Published at 24th of January 2021 03:10:46 PM
Chapter 117: The General and the King
「Well then . I will tell my Lord your words, Lady Saint Matia . We will have the guidance of the Heraldic Order . 」
The messenger of the mercenary city of Belfein spoke before he left his seat . Matia shook her eyelids, as she listened to his words .
A different sentiment immerged deep inside of Matia’s heart . Regardless of her hidden feelings, Matia nodded to the messenger .
「Yes . Let’s move forward with our alliance . May each other’s future be better . That is our God’s will . 」
The meeting with Belfein’s messenger was over . After the messenger left the room, Matia took a deep breath and leaned her shoulders against the chair . She then sharpened her lips .
Matia wondered if she gave the impression of willingness to form an alliance . Her eyebrows went down and her eyes intensified . It was not important whether Belfein believed her words or not . She knew that they would at least consider this alliance before concluding officially . This could give Matia some time .
If the ongoing negotiations of a possible alliance were to crumble now, the relationship between Garoua Maria and Belfein would be strained . If that happened, it could lead to a clash between nature and military forces .
It was not a bad choice either .
Rather, a clash would be useful for the unification of the Heraldic people’s will, which was not consolidated yet . The existence of a common enemy, by itself, deprived people of their eyesight and buried their enthusiasm in the dark . This fear would make them seek help from the religion itself . In the end, the people would feel grateful to the organization for trying to save their lives from the ongoing threat .
However, it was impossible right now . Things went the wrong path .
Matia sighed profusely to calm herself . She put her finger through her soft and long hair, and carefully tied it up .
If the situation suddenly became tense, then of course, the relationship would turn into an aggressive and hostile relationship . Bloody confrontations and murders would be the norm . Killing spies and scouts would be the first priority before retaliating with a larger army .
Right now, Matia and Belfein were somewhat accepting and overlooking each other’s spies to some extent .
There was not much information on each other at present . If things went down the line, then searching for spies would take a fair amount of time before finding them . In fact, spies were people that provided crucial information in order to allow their leader to determine the future direction of their nations . Their duty remained unchanged even during conflicts between nations . Therefore, unless there was a great deal of trouble, the spies’ lives remained intact .
If the current situation remained for as long as possible, while hinting at an alliance, then Lugis’ life, who had infiltrated into Belfein, would be extended .
“Or was it a desire?” Matia quivered her eyes while touching her hair .
Lugis was neither a spy nor a rebel . He was one of the corner stones of the Heraldic religion . If people in Belfein recognized him, then he would be punished immediately on the spot . “We have to hurry”, Matia thought .
In essence, Matia’s actions just intended on creating an extended and dormant period . A period that allowed each nation to evaluate each other without attacking . However, even infants could understand that this period was like walking in thin ice that would eventually collapse .
Therefore, it was crucial to take immediate action, to move now .
Matia got up from her seat while her tied hair swayed in the air .
“Now that I think of it, my long hair was also my own calculation . ”
Long and beautiful hair was a sign of nobility . Matia’s beautifully trimmed hair was useful at times . She made use of this trait and pretended to be an aristocrat in order to negotiate .
She knew that her hair would be useful in the future as well . That was why she could not cut it right now . Therefore, she tied her hair around the back of her head and arranged it in a manner that it would not damage it .
“By the way, what kind of hairstyle does he like?” Such an idea came to Matia’s mind naturally .
「Excuse me, Saint Matia . As far as I know, there has been no major confusion in the city…Lady Matia?」
Ann entered the drawing room while holding the parchment in her arms . Her eyes rounded as she stared at Matia .
For a moment, Ann moved her eyes while blinking her eyelashes as if she felt confused about the unknown person who stood in front of her .
Matia distorted her lips in a strange way upon seeing Ann’s confusing expression .
「What’s wrong with you, Ann . I just trimmed my hairstyle a little . It is me, Matia, who else would it be?」
Matia rolled her eyes and moved her shoulders after asking Ann if she saw a stranger .
In fact, Matia had never looked this different, either in public or in private . When Matia looked at herself in the mirror, she certainly felt strange . For a moment, she doubted if the figure reflected in the mirror was truly her .
However, this strangeness felt more convenient .
「Ann, can you lock the door and get the makeup ready? In the office…Yes, I can’t use a mirror there . 」
Matia gave instructions to Ann while she sat down again in the chair of the drawing room . Matia usually used the office room to do her work . The drawing room was used for other affairs . This room was the most convenient place to be prepared and get dressed .
However, Ann did not reply after hearing Matia’s instructions . “What’s the matter?” Matia moved her eyes around and turned her gaze toward Ann .
Ann’s cheeks looked somewhat tense . Her face even looked blue . “Is she in a bad shape? That would be a big problem . ” Matia looked puzzled at Ann’s condition, since she needed Ann to work on her behalf temporarily from now on .
「Ah, ex…excuse, Saint Matia . Of course, I will follow your instructions . But, for what purpose do you need makeup…?」
This time, it was Matia’s turn to round her eyes . Ann was a well-aware and smart person . She was known for being more sensitive than others in judging other people’s movements .
That was why her question made Matia wonder . On top of that, Matia believed that her actions were inevitable and quite clear .
Matia did not want to cover it up from Ann . Therefore, without being ashamed, words leaked naturally out of Matia’s lips .
「What are you talking about…I am ready to infiltrate Belfein myself . 」
Ann’s blue face turned even bluer when she heard Matia’s words as if they were normal . Ann almost fainted, and her originally white skin became paler .
「Saint Matia . I can’t allow you to do that . It is unacceptable for you to endanger yourself . 」
It was rare for Ann to speak words of defiance . Suddenly, Matia’s lips trembled .
Ann was a loyal supporter of Matia .
Therefore, Ann did her best to put Matia’s words into practice as much as possible . Even if her acts endangered one’s life and position .
Of course, Ann made suggestions sometimes and often shared her opinion . But, she always avoided direct confrontations and always put Matia’s interests above everything else . In a sense, Ann was not a Heraldic believer . She was, in fact, believer of Saint Matia .
That loyal Ann was now against Matia’s decision . Matia felt strong palpitations in her heart . The fact that something that was never been possible before was happening in front of her . This unbelievable outcome upset her viscera and hurt her spine .
Nonetheless . After a moment of hesitation, Matia’s thoughts quickly returned to her brain .
「…Ann, I understand your words . And I’m happy to hear them . 」
That was Matia’s unmistakable true intention . Ann, who had always stood by her side unconditionally, was now confronting Matia . How many humans could do that?
Many people could only try to get close to the big tree . But, if the big tree fell, none of those people would be able to support it or restrain it .
However, Ann was different . After all, she had a rare talent . A General’s talent who supported the King and sometimes spoke conflicting words .
Therefore, Matia did not hide her true feelings, and spilled the following words .
「But my actions are unavoidable . Lugis infiltrated Belfein alone and that will only increase the danger . I will go directly and bring him back . 」
Tears overflew from the edge of Ann’s eyes . Still, the edge of her eyebrows were firm and her lips tightened up .
「That’s just not possible . I know that he is in danger . But…He is a good forerunner so to speak . He will manage to take care of himself . On the other hand . Saint Matia, you mustn’t forget that you are the King! If you die, everything will end! Please, I beg you…I want you to think about the meaning of my words…」
Ann’s tearful voice echoed in the drawing room . Matia held Ann’s words deep in her heart .
Then, her eyes swayed . Matia had a compassionate smile on her face and an expression that seemed to be magical .