.

Ignoring the voices of pursuers demanding surrender, from the way the enemy forces were deployed across the plains it seemed be true.

Abandoning their replacement horses, they set their sights on the mountains.

With their numbers reduced to this extent, surviving the hunger with the mountain's bounty was not impossible, and if Elsren was defeated, there was no need to rush.

Still, the unfamiliar mountain was harsh.

For skilled archers like them, hunting would have been easy, but in their situation of fleeing, any smoke would reveal their location.

However, they cannot eat raw meat either.

The only thing they could do was make thin pieces of dried meat made from sunlight on a rock.

Naturally, it was impossible to sustain a thousand hungry people with just that, so fruits and mountain vegetables became their main source of food.

If they were humans who lived in Alberan or Elderant and lived with the mountains, it would have been easy.

The Calbyas Mountains were very abundant.

However, there were poisons mixed in with the mountain's harvest.

They didn't have the knowledge, so they had no choice but to try.

The weak fell prey, consuming unfamiliar fruits and mountain vegetables.

Several died, but Ranu did not hesitate at all.

Everyone was physically and mentally exhausted.

Those who advised surrender had their tongues cut out, gagged, and skinned.

Even if that wasn't the case, anyone who said anything that offended him was killed.

However, Ranu, who was wary of betrayal, took control of them all at once.

"It wouldn't be strange if the people returned to the village soon. Tomorrow we'll go down to the plains."

Ranu said and closed his eyes, leaning his back against a tree.

He harbored hatred towards Alberinea, who had brought him to this humiliating situation.

Even in this situation, Ranu sought to vent his anger.

His small snoring could be heard, and the men present in that place suddenly looked at each other.

Without saying anything, without anything said.

One of them, carrying a bow on his shoulder, held it in his hand.

――There were no animals to eat here.

Everyone stiffened, but no one raised a voice or tried to wake Ranu.

The man holding the bow looked at each of them, trembling slightly.

It seemed like a plea.

Hearing the wordless voice, the men around him also lifted their bows from their shoulders.

The men's hands and lips were trembling.

――The beast there was more terrifying to them than any other beast.

Quietly pulling an arrow from the quiver.

Even after aligning it, the trembling did not disappear.

Before they knew it, dozens of men had arrows ready in this way.

Then, *whiz*.

"Wha!?"

It was not that he released the arrow. The trembling fingers had just released the arrow he was holding.

It passed right by the 'beast' without hitting it.

And the beast jumped up.

Without a voice, without a signal.

With screams and, fearing punishment, they released the arrows they held simultaneously.

"Agh...!?"

For them, who had been familiar with bows since the age of eight――all of them were an exceptionally good archers, but out of dozens of arrows, only a few were able to pierce it.

However, seeing that it was still moving, they drew their bow in fear without aiming.

The number of arrow released surpassed 100, 200, and was just about to reach 300.

'Enough', someone said.

Before they knew it, the corpse of a beast that looked like a pincushion was right in front of them.

Some knelt, covering their mouths, and what was vomited out was relief.

Ranu's close aide, who rushed over after hearing the commotion, widened his eyes at the sight.

"...The Grand Chief, Ranu Kalud, was killed in battle. From now on, I will now take over and take command."

He uttered emotionless, speaking as a highly rational military man.

No one objected, and the next day, they descended from the mountain, raising the blue flag to the Alberinea army.

'Great decision. Our war is now over, and we guarantee your rights as fellow soldiers.'

With that announcement, many of them shed tears over the warm meal given to them.

At least, what they desired at that moment was the reassurance that they would not be killed.

――The triumphant return to the capital of Alberinea was accompanied by tremendous enthusiasm.

The main road of the royal capital, the flower path created by the crowd.

Soldiers formed four columns, marching in formation. Leading the procession was Krische, seated elegantly on a Suiko, wearing a black cloak and dress.

Surrounding the girl, who pouted in annoyance at the cheers, were soldiers clad in black armor.

