Beatrix had managed to implement “Island” to a certain extent.
However, she was struggling with the part involving the use of Blessing.
No matter how Cecilia explained it, there was no progress. But there was no need to be anxious.
It was a simple matter that would resolve itself after experiencing a few life-threatening situations.
March 10th, Year 499 of Saint Michael.
Queen Lydia, who usually refrained from interfering in trivial matters, made her presence known.
[Threat to the Kingdom due to the Demon King’s d*ath – Edward Windsor]
The basis for this was Edward’s report.
The queen displayed a regal demeanor rarely seen before.
“I command the former lords of the Rianen Kingdom to refrain from war for the time being and focus on strengthening their internal defenses.”
“I order the reorganization of supply routes and the extermination of all nearby dungeons that may cause interference.”
“I delegate large-scale exterminations to the Windsor Knight Order. However, we cannot neglect the northern defenses, so one high-ranking knight will be dispatched.”
The leaders of key positions and the nobles, who often engaged in fierce debates, were instantly unified.
“We accept your command.”
This was possible due to Queen Lydia’s direct order.
Though compassionate, she was surprisingly relentless when it came to anything obstructing royal authority.
‘Being dispatched is like exile.’
Task identifier Cecilia immediately grasped the core of the matter.
There was indeed a need to go north because of the Demon King. It was due to some minor tasks.
However, those were one-time missions. The indefinite dispatch was essentially an exile.
‘The captain will handle it, I’m sure.’
Cecilia cleared her mind and looked at Kairon with pleading eyes.
Are you really going to throw such a pretty daughter into the battlefield?
Kairon glanced at Cecilia, then sighed.
“I forbid any hasty conclusions. Though it’s rumored the Demon King has died, it hasn’t been confirmed yet. However, it’s true that the Demon Race’s army is gathering in the north. Do not neglect your defenses.”
“Yes!”
It was a command not to unnecessarily alarm the people.
The queen scanned the tense room and smiled faintly.
“I am reassured by your presence. A hundred years ago, our kingdom successfully navigated through war thanks to our excellent ministers. I believe this time will be no different.”
A hundred years ago, the Rianen Kingdom truly only had excellent ministers.
Because anyone less than excellent mysteriously disappeared after drinking tea loaded with something.
In short, Queen Lydia was openly threatening.
Cecilia felt unnerved.
Indeed, a 300-year-old ancient one was different…
Closing and reopening her eyes, the queen spoke with utmost seriousness.
“The Rianen Kingdom faces an unprecedented crisis. Remember that each step you take will leave its mark on history. This concludes the meeting.”
“Cecilia.”
Cecilia eyed the tea in front of her suspiciously.
Looking up, she saw Edward sipping his tea with a relaxed smile.
“Why? Are you worried it’s poisoned?”
“Yes.”
Cecilia answered honestly.
“I’m curious about what’s in your head.”
Edward looked at Cecilia with disbelief.
Since she had just returned from the royal conference, Cecilia was dressed in regulation formal attire.
Black pants and a white shirt with a black coat draped over. Notably, the ‘Silver Merit Medal’ awarded last time stood out near her right chest.
‘So, she does know how to distinguish between time and place?’
It was rare for Cecilia to wear formal attire. For reference, she didn’t even wear it during the last award ceremony. But seeing her impeccably dressed now suggested she recognized the gravity of the situation.
‘I like it.’
Edward found the current Cecilia more appealing—her actions and her attire.
…Still, even though it’s the world’s best knight order, isn’t wearing skirts and thigh-high socks somewhat lacking in dignity?
“You look good dressed like that. How about making it a regular style?”
“No.”
Of course, Cecilia’s taste was firm.
Edward’s lips twitched.
“Why have you summoned me? If it’s a date proposal, please wait a year. I have a backlog.”
“…I’m not asking.”
Edward barely maintained his poker face as he smiled and said,
“Cecilia, isn’t it about time you formed your own unit?”
“I have Betty.”
“One member seems insufficient. There are many new recruits this time around.”
Cecilia sharply turned her head away.
Edward restrained himself from giving her a light tap on the head as he continued,
“So, how about adding some of the new knights to your unit? Their skills might not meet your standards, but judging from your recent accomplishments, your leadership potential seems sufficient.”
Cecilia clearly showed her disapproval.
Even without compulsion, refusing a superior’s suggestion with such disdain was akin to eating three-year-old pickled mackerel.
