They both stayed for another two days in Seiji's house to fully recover. In those two days Ultear and especially Kurtis saw how kind, gracious and understanding Seiji is, as a person and a the head Chief of his clan. Seiji even let the both of them interact with his clansmen without prejudices. Ultear's heart melted as soon as she was happily approached by the kids. They have bright, cheerful and positive faces and energy radiating from them. They look like some ball of sunshine who doesn't know sadness, sorrow and despair.
However, their physical appearances contradicts their cheerful personality. They're malnourished. A proof that they don't get the right amount of nutrients and vitamins they need for their body to grow healthy.
As a princess, Ultear learned something from Seiji as the future ruler of her kingdom. That you don't need to use violence to rule over your people and that kindness wasn't a weakness. Ultear and Seiji shared insights and opinions over certain matters and problems.
"It's true that the Twin Impassable Mountain Ranges is almost unhabitable." Ultear agrees one night after they explore the village of the Calumbias Clan. Kurtis was silently serving their soup.
"I would like to form diplomatic relations with Betania Kingdom where we can have a share of the fertile lands and farm our own food."
"That's true. But what can you offer in return?"
"Calumbias Clan is composed of the Three Great Tribes. We can offer our knowledge in the fields of hunting, blacksmithing and medicine. What do you think? Does it sound plausible?"
"Yes." Ultear decided not to reintroduce herself again and inform Seiji that she's a princess. Since he doesn't ask then she's not lying, right?
On their second day in Seiji's house, news about the Istark City being attack by beasts reached their ears through Seiji's mouth. He told them about the news sent by his clansmen who refuse to follow him any longer. Ultear and Kurtis couldn't take their anger towards Seiji when he's not the one behind the attack and since Seiji felt somewhat guilty for his people's violence he informed them both as knights of their Kingdom.
Before they leave, Seiji left a few words of farewell to Kurtis.
"Please, be careful on your journey. And Kurtis, don't forget about my favor because how we treat each other the next time we meet depends on your decision. Will we treat each other's as allies or as...enemies. I'll leave our fate in your hands. Nevertheless, I hope you choose what you think is best."
Ultear and Kurtis immediately afterwards. Even Ultear wanted to ask Kurtis about what Seiji said, she couldn't find the right time to ask as they were in a hurry passing through the dangerous Twin Impassable Mountain Ranges.
They first reach Primrose Town where their camp was located but it was already ruined even it wasn't that long since then. There were no sighting of monsters and beasts on their way nor there was any knights, all that's left are remnants after a battle.
They continue advancing to the Peruna Village and encounter a group of knights fighting with a huge group of monsters and beasts. They're in a great disadvantage. Ultear and Kurtis jump in to help without second thoughts. But before they engage in a fight, Ultear warns Kurtis not to force himself too much since his leg isn't fully healed yet.
Ultear ended the fight in a speed of light since she know that if it drags on, Kurtis will force his body to fight past his limits.
"Commander!" Ultear recognize Aubrey's voice. This time her tone was lace with worry and relief. There's also someone beside her with a bleeding arm. Ultear couldn't recognize him at first but once she stared more, his face become too familiar. Laurence.
"What happened with you two?" Kurtis ask.
"Ugh...a lot of things happened from here and there. And there's this certain individual who decided to face his fears and trauma all of a sudden while we're in the middle of an enemy invasion. I couldn't stop him since he could just appear anywhere with his magic. Curse the mages! I know they're rare but still curse them! And because mages have weak physiques here he is struggling and almost dying while fighting the monsters and beasts head on. If I didn't arrived, he's a dead meat already." Aubrey was breathless after explaining things.
"I wasn't dying!" Laurence cry out in protest with his cheeks flush red. "Anyway, where have you been princess? The king almost turn the kingdom upside down just to look for you if it weren't for the Calumbias Clan invasion. Damn them, why couldn't they just die? They even use black magic to control those monsters and beasts."
"Shut your mouth, Laurence!" Ultear snap which makes Aubrey and Laurence dumbfounded. While Laurence keep on asking his self if he said something wrong.
Kurtis held her hand to calm her down. Kurtis understand what she feel but she needs to calm down. He know that it doesn't feel right badmouthing the Calumbias Clan trying invading the Kingdom or more like trying take back the land their ancestors once lost. They only want some fertile lands to farm and race livestock for food.
Laurence teleported them to Istark City where the war is taking place. The city was already destroyed. It's just thanks to the Blue Knights that acted without delay and evacuated the citizens. But unfortunately, when they arrived at Istark City, the city has already been taken down by the enemy.
Roars and shouts of victory erupted in the city.
"Long live the Calumbias Clan!"
Before the monsters and beasts sniff their scents, Laurence teleported them to the nearest forest not too far from the city. The next city they would be reaching to is Sybel City.
"Kurtis," Ultear calls his attention. "What did Seiji ask you? What kind of favor did he ask of you? I want to know."
Kurtis hesitated and didn't answer.
"He said he doesn't like violence, did the favor he ask has something to do with how to stop this ongoing war? He also mention that he plans to have a diplomatic talk with father. Does he send any letter? Please, Kurtis, tell me."
"...he did."
"Then we must help him reach his letter to father and stop this war. If we can end this dispute without bloodshed the better. We already heard Seiji's reasons and they're certainly acceptable, right? I see no reason not to agree."
Kurtis also understand how Ultear feels. She's a princess and soon she'll rule over the whole Kingdom and every citizens, including him. Kurtis realizes that he is nothing special. He's no one. Just a mere commoner knight loving the greatest woman in Betania Kingdom.
And Ultear loving him back was already enough for him. He couldn't be too greedy and ask for more. He couldn't ask to have her by himself forever. Creating a family of their own. He couldn't. Even dreaming of it feels like a sin. How dare a mere plebian like me dream of living forever with someone like Tear.
"But Tear, his plan doesn't just end with having diplomatic talk with the King. To secure his clansmen future for another two or three generations, he plans to have a political marriage between him and the Kingdom's Princess...What...will you do, Tear?"