A few days passed and it was the day of her departure.
"Athena Adolphus of House Adolphus, by order of the Empress, you are sentenced to the Northern Region without any servants or help from House Adolphus. You are only to return to the Imperial Capital once, it's your coming of age."
Then a group of soldiers lined up prepared to escort her to the Northern Region.
"Everyone, I'll see you in a couple of years." Athena smiled, showing no concern of what's happening.
"Take care, My Lady."
"Please be careful."
It was a great shock to them that morning when they found out the girl was being sentenced to the Northern Region. They couldn't even prepare anything for her to bring since they didn't have any time at all.
Athena grabs her stuff and gets in the carriage with the soldier. As she seated in the carriage, a single tear rolled down her face as she realized she won't be seeing them for a long time.
"Do you wish to-" The royal messenger asked, but was surprised when the girl responded with a soft smile only. He looked at the pitiful girl and knew that the Empress's decision was wrong. Even the council argued about it, but it was too late to take back what she had decided. Since, there were noble people during what happened, taking back what she said would be a great scandal.
...
After three days.
The journey to the Northern Region took a while, it was already nightfall, when they reached the outskirts of it.
"Where are we heading?" Athena asked, noticing a crossroad ahead.
"The Empress has prepared accommodation for you, it is away from the village, so you won't be in danger," he explained
"No, drop me here." The girl demanded as she started gathering her things together which surprised the messenger.
"Bu-but, My Lady…" He had no choice but to inform everyone to stop. Seeing the girl was determined to get off, he feared she might jump out while the carriage was still moving. "Stop!"
As soon as she gathered all her things, she got down without the assistance of any knights.
"You can go, I'll find my way…" She said as she checked the area and wondered if it's really safe for her to get down in the middle of nowhere.
"My Lady, wait… At least take them with you." The messenger said, pointing at the two soldiers. "This soldier was appointed by the Empress to guard you,"
The two soldiers step forwards as they introduce themselves.
But Athena didn't care at all. She looked at them and said, "You can take them back with you. You all should head back now, it's getting late."
"But, my Lady, its-"
Athena looked at them with no sign of fear in her eyes. She sighs as she said, "You don't need to concern yourself about me, I know you know what they hope for…"
It was no secret that quite a lot of people wanted the girl's life. Quite a lot of people are willing for her head. But, who would dare since she is a daughter of a duke.
As Athena silhouette disappeared, the messenger and the soldier were all left with nothing to say.
"Are you sure she's a weak girl, she was carrying a bow and a dagger with her."
"That bow doesn't look ordinary as well, I notice an elemental stone attached to it."
"Was it me or did you sense a strong aura earlier, but it vanished as soon as she left."
The messenger sighed as she realized that the situation in the Empire is about to go into chaos now that the girl is gone, "Let's just hope she'll survive."
Athena took Fuji out of the bag.
She, along with Fuji continued following the road ahead, which was supposed to be the way to the village. It didn't take long for her to arrive at the village's farmland. However, it was all dry and lifeless, not even a single weed was growing.
The deeper she went the more she realized why this land has been ignored for such a long time and why most of the Northern territory that was conquered by the empire was given to House Caelestis. Since they have more power and money which means higher possibility to help the people in the area.
But from what I know, House Caelestis has not visited the land yet, since the late Duke passed away. Since, after conquering some of the Northern territories, his son was sent to war as well.
"Young Lady…"
Athena wondered where the voice came from. She hoped it was from a human and not from a creature she was thinking of. Especially ghost, she prayed hard as she waited for the owner of the voice to appear.
Athena smiled as she finally saw a living person, she was so worried that the first thing she might encounter would be a monster or a ghost. "Hello."
"What are you doing here?" The old man wondered as he didn't hear any news of anyone from the Empire visiting them.
"I came to seek refuge," she explained leaving the truth out.
Since Athena was dressed more like a traveler than a lady, the old man did not suspect her and welcomed her instead.
"Come, follow me…"
Athena happily followed the old man. Not long after they arrived at the village. It upset her seeing how destroyed the area was due to the war. There were still wounded people by the roads all needing medical attention, children starving and most houses looked almost like a ruined.
"The village was in the middle of the war, and until now, have not recovered yet. But, we try to survive everyday life…" The old man explained noticing Athena's upset expression.
"Have anyone from the Capital visited you at all?"
"Yes, a young man visited before, he said he'll help us. However, we have not heard from him since then…"
It must have been the Young Duke, but since he was sent to war, means he has not been able to come back and visit them.
"Diana, we have a guest." The old man said as he opened the door to his home.
"Grandfather, I was worried sick. Where have you been…" Diana yelled as she started scolding the old man like a child. But was soon put into a stop when she noticed the person behind the old man. "And, who is this?"
"I'm here to help…" Athena smiles despite not having a clue how to help them.
"Really?" Diana cried, as she felt relieved that after years of praying. Someone has finally heard her prayer and sent help. "Will you really stay and help us?"
...Ah, she must be upset since the Young Duke was unable to return and help them. She must be worried if I'm just another false hope.
Athena raised her hand as she swore an oath, "I promise."
Diana did not hold back as she embraced Athena and cried her heart out, she explained her frustration and anger towards the people in the Empire. She even hates the Young Grand Duke who owns the land for they have not received any help from them at all.