I met quite a few people after that. The week-long exhibition hosted by Count Petrinant was only for those who were at the top of their fields.
Just because the exhibition ended, no one was thinking about going home.
Every day in Theoporto, the central city of Count Petrinant’s territory, there were parties and meetings with major figures.
Thanks to being surrounded by the brilliance of the Sky Archmage Sony Chepelin, I not only met people from the Rhinehardt Empire but also many others from different countries.
“I’ve heard a lot about you, Ms. Sony Chepelin,” said Laurent Dominique, the ambassador of Pry Free Democratic State stationed in Rhinehardt. “It’s an honor to meet you.”
He was a friend of Sony Chepelin whom I happened to meet at the party. As an ambassador-level official, he would be very knowledgeable about the foreign affairs of Pry Free Democratic State.
I happily exchanged contact information with him. It was truly inconvenient.
There was no messaging app or email, let alone phone numbers, so we had to communicate through letters.
As someone who had freely enjoyed the benefits of modern civilization just a few months ago, I found it difficult to adapt.
“Maj. Beane of the Polania Republic’s Army. I command the Hussar Dragoon Regiment. This is my first time seeing a soldier from Okhraine, and you look impressive. Are you a cavalryman?”
Next came a general from a border country.
Not just a high-ranking officer, but the commander of the Hussar Dragoon Regiment, which is considered one of the elite forces of Polania Republic.
Given that Polania Republic is also a neutral country like ours, establishing connections with them in advance could be very useful for future plans.
Polania Republic played a significant role in my plan as a neighboring country.
Thus, after meeting diplomats and military officials, the person who came to see me was none other than:
“Sr. Journalist Sarah Ronald from Wilson Times in the Federal Republic of America. Please do contact me if you have any good news. I will make sure to compensate you accordingly.”
A blonde woman handed me her postal address immediately. She approached me while I was washing my throat with fruit juice at the corner of the banquet hall.
“Wilson Times…?”
I checked her business card. It was the Wilson Times from the Federal Republic of America. I had heard of it before. At this point, it was almost like a world-renowned newspaper.
Of course, even though Okhraine was relatively backward compared to other countries, I knew that some small media companies published journals in the capital, Kaieff.
However, that was only internal information about Okhraine.
Wilson Times, which reports and publishes newspapers on events happening around the world, was on a completely different level.
Why would such a media company suddenly show interest? It’s unusual for a minor country like Okhraine to attract attention.
Seeing my puzzled expression, Sarah Ronald responded first.
“Our headquarters has been expanding branches overseas recently. Especially since it’s harder to enter the more closed Imperial Alliance compared to the Free Union?”
“So you came to Okhraine…”
“Yes! There’s no better country to serve as a front line for our media! Most importantly, Okhraine is neither part of the Free Union nor the Imperial Alliance, making it a neutral country!”
She added with a bright smile. Even without explicitly stating she was a journalist, anyone would be able to tell.
“Don’t you agree, Captain Enok Revendale?”
“How did you know my name?”
“Are you joking?”
She tilted her head in response.
“No, I’m serious. How did you know?”
“…Isn’t it more strange that you don’t know? You’ve met all sorts of people except the Archmage Sony Chepelin.”
“Hmm.”
That was true.
Considering her position as an Archmage, many people would request interviews regardless of her nationality.
But would our Colonel actually listen to all these requests?
Personally, it was amusing. Unless they were interesting enough, I didn’t bother meeting them. So, responding to those individuals fell to me and Lumina.
In the process, my name spread among journalists who were meeting various people.
“I hear names I’ve never heard of everywhere, and I can’t help but be curious.”
Sarah snapped her fingers.
Being a journalist wasn’t necessarily a bad connection. In fact, I should be grateful for their initiative.
Ultimately, it’s about public opinion now.
Although people haven’t yet realized the power of the media, it is indeed one of the most effective tools to sway the masses.
I carefully put her business card in my pocket and took out my own card to hand to her.
“Understood. Let me formally introduce myself. I am Captain Enok Revendale of the Okhraine Army.”
“Oh, how courteous. Many people often look at me suspiciously when I say I’m a journalist.”
“I’m particularly interested in the Federal Republic of America, especially its ‘freedom.'”
“Hmm~ This is an unexpected reaction. Could it be that I’m ahead of my time?”
“Leading the way?”
“I have sharp ears and keen eyes. I don’t miss anything.”
Sarah Ronald replied with a playful tone, her eyes twinkling mischievously—a character straight out of a novel or drama.
“Captain?”
Another voice echoed at that moment. Familiar but oddly chilly. As she stepped closer, her silver hair swayed gently, contrasting sharply with Sarah’s hair.
