Throughout history, many figures have been idolized and revered for their heroic deeds and virtuous spirits. However, the vast majority of these figures are men, their greater deeds, talents, and abilities overshadowing the contributions of women. This disparity is understandable given the historical scarcity of women whose achievements matched those of their male counterparts.
Young girls aspiring to be knights, magicians, or alchemists often grow up without hearing the stories of heroic women. These women, whose impacts on society were deemed lesser, were largely forgotten. During the great wars of the past, many women who sought to prove themselves were either killed on the frontlines or abandoned their roles as soldiers, fleeing the horrors of battle. Those who ran were met with shame and exile, while those who returned home after victories often fared no better. The tales of demons, atrocities witnessed, and hardships endured made many young girls reconsider fighting for their countries.
Adavire had read numerous books illustrating the real-life suffering of people. These books predominantly featured men who stood up to fight for their nations, regardless of the cost. Even those who did little during great wars were honored as heroes if they died with valor. Among the countless legends surrounding male heroes, one woman's story stood out.
Her fiery red hair was said to dance across the battlefield like a blood-soaked banner in the wind, as she cut down hundreds of demons that even imperial knights could not withstand. It is said she fought a demon lord, leaving him scarred for life while she emerged unscathed. Scholars of the Demon-Human War believe that had the war not abruptly ended with the hero's death, this woman would have been the first ordinary human to slay a demon lord.
After the war concluded with the demons retreating and their king wounded, this extraordinary woman vanished. She was known as the gallant and beautiful Lady Protector, "Guinevere the Valiant."
….
Adavire of Verith opened her eyes when she heard the curtains in her room being pulled open. She was already awake but wanted to rest a bit longer.
"Good morning, Madam Verith." An elderly maid greeted Adavire. She was put in Adavire's service by her sponsor five years ago.
Adavire lifted her upper body with a yawn, unperturbed that her rest had been interrupted. Her golden locks of hair fell down her shoulders gently when her ribbon came loose.
"Morning, Patricia." She greeted the maid back.
"Would you like me to bring you breakfast? Or would you prefer to take a stroll in the garden first and have breakfast there?"
Adavire climbed off the bed. She then stopped to think to herself.
'The academy is closed for another week so there's no reason for me to get up early to train. I've never considered sleeping in until this late.'
It was already 10am, six hours after she usually wakes up to start her day. Adavire was getting lazy.
"I'll take breakfast and then head into the city. Prepare some non-formal clothes for me."
"…Do you mean casual clothes?"
"Hm? Ah, yes that. Get a move on."
"…Right away." The maid approached the closet on the opposite side of the room and pulled out several articles of clothing.
"Which do you prefer: a dress or shorts with a short sleeve shirt?" the maid turned and showed Adavire the clothes that she mentioned.
"When did I buy those?" Adavire tilted her head at the unfamiliar clothing.
"I was the one who bought them for you in case you wanted to explore the city or visit some friends. You rarely go out, Madam."
"I don't really have any friends so there's no incentive for going out," Adavire approached the maid and looked at the clothes, "This shirt is too exposed at the chest area and these shorts won't hide my buttocks."
Adavire glanced over to a mirror and looked at her butt from the side. It was fairly large even though she never consumes that much fattening foods. No amount of training can beat puberty, it seems. She also doesn't want to starve herself just to become skinnier. Most of her diet requires her to eat protein and carbs to maintain muscle mass.
"Why do you want to hide your body, Madam? I'm sure you will attract a lot of young lads if you expose some skin."
"Leave that up to the harlots and attention-seekers. I am simply not interested in these types of clothes. I'll take the dress instead. It looks like it will go down to my knees at the very least."
"…Very well. What about shoes? I think sandals will look cute with this dress." She glanced down at Adavire's bare feet, "…Forgive me for being blunt but Madam should consider going for a pedicure."
Her toenails were in a pitiable state. They were yellowish and had some gunk under them. Adavire usually trains barefoot so that might be why her toes look like this.
"Clipping my toenails short is enough for me."
"They look like they've been bitten though. At least polish them… A young lady such as yourself ought to groom herself."
"Stop giving me orders and just prepare my ankle-high leather boots."
"Haah… As you wish." She handed the dress to Adavire.
◇
After some time, Adavire finished putting on her clothes and headed downstairs to eat her breakfast.
Adavire silently read through the "Imperial Times" newspaper while eating her breakfast which was just a simple salad with chunks of meat mixed into it.
The dining room was massive but only one person occupied this room every day by her lonesome.
Adavire doesn't have a family anymore so she has no one to enjoy her meals with or to share memories with. She had forgotten why she was separated from her parents and how she managed to survive alone these past 19 years.
This manor was gifted to her by a noble who sponsors her education and basically every other expenses.
