《Scarlet Fate》


 Prologue: Legend of Ikinawa

    Peaceful was the continent of Ashka, once referred to as the Land of Prosperity. However that changed with the rise of the Aldalian Empire.


    The continent was divided into five countries. Ashwell to the north, Drakohelm the south, Forgeborn the east, Liden the west, and the center of it all is Aldalia.


    As peace was kept between the four kingdoms. Aldalia began to seek more power and wealth. A war was waged against the kingdom of Ashwell.


    Ashwell resisted the invasion for ten years, but succumbed to the might of Aldalia.


    With the fall of Ashwell, the Aldalia Empire was established. Their rule was strict, soldiers abusing their authority on the citizens of Ashwell. After three months under Aldalian rule a rebellion occurred. However the rebellion was quickly subjugated by the Aldalian army. Rumors began to spread like wildfire. Feats of the Aldalians warriors such as them having the strength of ten men, having unquenchable bloodlust, and versatility on the battlefield.


    The Empire continued to expand their territory, the Nobility and Royalty became lustful for power. Thus a was was waged with Forgeborn. Leaderless and divided by a civil war, The Forgeborn was easily conquered by Aldalia. With the fall of the capital and the execution of the royalty and the Duke of Ikinawa.If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    Heir and sole survivor of the Ikinawa household. Akari Ikinawa rallied up the remnants of the Forgeborn army, fortified the city of Azule capital of the Ikinawa province.


    The Empire soon learned of the Ikinawa Heiress. In response, an army which numbered five thousand was assembled to subjugate the Ikinawa army. Being outnumbered five to one, Akari made use of unconventional tactics such as guerilla warfare, supply sabotages, and night raids. The punitive force was slowly weakened with each attack, and was later annihilated.


    Her victory at the Ikinawa province incited more to join her cause. Akari quickly turned to the offensive, and retook the neighboring province of Yael. Gaining the support of the Feudal lords, an all out war against the empire occurred. With each victory the Ikinawa army grew in numbers, so did the doubt Akari had with the feudal lords and her subordinates. Always suspecting that have infiltrated her army, she became weary and secretive. After a month of preparation, with an army of ten thousand, Akari launched a siege on the fortress of Baradul.


    Unprepared and caught off guard, the Ikinawa army easily captured the fortress with minimal casualties. Akari''s victory was swift like the wind, some wondered if she could see into the future.


    With the reclamation of the fortress, it was fortified, a large garrison was stationed in the fort. which provided a strategic advantage against the empire. Forcing them to sign a treaty, the kingdom of Hakuroku was formed. Akari Ikinawa who possessed royal blood was crowned as it''s first Queen. Under her rule the kingdom continued to grow, Handing over administration management yo the prime minister, Akari went on a journey to seek redemption for all the crimes she committed during the war.

 Chapter 01:enlistment

    Normal PoV (3rd person POV)


    Standing outside a military encampment is a girl around fourteen years of age, having a nervous look on her face.


    A soldier who was patrolling the area approached her and asked.


    "How may I help you?"


    Startled the girl took a few step back, after regaining her composure she took a deep breathe and asked.


    "I-is this Faramort Base?" The soldier became weary of the girl and hesitantly replied.


    "Yes, this is indeed Faramort Base." A sigh of relief escapes her mouth and she told herself.


    "Thank goodness, I didn''t get lost like I do regularly."


    After tying her hair into a ponytail, she took out a letter and handed it to the soldier and said.


    "I''m Akane, I''m here to see Captain Chiharu Natsuo."


    The soldier opened the letter and read it, after finishing reading, he called another soldier and told him.


    "Call the Captain."


    The soldier quickly ran off.


    A pale skinned girl, long pink hair, odd eyes? left being gold and scarlet right. Could she possibly be distant relative of the Ikinawa?


    Cold sweat dripped from the soldier''s forehead and back, Akane noticed it and handed him a handkerchief and a bottle of water and told him.


    "You must be tired, please sit down and have a drink."


    Hesitant to accept at first, but the soldier accepted and thanked her. Moments later a silver haired woman approached the two.


    She waved her hand and said. "


    Akane it''s been a while. It''s nice to see you again."


    Akane smiled and replied.


    "I''ve missed you Chiharu."


    The soldier was dismissed, and Chiharu guides Akane to her quarters.This text was taken from Royal Road. Help the author by reading the original version there.


    Asking Akane to sit down Chiharu asked her.


    "What''s your business here? you didn''t come all this way here just to greet me right?"


    Without a word Akane placed a scroll on her desk, Chiharu picked it up and read it. Chiharu turned to Akane and asked.


    "Are you sure about this Akane?"


    With a determined look on her face Akane replied.


    "I''ve already made up my mind."


    Akane''s POV


    That''s right, I''ve already made up my mind. I will become a soldier, learn swordsmanship to protect the ones I love. Mother already tried her best to stop me, there is someone I want to protect, I''m expecting Chiharu to be against my decision, but if I won''t protect her, who will?


    I clenched my fist tightly and bit my lips in frustration as I glared at Chiharu.


    "There''s no turning back once you''ve enlisted into the army. Please reconsider Akane."


    Chiharu told me with a wry look on her face, vigorously I shook my head and answered.


    "I know."


    For a moment Chiharu''s face hints her disapproval, but she nod her head and respected my decision.


    "But first tell me why you want to be a soldier."


    My resolve could be seen on my face as I answered.


    "There''s someone I want to protect, everything else is classified."


    Seemingly satisfied with my answer, Chiharu took out a Pen, and proceeds to hand me an application form. Hoping I''d reconsider my decision she told me.


    "Fill this up, but I hope that you''ll reconsider your decision."


    Chiharu''s POV


    I know this is a bad idea, my instincts tell me so, yet I want to respect her decision. I promised her mother that I would protect her, and I don''t intend on breaking that promise.


    "Finished filling up your application form?"


    I asked Akane, she nodded and proudly said.


    "Finished."


    I took the paper from her hand and told her.


    "With this you''re officially a part of the Hakuroku army, I''m assigning you under my unit as my secretary and adjutant."


    She''s the only person I can entrust this position, and if people found out her true identity, I can at least protect her.


    "Get some rest, you begin your training tomorrow morning."


    I told Akane with a serious tone.


    "I understand, if you''ll excuse me then, I''ll take my leave."


    Akane replied and left my quarters, and a soldier escorted Akane out of the camp.


    "I''m a bit worried about her, maybe I should have someone to keep an eye on her?"


    I shook my head and slapped my cheeks and told myself.


    "No that''s a bad idea, I don''t want to invade on Akane''s privacy."


    I heard a knock on the door, I stood up and said.


    "Enter."


    A young soldier entered, he quickly salutes, and I ask him.


    *Do you have something to say Yuito?"


    Yuito gulps multiple times and answered.


    "We''ve safely escorted the girl out the camp, she met up with a strange individual."


    Intrigued with his answer, I patted his shoulders lightly and asked.


    "Describe the appearance of that individual for me."


    Panicking the Yuito answered.


    "I-It''s a girl around the same age as her, she was wearing a brown cloak, she have messy silver hair, a pair of red eyes and pale skin."


    I let out a sigh and told Yuito.


    "You''re dismissed."


    He gave another salute and left my quarter. should I investigate that girl, but I should keep this a secret from Akane.

 Chapter 02: Yuni part 01

    Akane''s POV


    After leaving Chiharu''s quarters, one soldier escorted me out, upon reaching the exit I was greeted by a girl with messy silver hair, cloaked in from head to toe, pale skin and crimson eyes.


    Upon noticing me she tried to run, I quickly grabbed her hand and asked.


    "Why are you here Yuni? I told you to wait at the inn didn''t I?"


    Teary eyed and dejected Yuni replied. "I was worried that you''ll leave me behind, so I followed you here. I''m sorry Akane please forgive me."


    A wicked smile could be seen on my face as I replied.


    "I didn''t expect you to have this little trust in me." Yuni panicked, almost close to crying.


    "I-I trust Akane, I''m just worried that if you leave, you might not come back like mother."


    I Hugged Yuni, lightly caressed her hair and told her.


    "Silly you, I won''t leave you behind, have some more faith in me."


    Her face turned beet red as I released her from my embrace. "W-Will you hold my hands Akane?" She asked me with an embarrassed face, I smiled and replied. "Sure."i


    " Will you hold my hands Akane?" I smiled and replied.


    "Sure."


    She quickly nodded and replied.


    "Nn."


    While walking on the streets of Dalen, west-most city of the Hakuroku kingdom something caught Yuni''s interest, she tugged the sleeves of my dress and asked.


    "C-can we buy some?"


    Pointing at a stall which sells skewered meat.


    "Why not?"


    Handing her a few copper coins, with a face filled with joy, Yuni ran to the stall at full sprint.


    After being through so much, seeing that smile brings comfort to my heart. Your optimisticpersonality is something I truly envy Yuni.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Flashback


    I played at the field with a carefree smile, blissfully ignorant of the world''s trouble, raised by caring parents.


    Mother taught me about warfare and history, while I learned about medicine from father.


    While playing like usual on the fields outside our house, I noticed stains of red on the field, sweat dripped from my back and face, I panicked for a moment.


    I took a deep breathe, I built up my courage and examined the red stain, the sickening stench of iron made realize, it''s blood, I looked around and noticed a girl, beside her is the body of a man, limbs torn to shreds, and his corpse mutilated to the point of being unrecognizable.


    I rushed the the girl''s side, she''s breathing roughly, I examined her and notices a stab wound on her abdomen.


    I quickly tore of some cloth from my dress, disinfected her wound with water, and used the cloth to stop the bleeding.


    Carrying her back home for some proper treatment. I told father what happened, without delay he begun treating her wounds.


    After a few hours father finished with her treatment, he patted my head and told me.


    "You did a good job of bringing her here, you also applied first aid to her. If she lost more blood she would most likely be dead. I expected nothing less from my daughter."


    I approached the girl, she was around the same age as me, or younger. Who could have done this? I I sat down on a chair beside her bed. I tightly gripped her hand and constantly told her.


    "Please don''t die." Mother entered the room and told me.


    "Get some rest dear, don''t worry I''ll watch over her for you."


    Following mother''s advise I went upstairs to my room and went to sleep. I woke up early in the morning, I cooked up a light breakfast, without delay I went to her room to check up her condition. After opening the door I heard a voice which asked.


    "Who are you?" Turning around I noticed the girl trying to stand up, I ran up to her to stop her, a sigh of relief escaped from my mouth as I said to myself.


    "Thank goodness you''re safe." Confused the girl looked around and asked.


    "Where am I?" I lightly pats her head and told her.


    "A cabin near the forest of Elafas." She stares at me with teary eyes, I embraced her, stroke her back lightly and told her.


    "There''s nothing to be afraid off, I''m here for you."


    After hearing my words the girl began to cry. Unaware on what to do, I embraced her and lightly caressed her back while repeatedly telling her.


    "I''m here for you, Everything is going to be alright." After a while she finally calmed down. She wiped the tears off her face, I looked at her straight in the eyes and asked.


    "I''m Akane, what''s your name?" With a weak replied.


    "Yu-Yuni." I lightly pats her and and told her. "I''ll protect you, I''m here for you."


    Yuni grabbed my hand, I stares at her in wonder. How can someone with a body smaller than me be so strong? She looks down avoiding eye contact, and asked.


    "You''ll protect me? Even if I''m not human?" I paused for a moment to process my thoughts. Upon having a clear answer I looked at her straight in the eyes and replied.


    "Human or not I will protect you." After hearing my reply she turned around.


    "Why? you hardly even know me." Yuni asked.


    "I don''t know the answer myself, but one thing is for sure, That you''ll be safe with me."


    Her face turning beet red she asked again.


    "W-why?" I didn''t gave a reply and continued to patting her head lightly. Because even I can''t find an answer to her question.

 Chapter 03: Yuni part 02

    Yuni''s POV


    Waking up facing an unfamiliar ceiling, Where am I? I remembered getting stabbed... That''s right where''s Mom?


    I heard the sound of the door opening, quickly turning to it''s direction I saw a girl. She''s around the same age as me, wearing a light blue dress, a red scarf which covers her neck.


    I tried to get up and I asked her. "Who are you?"


    She quickly turned to my direction and made me lay down. I could see the relief on her face as she told herself.


    "Thank Goodness you''re safe." Why is she worried about me? I stared at her trying to find out her true intentions.


    Perhaps she can help me look for Mom.


    "Where am I?" She lightly pats my head as she told me.


    "A cabin near the forest of Elafas."


    That''s right, I was stabbed by that soldier, perhaps this girl found me and treated my injuries? If that''s the case Mom is....


    Tears slowly dropped from my eyes, She embraced me, she stroke my back lightly and told me in a calming tone.


    "There''s nothing to be afraid off, I''m here for you."


    She continued to caress my back while repeatedly telling me.


    "I''m here for you, Everything is going to be alright."


    Upon calming down she asked me my name. She also told me her name Akane I simply replied.


    "Yu-Yuni." Akane pats my head and told me. "I''ll protect you, I''m here for you."


    Without thinking I grabbed her hand, held it tightly with all my strength, she looked at me with wonder, I looked down unable to make eye contact and asked her.


    "You''ll protect me? Even if I''m not human?"


