Lucio and Pitir's expressions didn't change.
Cansei stepped forward with a cold look, "If you can defeat the current tutors of both princess', we will allow you to have your way."
Itar Lunsar silently watched, a small smile forming on her lips as a large man in armor stepped out from the carriage.
Hm...
Definitely the strongest I've seen in a while but, still not much.
"Alright." I shrugged, the muscles in my arms ached as it felt like some invisible strings were being cut.
Ah well... this might be a little difficult.
Shion frowned faintly, "I'll take up the challenge."
Hm?
"No need-"
"I will fight." Shion took out her rapier, a fierce look in her eye as she looked at the two.
Damn, I can feel her Scarlet Qi roaring from here, it must be really riled up, but why?
What am I missing?
"Is it because of my injuries? I'll be fine." I said stepping forth, fists clenched.
I shouldn't need my sabers for this.
Yet, as I stepped forward Shion's rapier found my chest and laid against it gently yet the violent scarlet qi could be felt from that slight touch threatening to burst out.
I whistled and shook my head looking at those two sympathetically, with a word I backed away sitting on the fallen tree, "Try not to kill them, dear!"
I cheered to her displeasure, though it wasn't obvious to others, I could clearly see the back of her ears turning red with equal parts rage and embarrassment.
...acha... maybe more rage, probably more rage.
Looking away from her scalding glance the ghost of a smile crossed my face.
"Ehem." Pitir coughed slightly and looked at Shion with a strange look, "Are you sure?"
Cansei and Itar looked at Shion with a slight curiosity in their eyes.
It's no wonder why though, warriors of their caliber are rare, let alone those of their same-sex.
Something of note I've realized over time in this world is just that, after going from battlefield to battlefield, there are no woman soldiers, the only women I've seen on the field are the leaders and those of position, rare in their own right but strong all the same.
Likely enough, with Cansei and Itar's strengths, the previous Royal Knight Captains were badly hurt in the previous war between their nations and are currently away doing something, leaving the responsibility onto those two or else there is no way that someone like myself should be capable of taking them on at the same time.
Even more so because of their age, after all, with this kind of strength I have right now adding on a few years more of experience and strength it wouldn't be surprising for people to still be in their prime at fifty or sixty.
Naturally therefore the previous Royal Knight Captains shouldn't have retired just yet seeing as I doubt they're above their sixties considering the ages of their successors.
Ah... it's starting.
The two instructors stood side by side, their eyes coldly looking down at Shion faint killing intent rising from them.
Not a surprise, in a world where most women are not commanders or warriors, fighting against a lady is likely something they look down on.
Oh well.
I looked over at Cansei and Itar who were transfixed upon Shion who held her rapier in one hand and kept her off hand behind her back.
"Now." Shion's Scarlet Qi raged to the surface.
Immediately, the air in the small clearing changed turning heavy and hot.
"Ohhh, ohhhh!" My dear wife had a breakthrough before!
Ohhhh!
Nice.
The two men raged and charged at her from opposite sides.
In response she steps forward diagonally, her rapier carrying pinpoint accuracy as it impaled the the Lancard Tutor going straight through his third and fourth rib, cutting just over his heart... probably.
The Tensent Tutor's eyes shifted and he reached out with his one big hand.
Shion dropped a little low and skid away dodging his grab.
Whilst back-peddling she stabbed the tips of his fingers like nails under nails.
The giant screamed in pain and pulled his hand back, using the torque from that to swing the broadsword in his other hand forward at breakneck speed.
Shion glanced at the coming broadsword and parried it bouncing the strength of the anger-fueled strike off into thin air and throwing the giant on his back foot to try and regain control.
In that moment, Shions rapier struck his wrist, elbow and shoulder, the broadsword which was still affected by the tremendous momentum was thrown out of his hand.
I leaned my head to the left and the sword flew straight by stabbing into a tree.
Hey hey hey... all I said was 'Dear', I can't say dear?
Now that I think about it, isn't this the second time she's thrown a sword at me?
...well, she didn't throw it, but I refuse to believe it wasn't by design that it was aimed at me after the parry!
Ah...
"Well! That settles it. Shion will be the new guardian of the two little ladies," I clapped my hands as I stood up with a smile, "From today forward, she will teach them all they need to know."
