Ashes and Kingdoms

Small clouds gathered in the eastern sky to hide the appearance of the sun, but several strips of dawn ran like spears cutting through the ceiling. With the vision of a dazzling walking post, the deep red treasure ball on the tip of the spear grows and approaches the Lordship Palace.

"Welcome home, Your Majesty!

As in response to the salute, the glittering red dragon swirls and then hits its wings in the courtyard. Lightly descending from its back was the mistress with flaming hair.

"Early morning sentry, good luck. Is it any different?

"Yes! Are you hurt, Your Majesty?"

"Yes."

He nodded to Eagle Deep and headed back to the hall, where Elecia stopped to remember. I forgot the name of this soldier, but it is true that my companions used to tease me that my hometown was a hell of a peripheral countryside...

"Speaking of which, you were from the East, right?

"Yes!

Unexpected words are spoken, and the soldier is stunned.

"It's a small village just for fields and ranches, close to the no-ness.... Um, no way..."

"No, the other way around," Elecia smiled and showed. "I was just trying to let you know that there was nothing. To the south, to the sea, to the east, near Nara, but nothing strange happened."

"Really...... good. Thank you."

Relax, the soldier salutes again with a relieved look. Elesia returned the courtesy and now it is time to walk out into the hall.

The news began to arrive that the beast of darkness was attacking the villages on the border, and it was already quite good. Since reclaiming the capital, she has borrowed Genshas' wings and often flew to such lands, giving the bonfire the protection of the flaming god Gens.

Thanks to this, nowhere has become an abandoned village yet. That said, much of the agricultural land was rough, and because of it, agricultural products tend to be thinner here in Rofria, and there were signs of anxiety in people's minds.

(Especially this winter, the momentum of the Dark Beast is strong)

It's as if it was also some kind of signal, or if the darkness has made a secret agreement to make this winter a time of war, to drive away or drive away, to persevere in repeated attacks.

Of course, many optimistic citizens clean up those concerns because of them, which is why they focus on preparing for the war - but are driven by the urge of irresistible Elesia herself to sometimes look back and see if that's really good. You're supposed to want to beat all your might into the enemy up front, the emperor.

Second, she realized she was unconsciously staring at her face, rubbing her forehead with her fingers. It would be hard if the frown wrinkles between the eyebrows could not be removed.

Relax and change your mood. When she made that decision, Elecia headed to the bathroom. It's the size and facilities the old aristocratic hall of the Empire deserves and has long been one of my favorite places, but now it's a particular favorite.

When I could call the servant and tell him to get dressed, Elecia just took off her clothes and went into the bathroom. It's just water in the tub, but you don't have to let your youngest man burn firewood from the morning to make you sweat. As she dipped her hand in the water and waited a while, the hot air began to stand momentarily.

A servant hastily carries vanilla for bathing and floats in the water. The refreshing scent filled the room with steam, and Elecia smiled satisfied. Slowly immerse yourself in the water to your shoulders and breathe.

This was an unexpected surprise.

Before I bonded with the dragon, I never dreamed I could do this, but maybe now my favorite thing about my ability as a dragon marquis is this power.

Genchas replied to her bitterly smiling at the thought of that, only with a snort of fright.

Whatever it was, Elecia carefully washed it loose from the toe to each piece of hair, letting the samurai help. By the time it was over, the melancholy mood was also completely flushed, and the lips were resting on nature and a soft grin.

I also took the time to get better and slowed down, so the next thing Elecia needed to do, who became like her mistress, was just shut up her grunting belly.

Flying with Genshas all night, I didn't feel tired or hungry yet, but as soon as I returned to one human being with a little detachment from the consciousness that was united with the power of the dragon, my original desire would push me by no means. Now comfortable fatigue and drowsiness even invited him to the bedroom, but he was stronger hungry pulling to the table.

An appetizer was already available at the lower table, with the sighs and cushions placed just right. When you have a good servant, you can experience euthanasia in these trivial places.

A maid who was serving smiled bitterly at Elecia, who then flattened the food that had been carried from one end to the other.