    Akane paused for a moment as if hesitant to answer, I continued to Stare at her trying to guess her thoughts. She looks at me straight in the eye and replied.


    "Human or not I will protect you."


    Confused with her reply I asked her. "Why? You hardly ever know me."


    Akane avoided eye contact, but I felt slightly at ease by her words.


    "I don''t know the answer myself, but one thing is for sure, That you''ll be safe with me."


    My face turned red, I asked her again.


    "W-Why?"


    This time Akane didn''t reply and continued to pat my head lightly, I wanted to doubt her, but for some odd reason. I''m convinced that her promises were true. She stroked my back until I fell asleep.


    I heard someone knocking on the door which woke me up, I quickly answered in panic.


    "C-Come in. "


    The door opens, Akane along with two others entered the room, to Akane''s left is a man around his early forties, his around 180 centimeters, body ripped with muscles, face scarred, short chestnut colored hair. His clothing are a dark brown leather vest, cow hide pants and brown leather boots.


    The other person was a woman in her early thirties, slim body, a child-like face, her hair long, colored pink, skin resembles snow. She was without a doubt a beauty. Her clothing are a white sleeveless shirt and a pink skirt. The woman approached me and asked.


    "My daughter found you unconscious and wounded, please tell us what happened."


    A smile could be seen on her face, yet her gaze was sharp enough to send shivers down my spine.


    "I was stabbed by a man who was chasing me and mother."The author''s narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    With a serious face the woman asked me.


    "Where did you came from?" Placing my hand on my chin, I began recalling my past.


    "Liaden Hall." I answered. "You''re from the empire?" I nodded, Akane faced her mother and asked.


    "Is there a problem mom?"


    The smile on the mother''s face disappeared and she said.


    "She can''t stay here for long, after your injuries have healed please leave."


    Angered at her mother Akane asked.


    "Why not? It seems like she has nowhere else to go, please mom."


    A sigh escapes her mother''s mouth, but hidden within that frustrated sigh was a smile.


    "I''ll give you a choice, let her leave or go on a journey with her."


    Butting in their conversation I told Akane''s mother.


    "I''ll leave after my wounds heal, there''s no need to argue."


    I tried standing up, but Akane rushed towards me, forced me to lay down.


    "If you''re leaving then I''m coming with you."


    Both parents where surprised with Akane''s words, her mother glares at her daughter and asked.


    "Are you serious about this Akane?"


    Clenching her fist Akane answered, her voice filled with resolve.


    "I''ve already made up my mind, I promised her that I''ll protect her, and I don''t intend on breaking that promise."


    Why is she doing this, just being here puts them all at risk. I can''t allow her to get hurt because of me.


    Her mother knit her eyebrows and glared at her daughter, Akane stared right back at her without flinching. Letting out a sigh of frustration, her smiled at her daughter and told her.


    "It looks like you''ve made up your mind, do as you wish."


    Akane''s father stepped up and told her wife.


    "Have you lost your mind dear? Putting your daughter at risk of the outside world."


    Akane embraced her father, after calming him down she told him.


    "Don''t worry, have some faith in me, your daughter."


    Her father looked at his daughter with worried eyes and asked.


    "Are you really sure about this dear?" Akane nodded and replied.


    "I want to help her find her mother, also I want to see what is beyond the forest."


    Akane''s father turned to my direction and told me.


    "Don''t put my daughter in harms way got it, and please look after her."


    I quickly nodded in fear, yet there was sadness in his voice.


    Three week passed and my injuries have fully healed.


    I waited until it was nightfall, after assuming everyone was asleep, I got up from bed, took my belongings, and left the room.


    To my surprise I saw Akane leaning at the wall outside my room, her arms crossed.


    "I knew it, you would leave without me." She told me as she caressed my hair.


    "B-But how?"


    I asked. With a playful smile on her face Akane answered.


    "You we''re making too much noise when packing up, and I also had a feeling that you''ll try leaving today."


    Akane lightly patted my head and told me.


    "Let''s get going."


    With a worried look on my face I asked.


    "What about you''re parents?" Surprised with my question Akane replied.


    "No need, I already said my goodbyes, my things have also been prepared in advance."


    A wry smile escaped my face as I told myself.


    "I will go and properly say goodbye." After thanking them for all they''ve done, we left the household.


    An hour after the Akane and Yuni left, Akane''s parents sat on the living room on the house.


    "I''m worried about my daughter dear." Akane''s father told his wife.


    "Don''t worry, I have everything planned out."


    Akane''s mother picked up a sword and removed it from it''s scabbard.


    "They are here dear, around twelve people."


    A dissatisfied smile escaped the Father''s face as he tightly gripped his spear.


    Sound if shattering glass could be heard and moments later, Twelve armed individuals entered the house.


    Three women and nine men, wearing the standard imperial armor.


    "And what business does the empire have here?"


    Asked Akane''s mother, there were no replies. The intruders all rushed towards the couple, Akane''s mother slowly approached the attackers and parried their attacks. Her eyes was devoid of emotions.


    In one fell swoop she decapitated three people, as if dancing she moved around the house, five people continued to engage in combat with Akane''s mother, while the remaining four stalled the husband.


    With no wasted movements, blocking, dodging, and parrying attacks with minimal movement. Akane''s mother continued to bid for time.


    Upon finding an opportunity she quickly turned to the offensive. After her opponent made a large swing, she evaded the attack and quickly retaliated.


    Her opponent''s hands was dismembered, she increase the speed of her movement.


    Her attacks were calculated and deadly. With each of her strike made to either incapacitate or kill her opponent.


    With all five of opponents incapacitated from the fight she turned to his husband.


    Proving his skill with the spear as he easily disposed of his enemies. Akane''s father applied first aid to the intruders and tied them up.


    "Why are you chasing after that girl?"


    There was no answer. A knocking could be heard from the door.


    "Took them long enough."


    Akane''s mother opened the door and five clocked figures entered the house. Upon swing Akane''s mother they all kneeled down, the leader of the group looked up and reported.


    "All your orders have been finished your Majesty."


    A wicked smile appears on the face of Akane''s mother, her husband with a worried look told her.


    "Akari we should follow our daughter after the interrogation is over."


    Akari looks at her husband and told him.


    "I have someone watching over them from a far, everything''s going to be alright."


    Displeasure could be seen on Akari''s face as she stared at the prisoners.

 Chapter 04: Yuni part 03

    Warning some of the scenes on this chapter contains violent depictions.


    Mother and I lived happily at the outskirts of Liaden Hall, a town located near the border between the empire and Forgeborn.


    Despite being poor we lived happily. Father was a staff officer stationed at Baradun Fort, he died during the siege of Baradun Fort.


    Upon hearing this new mother fell to a state of depression, Placing all the blame on Akari Ikinawa, leader of the Ikinawa army.


    Iwas still a baby when father died so I have no memory about him, but nonetheless I still wished to see him.


    A civil war has occurred as some nobles wished to defect to the newly established Hakuroku kingdom.


    The Baron which rules Laiden Hall tried to defect, but the neighbouring lord, who possessed the count title, saw this as an opportunity to expand his territory.


    Laiden Hall was burned to ashes, the Baron family was executed, many citizens where captured to be treated as lab rats.


    Many died from these experiments until on mother and I were remaining.


    Our limbs were ripped apart, Blood-like substance were injected into our bodies.


    My body was stabbed repeatedly by swords and other deadly weapons.Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    It was unbearable, the pain nearly drove me mad.


    This repeated cycle occurred everyday. Desperately I cried for help, screamed at the top of my lungs.


    Yet none came to save me. I gave up and accepted the fact that this is my fate until I die like the rest.


    After every experiment mother was always there to comfort me. She always tells me in a gentle tone.


    "Someone will come and save us, promise."


    Our suffering under the hands of the count''s men continued. The experiments became more harsher for three weeks.


    Until rebels launched an attack on the laboratory.


    The rebels were from the now conquered kingdom of Ashwell, as both forces clashed mother has successful opened our cage, we used this commotion and escaped the facility.


    After leaving the laboratory I felt something strange, It left like I''m slowly becoming less human with each passing day.


    I began craving human blood, strange visions filled my head, my hands grew sharp and deadly claws, my ears became pointy, a pair of sharp fangs grew on my teeth. I became a true monster.


    The Count sent pursuers to capture the both of us, after a week if running without stopping, our pursuers finally caught up with us.


    Mother told me to ran as fast as I can, to the nearby field which had tall grass.


    I nodded and ran, the rest of the pursuers chased my mother.


    Realizing my mothers intentions I tried to go after her, I ran and ran, faster and faster.


    But one of the pursuers chased me instead.


    My body was weakened but I ran as fast as I could, eventually I was caught, I was stabbed multiple times in the abdomen.


    Blood slowly left my body, slowly I lost consciousness.


    3rd person POV


    After Yuni lost consciousness her pursuer grabbed her hand, but instead his armed was grabbed by Yuni, with great strength Yuni ripped man''s arm of his body, sharp claws grew within Yuni''s hands.


    Bloodlust took over as Yuni mercilessly ripped and teared the man to pieces.


    The man did his best to fight back and resist Yuni, but it was all futile.


    His legs were torn off, his neck bitten hardly, his body jerked as his consciousness slowly fades to nothingness.


    After killing the man Yuni began ripping the man to shreds until the corpse was no longer recognizable. Upon using up all her strength Yuni passed out.

 Chapter 05: Yuni part 04

    Akane POV


    Few hours after our departure Yuni and I began setting up camp.


    "Stay here for a moment Yuni, I''ll go look around for some berries."


    Looking at me with a worried look Yuni asked.


    "Can I come with you Akane?"


    I smiled and lightly patted Yuni''s head and told her.


    "Don''t worry I''ll be back in no time stay here where it''s safe."


    Although reluctant Yuni agrees to stay behind. I ran around the forest in the dead of night, carefully surveying my surroundings.


    Upon finding some berries I went back to our campsite.


    My body froze as I saw a man pinning down Yuni as he repeatedly stabbed her.


    Overcoming my fear I unsheathed my dagger, sneaked behind the man and stabbed him in the neck.


    "Akane?"


    Upon hearing Yuni''s voice I quickly rushed to her side and told her.


    "I''m sorry Yuni it''s all my fault, this wouldn''t have happened if I took you along with me."


    Yuni shook her head and told me.


    "It''s not your fault Akane."


    As if trying to push me away Yuni told me.


    "Run!!!" Hearing the footsteps of two, I turned around and saw two men clad in armor, sword drawn and murderous intent directed at me.


    I gripped my dagger as they slowly approached, an ominous aura emits from behind me, slowly turning around I saw a girl with sharp claws, Scarlet eyes and pointed ears.


    "Yu-Yuni?!?" I asked while standing still unable to move, there was no response.


    In a flash one of the men was beheaded, the other raised his guard, but both his hand and legs were torn off.


    Yuni leaned closer to the man and bit his neck, she began drinking his blood.


    Upon finishing feasting on the man''s blood, she discarded his corpse and turned to me.


    I took a step back, but she was already in-front of me, she took my dagger away and pushed me down.


    Yuni ripped apart my scarf and the upper part of my dress.


    Starring at me with lustful eyes she leans closer, fangs bare with the intent of drinking my blood, I tried pushing her, get she easily overpowered me and held down both my arms.


    Leaning closer to my neck Yuni opened her mouth, she sniffed my neck before slowly sinking her fangs on my neck, my body jerked from the sharp pain which filled my body, desperately I resisted her which only lasted a few seconds, my body felt weak, my strength continues to fade as she sucked more blood.


    I gradually lost hope and resigned to my fate, as her fangs sink deeper I felt numb, the pain was long gone and I began feeling strange, light moans escaped my mouth as she continued sucking.This novel is published on a different platform. Support the original author by finding the official source.


    Yuni pulls out her fangs, she leans closer to my face, silently staring at my pitiful state with a blushed face and blood stained lips.


    Licking the blood of her lips in a seductive manner, as she leaning closer to my face staring at my lips, with an embarrassed look on her face Yuni told me.


    "I''m sorry."


    As she covered her face, I noticed the injuries she received from the stab wounds slowly began to heal, to reassure her I smiled and replied.


    "I really didn''t mind, as long as you''re safe, I''m fine if you drink some of my blood."


    After hearing my reply Yuni vigorously shook her head in denial, her face beet read and teary eyed she repeatedly told me.


    "I''m sorry please forgive me Akane."


    I tried reaching out to her, yet my strength is all but diminished, concerned with my current state,


    Yuni helped me out while desperately avoiding eye contact. She disassembled the tent, and carries all our belongings while helping me walk.


    After an hour of non stop walking my legs trembled and I fell to my knees.


    While leaning beside a tree, Yuni began setting up the tent. Upon finishing she handed me a cup of water, with concerned look on her face she told me.


    "Drink up Akane and restore your lost energy."


    I reluctantly accepted the drink, after finishing my drink I asked Yuni.


    "Now explain yourself earlier."


    Yuni sat down beside me and began explaining her story.


    Yuni and her mother was abducted during the empire civil war, they were subjected to multiple human experimentations, Yuni was turned to a half vampire and half succubus, the rebels launched an attack on the facility which allowed Yuni and her mother to escape.