I glanced at the pair of Royal Knight Captains.
Both were staring hard at Shion, a fire in their eyes.
Hm, hmm! As expected, they also understand the greatness of my great Shion!
As expected indeed, yes, how could they not-
Ouch! Hey!
Shion shot a crooked elbow into my side.
Nod.
There was a long silence turning the air solemn and cold.
My voice lowered, a brutal calm pervading the clearing like a ripple on a calm lake, "In war, we will fight. In peace, we will trade. This alliance between our three powers, on behalf of Surnova Carrien, swear that so long as Dra stands and this alliance is not breached, that we will be the vanguard to calmer waters and brighter skies."
Pitir and Lucio were all too happy but to repeat the oath, changing a few things on the way.
Of course, they weren't particularly happy about the alliance between their nations, but it was a must and in truth, no one really wanted another war, not after the horrors unleashed in the previous conflict.
There may be hatred left in the land between nations, but it comes from a place of love and because of that and the love they still hold for their own, they will swallow this alliance.
The few wagons which had followed behind the royal carriages had the clothes draping over them pulled away revealing gifts of fine clothes, and clothes.
"We couldn't help but notice that Scarlet Demon tends to... lose his clothing often. So, we thought to bring gifts of the finest materials capable of withstanding Middle-Neophyte level strikes." Alumira said with a royal air.
The royal 'we', is it?
From the carriages came several well-trained tailors as well as chefs who began bringing me away and set up tables respectively.
Shion stayed behind and chatted with Alumira and Serli, her new charges though I assume it's also likely for political adjustments.
After all, this alliance isn't the cleanest thing in the world and it's been done in absolute secrecy, even the personnel who followed them, both these hair stylists and the chefs feel like at least Middle-Neophytes.
No big procession, no intricate attempt to get me into their palaces for talks.
Honestly, it's a little underwhelming but then again that's likely for the best.
If the Federation figured out what was happening right beneath their noses, then it would turn into a conflict where not only would we be encircled, but we would be completely overwhelmed on all sides.
A situation where we can't maneuver at all must be avoided at all costs.
"Hm... What are you all doing?" I asked tentatively, it seems these hair stylists are really good a their jobs or really entranced with something on me.
Following one of their eyes I found them starring at the few large scars left, most of the small ones having been healed away.
"I guess it does look quite grotesque, doesn't it?" I smiled at the scars that looked like a fire had blazed it's way through my chest.
"N-, no! That's not it, Scarlet Demon Sir!" Brave to step forward while everyone else is shocked.
"These scars, it's par for the course when fighting on the front line, no more no less." I closed my eyes.
They slowly started to move.
Anxious at first, I could tell as they got more into their job and saw that I was immobile the more they forgot about the conversation and focused on fitting me.
By the time they had completed the idea for a design, gotten all of the measurements and got Shion's approval on it, it was already sun down.
A camp had been set up in the small clearing but I didn't bother with it at all.
If there's something I know for sure, it's that I'm no good at politics.
Need a warrior, let me know.
Need a general, let me know.
Need a leader, let me know.
Need a politician? ...better ask someone else.
Likely enough, if I had some more tact like Kenneth or knew the traditions better like Anept, I wouldn't have made so many enemies and might even be in a better position right now, but, I guess it is what it is.
Can't turn back time same as you can't escape death.
Right now, I'm just enjoying a little side show before my ultimate demise.
"I don't expect to die a peaceful death afterall..." I muttered quietly, my heart tightening as I glanced at Shion sleeping peacefully in my arms.
"...At least... at least I'll give her all I can before then..." Leaning over slightly, I planted a short kiss on her forehead.
Will I die in battle, assassinated or perhaps humiliated on a pike in front of a castle, or burned at the stake like I've done to those before me?
I wonder... though, In some sense I feel relieved.
When I die, Shion will follow, probably.
I know it's wrong to feel relieved but, I can't help it one bit.
I don't want to be alone again in that infinite darkness, be it the cold dark of the day or the infinite silence of the night.
I don't want any of it.
It's selfish but... without her, I-...
...let's just sleep.
Sleep, sleep and let the night wash away everything.