"Your Majesty is well, isn't she? It's really strange where in that poor mouth all this food disappears"

"It must be connected to Chas' stomach. Ediona, eat with me for a little while."

"Thank you. Then sweeten your words."

Ediona didn't even show reluctance, leaving a watermark with another servant on the table. Though a samurai, she is also the daughter of a good house, and because of her long service to Elesia, she is sensibly already close to her family.

Elecia accidentally smiled a pranky smile as she gracefully carried the roasted apples to her mouth.

"So, you had a good time with a reliable cavalry leader last night? Corner, I went out, so I don't want to think I wasted my chances."

"Dear Elesia!

On the way Ediona turns red and raises a voice of protest. Oh, and Elecia laughed bitterly.

"Looks like nothing happened. Too bad."

"Master Marius is not like a night out in the absence of His Majesty. You know that."

"Yes, you know. But you also know that his eyes are often nailed to the samurai who passes beside me and refrains behind me. Nothing. You don't have to spend the night in your room, or at least come and dedicate yourself to a circle of flowers. Impudent."

"... Master Marius, don't hesitate. Because your household is mostly civilian. It's my house, and it's not just old or famous."

Ediona lay her eyes down and said in a sinking tone. Elecia does the finished dishes beside her and embarks on herself.

"I thought you were waiting for your natural accomplishment, but if you wanted to, you could wrap up the conversation with me. Marius is certainly not a nobleman, but she deserves her husband. Plus, citizens need to celebrate. Just saying," Don't be lazy in case of war, you'll catch your breath. "

"Right. … let me think for a moment"

"I'm not going to rush you, but don't take too long. These things are important because the more you worry about them, the more you can't make decisions."

To Elecia, who joked and told her, Ediona smiled bitterly.

"Is it about His Majesty's experience?"

"Come on, I don't know"

Step aside, Elecia claps her shoulders, and Ediona laughs a little. That's how the servant rushed in and ruined the place where the air was soothing.

"Dear Elesia! of the tower... the dragon's eye!

――

Elecia changed her expression in an instant and stood up softly. He takes control of Ediona by hand, trying to obey, and runs out on his own.

It was troublesome to climb the narrow staircase inside the hall, and as she went out to the garden through the closest door, she flew to the watchtower at once with Genchas's hand.

There was one sentry, but the way the mistress appeared drained her liver and raised her odd voice. Elecia just glanced at it and quickly fixed her messy hair and clothes and stood in front of the dragon's eye.

"Your Ladyship, Your Majesty the Queen of Nornicom"

Just like the other day, Lord Nachte's face was shown there. Elesia was surprised to see what she looked like to her opponent, but such an inner self did not put on the face at all and smiled glossy.

"Long time no see, His Excellency Senato Dragon Hou. I hope it wasn't for the dragon's eye."

"Well, murder or auspiciousness...... Sooner or later, rumors will reach His Majesty's ears."

Senato put on his body and left between, making sure Elesia's expression was cloudy before continuing.

"On an offer from the Emperor, we were to hold talks"

"It's..."

Elesia was stuck in words for a moment and hurried to fix her expression.

"Kind of you to take the time to let me know. Do you intend to join hands with the Emperor?"

"There's nothing to be alarmed about. Agreements and other forms only. We haven't found any grandchildren yet, so when the Emperor offered to adopt Senato Jr. again, it was just an empty promise. Each other, lies hold hands knowingly. But by the time it reaches His Majesty's ear, I don't know how the rumors will turn out."

I haven't betrayed you, you'll be in trouble if you do, won't you? - Such disgust comes through without words. Elecia barely kept her smile as she realized her face was stiff.

"Something annoys you about your downward mouth. I am aware of your hatred for the Emperor, but I will not do it alone."

"This is awe-inspiring," Senato saluted, flashing a sharp grin. "His Majesty will go to the Imperial Capital with the army in the gap where the Emperor thinks he has defeated the Nakte Dragon Marquis. Then the Emperor Varys will turn his back on us and head east."

"Let me take the emperor's blade from the front, so His Excellency can poke you in the back."