    Which eventually lead to me finding her. Forcing a smile on my face, I asked Yuni.


    "Please hand me something I could use as a walking stick, we need to get out of here as soon as possible."


    Akari''s POV


    After finishing the interrogation I asked for a horse, my subordinates nodded and left the house.


    "Where are you going dear?"


    After grabbing my sword I turned to my husband and replied.


    "I''m going to make sure our daughter''s safe."


    Upon mounting the horse I quickly rode off. As I moved at the top speed of my horse, I was stopped by a soldier who followed me as a guard.


    "Look there milady!"


    He points to what seems to be a campsite. Several corpses of men from the empire were found.


    "Survey the perimeter."


    Rustling could be heard from the brushes, an injured man wearing the cloaked in red raised his hand and said.


    "Forgive me milady, I was attacked my several imperial troops, I was not able to secure the safety of her Highness."


    I ordered my guard to tend his wounds and I told him.


    "Rest and follow me after you''ve recovered."


    I remounted my horse and chased after the two.


    Akane''s POV


    After another hour of walking we stubbled upon a cave.


    Yuni began up our tent, I told her to take sleep while I do the night watch.


    When she fell asleep I ate some of the berries I picked earlier, my hands were trembling as I ate them.


    I killed a man, I robbed someone of their father and husband. My mind went numb and I did it without thinking, perhaps I could have incapacitated him instead, yet I went for the kill.


    I felt a light embrace from behind me, it was Yuni as tears dripped from her eyes she repeatedly said.


    "It''s all my fault, all this is because of me."


    Her embrace as light, yet tight.


    As much as I''m suffering I''m sure Yuni feels the same way, maybe even worst. She must be putting all the blame on herself.


    "It''s not your fault Yuni, I choose to come along knowing fully of the danger."


    I told Yuni, surprised with my reply she stared at me with a dumbfounded face and asked.


    "Aren''t you afraid of a monster like me? I''ve killed people."


    I shook my head and replied.


    "So did I we''re the same."


    She yelled.


    "No we''re not I-I''m a monster can''t you see?"


    Again I shook my head and told her.


    "All I see is a frightened little girl, and my first friend."


    I tightly embraced Yuni and told her.


    "It''s alright I won''t let them do anything bad to you anymore."


    A smile appeared on Yuni''s face and she said.


    "I will do the same for you Akane."


    After comforting each other the two of us went to sleep.

 Chapter 06: Yuni part 05

    Three weeks earlier.


    Yuni''s POV


    While resting on the bed, Akane who was sitting on a chair beside me asked.


    "Could you tell me more about yourself?"


    I turned to her direction, seeing her eyes brimming with curiosity. A light chuckle escapes my mouth as I replied.


    "Sure."


    Akane helped me get up from the bed, she handed me a spoon, and a bowl of chicken soup. With a smile on her face she told me.


    "Before that you should have something to eat."


    Itook a sip of the soup, it''s delicious. My mouth formed a smile as I took another sip, Akane simply stared as I ate my soup. After finishing the soup she asked me.


    "Did you like it?" I nodded, seeing my reply made her really happy. She refilled my bowl and told me.


    "There''s more, so eat as much as you want."


    After finishing the meal I handed the bowl to Akane and asked.


    "Did your mother make it?" She shook her head and replied with a smile.


    "No I made it myself, I''m the one who found you. That''s why I should be the one who nurses back to health."


    She is a kind hearted girl, which is why I must protect her. If I don''t leave soon those pursuing me might come here and harm Akane and her family.


    We chatted for a while and Akane left the room.


    Everyday Akane visited my room and asked various things about my town, reluctant at first, but I spilled everything after being persuaded by her.


    She asked me things about my life in Laiden Hall, my friends, Family and hobbies. I had a lot of fun chatting with Akane, I''m sure she did too.


    As we were chatting like usual I asked Akane something that''s been on my mind for a while now.


    "What do you do on your spare time Akane?"


    A wry smile could be seen on Akane''s face as she replied.


    "Can you walk, if not use this."


    Akane handed me a walking stick, I got up from bed and left the room with her.


    She lead me to the second floor of the house, unlocking the room located in the far end of the second floor.


    It was a room filled with multiple shelves of books.


    Akane turned to me and she said.


    "Aside from playing outside, I spend all my time reading books. Would you like to read some with me?"


    Unable to come up with a respond I simply nodded.


    As we were reading books Akane looks at me with a beet red face and asked.


    "Wi-Will you be my friend?" I lightly grind and replied.


    "Aren''t we already friends?"


    Akane light caressed my hair, with a smile on her face she told me.


    "Thank you for spending time with me."


    I walked up to Akane, but lost balance and fell, however before I fell Akane grabbed my hand and told me.


    "Be careful, your body is still yet fully healed, sit down and rest."


    After resting for a few minutes, we returned to my room.


    Akane continued to take me to the library everyday. Her parents must be rich for having such a wide collection of books.


    My daily routine was eat breakfast, spend time with Akane, eat dinner and sleep.


    Akane also stays by my side until I fall asleep, we are the same age yet she is so mature. I wish I could be like her someday.


    After my injuries have fully healed, I waited until everyone was asleep, however Akane noticed my strange behavior and waited for Mr outside my room.


    Upon departing we walked for a while, until finding a good spot to set up the tent. Akane asked me to stay here while she looks for some berries to eat.


    A few minutes later as I was finishing up the tent, I heard footsteps behind me, before I could turn around sharp pain filled my body.


    A sword pierces through my stomach, the attacker pinned me down and repeatedly stabs my abdomen.Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    Upon her return Akane stabs the man and rushed to my side.


    She was trembling, her breathing was rough, she seems lost in thought.


    I heard multiple footsteps coming to our direction. With all my strength I told her.


    "Run!!!!"


    But it was too late, as two men clad in armor slowly approached, I felt murderous intent pointed at Akane. I heard a voice inside my head.


    "So you desire power? Offer me blood and I''ll grant you the power you seek."


    This is a bad decision and I know it. But if I don''t do something Akane''s life would be endangered. If it meant I meant I could save her, I would happily pay any price.


    I slowly lost consciousness, and power surged throughout my body. Yet a small part of my consciousness remained awake, yet my vision is blurred.


    My movement became faster than the eye could see, I beheaded a man clad in armor with ease, and tore off the limbs of the other.


    I slowly leaned on the man''s neck, and bites him as hard as I could, his jerked from the pain as I viciously drank his blood.


    Power continued to surge throughout my body as I drank more blood, yet my sense of self slowly vanished.


    Upon draining my victim dry I smelled another potential prey, the blood of a young girl, this one has a pure heart, the prey of highest quality.


    She tried to flee, but I stopped her track, disarming her and pinned her down.


    Tearing off her clothes exposing her neck, fangs bare I leaned closer to her neck, the girl resisted with all her might, yet failed to get any successful results.


    Sniffing her neck for the lovely scent of blood made my mind numb, gently sinking my fangs on her neck, her body jerked as she resisted fiercely, yet her resistance only lasted for a few seconds, with her strength gone the girl simply accepts her fate.


    As soft moans of pleasure escapes the girl''s mouth, I continued sucking her blood, pulling out my fangs I stared at my victim with a seductive glare, her blushed face simply Stares at me while keeping her neck exposed as If asking for more.


    I licked the blood on my lips and leaned closer to drain my victim''s remaining blood.


    Something within me snapped and I regained full consciousness, to my surprise I was staring at Akane''s half naked body, I quickly covered my eyes and told her


    "I''m sorry."


    And handed her some clothing.


    I noticed the wounds on my abdomen has healed, yet my attention was focused at Akane''s bleeding neck.


    Snapping out of the trance like state, I look at Akane with a trouble face, there was silence for a few minutes.


    We quickly packed up our belongings, and left the area as fast as possible leaving behind the corpse of three.


    Akari''s POV


    The continued our chase, fully realizing the danger my daughter now faced.


    I moved with haste, following me where men from the Altras, a secret organization under my direct command.


    We searched for hours, yet we found nothing. Ordering my men to take shelter in a cave and we found Akane and her friend.


    I quickly ran to her side to wake her up, and noticed a bite wound on her neck.


    I shook her body to wake her up, she opened her eyes and asked.


    "Mom?"


    A sigh of relief escaped my mouth and I told her.


    "Don''t worry everything''s now fine."


    Akane rubbed her eyes and saw two armed men approaching Yuni weapons drawn.


    Akane quickly took out her dagger and shouted.


    "I won''t let you harm her!"


    The men took a step back and dropped their weapons.


    "Enough! Akane she''s dangerous, you could get hurt if you stay by her side.... No you already got hurt."


    I pointed to the wound on Akane''s neck, she quickly covered up the wound, I signalled the two men to cease the girl, but Akane intercepted them dagger drawn.


    The girl named Yuni finally woke up and asked.


    "Akane what''s going on?"


    I turned my attention to the girl and told her.


    "I''m here to talk back my daughter, her staying by your side will only further harm her."


    I drew my sword, ordering my men to stand down, tossed over a sword yo Yuni and told her.


    "I challenge you to a duel vampire, if I win I''ll be taking my daughter back."


    Akane glared at her mother and shouted.


    "Mom you don''t understand anything, Yuni won''t do anything that will put me in harms way."


    I turned my attention to Akane and told her.


    "Am I the one who doesn''t understand? What about the would on your neck? Where did you get it?"


    Akane gave no response which confirms my suspicions to be true, sword drawn I faced Yuni, her eyes are clouded with doubt, a smile could be seen on my face as I told her.


    "Despite having my doubts, I''ll try to believe my daughter''s words. However can you protect her from the dangers that will follow you?"


    Yuni simply nodded in response, I continued.


    "Very well prove your worth with the sword."


    Yuni''s POV


    Akane''s mother challenged me to single combat, she threw a sword at my direction, I picked it up and unsheathed it.


    Akane''s mother did the same, with a taunting smile on her face she told me.


    "Come at me with all you''ve got vampire."


    After drinking Akane''s blood I felt power surging throughout my body, tightly gripping the sword I quickly lunged towards Akane''s mother with superhuman speed.


    Yet she easily parried my attack and countered.


    I kept increasing the speed and power if each blow, yet she continued to block them effortlessly.


    Akari''s POV


    Yuni and I fiercely clashed swords with one another, her attacks were strong and fast, yet lacks the refined movement of a trained warrior.


    Using my ability to manipulate time, I accelerated time within my body, therefore increasing my speed, while slowing down time within a ten meter radius.


    Using precognition to predicted her movements, I was able to fight her on equal ground at least for a while, with one quick parry I managed to disarm Yuni.


    She looked shocked yet relieved for some reason.


    I smiled and told her.


    " I think I can trust you to watch over my daughter."


    I leaned to her ears and whispered.


    "She is the next queen of the country, please keep her safe for me."


    Her face went place as she realized her situation. But in the end she nodded and replied.


    "I''ll do my best to protect her ma''am."


    I can tell that this girl''s been through a lot, but deep down I can tell that she''s sincere about wanting to keep Akane safe.


    Akane quickly rushed to Yuni''s side while staring at me with a dumbfounded face. She gulped and asked.


    "Amazing... Mother can keep up with Yuni''s superhuman speed, and strength. I want to become strong like you."


    Surprised with what she said I asked.


    "Why?"


    Akane clenched her fist and stared at me with her fiercely as she replied.


    "I want power so I can protect my lived ones."


    I smiled and asked for some paper, quill and ink from one of the men.


    After finishing I gave it to Akane and told her.


    "If that''s what you want, take this and go to Faramort Base. This one is for the guards, and this scroll is for Chiharu. She is the commander of the garrison there."


    Akane took the letter and scroll from my hand, I grabbed Yuni by the shoulder and whispered to her.


    "Please keep my daughter safe."


    She nodded in respond. Resting for an hour we later rode off to the capital. Later that day Akane and Yuni continued their journey to the City of Dalen.

 Chapter 07: Town of Dalen

    Akane''s POV


    While holding two pieces of skewered meat, with a smile on her face she told me.


    "Here''s your share Akane."


    Accepting the skewered meat I replied.


    "Thank you Yuni."


    Her face turned beet red, she turned around, took a bite of the meat and replied.


    "Y-You''re welcome Akane."


    We sat down on a bench near the town square, I took another bite on the meat, Yuni stared at me and asked.


    "Is it good?" I lightly nodded and took another bite. "Yuni."


    Hearing her named being called she turned to my direction and asked.


    "W-what?" While staring at the azure sky I asked. "Do you still believe that we''ll find your mother?"


    With confidence Yuni answered. "Of course, I''m sure she''s alive."


    Yuni took another bite at the skewered meat. We sat down on the bench for a while, casually chatting.


    "Want to look around the city?" Without answering Yuni simply nodded. We stood up and began exploring the town.


    Dalen is a town located near the empire, it is the center of trade between the two countries.


    Many merchants gather in the town, the streets crowded by both carriages and people.


    Vending stands are also scattered throughout the city.


    As we continued to explore the town, We stumbled upon a small inn called the Autumm"''s wind.Support creative writers by reading their stories on Royal Road, not stolen versions.


    "Somehow we got back to the inn without getting lost." I jokingly said.


    We opened the door and went to the reception desk, a young man around the age of fifteen greeted us with a smile and said. "Welcome back miss Akane, and miss Yuni."


