After winning the war, each of the victors was so occupied that they barely had time to catch their breath. Cerise, in particular, was engrossed in the restoration of the devastated country, tending to the wounded, forming new armies, and making preparations for the impending coronation ceremony. Her duties were so demanding that she often felt as though she was running on fumes.
Sonata was still tense from the pressure coming from Erith. The other party was furious to the point of fuming when he learned that Sonata had smuggled troops out to help Cerise in the war without consulting him. The pretext of keys and doors that might be related to Zerrian did little to cool Erith's temper. He remained adamant that Sonata was putting the rest of his troops at risk in a war he deemed unnecessary.
Besides Erith, Sonata discovered that the nobles who had turned against Cerise were causing him a headache. Several of them attempted to obstruct his opportunity to meet with Cerise. Furthermore, there were those who advised the new queen to exercise caution when relying on Sonata and his troops. The influential clans that had defected to Chaos in the early days had grown even more powerful, particularly.
Sonata had become disillusioned with politics, but he continued to give his unwavering support to Cerise and her allies. Dogma had always been the driving force behind success, and it was this same unwavering belief that led Cerise to entrust him with the crucial repair job. With the help of 3D printers and repair robots, they were able to work tirelessly day and night, ensuring that the country was restored to its former glory in a remarkably short amount of time.
Alkaiser, Tales, and the New Nobles were tasked with managing various matters, including suppressing the deserters of Atezia where had turned to banditry, amidst a seemingly never-ending state of chaos.
In addition to the promised "key" award, Cerise offered positions to Sonata, but Sonata, Alto, and Vanay decided to stay and help her for a while without accepting any positions. They simply wanted to continue the adventure with Sonata later. Genevieve, who was never destined for Cerise, also turned down the opportunity.
"Are you sure you won't accept another reward?" Cerise asked, addressing not just Sonata. She intended to reward everyone based on their contributions, regardless of whether they acted on behalf of Sonata or not.
Everyone insisted on not accepting the prize and dispersed, leaving only Sonata and Cerise in the room.
"Just the keys and supplies," Sonata said, dismissing what Cerise was trying to offer him. "Atezia is in its most vulnerable state right now. You've wasted so much manpower and resources that Atezia won't be able to recover anytime soon. So, apart from lending people, I'd like to help take a look at Revarent."
"I'm glad you want to help."
"It's not just about helping. I want the last key from Revarent," Sonata said playfully. Partly, he did it because he needed the combat power to fight the undead army of Revarent. But on the other hand, he knew well in his heart, though he did not speak it clearly, that he only did it because he wanted to save Cerise out of personal preference.
Cerise tried to persuade Sonata not to go to Revarent, but as she expected, he was not afraid of the dangers of the Undead, nor was he interested in helping her run the country.
"Earlier, I fought with a hermit, who used undead control magic. I should be able to cope with the Undead."
"Don't underestimate it," Cerise looked apprehensive. "I know that you are stronger than humans, but in this world, there are things that even you might not be able to handle."
Cerise glanced at the Black Sword that Sonata was carrying, hoping that it would serve as a reminder to him that there were still dangerous things in the world that should not be taken lightly. Even one misstep could result in death.
After their conversation, Sonata asked to rest in the room that had been prepared for him within the palace. Despite the many suspicious glances he received along the way, he ignored them.
To his surprise, someone was waiting for him in the room.
"Genevieve"
"Sonata, have you finished speaking with that person?" Genevieve saw the harsh look on his face and quickly corrected herself. "I mean... the Queen."
"I told you that you don't need to take care of the room for me. There are many maids in the palace."
"What would those maids know? I'm sure I can take better care of everything." Genevieve pushed forward, moving to cling to his arm.
Sonata thought to himself that he had heard that men could not stand women's nonsense.
"Get out, or I'll throw you out," he scolded. Despite his charm, she was not the first woman to try to approach him.
Genevieve refused to give up, feigning ignorance of his hostility and moving to sweep and mop the furniture as if she had not heard a word of his rejection. Normally, Sonata would have thrown this kind of woman out, but he felt guilty about her grandmother leaving. The image of her tearfully saying goodbye to her grandmother, who had been buried with the help of Alto and Vanay, remained in his heart. He did not want to do anything violent that would hurt her.
Sonata considered letting Genevieve take the lead for a while, as he would soon be departing. However, he realized that he needed to investigate Revarent himself. When Genevieve urged to follow him, he hesitated.
"I promise not to burden you,"
"You're defenseless. And how can you be sure that you won't be a burden?"
"If you see that I am going to be captured or killed, leave me alone," she implored, her eyes pleading with him.
Sonata felt disappointed. Dealing with the enemy should not be as troublesome as dealing with stubborn friends. However, in the end, he made the decision to take Genevieve with him.
...Well, bringing a woman to Revarent together should not be a big deal…
**___________________________________________________________________________________**
Centuries ago, Atezia was invaded by an undead army who called themselves "Revarent." The founder of this evil empire was a man obsessed with achieving immortality. He delved into alchemy and other occult arts and transformed himself into the first and most powerful vampire to ever exist.
However, this vampire was not content with his newfound immortality and continued his quest for power. He built a nation of Undead and spread his influence across the continent of Atezia.
No one knows what happened to the first vampire emperor who disappeared hundreds of years ago, leaving Markel as the new leader.
Sonata had heard that Markel was originally a skilled mage from a small village that was conquered by Revarent. Markel was turned into a vampire, and his original talent was awakened after acquiring a cursed life. Since then, Markel had become a nightmare for all life on the continent.
Sonata departed from Reflinton, the largest city on the border of Revarent, after the war had ended and Cerise had become the new queen. He moved all his combat forces under his command from Prewood Village to Reflinton.
Dogma completed his task of repairing the capital. He came to meet Sonata before leaving.