[Vol. 1] Chapter 17: Crimson Flame
On the morning of the second day, Miss Violet was sitting cross-legged on the soft cushion of the princess's carriage, her eyes closed in meditation. Beside her, the cute blue-haired girl lay with a gentle snore, her pure white collarbone faintly visible beneath her loose sleepwear.
Recently, our priest Miss Violet found that meditation was more convenient than normal sleep, and with the spacious carriage, there wasn't much room for several people to lie down at once. So, she chose this method to avoid any awkwardness.
Of course, the only one feeling awkward was Violet herself, who used to be a man. Lilya and Flora, who occasionally came in to rest, were completely oblivious, as they were focused on providing some "benefits" to someone.
Ahem, we won't dwell on that.
During this time, Violet hadn't summoned her little dragon lady. On one hand, it was inconvenient, and the latter probably didn't get along with Flora. It would be troublesome if she happened to swipe at Violet while she wasn't paying attention. Violet still had vivid memories of that dragon's roaring scene.
When it came to destructive power, Xiao Guang was far superior to Violet in her normal state.
Another reason was that Violet wanted to test how far she could go in this world without relying on her summoned pet. In the game, she had teammates to protect her, and she usually didn't participate in battles. Even if she died by accident, she could be resurrected. But here, it was different.
Anyway, Violet later found that even if her little dragon lady stayed in the pet space, they could communicate through their contract bond, and she could even share Xiao Guang's point of view with her. So, she didn't have to worry about her being lonely. If she felt too cooped up, she could secretly let her fly in the sky for a few laps.
A rapidly approaching aura stirred Violet' consciousness left in the outside world, and the black-haired girl raised an eyebrow, opening her eyes.
The carriage curtain was lifted by a short-haired woman carrying a short bow, and Flora rushed into the carriage like a gust of wind. Violet wasn't surprised, as her detection magic, left outside, had sensed the familiar presence of the newcomer.
Looking at the black-haired girl who was yawning, Flora didn't say anything. She just approached the sleeping princess, who was curled up on the bed, and gently woke her. With the soft tone she used only when they were alone, she spoke.
"Lilya, the vanguard of our troops has reached the eastern gate of the Wanhe Fortress. I believe it's because of the signs of prisoners and previous battles. They need you to show yourself to confirm our identity. What do you think?"
"Hmm? Oh… this is an expected situation. Let's go then. It's been so long in the carriage, my bones are almost rusting. Miss Violet, would you like to come along?"
"Heave-ho! Of course, I'm the princess's bodyguard now, so I'll naturally be protecting you closely."
The priest jumped down from her seat, stretched lazily, and smiled.
Lilya wasn't offended, after spending these days together, they had a good understanding of each other's personalities. The latter knew that Violet was just teasing her, and this was a sign of their close relationship.
The mysterious young lady with at least legendary-level strength certainly didn't put on any airs with the princess.
The three of them got out of the carriage and, after walking a short distance along the formation of the troops, turned over the last mountain trench to see the towering, sturdy, and grand city, along with the densely packed troops and defensive weaponry on the walls that reached several tens of meters high.
Seeing this sight, Lilya's steps suddenly halted for a moment. Although she immediately continued walking with a calm demeanor, both Flora and Violet easily noticed this subtle movement.
Violet didn't speak. She was now a hired bodyguard of the princess, and strictly speaking, she had a superior-subordinate relationship with Lilya. In other words, subordinates shouldn't casually chatter with their superiors… well, subordinates should maintain the dignity of the princess in public, so there was no need for whispered conversations.
However, Violet had been idle for these many days, reading various treasures from the royal family that Lilya had given her. When she didn't understand something, she could casually ask. Now, she had a fairly good understanding of this continent and various internal affairs of the Human United Kingdom.
Something seemed off, the defenses were too tight.