    Placing a few silver coins on the desk, I told the young man.


    "We would like to extend our stay for a week."


    He bowed and told us. "Would you like to have your meal delivered to your room?"


    I shook my head and replied. "No thank you, we just ate."


    Our room is located at the far right corridor of the second floor. After opening the door, Yuni quickly jumps on the bed.


    I giggled lightly and asked Yuni.


    "Are you that tired? Or hungry perhaps?" With a wry smile on her face she replied. "Not hungry. Yet very tired."


    Noticing her staring at my neck I asked. "Thirsty perhaps?" There was a sudden silence, Yuki viciously shook her head in denial and replied.


    "I''m not, but I am concerned about the bite mark on your neck."


    After covering the wound with some bandages, I noticed Yuni''s depressed face as she told me.


    "I''m sorry Akane, please forgive me."


    Stroking her back lightly I told Yuki in a calm and reassuring voice.


    "I have already forgotten about it, you should forget about it and move on."


    While patting Yuni in the head I told her. "Get some sleep, we have a busy day tomorrow."


    Once Yuni is asleep, I got up from bed and left the inn. While walking down the streets of Dalen, I noticed that I''m being followed.


    One man and a woman cloaked covering their faces are tailing me. Should I try confronting them? No it''s too risky.


    I quickly ran to the crowded streets of Dalen, and making a quick turn to an alley to lose my pursuers.


    I unsheathed my dagger and checked if I''m still being followed. After confirmed that I lost them, I quickly went to a weapons shop.


    "Is my order finished?"


    The receptionist who was a dark skinned man around the age of thirty nodded, and placed a single edged sword on the desk, I handed the man fifty silver coins and he replied.


    "Pleasure doing business with you miss Akane."


    The name of the receptionist is Rolance, a blacksmith from the empire, he came here to learn about eastern sword making techniques. I picked up the sword, it''s really heavy.


    "Is it too heavy? If you want I could have it delivered to your inn."


    I shook my head and told him.


    "No need I can do it myself."


    Rolance opened the door and told me.


    "Be careful out there miss Akane."


    After retracing my steps and making sure I''m not being followed I got back to the inn and went to sleep.

 Chapter 08: Training part 01

    Akane''s POV


    Waking up early in the morning, noticing a tray beside my bed, I got up Yuni told me.


    "Good morning Akane."


    I yawned and replied.


    "Good morning Yuni."


    I went down stairs, washed my face and ate breakfast, while eating I can see Yuni wearing an apron, noticing my stare smiled back and said.


    "I asked the receptionist if I could help out with the kitchen work, he said that they needed more helpers, so they let me work here."


    I took a sip from the cup of milk and told Yuni jokingly.


    "That apron looks good on you Yuni."


    Yuni covered her face and replied shyly.


    "I-Is that so?"


    I giggled and nodded.


    After finishing my meal, I took my things, patted Yuni''s head and told her.


    "If something happens, don''t hesitate to tell me okay?"


    Yuni nodded and I left the inn while Yuni went to the kitchen.


    Traversing the busy streets of Dalen, I finally arrived at Faramort Base after an hour of walking.


    At the entrance a soldier ran up to me and told me.


    "The Captain is waiting for you in her quarters."


    The soldier escorted me to Chiharu''s quarters, on the way I noticed some soldiers stared at me while whispering something in each other''s ears.


    I ignored them and followed my escort, upon entering her quarters, Chiharu turned to the soldier behind me and told him.


    "You may take your leave."


    The soldier saluted and left the quarters.


    "Please sit down."The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    Chiharu told me with a smile on her face, complying to her demand I sat down the chair, a maid placed a plate of cookies beside me and Chiharu told me.


    "Eat up, we have much to discuss."


    The maid gave me a cup of warm mile, I smiled and told her.


    "Thank you."


    She giggled and replied.


    "Your welcome."


    I took a sip of milk and ate a cookie. After finishing the food on my table Chiharu smiled and told me with a confident tone.


    "I''m assigning you as my adjutant, secretary and personal guard, you will receive basic combat training, basic military tactics and document management."


    Chiharu stared at me with her fierce and gold glare, realizing my position I simply nodded.


    "Your identity would be that of a fourth daughter of a lower class noble, training to become a knight. Don''t worry I''ve already arranged all the necessary paperwork, now go to the armory, get some equipment and you will begin your training."


    The maid rang a bell, in less than a minute knocking could be heard on the door.


    "Come in"


    Chiharu said, amd a young man entered, he gave his salute and asked while shaking.


    "D-Did you need something captain?"


    Chiharu points her index finger at me and told the man.


    "I''m putting you in charge of her training, make sure that she learns everything needed by the end of the week. Understood Yuito?"


    Yuito nodded and replied nervously. "Y-You can count on me captain."


    For a split second I noticed a grind of Chiharu''s face, which quickly disappears.


    Yuito''s appearance is a slightly tall man, short messy black hair, brown skin, a pair or round hazel eye.


    Leaning forward near his ear I whispered.


    "You like Chiharu don''t you? Yuito-san?"


    With an embarrassed look he repeatedly shook his head in denial and replied.


    "I-I respect her a lot, but that''s it."


    "Is that so?"


    I smiled and patted him in the back.


    "It is!"


    He replied angrily, he took a deep breathe and continued.


    "If you continue to waste time, I''ll report your actions to the captain."


    I shrugged my shoulders and in a cheerful tone I told Yuito.


    "You''re no fun."


    I told him while sulking, yet he ignored me and refused to say a word.


    Yuito lead me to a heavily armored building, he opened the vault and told me.


    "Pick your weapon of choice."


    I nodded and picked up a sword and shield.


    "Here wear this."


    Yuito handed me a padded defensive jacket, a gambeson. I asked him to leave as I put it on, he complied and went outside.


    "Finished."


    I shouted.


    "Quit wasting time and move!" Yuito ordered.


    This is gonna be one tough day.


    Yuni''s POV


    "It could you some improvements, but it''s passable." the chef told me with a smile on his face.


    "Thank you." I replied.


    The Chef asked me to cut some vegetables while he works on the main dish, I nodded and did as he told.


    "Could you deliver this to table 5?" Asked the receptionist.


    "Coming." I replied as I stopped my current task to deliver the order to the customer.


    Both the receptionist and Chef looked at me with a smile and they told me. "You''ve been a great help Yuni-chan."


    I smiled and replied. "Thank you."


    The chef clapped his hand and shouted. "There''s still work to do don''t slack off!"

 Chapter 09: Training part 02

    Akane''sPoV


    I brandished my weapon multiple times, Yuito careful examinedmy actions while nodding.


    He placed his hand on his chin and asked.


    "You received decent training, your movements are refined, always maintaining a guard while landing a strike."


    "I received minimal training from my mother, that''s all."


    I replied, Yuito examined me from head to toe and exclaimed.


    "For now, let''s improve what you already know, first you need some physical training."


    Yuito grabbed a pair of wooden swords, he handed me one and told me.


    "For now let''s have a sparring match, that way I can evaluate your combat prowess more effectively."


    I nodded, and took the wooden sword.


    Yuito used a low guard stance, I did the opposite and went with a high guard stance.


    There was a few meter distance between us, I slowly closed the gap by taking small steps towards Yuito, he stood still and maintained his guard. Upon reaching striking range, I brandished my sword lightly, Yuito parried and counter attacked.


    I quickly blocked with my sword, a grind could be seen on Yuito''s face as he told me.


    "Not bad, not bad at all Akane-chan, but you''ll need more than that, if you want to survive on the battlefield."


    Yuito took several steps forward, closing the distance between us. He deliberately picked the sword with a shorter reach, to give me a handicap.


    Within reach of his sword, Yuito barraged me with multiple heavy swings, each blow was powerful, yet he still maintained his guard, not giving me a change to counter attack. On the other hand I could barely block his attacks.


    Each strike became faster and stronger, I can feel my hand shaking, with one last strike Yuit broke through my defense.


    He tried to end the match with a thrust of his sword, aimed at my abdomen, I quickly blocked with my sword, however the power of his thrust pushed me back.


    "Why are you getting serious all of a sudden?! Isn''t this just a sparring match?"


    I angrily shouted at Yuito, who ignored my words and slowly approached me, I clicked my tongue, and tightly gripped the hilt of the sword.


    The author''s content has been appropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    I took a step forward, putting all my strength on one last heavy swing, however it was easily blocked. Seeing an opening I tried kicking Yuito''s leg and make him lose balance, as if predicting my actions he took a step back.


    He stared at me dumbfounded, a smile could be seen on his face as he began laughing and he told me.


    "You''re not half bad, to be honest I expected less from you."


    I took a deep breathe, and returned to my guard stance, Yuito took a step forward and attacked, I parried, however the force of his attack pushed me back, my knees and hands began to shake.


    Noticing this, Yuito let''s go of the wooden sword, he sighed and told me.


    "Our sparring match is over, get a drink over there and rest up."


    Yuito lead me to a nearby tent, handed me a cup of water.


    "Thanks."


    "I went a little overboard there, sorry."


    He apologized with a dejected look on his face/


    "I-Is there a problem?"


    I asked hesitantly, fear could be seen on Yuito''s eyes, he gulped and told me.


    "Co-Could you keep this a secret from the captain?"


    I gulped and replied.


    "I-I understand."


    After I finished resting, I did multiple exercises to improve my physical strength, and studied military tactics with Yuito. Afterwards he told me to go home.


    Yuni''s POV


    "This soup taste slightly better now Yuni-Chan."


    The Chef told me while smiling, he lightly pats me in the head.


    "Th-Thank you for helping me make this soup."


    "No problem, Yuni-Chan your friend should be on her way back, you should wait for her in the lobby.


    "What about my shift?"


    I asked, the Chef pats me in the head one more time and told me.


    "I have everything under control, don''t worry about it."


    I bowed my head to the Chef and replied.


    "I-I will, thank you."


    The receptionist placed a few silver coins on my hands, he patted my head, with a smile on his face he told me.


    "You''ve been a lot of help Yuni-Chan."


    He placed a cup of orange juice on the desk, and he told me.


    "It''s on the house, consider it as my treat."


    The receptionist handed me a few silver coins, he patted my head and told me with a smile on his face.


    "You''ve been a lot of help Yuni-Chan."


    He handed me a cup of orange juice, with a smile on his face he told me.


    "Consider it my treat.


    A few moments later, Akane walked through the door and said.


    "I''m back."


    I hugged her and replied.


    "Welcome back, Akane."


    Akane told me, while carrassing my hair.


    "I''m back, Yuni."

 Chapter 10: Skirmish part 01

    Akane''s POV


    After a few months of training, my physical strength and swordsmanship has gradually improved.


    During my day off, I took Yuni with me to the shopping district of Dalen.


    We spent our the day buying clothes, food and other necessities, however I noticed was different, in the atmosphere of the city.


    "Something''s off, somehow that town feels less lively than before."


    On the following day, I grabbed my things, and .Ade my way to Faramort Base.


    Upon arriving, a soldier salutes me and told me.


    "The Garrison Commander wishes to see you, please come to her quarters."


    Puzzled with the soldier I asked.


    "Garrison Commander?"


    He sighed and replied.


    "Captain Chiharu Natsuo, she recently got promoted."


    I nodded and thanked him and made my way to Chiharu''s quarters.


    Upon entering Chiharu''s quarters, she looked really stressed out, upon noticing me, she stood up and ringed a bell, her personal maid quickly entered the room, and served me a cup on tea, along with some cookies to eat.


    "The skirmishes between the empire and our kingdom has escalated, it''s only a matter of time, before the empire tries to take over Aldar Fort."


    Chiharu told me with an anxious tone, the maid poured some tea on Chiharu''s cup, to help her calm down, she took a sip, and turned asked me.


    "Have you heard about my promotion?"


    I nodded and replied.


    "Congratulations on your promotion."


    Chiharu shook her head in denial, and replied.


    "I''m unworthy of such a rank, I doubt my ability to lead my subordinates."


    I asked the maid to pour me a second serving of tea, with a serious look on my face, I told Chiharu.


    "I think you''re a good leader, Chiharu please have more faith in yourself."


    Puzzled she asked.


    "What do you mean?"


    I smiled and took a sip on tea, and told her.


    "You are diligent with your work, always trying your best, and your bond with your subordinates, proves that you''ve earned their trust."


    "How can you tell?"Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.


    She asked, after finishing drinking tea I replied.


    "Through interactions with the soldiers on the base, they seem to hold you in high regard."


    Chiharu let''s out a sigh of relief as she told herself.


    "Finally done, Bella could you take these documents to the Lord?"


    Bella nodded, and took all the documents and left the quarters.


    Chiharu turned to me and asked.


    "Can I ask you to stay here, while I''m at Aldar Fort.


    I stood up, with a determined look on my face, I told Chiharu.


    " I''m coming with you Chiharu, I mean Garrison Commander. "


    Chiharu shook her head and told me.


    "This is serious Akane, this is no fun and games. You might die if you come along."


    "I''ll come with you, please believe in , that I can protect you."


    I replied to Chiharu, with a serious tone she told me.


    "I can take care of myself, however you can''t."


    I bit my lip in frustration, however Chiharu continued.


    "If you come with me, who will take care of your friend."