Numerous flags depicting skulls and moons on a black background were raised as they marched.

Compared to their 10,000 casualties, the enemy's casualties were 200,000.

Alberinea participated in all the decisive battles against the three major powers and won overwhelmingly.

The number of generals she killed was 5, 2 of them was a supreme commander.

The number of equivalent of corps commanders she killed was too many to count on two hands.

Even an amateur could understand the significance of these achievements.

There were doubts about her performance in the civil war, but this was the second time.

Moreover, the recent ancient dragon incident.

――She was the kingdom's sword bestowed by the heavens, Alberinea.

At this point, no one doubted her abilities.

The eight shaku two jou Suiko's gallant figure and her graceful figure.

The sunlight coming through the clouds, combined with the shower of petals that poured down on her, the viewers let out exhales of admiration.

The black armor surrounding her――the Black Flag Special Forces Company, which was said to be made up of commoners seemed out of place to this path of glory, but that was a good thing.

Alberinea not only favored noble but also fought alongside commoners, standing side by side.

The policy of Queen Kreschenta, who devoted herself to the protection of the people, and the figure of the two princesses as they did so, were very well received by the people.

Ability, not rank.

Kreschenta created a place of learning for the people and uses the treasures of the national treasury for their protection.

And Krische who shed blood and sweat along with the commoners to protect the country.

They were exactly the kind of leaders the people want, the noble, and that was the reason for this enthusiasm.

Following behind them was a griffin with huge wings and a height of 5 shaku at the shoulders.

It was a griffin cavalry from Kreisharana.

They still appeared in furs, but the fact that they who had been enemies for many years had lent a hand and worked hard for the sake of the kingdom was spreading throughout the capital.

Naturally, the same praise was given to them as to the Black Flag Special Forces Company.

The voices of the women who were captivated by the well-trained physical beauty of Vinthril, the chief warrior who could be described as a beautiful young man, resonate strongly.

The idea of savage barbarians did not exist at the present, and everyone was simply reveling in victory.

Behind them was Eluga, followed by Gallen, and the corps commanders including Kolkis.

Along with the kingdom flag, the thunder and falcon, the flag of Christand, were raised.

They lost a hero in the civil war.

But the name of the Thunderbolt was still alive in the kingdom.

It was enough to show that.

Everyone knew that Alberinea led them in the battle.

All three battles were won by a landslide, and of course Alberinea was by no means alone.

This victory was, after all, accompanied by the name of Christand.

The lead group went straight to the gate in front of the royal territory.

The triumphant return was greeted by the young and beautiful Queen Kreschenta.

She swayed her elegantly shining red hair and bowed deeply, aligning both hands.

Royalty——the pinnacle of the Kingdom did not hesitate to bow.

Seeing the queen like that, Krische jumped off the Suiko, and Alberinea patted the queen's little head.

The queen looked a little embarrassed, and her troubled face was upset.

A little later, the people around burst into relieved laughter, and the idyllic scene made them realize that peace had come to the people's hearts.

Only two months had passed since the war began.

The simultaneous invasion of the three major powers seemed hopeless.

The overwhelming victory that followed was something that no one had expected.

That joy resembled madness, and on that day, night didn't come the royal capital.

The sounds of laughter filled the royal capital until dawn.

The report on the outcome of the war is over, and the evening was spent feasting.

On the balcony, in front of the girl, a table was filled with dishes.

The light blue dress, which was decided upon after a dress debate that was held without a meal as usual, had a large cutout above the chest and in the back, making it bold yet elegant and neat.

The girl with her long silver hair tied up and wearing a hair ornament, necklace, and bracelets looked like a heavenly princess, but her head was mostly occupied with her appetite.

Placing her hands on her cheeks, she snuggled herself against the red-haired servant in a truly good mood, enjoying her sumptuous meal.

She was not able to sit down for the buffet, and although she was a little dissatisfied with the food, being a little cold, the sumptuously prepared food was truly delicious.

There was less meat and soup than usual, and the focus was on desserts such as cake.

