Castonia and Vanadis were neighbors and were on good terms. Trade between the two Kingdoms was good. But this was the first time Vanadis tried to support Castonia militarily. Although Vanadis was rich, its army is weak. Due to neglect on its land army brought upon by decades of peace, Vanadis relied heavily on mercenaries to guard its borders.
Nevertheless, Lucia saw the sense of the alliance. Castonia may have a large and powerful army, but they need Vanadis to fund this army. On the other hand, Vanadis can't rely forever on mercenaries so they need the protection of Castonia. It may look like a Protectorate agreement, but Lucia believes that the two kingdoms will treat each other as equals.
" Castonia is strong, I hope this alliance goes well" Lucia commented. She poured some weak wine into her cup. Since the incident a year ago, the King rarely drinks water anymore even if it's from further upstream. It's better to be safe, he once said to Lucia
The King did not eat his food and just stared at Lucia with a strange expression. "Yes, Castonia is strong" He was slightly sweating "Lucia, we really need this alliance. The wealth of Vanadis would surely attract invaders in the future so for the sake of our Kingdom we need this alliance. These are troubling times. Wars are being waged everywhere. It's just a matter of time before somebody invades us" he stressed
Lucia felt that the King was acting strangely. It was very apparent. She knew her father so much that she was certain that the King was still holding something back from her.
Lucia stopped eating and looked at her father seriously. "Father, I'm flattered that you wanted to discuss national policies with me, but I sense you have more to say."
"The Castonian King is a very cautious man." Her father hesitated "he demands a more permanent tie"
In that instant, Lucia realized the whole story. For Castonia and Vanadis to have a long-lasting partnership, a royal marriage was required. With a royal marriage, it would be hard for either of the two Kingdoms to break the alliance. In short, Lucia must marry a Castonian prince.
Lucia lowered her head and tried to maintain her emotions. On the outside, she was calm. But it was chaos inside her head. She did not feel wronged, political marriages after all, were common with the nobility. Furthermore, she doesn't have a lover. Although many sons of nobles and rich merchants tried to court her in the past, she never agreed to their advances. Lucia just felt sad and afraid.
Since she will be the bride, Lucia will be forced to live in Castonia. This meant that she would have to leave Holm behind. She loves Holm. This was the city she grew up in. She had heard that Castonian culture and traditions were similar to Vanadian, but she was still afraid.
Furthermore she will miss her father. Although she would have another father in the form of the Castonian King, nobody could replace her own father.
It took her a long time to gather herself. It was her duty so she needs to do it. It will be hard. There will surely be times that she will long for Holm. But she needs to do it nonetheless. What her father said was true. These are troubling times and they need a strong ally. It was only a matter of time before some Kingdom sets its eyes on Vanadis' wealth. If there was a consolation, it was that the study of medicine was more advanced in Castonia. Being constantly attacked on all sides, the Castonians have high regard on health. But would her future husband allow her to study medicine? Lucia can only hope that would be the case.
"When will I leave for Castonia?" she asked. There was no need to beat around the bush. She looked at her father.
The King gave a long sigh "Thank you Lucia" he smiled bitterly and looked at her with apologetic eyes "You need to leave Holm in three days. The journey to Nirvana will take about 10 days."
"I will miss you father" Lucia lamented. She smiled at her father to comfort him. She knew that her father was also troubled by her imminent departure. "But we don't have a choice, don't we?"
"I thought you would be angry with me"
"I know you didn't want this. I know you did your best to offer the Castonian King a compromise so it's not your fault" said Lucia calmly. She knew her father. He was a good father who loved his children. He was not the sort of father who would treat his children like bargaining chips. No, her father was different. That's why she didn't get angry.
"But you're afraid" the King correctly guessed. She was indeed afraid. Coming to a foreign land, marrying a person she hadn't met before, of course she was afraid. Things were moving fast. Just a few hours ago, she was helping someone give birth to a healthy baby boy. Now, she just found out that she will be leaving in three days. Lucia lowered her head and nodded slowly, confirming what her father said.
"Of course you are" The King said guiltily. He remained silent for a while "It's Timothy Castonia. I heard he's a good lad. Otherwise I wouldn't have agreed with their conditions"
Unlike the King, Lucia had not heard anything about Timothy Castonia. " I hope he will be kind to me"
"He better be" her father declared. "Or else I would take you back from him."
Her father's protective declaration made Lucia smile. "Thank you father"
"No, I should be the one thanking you." said the King "Regarding your safety, I will be sending the Royal Guards with you and the best retinue I can assemble" he promised
Although the Royal Guards could be useful in the future, Lucia really doesn't need a large retinue. She only needs Sylvie. "I only need Sylvie, father" she refused "I don't like to have many people constantly following me around."
"I see. Alright" the King agreed "then write me letters regularly. If you need anything, just tell me. If you're in danger I will muster every soldier I could find and march to your aid."
Upon hearing this, Lucia couldn't help but laugh. She may have disagreed with her father several times in the past, but she knew that her father really cares for her. "I don't think they would go that far." She grinned "I'm going to be a bride, not a hostage"
"Just saying" the King shrugged and started eating his food. The mood between them has lightened.
Lucia and the King finished the meal while talking about the details of her journey. Ten days of travel was not really that long. Merchants from both Kingdoms constantly make this journey. Additionally, the road between Holm and Nirvana was relatively safe. Even if it's not, Lucia will have the Royal Guards with her so there was nothing to worry about.
After eating, Lucia went to her room and started preparing the things she will need. Of course she could just have Sylvie do it, but Lucia doesn't want to miss anything. She then lied on her bed. The soft cushion provided relief to her aching back. It's been a long day, she thought. She's tired. Lucia closed her eyes and fell asleep.
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Lucia spent the next few days checking on the women she recently helped give birth. She checked them and their newborns for any signs of complications. She also informed the city of her departure. Of course many people were sad about this. She was the pearl of Holm. But since it was the King's decision, they can't do anything.
The days went through quickly and Lucia found herself on a carriage outside the city. Her goodbye with her father was not pleasant. Lucia held back her tears and the old man seems to have second thoughts. Eventually, the King made up his mind and sent Lucia on her way. Both of them knew how important her trip is.
She took one last look at Holm. Its grandeur was undeniable. She grew up and spent her whole life in the city . Now she was leaving everything behind to start anew. She will come back in the future not as a resident of Holm, but as a visitor. Castonia will become her new home.
Lucia closed her eyes. She reprimanded herself for being so emotional. It's not like she will never see her father and Holm again. Yes, this wasn't the end. There was more to the world than just the City of Holm. Her life must not revolve on a single place.
She turned her head forward and opened her eyes. Her future was ahead, not behind. To move forward was the only way. It will be hard, yes. But is there a life without hardship and sacrifices? She was already fortunate compared to most people.
From this day onwards, she declared firmly in her heart, there's no looking back.