    "What do you mean?"


    I asked Chiharu who quickly covered her mouth, she gulped and replied.


    "I had one of my most trusted subordinate to watch over you, I received word that you two are living together."


    I placed my head on my forehead and asked Chiharu.


    "So the one stalking me, is your subordinate?"


    Chiharu clapped her hand and asked forgiveness, I sighed and accepted.


    "I''ll come with you Chiharu, after all I''m your bodyguard and adjutant."


    She sighed and told me.


    "Tell that to your friend, I know she''ll be worried sick for you."


    "If I can get her to agree, would you let me come with you?"


    I asked, she knits her eyebrows, sighed in frustration, and simply replied.


    "If you get her permission, perhaps I''ll reconsider."


    I smiled and replied.


    "I''ll go ask her permission now."


    Chiharu stood up her chair and said.


    "Wai-"


    However before she could finish, I already left her quarters, and made my way back to the inn.


    That''s right, the only reason why I want to be stronger, is to protect people like Chiharu, Yuni, Mom and Dad.


    I told myself as I ran.


    Normal PoV(3rd person POV)


    With an army of seven hundred troops, the empire staged a small scale invasion, on Hakuroku Kingdom''s territory.


    The Garrison troops on Aldar Fort mustered a small army, which numbered two hundred troops, and formed a blockade on a small pathway to Aldar Fort.


    "We are here to stall for time, hold as long as possible, before retreating to the fortress."


    Ordered the commander to his men, they were nervous and anxious about the upcoming battle.


    "Has the nearby villages been evacuated?"


    The commander asked his adjutant, whom nodded and replied.


    "Yes sir, most of the villages have been evacuated, however refugees have yet reached the fort."


    "Cut down nearby trees and build a spike wall here, in this narrow pass, we can mitigate their superior numbers."


    The commander ordered his men.


    We have to hold this line as long as possible, hopefully by the time we make our retreat the reinforcements should have arrived at the fort.


    The soldiers began working, as fast as they could, their morale was high, yet fear is still present in their minds.


    The scout the commander sent has returned and he told the adjutant.


    "Please relay to the commander that the enemy is here."


    The adjutant nodded, and ran as fast as he could, ordering soldiers to sound the alarm.


    "Word from the scout, the enemies are here!"


    "All combat personnel, form a defensive perimeter around the pathway."


    The soldiers quickly formed a phalanx formation around the narrow path, the pathway was surrounded hills and rocky terrain, with the spike wall in the narrow corridor of the pathway, which prevents enemies from overwhelming the defenders.


    Multiple volley of arrows were released by the Hakuroku army, however it was ineffective against the heavy armor of the imperial troops.


    The front line troops formed a spear wall, and the two forces clashed.

 Chapter 11: Skirmish part 02

    Normal PoV(3rd person)


    The Hakuroku army and Aldarian troops clashed, on the narrow pathway to Aldar Fort.


    "Maintain formation, archers fire another volley."


    The commander ordered his troops, despite being outnumbered, the Hakuroku army stood their ground.


    "A small detachment force, was spotted trying to go around the hills, trying to flank us."


    The soldier reported, the commander clicked his tongue and said.


    "Send some of our light cavalry to intercept them, buy as much time needed."


    The soldier nodded, a horn was sound, and around fifty light cavalry was dispatched.


    A few hours have passed, both sides suffered minimal casualties, the light cavalry returned, and reported to the commander.


    "The enemy has broken through our line, around a hundred."


    The commander ordered his adjutant.


    "Prepare to retreat, slowly break from combat while maintaining formation, upon reaching the designated area make a run for it."


    A horn was sounded, and the soldiers began slowly stepping back, with the signal of the commander flaming arrows were fired, and flames engulfed the oil covered field.


    Upon distancing themselves from the enemy, the commander turned to his adjutant and asked.


    "Casualty report."


    The commander asked his adjutant, with a relieved look on his face the adjutant replied.


    "Our casualties are thirty troops, mostly men in the front line. Our injured are over a hundred."


    Upon arriving at the fortress, the wounded were carried to the field hospitals, and were quickly treated.


    The commander and his adjutant went to his office, and began writing a report on the losses.


    "Many of them might have to retire."


    The adjutant told the commander, he looked at the wounded from the window of his office, and told his adjutant.


    "They were brave men, the bravest under my command, however before soldiers they are people."


    He signed a some papers the adjutant placed on his desk, he turned to the adjutant and told him.


    "After this battle, the badly wounded are now officially retired from service."


    With a smile on his face the commander to his adjutant.


    "Makoto let''s hope this is the last skirmish that we''ll be apart off."


    Makoto scratched his black hair and told his commander.Royal Road is the home of this novel. Visit there to read the original and support the author.


    "Highly unlikely commander Takeo."


    Takeo sighed and continued his paperwork, meanwhile the masons has begun fortifying the fort.


    Akane''s PoV


    "Are you out of your mind Akane?"


    Yuni shouted at me clearly enraged.


    "I know it''s dangerous, but you must understand Yuni. What if something bad happened to Chiharu?"


    Yuni sighed and told me.


    "Before thinking about other people, think about yourself first!!!"


    She paused her sentence for a moment, and added.


    "What if something happened, you might become a burden which could harm this person, or worst you might die."


    I shrugged my shoulders and told Yuni.


    "But I''m only going to be in the fortress with Chiharu, I won''t do anything reckless."


    Yuni clicked her tongue, disappointed with my reply, she took a deep breathe and told me.


    "If you''re that persistent, then I''m coming with you."


    "No it''s too dangerous, stay here Yuni."


    Yuni''s face was beet red in anger as she shouted at me.


    "That''s my point, you should stay here. It''s too dangerous Akane."


    We continued to bickering for a while, until the sound of knocking could be heard from the door. I picked up a dagger and asked. "who is it?" And I heard a familiar voice who replied.


    "It''s me Chiharu, could you let me in."


    I opened the door, and Chiharu greeted me with a wry smile, and asked.


    "Are you two in the middle of something?"


    She was about to leave, when suddenly, Yuni grabbed her arm and told her.


    "Come in, come in. We have a lot to discuss miss?"


    "Ch-Chiharu."


    Chiharu replied hesitantly, as she was dragged into the room.


    "Is it possible for Akane to not participate in this battle Chiharu-san?"


    With an uncomfortable look on her face, Chiharu replied.


    "Well I did tell her to stay behind, yet she''s so persistent, her case is special because of her mother, but she is my adjutant. Normally she should be by my side, as my aide."


    Yuni turned to me and asked.


    "Is this true?"


    "Ye-Yes."


    I hesitantly replied.


    I heard the sound of something snapping, and Yuni told me.


    "We''re going to have a little later."


    .


    "O-Okay."


    Yuni turned to Chiharu and asked.


    "Is it possible for non-military personnel such as myself, to come along with the garrison there?"


    Chiharu nodded and replied.


    "If you know how to cook, tend wounds and cleaning. I could hire you as a maid."


    Yuni smiled, turned back to face me and replied.


    "Looks like I can come along, thank you Chiharu-san."


    Chiharu giggled and replied.


    "No problem miss?"


    Yuni stared Chiharu directly in the eye and replied.


    "Yuni, my name is Yuni."


    Chiharu nodded and told her.


    "It''s nice to meet you Yuni, I''m Garrison Commander Chiharu." replied.


    I tugged the sleeves of Chiharu''s dress and told her.


    "Thank you, for helping me get into the army."


    In Hakuroku Kingdom, a law exist which prohibited civilians to have combat training, unless if they''re enlisted into the military.


    Punishment for this crime is lifetime imprisonment.


    She smiled back and replied, whilst caressing and ruining my hair.


    "I''m the one should thank you Akane."


    "What do you mean?"


    I asked, however she ignores me and told Yuni.


    "Please watch over her for me."


    Yuni nodded and replied.


    "I will!"


    Chiharu stayed for a while until supper, afterwards her maids came to pick her up, with a worried look on his face the receptionist asked.


    "You have ties with the new Garrison Commander?"


    I smiled and nodded, Yuni had a scary look on her face as she told me.


    "I almost forgot something, about Akane''s Ideas to go to a battlefield."


    Dark aura was emitting from Yuni, she was smiling, yet her face is anything but happy.


    I gulped my saliva in fear, Yuni grabbed a rope and told me.


    "It''s time for some punishment."


    I took a step back, and the door closed with a twirl of Yuni''s index finger.


    Giggling maniacally she told me.


    "You aren''t going anywhere dear, not until you''ve learned your lesson, very painful lesson."


    I learned something about Yuni''s personality, she''s a sadist.

 Chapter 12: Punishment

    Yuni''s PoV


    After Chiharu-san left the inn, Akane desperately tried to leave, escape my anger, yet failed.


    She resisted with all her might, however I pinned her down, and tied her hands. Now bound in bed, I told her while giggling happily.


    "Time for some punishment, for the naughty little girl."


    Akane''s face became pale with fear, her body shivered, and desperately tried to escape.


    "I''m sorry, please untie me and I won''t do it again."


    I poked Akane''s nose, licked my fingers in a seductive manner, and teasingly told her.


    "N-o-p-e. Sorry won''t cut it, a bad little girl like you should be punished, or else you won''t your lesson."


    Akane struggled with everything she had, I had a smile on my face, a wicked one. As I watched Akane''s struggle, she stopped, I clapped my hands.


    "Good girl, that''s more like it."


    The rope was tightly tied on her hands, making sure that escape is impossible.


    "Perhaps your anticipating this Akane? You don''t seem to be resisting too much anymore."


    No word, just a sharp glare. A fierce glare, yet filled with fear.


    Noticing the sharp glare Akane directed at me, I giggled and told Akane.


    "Glaring at me like that, it won''t save you from your punishment.".


    I leaned closer to Akane, took off her clothing, both her face and mine turned red, I lightly caressed her breast, she struggled for a bit, however after a while she calmed down.


    Akane began crying, I wiped the tears off and told her.


    " You really are a naughty girl, perhaps you''re enjoying this punishment? "


    As I continued fondling her breast, I slowly lean closer to her neck, fangs bare. She closed her eyes, however she reopened them, and stared at me with a surprised look.


    "Wh-What''s the matter Yuni?!"Love what you''re reading? Discover and support the author on the platform they originally published on.


    Akane tried to act tough, however I can see through her facade. I touched her cheeks, and told her with a playful smile.


    "You''re so beautiful Akane."


    She blushed as I slowly leaned to her neck, there was no resistance, it was as if she was asking to have me drink her blood.


    My fangs slowly pierced Akane''s neck, her body jerked, and she began moaning.


    "Aaah, S-stop Yuni, I-It hurts."


    Akane pleaded, in response I digger my fangs deeper, her moaning became more frequent and louder.


    I pulled my fangs out and stared at her face, Akane is breathing roughly, she leaned closer and kissed me, I didn''t resist, and kissed her back. Our tongues intertwined fiercely. I quickly broke from the kiss, and noticed the disappointed look on Akane''s face.


    "Yu-Yuni."


    Akane said with an embarrassed look on her face.


    "You''re so beautiful, my one and only Akane."


    Fangs bare I leaned closer to Akane, she didn''t resisted, and willingly exposed her neck.


    As my fang pierces Akane''s neck, she grit her teeth, her body jerked, and soft moans leak out of her mouth.


    I placed my hand on her exposed chest, and began caressing it, Akane''s face blushed as she desperately told me.


    "Yu-Yuni, pl-please stop."


    Somehow I felt like I returned to my senses, I untied Akane''s hands and told her.


    "I''m sorry Akane."


    However unexpectedly, she pushed me down the bed, passionately kissed me, and exposing her neck as she told me.


    "Drink more of my blood."


    I processed on licking the blood on her wound, she combed my hair with her hands, staring at me, with her embarrassed, yet smiling face.


    Akane leans closer to my ear, my heart skipped a beat, Akane seductively whispered on my ears.


    "Wanna continue where we left off?"


    I shook my head and replied.


    "Akane snap out of it."


    Akane with an embarrassed face told me.


    "Dummy."


    I sigh and replied.


    "I''m sorry I went too far, please forgive me."


    Her face became redder as Akane replied.


    "I''ll forgive you, in one condition."


    Puzzled I asked.


    "What is it."


    She smiled and replied.


    "Kiss me one more time."


    I noticed in the mirror, that my face was blushing, Akane had a wry smile on her face as she asked.


    "Are you embarrassed? After everything you did, all I asked was a kiss."


    I''m such a naughty girl, each time I stared at Akane, my heart kept beating really fast. Even though we''re both girls, I feel like Akane''s my special person.


    I closed my eyes, and leaned closer, Akane embraced me, our lips intertwined. Afterwards she released me and told me while smiling.


    "I love you Yuni, do you feel the same way?"


    I nodded and replied.


    "Yes, I love you too Akane."


    I''m glad Akane feels the same way, or does she?


    Afterwards I treated the wound on her neck.


    Author''s Note: This was really embarrassing to write, my mind can''t think straight and I slightly blush. Anyways I hope you enjoyed the chapter at least.

 Chapter 13: Maid Job

    Normal POV(3rd Person PoV)


    After her punishment Akane went to the inn''s lobby, the receptionist called her out.


