Episode 49. Lunarian Seeks Refuge in Carleria
—
While she was diligently encouraging the farmers and tilling the field, a woman approached her.
“Luna, you were here.”
“Ah! Hello, Cecil.”
Cecil Roengrin.
One of the founding contributors of the Carleria Kingdom, she was the sole heiress of the wealthy Roengrin family, who donated all her fortune to Carleria, charmed by the monarch’s virtue.
With her elegant short brown hair and the single eyeglass that seemed to accentuate her meticulousness, she was as gentle as the monarch and held in high regard within Carleria.
She was also one of the people who advocated for accommodating the nomadic group of Lunarian, bringing her closer to Lunarian, beyond just a business-like relationship.
“How’s everything going? Is your work going well?”
“Well, I believe all the farmers are doing their best… However, the weather hasn’t been cooperative, so I’m not sure if we can meet our quarterly target.”
Despite advancements in technology that drastically improved agricultural productivity, the most crucial factor, the weather, could still pose significant challenges.
“The fact that Luna is working hard is something everyone sees. You shouldn’t worry too much.”
“I’m at a loss for words with such kindness.”
Luna bowed in gratitude, then cautiously asked,
“May I ask why you’re looking for me?”
Knowing Cecil had a special mission from Monarch Carleria this quarter, she wouldn’t have had the time to visit without a reason.
“The monarch is looking for you.”
“The monarch?”
Nodding.
Whatever the reason, as a subject, Lunarian had no choice but to respond to the monarch’s call.
“I understand. I’ll go to the castle right away.”
“Let’s do that. I’d love to catch up with Luna, but we’re both busy at the moment… Let’s talk again when we have the chance.”
“You’re always welcome, Cecil.”
After parting with a smile, Lunarian told the farmers,
“Everyone. Since the monarch has called for me, let’s call it a day. You all can go home. I’ll finish up here when I return.”
“Lunarian, you don’t have to come back today! Leave the rest to us! It’s okay if you don’t return!”
“No, it’s alright. Don’t overdo it—”
“Please let us work for Lunarian!”
“Everyone…”
Touched by the farmers’ words, Lunarian hesitated for a moment before bowing deeply.
“Then, I’m in your hands. I’ll count on you all tomorrow as well. Don’t push yourselves too hard, and go home safely.”
“Take care!”
Despite not needing to plead, the fact that a commander who apologizes to them exists was quietly becoming a topic among the castle’s farmers, unbeknownst to her.
—
Madlan Castle, while lacking the opulence typical of a major city’s castle, was built with a practical purpose in mind. This was partly due to the initial plan for the castle to fulfill only the most essential roles and reflected the current ruler, Makana Carleria’s, preference for avoiding unnecessary extravagance.
Lunarian, now familiar with the castle’s corridors, headed towards the central audience chamber.
Upon arrival,
“Ah, Lunarian. Welcome.”
Carleria greeted her with a smile.
Her long, dark green hair was elegantly tied up, adorned with simple jewelry. Her eyes, a shade darker than her hair, exuded warmth and generosity. The plain clothes she wore seemed dignified simply because she was wearing them, embodying a monarch’s aura not of oppression but of inclusive leadership.
Standing beside her, observing coldly, was Vanessa Trinity, the state counselor who perfectly complemented Carleria’s weaknesses.
“Lunarian Iniang, at your summons, I have arrived.”
After Lunarian knelt and paid her respects, Carleria gestured for her to relax.
“Be at ease. I didn’t call you to talk lengthily about agriculture. I have a favor to ask.”
“A favor?”
“I want to talk about Tepelro Castle. You’re familiar with it, right?”
Vanessa twitched at the mention, but Lunarian didn’t catch it.
“Tepelro Castle, near the border with Ohana Kingdom?”
“Correct. Your friends, Tifa and Cain, are stationed there.”
When they joined Carleria with 3,000 troops, Lunarian was assigned to Madlan, while Cain and Tifa were sent to Tepelro, separating them.
Since then, they hadn’t met due to their responsibilities.
“Yes. Recently, the lord Carlos expressed a desire to step down due to age and health reasons. I respect his wish to retire after dedicating himself to our cause even at his advanced age. Therefore, Tepelro Castle currently has no lord.”
“Is that so…?”
“What do you think?”
“Well… I suppose it must have been tough for Carlos… That’s what comes to mind.”
“And?”
“And what, Your Majesty? I apologize, but I’m not sure what you’re asking me…”
Carleria chuckled at Lunarian’s response.
“Lunarian, you’re truly innocent. It seems directness is best with you.”
“?”
“Lunarian, from this moment, I appoint you as the lord of Tepelro Castle.”
At that, Lunarian was so shocked her eyes widened dramatically.
“Yo-Your Majesty, suddenly assigning me as a lord seems far too generous for someone like me…”
“Sorry to interrupt, but my mind is made up. I want to see you play a bigger role, not just confined here in the capital. I don’t wish to waste your talents.”
“But…”
“No buts. I’m entrusting Tepelro Castle to you. Cease all your current duties and head there immediately to begin your role as its lord.”
“By your command, I will not let you down, Your Majesty.”
The lordship of Tepelro Castle.
Whether it was an opportunity or a poisoned chalice, Lunarian no longer hesitated.
As she bid farewell, she remembered the one promise she couldn’t forget, the promise made to her only strategist, Swen, who believed in her and whom she believed in. For him, she grasped the opportunity firmly.
“Trust in me, and I will place the world in your hands,” he had said. Now, she wouldn’t let this chance slip by.
“Your Majesty, I will take up the position.”
“Thank you, Lunarian. I trust in you.”
With that, Carleria stood up, extending her hand.
“Lunarian Iniang, from this moment, you are the lord of Tepelro Castle. Drop everything and go there at once to fulfill your duties as its lord.”
“I will do my utmost not to disappoint you, Your Majesty.”
Becoming a lord of one of Carleria’s castles could be an opportunity or a deadly trap. Yet, Lunarian was determined not to hesitate any longer.
For the sake of the strategist who had faith in her, for the sake of the promise she made, she took hold of the opportunity with both hands, ready to face whatever came her way. All for the man who had shown her unwavering belief, for Swen, her one and only strategist.