This is the eastern gate of Wanhe City, facing the interior of the Human United Kingdom. Unless the city has fallen, there should be no threat from the beastmen. Typically, the guards should be sparse, just enough to maintain order at the city gate.
However, the current situation feels as if they are under siege. Keep in mind that this is the princess's convoy, commanded by the newly appointed overall commander for the western front. There's no way Wanhe Fort hasn't received any information. So, who are they preparing to defend against with this formidable display?
There are two possible explanations for the current situation. First, Wanhe City has revolted and openly aligned with the Beastman Kingdom.
That's unlikely. Regardless of General Leyton's presence, if the beastmen had taken Wanhe Fortress, they would have marched eastward, plundered and attacked. Could it remain so calm?
The other explanation is that something significant has occurred in Wanhe City, prompting even the most lax eastern gate to strengthen its defenses to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Unfortunately, this all happened just as Lilya arrived… Is it a coincidence?
But no matter what, those three princes wouldn't be foolish enough to jeopardize the safety of the kingdom's western border gate to harm their own sister, right?
Wait, it actually seems possible…
"I am Lilya Melchior, the Fifth Princess of the Human United Kingdom, and I have been sent to oversee the war against the western beastmen. The Council's proxy command has already been issued. What do you intend by facing the royal family, are you plotting rebellion against us?"
Lilya fearlessly stepped forward, and her voice instantly spread to most of the eastern gate through a special amplification magic device. Upon hearing her words, the guards on the wall showed clear expressions of shock and hesitation, loosening their grip on their weapons.
Fortunately, it didn't seem like the worst-case scenario was unfolding.
The soldiers looked at each other in confusion, and soon, a young officer in a red robe and white armor, wearing a feathered helmet, stepped forward. He walked briskly to the edge of the wall and spoke loudly, without the need for any amplification device.
"Lady Lilya, we have already been informed of this through magical communication, but we are sorry to say that there have been some internal issues in Wanhe City. If you wish to bring such a large force into the city, you must first prove your identity as a royal princess. This is a matter of great importance, and we are acting urgently under the circumstances. We hope you understand!"
"..."
Lilya gazed up at the city wall with a blank expression and didn't continue speaking, leaving her thoughts hidden.
After a moment, she retrieved a badge and a parchment scroll from her magic ring and handed them to the red-haired woman behind her.
"Flora, show them."
"Very well, Your Highness."
Without much ado, Flora took the two items and then retrieved an arrow from behind her. She attached the badge and parchment to the arrow's shaft, raised her short bow, and nocked the arrow.
Seeing this, the officer on the city wall couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.
Wait, the keen instinct for life and death cultivated on the battlefield was telling him…
[The target of that arrow is me! And if I get hit, it's certain death!]
A fiery red light slowly blossomed on the arrow, looking like a vibrant crimson flower in full bloom from a distance, exceptionally beautiful. But the officer, who had become the unintentional target, felt an uncontrollable chill running down his spine, and his pupils contracted.
"Crimson Flame."
Seemingly distant but actually occurring in an instant, the burning crimson flame, with its brilliant and dreamlike light, shot out in a flash, leaving everyone with no time to react.
"Slicing Void Strike!"
The young officer didn't call on the shield bearers around him to protect him. They were too late, and they couldn't stop it. He shoved aside his adjutant, drew his sword, and with a thunderous shout, unleashed the most powerful slash he could muster towards the oncoming red light!
~Ping~Swish~
As the clear sound of clashing metal resounded, the young officer was forced to sit down as if a great force had overwhelmed him. He realized that he not only failed to intercept the arrow that was shot directly at him, but even the sturdy sword he had used for years now had a gaping hole drilled right through it…
And the arrow, which had been wrapped in a fiery red tail flame earlier, had accurately pierced the top of his feathered helmet. It shocked the young officer to near-death, but it hadn't harmed him in the least. Even a child would know that this was done intentionally by that woman.
There were only two words that could explain why someone of the Earth-level had been brought to this point.
"Le…Legendary…"