    "Akane can you please give this to Yuni-Chan, the Garrison Commander left it for her."


    The receptionist smiled and handed Akane a letter, she thanked the receptionist and went back to their room.


    "Yuni you have a letter from Chiharu."


    The two read the letter and stared at each other. With a worried look on her face Akane asked.


    "Do you really want to work for Chiharu as a maid? She seems really interested on hiring you."


    Yuni smiled and vigorously nodded.


    "Yes, I would want to work as Chiharu''s maid, if it means that I could be by your side whereever you go."


    The two wore their finest dress and west to the east side of Dalen, the district of nobles and rich merchants.


    "This is the address on the letter right? The one that Chiharu left."


    Yuni nodded as the two stared at the mansion, Akane reached for the doorbell, a maid opened the gates, she bowed and told the two.


    "Our lady is expecting you, please make yourself at home.


    The two were escorted by the maid to Chiharu''s office.


    "Welcome to my humble home Akane and Yuni."


    Wearing a simple, yet elegant light blue gown Chiharu greeted the two with a smile on her face.


    The maid whom escorted the two brought some tea and asked the girls to sit down.


    "Have you made up your mind Yuni?"


    Yuni clenched her fist, she nodded, face filled with determination. Chiharu placed an application form on the desk and asked.


    "Do you know how to read and write?"


    Yuni nodded, Akane had a boastful smile as she muttered to herself.


    "Of course she does, we spent most of our free time reading books."


    Afterwards Yuni returned the form back to Chiharu whilst smiling, Chiharu clapped her hands, without delay two maids entered.


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    "How may we be of service milady?"


    Chiharu smiled and told the two maids.


    "She''s new here, I want you to teach her proper manners and etiquette."


    The two maids smiled and replied.


    "As you wish milady, mind telling us your name young miss?"


    The older maid asked, looking downwards Yuni answered shyly.


    "Yu-Yuni."


    "Such a cute name, my name is Elise and this young maid behind me is Aoi."


    "I know right, anyways it''s nice to meet you Yuni."


    "L-Likewise."


    Elise giggled and patted Yuni.


    "First let''s take your measurements for your uniform. We would like you to come with us Yuni."


    "Wh-What do you mean?"


    The two maids smiled and held Yuni on one hand each and dragged her out of the room.


    "Cam I ask you a question Chiharu?"


    "Hmm, what is it Akane?"


    Akane whom had a serious look on her face asked.


    "How did you manage to give me a high ranking position in the army?"


    Chiharu went silent, her smile disappeared and all that remained is a serious glare.


    "What are you implying Akane?"


    "You used the influence of my mother didn''t you, she told me that she once served in the army and attained a great amount of influence."


    Chiharu sighed.


    "You''re right, she did attain great renown. Not only in our country but throughout the continent."


    "Can you tell me more about her exploits."


    A smile could be seen on Chiharu''s face as she shook her head and told Akane.


    "I swore to your mother that I would never reveal her secret to anyone, especially her daugther."


    "Tch!"


    Akane clicked her tongue and took another sip of tea.


    There was silence between the two until someone began knocking on the door.


    "Come in."


    The door opened, Yuni and the maids entered the room. With an embarrassed look on her face Yuni asked.


    "Well... does it suit me?"


    She asked Akane as she twirls around wearing her maid uniform, Akane had a beet red face as she replied.


    "Ye-Yeah, it looks really good on you Yuni."


    For three days Yuni began to receive training on etiquette and manners from the maids named Elise and Aoi.

 Chapter 14: Aldar Fort

    Normal PoV(3rd person PoV)


    A battalion which numbered, five hundred troops was dispatched, under the commanded by, Garrison Commander Chiharu Natsuo.


    The army was comprised of four companies and a single platoon. With each company comprising a hundred troops.


    The first company is commanded by logistics commander Rayland and his adjutant. Company consists of light infantry. This company acts as supply wagon escorts.


    The second company is commanded by knight Eladain and his adjutant. Company consists of heavy cavalry.


    The third company is commanded by Knight Raymond. The company consists of light cavalry.


    The fourth company is commanded by Knight Yuito, the company is comprised of heavy infantry, it''s also the largest company within the battalion, numbering one hundred fifty soldiers.


    The only platoon in the battalion is commanded by Lieutenant Akane, this platoon consist of light infantry and numbered around fifty.


    The battalion brought along with them twenty-five supply wagons. These wagons contained supplies such as food, water, weapons and ammunition.


    The gate was opened and the battalion safely arrived at the fort, a man in his early twenties saluted Chiharu whom salutes back.


    "Captain Chiharu it''s nice to see you here."


    Chiharu had a smile on her face, and replied.


    "It''s a pleasure Lieutenant Commander Takeo, however I''ve recently been promoted, I''m now a Garrison commander."


    Her face became serious, and asked Takeo.


    "Report Lieutenant commander."


    Takeo salutes and reports to Chiharu.


    "During the multiple skirmishes with the empire, we suffered minimal casualties of fifty troops total. However our injured have reached over two hundred."


    The logistic company began unloading the wagons, Chiharu pats Takeo''s shoulder and told him.


    "Good work Lieutenant Commander, for buying needed time for me to muster a large enough force to defend the fort. I''m also sorry for the losses."


    Chiharu turned her back and told Takeo.


    "You are dismissed, rest well and leave the rest to me."


    Takeo nodded, saluted his commanding officer and left. His adjutant remained and briefed Chiharu about their current situation.


    On the field kitchen which was set up by the logistics company, Yuni and the maids started preparing food.


    The maids made some warm chicken soup, the soldiers lined up to receive their rations, one soldier in particular carried two bowls and he told Yuni.


    "C-Could you give me an extra serving, one is for me and the other is for my friend, he was badly injured during the last skirmish and is now in the field hospital."


    Yuni turned to the head maid, whom smiled and nodded. She poured the second bowl with soup, which she brought to the tent of the injured soldiers.


    After feeding the wounded, Yuni removed the bandages of the wounded, cleaned their wounds and replaced their bandages with new ones.


    The head maid tapped Yuni''s back lightly and told her.


    "You''re a weird one."


    Puzzled with her remarks Yuni asked.


    "What do you mean, head maid Lena?"


    Lena closed her eyes, she took a deep breathe and stared Yuni in the eye.


    "By my time working as a maid, this is my first time seeing someone like you. One unfazed by the presence of death."


    Yuni let''s out a sigh and replied.


    "I''m not unfazed by death, I simply got used to it. Seeing people die before my eyes."


    Lena lightly pats Yuni''s back.


    "Everything''s fine now, you don''t have to worry anymore. We''ll be here for you."


    "We?"


    Asked Yuni with a curious look on her face.This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.


    "Don''t worry, I''m sure everything will be back to normal after this battle."


    Yuni took a glance at Akane and replied.


    "Yes, I hope so."


    The soldiers began strengthening the gates, placing weapons atop the walls, and patrolling the area.


    Aldar fort has over five thousand people within it''s walls, nine hundred soldiers and over four thousand refugees. Two hundred were injured during the skirmishes, leaving only seven hundred combat able troops.


    The empire on the other hand begun establishing a base, securing what little supplies were left in the villages. The imperial troops has already began preparations for a siege, their numbers was bolstered. Numbering around three thousand, the empire is simply bidding their time, mustering a large force for a full-scale invasion.


    Akane''s PoV


    I was summoned to the a meeting, discussing the army''s next course of action about the invading imperial troops.


    "I suggest a quick frontal assault."


    Suggested Knight Eladain, with a stern look on his face Yuito objected.


    "The scouts reported that the enemy has an estimate of three thousand troops minimum within their encampment, it''s reckless for us to attack without formulating a proper plan."


    Knight Raymond raised his hand and replied.


    "I''m in favor with Eladain''s plan, we should attack whilst the enemy is unprepared."


    Chiharu turned her attention towards me and asked.


    "What about you Lieutenant Akane? Any suggestions on our next course of action."


    I placed my hand on my chin and pondered, Yuito knit an eyebrow and he told Chiharu.


    "That''s unnecessary, she has no field experience and her decision might cost the lives of hundreds of soldiers."


    I raised my hand and proposed.


    "What if we raid their encampment during the night, assassinate their commanding officers, sabotage their supplies and burn their tents with flaming arrows."


    I paused for a moment and added.


    "Next will form a small unit to attack their supply convoys, this will prevent them from resupplying their troops, thus forcing them to retreat."


    Yuito stared at me with disbelief.


    "I''m in favor with the plan, I will personally command the infiltration unit."


    The two knights'' stared at each other, within their faces were conflicted looks. Eladain raised his voice.


    "I cannot approve of such a cowardly tactic, as expected of a noble lady, you would rather fight dirty or avoid fighting entirely rather than meeting the enemy with honor."


    Yuito stood up from his seat and shouted.


    "Take back what you just said, a Knight such as yourself disrespecting a nobleman''s daughter. you have no right to call yourself a Knight."


    Both men were about to drew their weapons, however Raymond stopped the two and told them.


    "I''m in favor of Lieutenant Akane''s plan, it would minimize casualties on both sides, and requires only a few personnel, should the mission fail our losses would be at a minimal as well."


    Eladian bite hit lips and shouted.


    "You too?!?"


    Chiharu snapped, she stood up her chair.


    "Enough."


    All the officers present sat down and quite down, I leaned next to Yuito and told him.


    "Thank you for standing up for me."


    He glared at me with a stern look and replied.


    "If your plan worked, both sides would avoid unnecessary deaths."


    "How about you Logistics commander Rayland, any brilliant ideas?"


    Everyone in the room turned yo the logistics commander, Rayland and he replied.


    "I''m in favor with the lieutenant''s plan."


    Chiharu clapped her hands and told everyone.


    "It''s settled then, aside from knight Yuito the rest of you are dismissed."


    Everyone aside from Yuito was dismissed, upon leaving Chiharu''s quarters, Yuni was standing beside the door and with a warm smile on her face she asked.


    "How was the meeting Akane?"


    I sighed and a replied with tired voice.


    "It was tiresome, I also got into a fight with a knight."


    Yuni caressed my back and told me.


    "Let''s go back to your quarters, I prepared some chicken soup just for you."


    Normal PoV(3rd person PoV)


    As Yuni casually dragged Akane back to her quarters, the two Knights noticed this and Eladain asked.


    "That maid just dragged the lieutenant so casually, are they perhaps lovers?"


    Raymond turned to his colleague with a disinterested face.


    "Don''t mind them instead focus on the task at hand."


    Thus the two Knights returned to their respective quarters.


    Meanwhile on Chiharu''s Quarters.


    Chiharu told Yuito to sit down and she asked him.


    "Do you have an idea on what we are about to discuss?"


    He shook his head vigorously, nervous.


    "N-No ma''am." He answered.


    A smile could be seen on her face as she told him.


    "Lieutenant Akane, have you ever wondered who she was?"


    Yuito shook his head, his voice shivers as replied.


    "N-No ma''am."


    Chiharu nodded and a grind could be seen on her face.


    "I''m tasking you to protect her, Like your life depends on it."


    Puzzled Yuito asked nervously.


    "Why?"


    Chiharu''s face became stern, which in turn made Yuito''s nervousness increase. Chiharu took a deep breathe and said.


    "You must keep this a secret, no matter what."


    Yuito nodded in fear, satisfied with his reaction Chiharu told him.


    "She is Akane Ikinawa, Daughter of Akari Ikinawa, Crown Princess and future Queen of this kingdom."


    His face became pale as he asked.


    "Sh-She''s the crown princess?!?"


    Chiharu simply nodded and told him.


    "I''ll put my trust in you, don''t let me down Knight Yuito Akagari."


    Author''s Note: The rank hierarchy of the Hakuroku army are the following.


    From lowest to highest.


    Conscript=Conscripted soldiers, no official rank within the military.


    Recruit=Soldiers under training.


    Trooper= light infantry soldier


    Corporal= Heavy infantry soldier


    Lance Corporal= Light cavalry soldier


    Squire= Heavy Cavalry soldier


    Corporal commander= commander of a squadron.


    Lieutenant= Commander of a platoon. (Commonly given to nobles with no experience.)


    Logistics commander= commander of supply management and logistics.


    Knight= Lower aristocrat commander of a company.


    Lieutenant commander= Commander two or more companies.


    Captain= Commander of three more more companies.


    Knight Captain= Commander of the knight corp and a battalion.


    Commander= Commander of a regiment.


    Garrison commander= Commander of the provincial garrison. Which is around one or two regiments.


    General=commander of a brigade.


    General commander= Commander of a division or multiple brigades.


    Field Marshall= Commander of a corp.


    Grand Field Marshall= Commander of the Hakuroku army.


    Army sizes. Based on military.


    Section= group of soldiers around 4-12 number.


    Squad=group of soldiers around 8-24 number.


    Platoon= large group of soldiers around 16-50 in number.


    Companies= Large group of soldiers around 100-250 in number.


    Battalions= Huge number of soldiers around 400-1000.


    Regiments= Huge number of soldiers around 1000-2000.


    Brigades= Massive number of soldiers around 1500-3500.


    Divisions= Massive number of soldiers around 10000-15000.


    Corp= Massive number of soldiers around 25000-50000

 Chapter 15: Assault

    Normal POV(3rd personPoV)


    Using the cover of night, Yuito and a small detachment of soldiers infiltrated the imperial army''s encampment.