Edward was quite irritated.
“…Betty alone is enough. With her, we can handle the tasks assigned to other high-ranking knights.”
“If that’s what you want. Personally, I prefer you don’t gain too much influence.”
“…”
Cecilia felt rather deflated.
She thought the previous statement was somewhat petty.
“By the way, did you hear Her Majesty’s order? We also need to define your mission. I recommend dispatch…”
“Deputy Captain.”
Cecilia said emotionlessly.
‘I’ll just stick closely to the righteous path and capture the Demon King.’
But it wasn’t wise to worsen relations with Edward, who would soon become captain.
There was a great way to handle this situation.
“I’m sorry, but I must leave now.”
Edward’s expression noticeably stiffened.
“Do you have something to do? It must be very important if it interrupts my conversation.”
“I want to change clothes.”
“…”
Edward closed his eyes momentarily.
Reopening them, he asked seriously,
“Is it that important?”
“Yes. I’m menstruating.”
Edward closed his eyes again.
Nodding his head, Cecilia stood up.
After bowing once, she left the deputy captain’s office.
Alone, Edward remained frozen for a moment before letting out a small laugh.
“Nothing I said today was accepted.”
Yet, there was nothing to criticize.
That was Cecilia’s way…
“…Eventually, you will have no choice but to follow my will.”
Just a young girl.
If one couldn’t manage someone like her, they couldn’t become a ruler.
Edward was confident.
‘I didn’t even have time to change clothes.’
Cecilia moved quickly.
To eliminate the Demon King without getting caught required thorough preparation.
Although she had a strong support in Kairon, caution was necessary since this was an important task.
“All preparations are perfect.”
Cecilia’s plan was as follows:
First, receive what seemed like a trivial but was actually crucial ‘simple mission’.
“If I were a demon, I’d mess with the magic engineering train first. Since I have experience stopping terrorism, I’ll personally inspect it.”
“Permission granted.”
The north was barren land.
Thus, large supplies were sent every three months.
Tomorrow happened to be that day, providing a suitable excuse.
‘Let’s proceed leisurely. By then, most of the good extermination missions would have been taken.’
Knights of Windsor were similar to office workers.
Though they had a strong sense of duty, they still preferred ‘sweet missions’ within possible limits.
‘When I return, only the least popular northern extermination mission will remain. Then, I’ll just grab it and pretend to be doing everyone a favor.’
She had already asked Kairon for the freedom to choose this mission herself.
Cecilia’s final move was—
“Rude. Please help.”
“Uh, um. Even if it’s a cute request from Ria, it’s quite difficult. I already have an assignment…”
“I’ll do ‘that’ for you.”
“…!”
Click click!
Recorded on Rude’s self-developed magical tool, the ‘Status Recording Sphere’!
In short, it was agreeing to pose for photo collections.
Cecilia earnestly struck poses while forming a V.
“Yahh…”
Rude gleamed with joy. The deal was complete. The most undesirable ‘cr*p mission’ would be handled by Rude.
“We’re going to inspect the train.”
Everything proceeded smoothly. That’s why Cecilia hadn’t had time to change clothes.
But it was intentional. This outfit, though uncomfortable, clearly exuded ‘wow, super high-ranking person’ vibes.
“Mu, Mu Merit Medal…! It’s an honor to meet the awardee!”
“Captain, I’ll conduct inspections now. Please circle around the royal road. And make an announcement to the passengers.”
“Yes! Of course!”
“Please go slowly. Inspections require carefulness.”
[Welcome aboard the Northern-bound Magic Engineering Train.]
Sitting comfortably in the economy class seat, Cecilia smiled.
“Miss Cecilia. Where should we start?”
Next to her sat a nervous newbie, rigid with tension. Passengers passing by would notice the medal and salute.
It was the perfect condition for Cecilia to grow arrogant.
“Just carefully observe the operation and think about where security might be weak.”
‘Well, even with enhanced security, someone at the level of the Seven Deadly Sins could easily break through.’
Before she realized it, something changed.
[Dear passengers, we would like to inform you that our destination has changed.]
Cutting off supply routes before a war begins is a rather traditional method—a highly reliable hypothesis.
Meaning, there’s a very high probability it will happen.
[The final destination of this train is the Demon King’s Castle, Demon King’s Castle. There will be no exit doors.]