"Ehehe, is it delicious?"

"Yes. Krische-sama, if you don't mind...shall I bring you some more soup?"

"Krische, want to eat what Bery eat and say it's delicious together."

Sweet and sour——Kreschenta analyzed saltiness while Krische was away, but she did not perform any treatment on the tongue.

That was the reason why Krische focused on desserts.

"...My. Fufu, there's cream on Krische-sama."

"Ah..."

Bery wipes the cream on the side of Krische's mouth with her fingertips and licked it, her eyes narrowing at the sweet taste.

There was a part of her that wanted Krische to eat it without worrying about her, but there was also a part of her that was happy with that kind of consideration, Bery was in an indescribable mood.

The balcony was deserted as usual, but there were some familiar faces on the opposite end of the room.

Eluga, Gallen, Kolkis——and several battalion commanders were drinking and laughing.

Originally, it was a quiet place for Eluga and Gallen to drink, but ever since Kolkis came, it became a bit lively. Eluga, glancing to side, smiled wryly and lightly nodded.

Bagil and other nobles came to greet Krische once, but now she was a military officer second only to the marshal.

Sensing Krische's blatant air that was saying she wanted to eat, they leaves with a laugh.

Perhaps due to a light rain in the evening, the air was clear tonight. The stars and moon in the night sky seemed to shine brighter, as if blessing this particular day.

"...Ehehe"

"...?"

"Krische, going to take a month off, so Krische'll be with Bery all day for a while."

"Yes. Fufu, this is the third time."

The same words for the third time.

Perhaps because there was a bit of alcohol in the sweet juice, Krische's arm was warm to the touch, and her cheeks turned red.

Being weak to alcohol was Krische only notable weakness.

Being carried away by the atmosphere, she sipped slowly, repeatedly saying the same things.

The fact that it wasn't bad drunk habit was also a positive point.

Krische, with alcohol in her system, was generally in a good mood.

Bery placed her hand on Krische's warm cheek and traced her soft lips with her thumb.

"...Could you please stop flirting with Krische everywhere, servant-san?"

An exasperated voice sounded.

It was Selene with a dignified voice and wearing a crimson dress that was in contrast to Krische.

Dresses with bright colors could made the wearer stand out depending on the situation, but Selene always looked good in dresses with such colors.

Her hair is tied up just like Krische, and she sighed.

At her side were Anne and Aleha.

"I-I'm not flirting..."

"Clearly, that's how it looks. Krische, Aleha seems to want to talk a little. Though he didn't want to interrupt the atmosphere."

Bery's cheeks flushed and Aleha laughed and shook his head.

"...t's not that much of a topic. I just wanted to thank you a little."

"Thank you?"

"Yes. Once again thank you for picking me up."

Aleha did not salute, but bowed deeply.

The simple black military uniform suited him well.

It was a graceful bow befitting a noble.

"Hmm... Aleha has worked hard, so it's fine. If Aleha continued to work hard and become Krische's corps commander as planned, that's enough."

It had already been decided internally that Aleha would become the commander of the 4th corps of Alberinea army.

He had achieved military merits on the battlefield and served as the adjutant of the Black Flag Special Force in the war with Elsren.

He was also well liked by Colchis.

Being a corps commander, not a general, and being under the command of the Central Army Alberinea did not pose a significant problem.

It was also a significant step towards redemption.

Betrayal was seen harshly in the world of noble, but that is betrayal on the battlefield.

Considering how he was excommunicated and driven out of the country, and how he fought on the front lines against Elsren, his former compatriot, there was no big problem.

"Yes. From now on, I will work harder to be of assistance to Krische-sama."

"——Aleha! That's the princess's seat, you're this way!"

From the other side, Kolkis beckons with a large gesture, holding a wine bottle in one hand.

Aleha responds with a wry smile and saluted Krische and leave.

"Meow Meow is noisy, geez."

"Well, that's fine isn't it. Tt's nice that to get along."