    "You all remember the plan? Assassinate the commanding officers, sabotage their supplies and set their tents on fire. Avoid direct confrontations with the patrolling guards if possible."


    Everyone nodded and divided into three groups, each comprising five soldiers, whilst the section under Yuito''s command had six soldiers.


    Quietly the infiltration units accomplished each of their objectives. The group under Yuito''s command assassinated the army commander, chief of logistics and an entire knight corp.


    The second section poisoned the food and water supplies, afterwards they hastily escaped the encampment undetected. Lastly the last section ignited their arrows with fire and fired multiple volleys on the encampment. The fire quickly spread and the camp was in utter chaos.


    "Good work."


    Yuito told his subordinates whom nodded in respond as they hastily made their escape.


    Upon returning to the fortress, Yuito quickly made his way to Chiharu''s quarters.


    "Looks like your small unit suffered no casualties, well done Knight Yuito."


    "I still didn''t expect such a plan would work."


    "However we still need to stop supplies from reaching their encampment. Rally your troops and meet up with Lieutenant Akane''s platoon."


    Yuito nodded and left the quarters, after assembling his company. Yuito along with a force of two hundred soldiers left the fortress.


    A soldier came rushing into Chiharu''s quarters and reported.


    "The enemy is here!!! They have begun preparations for a siege."


    "Tch! I want every able bodied man to be ready for battle as soon as possible."


    Chiharu ordered the soldier who quickly rushed off.


    Around five hundred civilians were conscripted into the army, those whom had strong bodies and experience with the bow were given long bows.


    "Even with conscripts within our ranks, our army can barely muster a thousand soldiers, whilst the enemy has around three thousand soldiers."


    Chiharu mutters whilst observing the situation atop the keep.


    The imperial army''s battering ram was no match for the gates of Aldar fort, which made the imperial army change tactics.


    The imperial troops begun scaling the walls with ladders, many of the ladders were knocks over. But soon enough the imperial soldiers managed to climb the wall.


    Skirmishes from atop the wall occurred. The conscripts formed a phalanx formation in an attempt to drove back the imperial troops.


    However the formation easily broke and the conscripts became scattered, Knight Eladian arrived with a small group of soldiers to relieve the conscripts.


    "Form a phalanx formation, do not falter and fight with all your might!"


    The skirmishes within the walls continued, both sides suffered considerable amounts of casualties. Yet the imperial soldiers refuse to surrender.


    Chiharu stabbed an enemy soldier in the neck and shouted.


    "Do not falter, reinforcements are on the way!"


    Hearing her words the morale of both the conscripts and the soldiers raised.


    Meanwhile at the border between the empire and Hakuroku.


    Akane and her platoon waited patiently for the enemy supply unit.The genuine version of this novel can be found on another site. Support the author by reading it there.


    "Could that be it?"


    Akane asked one of her subordinates, she nodded in responds and replied.


    "Seems so, that is the insignia of the royal family of the empire."


    The soldier pointed at the banner on one of the wagons.


    As Akane was about to draw her sword, Yuni grabbed her by the shoulder and told her.


    "Don''t go Akane, it''s too dangerous."


    "Yuni... I know you are concerned about my safety, but I must fulfill my obligations as a soldier for your sake."


    "We came here to help treat the wounded after the battle, Yuni while you''re a maid of Chiharu-sama, I want you to follow my instructions."


    "I know your concerned about Akane-sama''s safety, but don''t let your emotions cloud your judgement."


    Yuni had an apologetic look on her face as she looks down and told me repeatedly.


    "I''m sorry Akane."


    I placed my hand on Yuni''s head, patted and caressed her head.


    "I''m going to be fine, trust me."


    Yuni''s face turned beet red, Head maid Lena shrugged her shoulder, she smiled as she poked Yuni''s shoulder with her finger.


    "You''re blushing, as expected of a maiden in love."


    Akane mounted the horse, with the help from her second in command. A young noble named Yuka Lastern.


    "Rally the troops, we''ll attack the convoy fast and hard."


    "You heard the lady, saddle up and prepare for combat."


    The soldiers all let out a loud yell and mounted their horses. With bows and pole arms at hand the platoon charged.


    "Enemies!!!"


    Shouted one imperial soldier, the guards of the convoy formed a line formation.


    "Assume formation!!!"


    Akane shouted, she took a glance at Yuka whim nodded in response.


    "You heard the lady, Assume formation!"


    The platoon quickly formed a wedge formation and charged full speed.


    Multiple volleys of arrows released by the few whom had bows at hand.


    "Charge!!!!"


    Akane shouted and the rest of her platoon followed.


    The two forces clashed, the imperial army had a hundred soldiers, whilst Akane''s platoon had fifty. The imperial soldiers had numerical superiority, but Akane''s platoon used the mobility of their horses to surround and attack their enemy their rear


    "Commander, the supply wagons are trying to escape."


    "Send a detachment unit to prevent them from escaping."


    "But won''t that weaken our ranks."


    "It won''t, troop morale is at it''s highest, however the morale of the soldiers will be lost if those wagons escape."


    "I understand."


    Yuka and five others began their pursuit.


    Akane continued commanding her platoon to her best effort, the commander of the enemy took notice of her actions and galloped her horse towards her.


    "I challenge you to a duel."


    The commander had a confident smile on her face as she drew her rapier and charged forward.


    "It looks like there''s no avoiding this."


    Akane unsheathed her arming sword and faced her attacker head on.


    As Akane began exchanging blows with the enemy commander, she noticed her alluring sky blue hair and amber eyes. This left her vulnerable, the commander noticed this and thrust her rapier forward.


    After parrying her thrust Akane distanced herself from the girl and told her.


    "Surrender and your soldiers shall be granted mercy."


    She looked around, noticing that most the soldiers under her command have either died or surrendered. The commander had a pained look on her face as she discarded her rapier.


    "Tch! It looks like I have no choice. I surrender."


    Seeing the action of their commanding officer, the remaining imperial soldiers had a relieved looks on their faces as they discarded their weapons.


    The imperial soldiers had their hands bound and their legs chained.


    "I''m ready."


    Said the commander as she glared at me with a determined look on her face.


    "Ready? Ready for what?"


    The commander had a surprised look on her face as she replied.


    "I''m ready to disembowel myself."


    It''s a tradition within the Aldalia Empire that the commander of an army disembowels themselves, as a means to guarantee the safety of their subordinates from their captors.


    "There''s no need to do such a barbaric thing, I want to avoid unnecessary death as much as possible."


    "Huh?!"


    The commander had a surprised look on her face after hearing Akane''s reply.


    "Would you mind having a cup of tea with me?"


    A wry smile formed on my face as I told the commander.


    "Rest assured, the tea will not be poisoned."


    "I-I humbly accept your offer. If you wanted me dead anyways you wouldn''t need to do something like poisoning my drink."


    "I guess so."


    The two of us went a nearby tree,a pair of chairs and a table was placed beside the tree. Head maid Lena placed two cups of tea on the table.


    "Enjoy."


    I took a sip of the tea, it was delicious. I felt like the fatigue from the battle earlier has almost vanished. I noticed that the commander has yet took a sip from the tea.


    I grabbed her cup and took a sip of tea, I had a smile on my face and told her.


    "I told you it wasn''t poisoned."


    "Can I ask your name?"


    "A-Ange Leilan."


    Ange had an embarrassed look on her face as she took a sip of tea.


    "Can I ask a question?"


    "Go ahead Ange-san I don''t mind."


    "Why spare me and my subordinates?"


    "Hmm... I wanted to treat my enemies like people, unlike some who demonize them to make killing them justified."


    "Killing is by no means righteous, no matter the cause... Killing another human being is a sin."


    "If only all people think like you."


    Ange smiled and took another sip of tea.


    "So? What will happen to us?"


    Akane''s face quickly turned stern and she had a smile on her face.


    "I''ll give you two options, the first one is to defect to the Hakuroku army as a part of my unit. As you can see I''m still inexperienced, if you would join my platoon as an adviser I can guarantee that the treatment of your subordinates."


    "The second is for you and your subordinates to become prisoners of war. If you try to betray me I would execute all your subordinates without second thought."


    "Wi-will we be treated humanely as prisoners of war?"


    Akane shook her head and told Ange.


    "I don''t know, but if you wish to guarantee the safety of your men, I would suggest accepting my offer."


    "What do you plan to do?"


    "I''m afraid the answer is something you must earn."

 Chapter 16: Reinforcements

    Normal PoV


    Three hours after Akane''s platoon defeated the imperial army''s supply unit, Yuito with a force of two hundred soldiers arrived.


    "Where''s the enemy?"


    "Already defeated and captured sir!" Akane reported.


    Yuito dismounted his horse and ordered.


    "Treat the wounded, after securing the wagons and the prisoners, we will return to the fortress."


    "I think it would be unwise to return to the fortress without a plan."


    "What do you mean?" Yuito asked.


    Akane had a serious look on her face, she turned to Yuito and said.


    "Aldar fort is currently under siege."


    Yuito had a stern look and asked.


    "Are you certain of this?"


    Akane nodded and she called out a soldier, the soldier reported.


    "An army around three thousand soldiers have besieged the fortress, the garrison is somewhat holding their ground, but it''s only a matter of time before the fortress is taken."


    Yuito turned to me and angrily shouted.


    "You said that if we followed the plan the need for a large scale conflict would be avoided."


    "That''s impossible I swear that their chain of command was wiped-"


    "The logistics commander wasn''t assassinated. Could he have rallied the imperial troops?"


    "Perhaps."


    "Based on the reports, it seems that the enemy launched coordinated attacks on the fortress, which means that someone is leading them."


    Yuito sat down beside a tree with a stern look on his face, pondering on how to break the siege.


    Head maid Lena poured another cup of tea for Akane, whom smiled back in response. Akane took a sip of the tea and relaxed.


    "How can you so relaxed? Don''t you know that if the fortress falls, our beloved country would be at risk of invasion."


    Yuito shouted angrily as Akane took another sip of tea, her face remained composed despite Yuito''s angered tone. She smiled at him and asked.


    "Is there a secret pathway into the fortress?"


    Yuito remained silent, Yuka the corporal commander in Akane''s platoon replied.


    "Yes milady, near the fortress is a cave, which has a secret entrance into the fortress."


    Akane nodded in response and took another sip of tea. She gave Lena back her cup and told Yuito.


    "We will counter attack and force the imperial soldiers to retreat."


    After briefing Yuito of her plan, he ordered half of Akane''s platoon to take the prisoners to a nearby village. Akane and her remaining soldiers will come with him.


    "I''ll be wishing you the best of luck corporal commander Yuka. Fortify yourself in the town hall, make sure that the prisoners are cuffed."The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "Same goes for you Lieutenant Akane. I wish you luck."


    The two stared at each other for a moment and giggled. Akane turned to Yuni and Lena.


    "Yuni stay with the others okay? Head maid Lena. Could you please take care of this girl for me?"


    Lena chuckles and nodded.


    "As you wish milady."


    With a force less than three hundred soldiers, Yuito rode off to fort Aldar. Using the hidden passage, Yuito and company managed to get in the fortress without difficulty.


    "Welcome back Knight Yuito and Lieutenant Akane."


    Chiharu greeted the two whilst exchanging blows with an enemy soldier. Breaking the enemy''s guard Chiharu stabs the soldier in the abdomen.


    "The wounded and civilians have been evacuated, our casualties have already reached a hundred. If you have a plan now is a good time."


    "I have a plan, however I need more soldiers, around three hundred more."


    "What is it then, we don''t have all day so make it quick."


    "Based on the reports I''ve received, the imperial army has divided it''s forces. While their main army engages us in command, their reserves are gathering resources."


    "While their forces are divided we shall attack them individually."


    "The enemy divided it''s forces into three groups, the first numbering around two thousand, the second has less than four hundred troops and the third has five hundred."


    Chiharu had a stern look on her face, unlike to her normal smiling face, she had a serious look on her face as she asked.


    "Can you pull it off? I will lend you as many soldiers as I could spare. But are you sure that you can pull it off?"


    "I will pull it off."


    Chiharu sighed, she turned to Yuito and told him.


    "I can lend you two as many as four hundred soldiers."


    "But won''t that leave you with less than two hundred soldiers at your command?"


    "I''ll manage. Reinforcements are on the way, if you take out the reserve forces quick enough, we could entrap them in a pincer attack."


    After making their preparations Yuito and his forces departed. Their target is the first battalion of the enemy, which encamped themselves on a small village, scavenging what little supplies they could.


    "This better work."


    "It will trust me."


    "Based on what you presented to me, I''ll trust your way of thinking. Your skill as a soldier however I cannot trust."


    "Wait here."


    "Bu-but."


    "No buts!!! I am your commanding officer as a soldier you have an obligation to follow orders."


    Yuito told Akane as he unsheathes his sword and charged into battle with his soldiers.


    Caught unprepared and unarmed the enemy battalion was mostly eliminated, those whom survived have either deserted the battle of surrendered.


    Yuito quickly rallied his forces and attacked the second battalion''s encampment located near a lake.


    As the second battalion were divided as their troops were gathering good from a nearby forest. Yuito took this opportunity to attack the unarmed enemy.