Elecia made a spicy voice, but the grin didn't break. Rather belligerent, laugh deeper. Faster than the other person returning words she didn't need, she continued.

"It would be good. I want to slap that traitor's son to the ground. Aiming for your back is not your nature. I'm happy to accept your offer."

To her answer, Senato, for a moment, showed a gap in her expression. I bowed my head as soon as I was in awe, but it was enough for Elecia to definitely read the colors floating there.

"I admire Her Majesty's flames of anger. Let that flame be the courage of the Nornicom army and a scourge for the Emperor."

"Beware of the fire powder," Elecia responded with a slight whisper. "If it's too late and the emperor is completely on fire, it's not easy to stick out a blade."

"You're the one on the left. Let's get ready."

Senato did not show herself noticing sarcastically, but nodded stubbornly, then excused, and ended the conversation. When the light went out of the dragon's eye and returned to just a chunk of rock, there was a bit of scorching air around.

Elecia looks back at the sentry as she stands in front of the dragon's eye. There was no longer a grin on its face, and so much flame of anger shined on its face that it could not face. The sentry lagged behind in fear, but in a narrow place, he just hit his back on the handrail.

Lend me your sword.

Shortly commanded, the outpost rushes to remove the sword belt. As it was brimming, the irritated Elesia grabbed close and grabbed the sword pattern and pulled it out.

"Master Elecia, what?"

"Chas!"

The inquiry of the grated sentry is dispelled by the fierce voice of Elesia.

When Elesia raised her sword, Genshas flew to the side of the building. As the dragon's eyes are narrowed, the sword gleams.

moments when his body seemed to dissolve in the scorching light,

"- Huh!!

Elecia waved her arms down with her temper.

Gah, and the crushing sound of the rock echoed for a moment. The dragon's eye broke in two with the flashing light.

To heat, light, and gushed steam, the sentry covers his face with both arms. After a few breaths, as he lowered his fearful arm, the dragon's eye was rolling in a very left and right split. The cross section is very glowing, as it melted and immediately cooled.

And Elesia, standing beside her, was angry, and she was called out. Most of all, she was completely unconscious of such frightened and pathetic outposts.

That man, that's exactly what shamelessness means! How dare you lie bright red!

I will attack the emperor from the front, when Elecia said, Senato's face. Either an ugly grin distorted by ridicule and superiority was something that floated on him in reality, or it was something that could only be seen in Elesia's eyes. I'm pretty sure he stumbled on the foolish woman.

Genshas went down to the roof and snorted in a grumpy manner.

"He revealed himself to be the only dragon marquis. If you're a descendant, you don't seem to know that the dragon and the dragon marquis are false."

"Really, angry man! The Emperor isn't the only one who can't name Dragon Marquis. I'm sorry.

Elesia looked down at the cold sword in her hand and glanced at her face. I'm totally melted out, and this makes me useless no more.

"You've wasted it."

Elesia said without hesitation and returned her sword to the sentry.

"Please replace it with something new. Just because I used it."

The only reply was a surprise salute. But Elesia no longer cared for him, and he grabbed hold of Genshas and fluttered down from the tower.

Downstairs, there was a worried ediona waiting. Stared at by the samurai, Elesia finally smiled bitterly when she realized she was looking horrible.

"I just said I needed a celebration, but for the time being, that story is going to come forward. Call Marius to my room. Secretary Lord Horse and the blacksmith too. Immediately!"

Yes, and Ediona leaves for a short run. Elesia dropped it off and, during the bundle, took a distant look with a blurred guilt.

If she hadn't disobeyed the Emperor, she could have married a good opponent at the same time.

The people of this city may also have enjoyed a peaceful life under the control of the Emperor, not the Tius family. But...

(There is no going back. And forgiving the emperor)

Not only Elesia, but the citizens of this town know by staining themselves. That there is no guarantee that the same thing will not be repeated in the future about how unreasonably atrocious the former emperor did.

(Are you lost?)

When Elesia shook her head, she looked up into the sky in the face of a warrior. As she represented her thoughts, the flaming dragon feathered heavily and rose to the clouds.