284 Update

Within the Trichia manor's great hall. Duke Trichia sat seated at the head, whilst his most trusted vassals stood at attention within the background. Standing before the man was Christine Doltz, who was sent to Trichia to act as Rosemi's messenger.

The beautiful woman stood stoically as she replayed the message from memory. As the information was regarded highly, there would be no written form of the message, and only in capture and torture would anyone outside of designated ears ever obtain it.

"Duke Trichia,

Firstly, I was ordered to inform you on how much lady Rosemi De Lumix misses you and cherishes you. The lady congratulates you on another successful military achievement, and your safe return. And although she would like to personally be here to gaze upon your handsome visage, she is currently busy spreading rumours about her relationship with you. Which would deter the weaker households from acting upon their greed, both towards your house and hers.

As the kingdom recognises you as a man of action, rather than a man of dialogue. A few noble households have been trying to undermine both yours and duke Jeffrey's prestige and power. Whilst you are the sword of Del Lagos, you have contributed very little to the tables of high society. Whilst duke Jeffrey De Lumix, is known to be the shield of Del Lagos. The man hasn't contributed enough in military endeavours, solely focusing on navigating social dialogue.

Thus, if the two ducal households were to cement yourselves into an alliance by marrying lady Rosemi, the nobles who oppose our faction would no longer have any leverage against us. As both sides of the coin will therefore be considered covered. This is why the lower nobles have been trying their utmost to tarnish your reputation. However, If we were to combine both duchies into a single territory, the risk of one of you claiming yourself to be king and sovereign, the risk of civil war is too great.

Thus, soon the palace will be holding a celebration. In recognition of the successful defence of Thrud Castle, in honour of both Prince Victor Del Lagos, and Your Grace. Which would place an image of clear loyalty between Your Grace, and His Highness, and in extension, Her Majesty. Your attendance is mandatory, and whilst you're there, you must act accordingly to strengthen your friendship with the royal family.

And update in regards to Thrud Castle. To further cement the image that both ducal families are indeed loyal to Her Majesty, Duke Jeffrey has sent his own forces to further reinforce the keep, as such, you do not need to worry about the north. Please do continue to build up your army, your strength and supplies. The celebration in Einhoren will also be your chance to convince the neutral noble households in investing into the military, so please do so.

Previously, when scouts were sent out into the northern deadlines, they would become MIA. However, since the recent battle, our scouts have now been successfully mapping the lands and returning. Reporting no sightings of the dhans or dekens. 

..."

Christine went quiet for a moment, rechecking her thoughts, ensuring she had passed on everything.

"Ah.

Regarding your two friends. Her Majesty is currently the only person to know of their current whereabouts. However, considering how cordial they have been since entering our kingdom, you can rest assured that they are being treated as respectfully as a princess should. The two have supposedly opened up and gave us as much information about their lands and our current enemies, as they could. Whether their information can be trusted or not, we will soon see."

Asai settled his mind as he no longer felt as conflicted. Whilst Kozumi and Mizumi were literally enemies of humanity. Their fate no longer rested upon his hands. Whatever burden his soul would have to endure, if he were to personally behead two girls who had only carried good intentions, to help and benefit him. Saving him from death, increasing his survival chances during the campaign, activating the [Wings of Solemn Death] and even teaching him his first ever attack skill [Psychic Phantom]. 

Truly, if it wasn't for their intervention in his life, perhaps he would've perished already by now. As such, the man was genuinely relieved to hear that although they were held in captivity, at least they lived in relative comfort and safety.

..

Night time come, out of curiosity, Asai decided to enter the servant's quarter via the secret pathway.

Within a dimly lit room that had a few beds spread throughout. Asai immediately noticed that the door had already been locked by a wooden bar. A gentle flame that flicked within the fireplace kept the room warm, something Asai immediately understood why, as he found a mature, older lady asleep upon one of the beds. 

Her bed covers had shifted aside, revealing her to be sleeping in only what appeared to be lingerie. The semi transparent material barely hid her sacred parts, as her beautiful pink nipples poked through, as her chest heaved with each breath she took. Upon her face was a sleeping mask that he could only assume would hide her identity somewhat.

Further shifting the covers off her body, Asai took in the view of the mature woman. 

"A busty and curvaceous milf?"

Noticing that her hair was also abysmally black, Asai believed she was chosen deliberately. If she were to give birth to his children, her having black hair would perhaps hide the father's identity from those who enjoy gossiping for bad reasons.

Her chest heaved, inflating and deflating. Her big heavenly peaks soft and fall, tempting his eyes and hands into enjoying them.

"This is okay, she wants this. This is consented."

As his mind felt troubled, from imagining himself, having his way with the sleeping beauty. He had to mentally reassure himself that this was morally okay.

"This is okay, she wants this. This is consented." He repeated.