“Who is this person?”
“Oh, Lumina. Have you heard of Wilson Times from the Federal Republic of America?”
“No.”
Lumina cut her off abruptly. Though she smiled, it didn’t seem genuine.
“I’ve never heard of it… What does it do?”
“Hmm, that’s fine. It means our Times needs to work harder.”
There was a hint of provocation, but Sarah smoothly deflected it and gave Lumina her business card with her address written on it.
“I’m Sr. Journalist Sarah Ronald.”
“Lt. Lumina Blué.”
“Is she your aide or direct subordinate?”
“Aide.”
Despite her usual cold demeanor, Lumina now exuded a presence so intense that strangers might feel intimidated.
What’s wrong? Did something happen?
Even though she was beautiful, perhaps some lecherous men had made unwanted advances. I glanced back and forth between Lumina and Sarah, swallowing hard.
Eventually, the awkward standoff ended when Sarah initiated a peaceful atmosphere.
“Well, if things go well, we might meet again in Okhraine. I cover politics, military, economy, society, and even entertainment. If you have any good stories, please do contact me.”
“Understood.”
“Then, sorry for the interruption. I hope you two have a pleasant time.”
The phrase “pleasant time” seemed to carry weight.
*
Lumina Blué was melancholic. Being able to spend time with Captain Enok Revendale instead of Bella Meyer was sheer luck, but…
The reality was vastly different from what she had expected.
Since Captain Revendale spent most of his days meeting people throughout the city, it was nearly impossible to spend time alone together.
Moreover, she was constantly busy handling Lt. Sony Chepelin’s affairs, which was a continuous source of frustration.
Worst of all, countless women kept attaching themselves to Captain Revendale, as Bella Meyer had mentioned. At the Baron Jacques Pedro’s banquet, beautiful young ladies had tried to talk to him.
Seeing such scenes play out in front of her eyes made Lumina feel helpless.
Captain Revendale was handsome. His cool and distant demeanor, coupled with his charm and charisma, made him approachable despite the distance.
While subordinates and superiors might find it difficult to approach him, outsiders found him attractive.
Cold but warm to me.
Maybe that’s the sentiment.
‘…They do suit each other.’
She knew well that attaching herself wouldn’t change anything. Besides, Captain Revendale wasn’t the type to pursue women.
He always maintained a distance unless necessary, and even then, he didn’t get too close.
Perhaps it was due to humility, or maybe he had other reasons, but Lumina couldn’t guess.
Still, uncertainty remained.
Lumina Blué wasn’t unattractive; in fact, she was often mistaken for a noble and approached by prominent figures.
Nobles’ children, heirs to large merchant guilds, even diplomats and members of the royal family or influential figures closely tied to central powers.
Even if judged purely by bloodline, appearance, and ability, there were people who could rival Captain Revendale, but they didn’t appeal to Lumina.
Captain Revendale already held a deep place in her heart.
“I can’t do this anymore. I need to go out for some fresh air.”
Since sitting alone in the room wouldn’t change anything, Lumina got up weakly and put on her coat.
The weather had turned bitterly cold. It was so chilly that one needed a winter coat once the sun set.
Winter is coming soon.
It felt somewhat nostalgic. Thinking back to last winter, she realized how tough the journey had been.
Rejected, ignored, humiliated, trapped in a dark abyss without hope.
‘But… it’s all thanks to Captain Revendale.’
Being allowed to be by his side was more than she deserved. Perhaps her role was limited to this.
As she pondered these bittersweet thoughts, she noticed Captain Revendale entering her room.
“Ah?”
“Eh…”
Their eyes met unexpectedly.
“Captain?!”
“Lumina, were you planning to go out?”
“No, no! I just thought I’d go out for some fresh air. It’s fine! Speaking of which, what brings you here…”
“Oh, actually…”
Captain Revendale held out a bottle of wine to Lumina.
“There aren’t many days left in Rhinehardt, right? I noticed that Lt. Lumina has been working hard, but I couldn’t take care of everything due to my busy schedule.”
“Ah… Thank you.”
It was a gift. She didn’t need anything, but the expensive-looking wine reminded her that she needed moments alone with him more.
But she couldn’t let it show.
She intended to put the wine on the shelf, but Enok quickly stopped her.
“Why are you putting it there?”
“What?”
“Did you think I hadn’t prepared gifts for Lt. Lumina and the troops? Don’t worry about that.”
“Then why this one?”
“This is for you and me.”
“Wha—”
Lumina’s eyes widened.
“How about spending some time alone today?”