    Despite being able to arm themselves, they were still overrun by Yuito''s cavalry.


    The battle was swift and the second battalion was wiped out. Those whom survived was taken in as prisoners of war.


    "Now make haste back to the fortress!!!"


    Meanwhile at Aldar Fort.


    As the enemy continued their siege, Chiharu stabs another enemy soldier. She turned to Eladain and asked.


    "How are things at your front?"


    "Could use more troops, but I will have to make do with what I have."


    Eladain replied as he parried a thrust and stabs his attacker. Both sides stopped fighting as multiple horns were heard. Chiharu turned around, to her surprise a battalion numbering five hundred soldiers made their way into the fort.


    A man wearing full plate armor approached Chiharu, he opened his visor and kneels down.


    "I mustered as many soldiers as I could, I apologized for making you wait milady."


    "Stand up sir Edward, prepare your troops for a full frontal attack."


    Surprised with Chiharu''s decision Edward replied.


    "But they heavily outnumber us, we would be at a disadvantage if we fight them out in the open."


    "That''s an order. Have trust in my judgement."


    Chiharu commanded, sir Edward nodded and prepared his men for battle.


    The gates opened and the two armies clashed.


    Yuito and his forces rode as fast as they could back to the fort, their casualties was kept to a minimum, with a force of six hundred strong.


    "Look sir, the banner of sir Edwards, which means that reinforcements have arrived."


    One if the soldiers pointed at the banner hoisted at the keep.


    "Prepare for battle men, ride now to victory!!!"


    Akane unsheathes her sword, but Yuito turned to her, with a stern look on his face he told her.


    "Stay here, soldier stay here. Make sure this girl doesn''t do anything that would endanger herself."


    "Yes sir!!!"


    Yuito and his forces charged forward from the imperial army''s rear. Realizing that the battle was lost, the imperial troops made a retreat.


    "Don''t bother, they won''t be back anytime soon."


    Yuito rallied his troops and reunited with the garrison commander''s troops.


    "You two did well."


    "If it weren''t for Yuito''s leadership we couldn''t have won the battle."


    "Your overestimating my abilities Lieutenant."


    "But it''s true, I doubt I could lead my soldiers like you."


    A few hours later Yuni and the rest of Akane''s platoon returned with the prisoner''s of war.


    "What should we do with them?"


    "I would like to keep them within my custody. Especially their commander."


    "If that''s your wish, I''ll put the commander at your custody."

 Chapter 17: Promotion

    Normal PoV


    Fifteen days after the battle of Aldar Fort, the villagers returned to their villages respectively. The dead bodies were properly deposed, the conscripts were compensated for their actions, Most importantly, the risk of invasion is prevented.


    Akane was summoned to the Garrison commander''s quarters, along with the three knights.


    "I would like to commend you all for your efforts during the battle."


    Chiharu stood up her chair and placed a medal around my neck.


    "For your efforts in the battle, lady Akane, with the authority given to me by the crown, I hereby grant you the title of knight. Arise Knight Akane."


    "Congratulations on your promotion milady."


    Yuito told Akane with a smile.


    "For your leadership and bravery on the battlefield, I grant you the rank of Captain. Arise Captain Yuito.


    Like Akane a medal was given to Yuito, a satisfied smile formed on Chiharu''s face as she told Yuito.


    "The medal, it suits you."


    Yuito salutes in response, Chiharu turned to Raymond and Eladain. Her face went from smiling to serious.


    "With your efforts on the defense, we managed to hold our ground, for that I thank you. Knight Raymond and Eladain, I grant you both the rank of Lieutenant Commander."


    Chiharu let''s out a sigh as she looks around.


    "Logistics Commander Rayland has yet recovered from the battle. But he shall receive the title of knight."


    "You are all dismissed."


    Yuka noticed Akane exiting the Garrison commander''s quarters, she quickly ran up to her and salutes.


    "Congratulations on your promotion milady."


    "Same goes to you lieutenant Yuka."


    Yuka had a dissatisfied smile as she told Akane.


    "I only got promoted because of Milady''s actions."


    Akane shook her head and revealed a genuine smile.


    "That''s not true, without you I wouldn''t have been able to lead the platoon."


    "Anyways, congratulations on your promotion milady."


    Yuka waved her hands as she disappears into the distance. Akane quickly returned to her quarters.


    Yuni prepared a cup of green tea, Sunnyside up eggs and rice.


    "Time for me to go back to work, otherwise Head Maid Lena would get mad. Rest here for a while Akane, I will be back in no time."


    With a smile on her face, Yuni left the quarters, Akane let''s out a sigh as she sat on her bed.


    "What should I do? There''s no books to read, no one to talk with, nothing to to."


    Akane got up the bed, went to her desk and took out some documents, a bottle if ink and a quill.


    "I will just finish the tomorrow''s paperwork, after all I am Chiharu''s secretary."


    Akane''s PoV


    It''s been a few hours since Yuni left, after finishing the paperwork I quickly went back to bed. I heard the sound of someone knocking on the door, I got up and asked.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Who is it?"


    "I-It''s me Yuni."


    My face instantly formed a smile, It''s the first time in a while that I felt this lonely, luckily Yuni''s there to cheer me up.


    "Come in."


    The door opened, Yuni along with Ange enters the room, her hand cuffed.


    "What''s your business here?"


    "I brought her along Akane, she seems to have something to ask you."


    I asked Ange, she gave no reply. I sighed and returned to the bed. Silence filled the room, Yuni got up to make some tea, which left me alone with Ange.


    "What''s your business here?"


    I asked her again, unlike her response to my first question, she took a deep breathe and answered shyly.


    "Thank you for giving my subordinates proper treatment, even though we''re your enemy, you didn''t hesitate to help us."


    "It''s only natural, we''re human beings after all."


    "I-Is that so?"


    After letting out a sigh, I glared at Ange with a stern look on my face and asked.


    "That''s not all is it?"


    Ange closed her eyes and nodded.


    "You told me that you wanted me to become a part of your platoon, why?"


    "I felt like you''re someone I could trust, after all you had the option to flee, despite that you chose to stay behind, even willingly offered your life in exchange for the safety of your subordinates."


    Ange had a serious look on her face as she asked.


    "What would you do? If I chose to betray you?"


    "I''ll think about it when we get there."


    Someone knocked on the door, Yuni entered the room with a trolley which contains sweets and tea.


    "Your tea milady."


    Yuni jokingly said, I giggled at her remark.


    "Thank you dear."


    Yuni placed a cup of tea and sweets beside Ange, with a bright smile she told her.


    "Eat up, I know you haven''t been eating for a while."


    Ange shook her head in response, Yuni sighed and glared at me. I sighed and took a sip of tea.


    "Ange please drink the tea before it gets cold."


    Ange nodded, she took a sip and a smile formed on her face.


    "It''s delicious."


    "Try some of the sweets, I''m sure you''ll like them as well."


    Ange took a cookie and ate it, she turned to Yuni and asked


    "Did you make these yourself miss Yuni?"


    Yuni nodded in response and poured more tea in Ange''s cup.


    "Thank you."


    After finishing eating, Yuni went outside to wash the dishes. I turned to Ange and told her.


    "Take care of yourself more, I know you''re blaming yourself for letting your subordinates get captured."


    "How did you know?!?"


    Ange asked in shock.


    "Your facial expressions tells me everything."


    "I-Is that so?"


    "Don''t worry too much, your lost wasn''t your fault. Those who died doesn''t blame you either."


    Ange smiled at my remarks, seemingly cheered up.


    "Thank you very much Miss Akane, I feel better now."


    Afterwards she ran off back to her quarters.

 chapter 18: Return

    Three months ago before the battle of Aldar Fort.


    Normal PoV


    Akari mustered as many soldiers as she could, she travelled around the kingdom, in preparation for war against the empire.


    "If my hunch is correct, a civil war will occur within the empire, which is the best chance to strike."


    Akari told herself as she galloped her horse to the nearest town.


    Various letters were sent out to lords, whom earned Akari''s trust during the war against the empire.


    Akari visited all the Lords whom sworn loyalty to her. A week has passed, Akari has managed to amass ten thousand soldiers, ready for war from various regional lords.


    Akari, along those under her command moved with haste, they rode as fast as they could. To the city of Azule, Capital of Hakuroku kingdom.


    Akari''s PoV


    Upon arriving at the gates, the city guard blocked our path. Captain Rudolf dismounted his horse, showed the guard documents, we''re escorted to the major of the prime minister.


    "Rudolf, please tell your men to wait here, if I don''t return within three hours, that would mean on thing. I have been assassinated."


    Rudolf salutes and orders his men to be on standby.


    "Let me speak with your master."


    I ordered the guards, who immediately stepped back, upon seeing my eyes. I entered the manor, while my escorts remained outside.


    "Your Majesty, I wasn''t expecting you to return this soon, the kingdom is doing well under my supervision, is there anything that you wish to discuss with me?"


    With a smile on my face, I told the prime minister in a sarcastic tone.


    "I know, I appointed you as prime minister because of your talent, not social status. Under your supervision the kingdom has become the wealthiest country within the continent."


    "Enough with the formalities, it''s good to see you, Harvey my old friend."


    Prime Minister Harvey Leyland, revealed a smile on his face and replied.


    "Welcome back Your Majesty, Akane Ikinawa-sama, my one and only childhood friend."


    The smile on his face vanished quickly, with a serious look on his face, Harvey asked.


    "Something terrible has either happened or is about to happen, if not you would have simply sent a messenger to come here."


    This story is posted elsewhere by the author. Help them out by reading the authentic version.


    I clicked my tongue, revealing a self-mocking smile on my face.


    "I can''t hide anything from you after all. You know almost everything about me."


    Harvey laughed and replied.


    "Likewise from me to you."


    Harvey lead me up his office, a maid prepared me a cup of green tea. With a serious look on his face, Harvey asked.


    "Have the empire have began to make a move, while you were on exile, I have begun making preparation for war, I have amassed an army of seven thousand soldiers."


    "I have rallied over ten thousand troops, mostly from the eastern lords."


    "That''s a lot more than I expected."


    "The army is being rallied to the province of Seil, the city of Arvel."


    "I understand, I''ll dispatch the army to Arvel. The funding won''t be an issue either."


    I took a dagger out my pocket and placed it on the desk, with a stern look on my face.


    "Could you tell me about this."


    Harvey picked up the dagger, appraised it, he took out a deep breathe, returned it to me, the smile Harvey had on his face disappeared now replaced with a serious look.


    "This belongs to the empire''s elite, the royal guard which is regarded as their best soldiers. The glyphs carved on the dagger, you can notice it. The insignia of the emperor."


    He paused for a moment and asked.


    "Where did you get this?"


    I took a sip of tea and replied.


    "They attacked my home, attempted killing me and my husband."


    Harvey''s face was pale, the facade of his composure vanished.


    "Could the empire have located your safehouse? If I would make arrangements for a new one."


    I shook my head in denial and replied.


    "It''s something much worst."


    There was silence in the room, I rang a bell and asked for more tea, having my cup refilled, I took a sip and continued.


    "I discovered the inhumane experiments which the empire conducted upon it''s citizens. They were making supersoldiers, by injecting people with vampire blood."


    Harvey had a serious look on his face, as he asked his maid to summon the Grand Marshall. Harvey faced me and replied.


    "If that''s the case, we shall begin manufacture silver weaponry, distribute them to areas near the border. However I''m concerned on how this will affect our country''s economy."


    I took another sip of tea and told Harvey.


    "Can I make a request to you?"


    Harvey''s eye widened, he placed his hand on his chin.


    "It''s not like you to make requests, which means this is something that I would normally reject, right?"


    I placed a paper parchment on his desk and answered.


    "That''s the case here, I want you to arrange the citizenship for a young girl, whom was subjected to those experiments I mentioned earlier."


    Harvey grit his teeth in anger, his face was beet red.


    "You''re out of your mind, let me rephrase that. You''re out of your mind. To even consider letting a monster such as a vampire to live in our country. What if it endangered the lives of our citizens."


    I sighed, bit my lips in frustration.


    "Such a thing wouldn''t happen, if it does, the very first victim would be the crown princess, my daughter Akane. The two became inseparable friends, however I noticed that she seems to be infatuated with my daughter."


    Harvey slammed his desk and shouted angrily at me.


    "That''s it you''ve completely lost your mind, letting your own daughter near such a monster."


    I placed my hand atop Harvey''s hands and told him.


    "I have faith in that girl, she truly cares about Akane well-being, she spent a long time with my daughter, and did her no harm, I wish you would trust my decision more Harvey."


    Harvey took a sip of green tea, he let''s out a sigh.


    "Fine, I''ll trust your decision, I''m only expressing my concern for the crown princess."


    I nodded and replied.


    "Most certainly."


    "Anything else?"


    "I would like you to appoint Captain Chiharu as the garrison commander of Aldar fort and Dalen."


    "Your reason?"


    "It''s for the safety of the crown princess, I contacted her to keep an eye on the two."


    Satisfied with reply Harvey nodded.


    "Okay I''ll approved it."


    Harvey opened his drawer and handed me documents, which is proof of  embezzlement, along other notorious crimes of the southern lords.


    "Looks like we still have much more to discuss."