Adavire will be on her own when she graduates from the academy since the noble won't have any obligation to continue sponsoring her education. Of course, Adavire is still obligated to work for the duchess for a certain period of time as stated in the contract that she signed a few years ago.
Adavire has always achieved the top scores in academics and her knight classes. Professor Roderick considers her to be one of the best prodigies the academy has ever had.
That was enough to keep her sponsor, Duchess Isolde von Berthlaith, satisfied.
Her life as a 7th year student won't be any different. Of course, the work will be much more difficult than in her 6th year. There was also the fact that she'll need to clear a dungeon with her peers without any help from their professors.
Adavire isn't the kind of person who gets intimidated easily. In fact, she expects a bigger challenge for her exams in her 7th year. Anything less would disappoint her. She didn't work hard up until now just to be spoonfed.
"Why don't you visit the duchess today before coming back? I'm sure she'll be delighted to know you're doing well." Patricia said after picking up Adavire's empty plate and cleared the table.
"I already fulfil her conditions to give a status report monthly." She said in response.
"I'm not talking about an official visit but a personal one… She'd appreciate that you took your free time to go see her. It shows that you want to continue the relationship the two of you share. Remember, she has been with Madam since you entered the academy. You should also consider visiting your previous sponsors and tell them that you appreciate their help with getting you through knight school."
"…"
Patricia was right. While Adavire already agreed to work for the Berthlaith House for a year after graduating—which fulfilled the conditions of being sponsored—connecting with her sponsor on a personal level will deepen their relationship and offer some benefits for Adavire. For example, Isolde might like Adavire enough to offer connections in the military or knight orders.
Adavire's ultimate dream was to serve her country as a knight so this was a very tempting proposition if offered to her.
After deciding this, she glanced at Patricia who was smiling gently.
"…Please let her know that I'll be coming by the end of the day at the latest."
Isolde wasn't that busy of a woman since she didn't have any businesses or land to rule. She usually meets with associates to invest in other people's businesses or build connections with them. Point being, she should be able to make some time for the student she sponsors financially.
"Yes, Madam." Patricia bowed gracefully.
**
Adavire stood in the hallway leading to the front door, her gaze fixated on one particular place.
Her hair was laid gently on her shoulders and back, and she wore light makeup and lip balm. Adavire was already gorgeous without makeup, so Patricia just applied light makeup to accentuate her beauty.
She also sprayed some light perfume around her neck and applied a flowery-scented lotion, giving her a delicate feminine scent that was gentle on the nose.
Her golden eyes looked toward a certain painting hanging high on her walls.
"O' Lady Guinevere," Adavire held her hand in front of her chest as she looked at the portrait of the red-haired woman donning full plate armor, "Gazing into your fiery red eyes always motivates me to do my best in everything."
She held the hilt of her rapier.
Ice cold, fitting one of its magic properties.
Adavire had always been captivated by stories of heroism and valor, but none moved her more than the tale of Guinevere the Valiant. From a young age, Adavire was drawn to the legends of the Demon-Human War, poring over ancient texts and listening to bards she hired from across the lands. Among the many heroes, Guinevere's story stood out like a beacon of hope and possibility that even humans can attain strength that rivaled that of a Hero.
Guinever was a warrior who defied the odds, fought demons that even the strongest knights feared, and survived battles that seemed insurmountable. Her bravery and strength were unparalleled, and her ability to leave a demon lord scarred and retreating was the stuff of legends.
Adavire felt a burning desire to follow in Guinevere's footsteps. She saw in Guinevere not just a hero, but a symbol of what one could achieve through determination and skill. Growing up with a fascination for the great battles and legendary figures, Adavire found in Guinevere a role model who proved that one could rise above any challenge.
Yes, you'd need the talent to actually achieve as much as Guinevere did but that was not the point of her story. There were even talented girls throughout history who met their end during war because they did not have faith in themselves and weren't confident enough to face the trials of heroes, instead turning their heels and running, only to be struck in the back and killed.
Few have honored Guinevere's legacy proudly.
Adavire wanted to do the same. Therefore, determined to honor Guinevere's legacy, Adavire dedicated herself to rigorous training in both combat and magic. She sought out the best instructors, often facing skepticism and doubt, but always pushing herself to exceed expectations. She read every account of Guinevere's battles she could find, studying her tactics and strategies, and dreaming of the day she might face demons herself.
To everyone, Adavire was just a genius who works hard, undermining her true hardships.
Adavire's aspiration to be like Guinevere was more than just a personal goal; it was a mission to uphold the values of courage and excellence. She vowed to carve out her own legacy, inspired by Guinevere's example, and to ensure that future generations would have a hero to look up to—a new legend to inspire them to greatness.