In response to Kolkis's loud voice, Krische pouted her cheeks and Selene poked it.

A goofy sound echoed, and Selene happily hugged Krische's body from behind.

"It's finally over, I feel like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Krische, is there anything you want?"

"what Krische want......"

"Yes, I was thinking of getting you a present as a reward."

Krische was in Selene's arms, pressing her lips with her index finger and thinking.

Then she looked at Bery.

"U-um...?"

She looked intently from her toes to the top of her head, then smiled.

"Then...Krische want an apron dress like Berry."

"You..."

Looking at Crishe, who had no desires, Serene said with a somewhat exasperated tone.

And Selene poked Bery who was blushing from her imagination on the forehead.

"...What are you imagining?"

"Uh..."

"You must be thinking that Krische will say something like wanting Bery as a present, right. Fool, pervert."

"N-no..."

Anne silently watches the exchange with great interest.

"Ehehe, that, Krische is Berry's——Mugh."

"I feel like I've heard those words dozens of times already, so you don't have to say them."

Selene covered thr little girl's mouth with her hand.

"...You looks like having fun huh."

Then a princess appeared, wearing an elegant white dress.

It was Kreschenta along with Elvena.

'I'm displeased', was clearly written on her face.

The chat with the nobles was left to as Kreschenta's business, so her cheeks puffed out slightly, and her purple eyes glared at the three of them.

"Selene-sama, if you are finished, you should come and take me out first."

"I don't like it, I was tired of it too..."

Kreschenta was mainly a bureaucrat, and Selene, a military officer.

They were the first and second in the country. As expected, there were always many who sought conversation with them.

Even if they just limited it to a brief conversation, having it with all of them would involve over a hundred people in this setting.

Just greeting everyone was tiring enough.

Selene was tired of greetings that were getting longer and longer each year.

There were a lot of them during the time of 'Christand's Daughter' but now there were even more of them.

Selene thought that Kreschenta would continue for a while, so she used her up as a decoy, but Kreschenta must have lost patience when she saw the three of them standing together.

It seemed like she had come a little too forcefully.

"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. If only I could do better..."

"You don't have to worry about it. You're doing pretty good considering you're not used to it."

Elvena said apologetically and Kreschenta shook her head.

It was a bit rude for the host to directly cut off the conversation.

Usually, the other party would try to prolong the conversation, and was not easy to cut off.

In such situations, the role of a servant was to subtly get the master's attention and end the conversation.

Just a single call during the conversation, and their master would gains a reason to end the conversation.

The master who was called would end the conversation by directing the conversation to the reason for the call, such as 'I was hoping to talk with you a little longer but,' and the other party understood the pretext of such a call.

They could use standard phrases such as 'I'm sorry to have taken up your time.'

For them, it was enough just to have their face and name remembered.

No one would consider such an approach rude.

Elvena's call was one tempo slower than Kreschenta's ideal, but compared to Anne's, who was on average seven tempo slower, it was good, not bad.

She simply didn't like the fact that she was the only one working while all three of them were relaxing on the balcony.

When it comes to paperwork and government affairs, she was several times faster than most people, but greetings like this were time-consuming, fruitless, and produce no results, so it lack any sense of fun.

To begin with, it was an unnecessary task for Kreschenta, who had memorized the backgrounds of all the people who entered and exited the royal palace——a waste.

The three of them happily leave Kreschenta alone as she was forced to do such useless things.

It was certainly not something to be tolerated, and Kreschenta's cheeks puffed up in displeasure.

"Here, Kreschenta."

But suddenly, a cake was offered to her mouth.

Kreschenta stiffened, her eyes darting around her, fork in her mouth.

She is the queen——a member of the royal family.

She did not run away. she was a noble being, possessing the capacity to face everything head-on.

She chewed and swallowed it.

Once again, a cake was offered to her from her sister's fork.

"Say ahh."

"Mm... ehehe, it's delicious..."

Kreschenta was extremely displeased.

However, that anger was quelled by just two cakes.