She closed her eyes. Sounds of metal clanking against metal, the cries of soldiers and the roars of war replaced the dull silence in this hall.
Adavire imagined herself riding into the frontlines atop a white horse and her sword held up into the sky.
One slash from her sword decimated hundreds of enemy soldiers.
Her nation's soldiers cheered her on.
The sounds vanished, now replaced by the same dull silence and the ticking of a clock.
"You will live on through me, Lady Guinevere. I promise."
◇◇◇
Adavire had only seen the empire through the window of her carriage that took her from her manor to the academy and vice versa every day. But now, she walked the cobblestone streets, feeling the city breeze against her face for the first time. The air was alive with the scents of fresh bread from street vendors, exotic spices from far-off lands, and the subtle hint of blooming flowers from the hanging gardens above.
She couldn't hear these vivid sounds through the carriage glass—the melodies of street performers playing their instruments for a large crowd, the timely clatter of horse hooves, and the distant sounding of the city's clocktower signaling the start of a new day. Laughter and chatter filled the air, as children chased each other under the watchful eyes of their parents, and merchants argued over the price of their wares, some frustrated that they were losing at their own game of haggling.
The hand gripping her sword's hilt loosened, comforted by the vibrant life around her. It seems there was no need to be nervous at all. She ran her fingers through her golden hair that was blown by the wind, her eyes wide with curiosity at the "new world" around her. Ornate buildings, adorned with intricate carvings and shimmering mosaics, towered above her, their windows reflecting the golden morning sun. Banners bearing the empire's crest fluttered proudly from every corner, while the aroma of roasting meats from nearby taverns tempted her senses.
Adavire's steps slowed as she took in the sight of an open square, where a fountain carved from white marble stood at its center, water flowing down in glistening streams. Around that fountain were people from different backgrounds and professions simply enjoying the day.
For the first time, she truly felt the pulse of the empire, a city teeming with history, culture, and life.
The hand gripping her sword's hilt loosened. She ran her fingers through her hair that was blown by the wind.
"Waaah…"
Adavire noticed a few small boys looking at her with wide eyes.
"She's so pretty…"
"Is she a princess?"
"Then what's she doing down here? She should be in her castle, right? Ah, she has a sword! Maybe she's a knight?"
"Or a knight princess! That sounds cooler!"
'They think I'm a princess?'
One even called her "pretty." She had heard that from many of the boys in the academy, but none had made her heart skip a beat. Somehow, hearing small children call her pretty gave her a boost of confidence.
Children are always honest, she thought with a chuckle.
Adavire suddenly noticed more eyes turning towards her as she continued walking. Did she just become aware of how frequently people looked at her? No, maybe she was so used to ignoring people that she had never quite realized how many stared at her on a regular basis.
She was tall with a slender waist, wide hips, an elongated neck, and short blonde hair that framed her face. Her milky white skin seemed to glow in the sunlight. Her body was also well-endowed, surpassing most of her female peers. It's no wonder so many men lusted after her.
Her aloof expression made her look like a doll with an air of introversion, which often demotivated others from approaching her. Yet, in this moment, she felt a rare connection with the bustling life around her.
Adavire came to a stop in the middle of a market. She took a glance around the market and its abundance of customers.
All of this felt—for a lack of a better word—primitive to her. Of course, that's by no means meant to offend the common people.
Despite not growing up with a loving family, Adavire had a rather privileged life where she had everything she could ever need. She spent most of her free time training her body, studying outside of the academy and reading novels.
That was all the entertainment she needed.
"Buy three rats on sticks and get two grasshoppers free!" one worker yelled out to potential customers.
Rats on a stick? Grasshoppers with sauce?
Adavire immediately continued walking.
How poor do you have to be to sell literal disease-infested rodents and insects for money? Do people really struggle this much?
She exited the street food section of the market and came to an open clearing resembling a plaza.
'Hm, I've never seen this place so up close.'
Unlike the market from before which had almost no space to move comfortably without bumping into people, this open section had more shops and even more space to walk.
The shops here sold things like clothing, adventurer gear, house mats, blankets and etc… It appeals more to the working-class folk. Of course, nobles also frequent this district from what Adavire heard.
There were a lot of people in fancy suits and dresses walking through this district. Adavire saw none of them in the market she just left.
Who could blame them? The market was filthy with sewage drains right next to food stalls and all types of body odors drifting around. No high-born noble would set foot in a place like that.
This district connects to many noble districts since there were a lot of streets intersecting in this open area so it can be used to travel from one district to the next.
Adavire wasn't interested in buying anything but she looked through the variety of products for sale. She didn't know what was cheap or expensive since she hasn't shopped for anything in her life before. She spent most of her life training and reading the empire's history if she wasn't studying for school.
Every foster parent she ever had treated her like a princess by never letting her do things on her own.
She probably lacks the common sense to every day life, that nearly every citizen of this empire, has. No, maybe there were more people like her. Growing up privileged is a common thing for noble children, it wouldn't be unheard of for there to be more people like her out there.
Adavire noticed a certain stall that stood out among the others. Unlike the others, this one catered to warriors. There were armor pieces, spears, swords and shields on display.
Judging by the design of all that equipment, it must've been made for household knights or frontline commanders.
Be that as it may, the seller was a young lad wearing a torn shirt and dirty short brown pants.
Adavire's eyes narrowed as she unsheathed her sword.
She approached the young lad with powerful strides. The nearby citizens fled in terror at Adavire's bloodlust.
Even the nearby patrolling guards didn't dare move an inch seeing Adavire with her sword unsheathed. So much for protecting the innocents.
Cowards, she thought.
The young man was oblivious to all this as he just kept taking notes of some kind. He was obviously no warrior.
Usually, a weapon seller or armor dealer is a veteran or someone well-versed in determining which weapon or armor suits which person. They do this by evaluating their customers—using their own warrior sense forged through either years of battle or training.
Either this young lad's employer went for a smoke break or—
"How dare you proudly show your stolen wares, you cretin." Adavire's blade was right in front of the young man's eye.
"Eek!?" His back hit the wall when he fell back from surprise, "W-What do you want?"
"Under Citizen Laws created by our founding fathers, I am legally allowed to break every bone in your body if a guard—an official with the duty to uphold justice and fairness—turns a blind eye to criminal activity. I will only drag your unconscious body to a guard's tower to report the guards patrolling this area once I get hold of your accomplices."
"A-Accomplices?"
"The one who steals the equipment you so proudly display to the populace!" Adavire noticed the insignia on one of the shields.
"An insignia of the Holy Kingdom's inquisitors….?" Adavire glared at the man who was on the verge of crying, "How dare you…"
"W-Wait, l-let me explain!" the man shouted.
"…Very well. I believe that it's fair to hear your side of the story if you're willing to cooperate. If you did not ask to explain then I would've beaten the information out of you."
She sheathed her sword.
"…Somehow I believe you, ahahaha…"
"Spit it out. Now."
"O-Okay. Uh, it's true that these items weren't gathered under legal means, b-but I paid for them, you know!"
"Am I correct to assume that there is no paperwork to suggest that you paying for this equipment which can prove that you have ownership?"
"What!? I need papers to tell my stuff!?"
"…." Adavire sighed quietly.
'His reaction must mean that he's not intentionally breaking the law… He just didn't know.'
"The Theocracy values every one of their soldiers and knights. Upon death, their equipment they used before their passing is buried along with them. Anyone caught stealing their equipment is subject to imprison. Now tell me—who brought this equipment to you?"
"They were regular villagers, I swear. Not shady bandits looking to make a quick buck. Uh, well there are actually shady bandits involved in this…"
"Hmm, explain."
"I received them last week when I was traveling with my master through the countryside."
"Is your master a weapons dealer?"
"Yes…"
"Weapon dealers know that stealing from the dead is wrong. Which is why you rarely see them around battlefields or selling their equipment in villages near where a battle took place. Why did he allow you to keep these?"
"Well… we were chased by bandits. He didn't make it back to the city with me…"
"I'm assuming they knew where this equipment is from?"
"Yeah… Turns out that the bandits had been terrorizing villages all throughout the Holy Kingdom, forcing them to loot the battlefields and graves and bring back all the equipment. In return their daughters aren't raped, their sons aren't forced to become meatshields, and their cattle aren't taken. There's no monetary compensation for putting their lives at risk. I heard that archers from the Holy Kingdom patrol battlefields after a battle takes place and shoots to kill if they spot someone looting a corpse. Many villagers lost their lives like that."
"…."
"The people who gave us the equipment wanted us to sell it and hire mercenaries for them in return. That's the only reason why my master agreed to take it."
"Then have mercenaries take out the bandits?"
"Yes."
"Did you?"
The young man stayed silent as he averted his eyes.
"You piece of trash." Adavire grabbed the man's throat.
It was probably a funny scene seeing a noble girl with skinny arms choke a man twice her size like it was nothing.
"I-I'm s-sorry!" he said through heavy grunts.
"Don't apologize to me, you piece of filth. Apologize to the lives that were lost because of your greed."
"I-I…"
"I will have your head if you don't return this equipment to the family of their owners. If you cannot do that then take them to the city guards or the Imperial Order." Adavire let him go, "Don't try running with the equipment because I'm very good at remembering faces and will find you eventually and cut you down."
She shouted for a passing knight to come to the stand. Since they weren't doing their jobs, Adavire decided to reprimand the knight as well who looked apologetic.
After that was sorted, she continued on with her day.