Episode 64. Regular Meeting / Aeshers’ Forces (1)
*
The journey to Balhart Castle wasn’t much different from Anel Castle.
One distinction was the familiar faces I recognized along the way.
Having played [Garland Eternity Saga] and repeatedly seen these characters, I recognized many of them.
“This truly feels like Aeshers’ Forces, a treasury of talents.”
The keyword for Aeshers’ Forces was ‘outstanding talents.’
Despite a weak foundation, they aimed for continental unification through the brilliance of their talents.
Though it required some effort, it was manageable, suitable for an intermediate level lord.
Arriving at the castle,
A guard stopped us.
“Please identify yourselves.”
“Airen Juliet. I’ve recently joined.”
“And you?”
“Swen. Like Airen next to me, I recently joined Aeshers’ Forces.”
“Airen Juliet, Swen… Please wait a moment.”
The guard entered a small room beside us.
Shortly after, he came out, saluted us, and said,
“Sorry for the inconvenience. Please, come in.”
We nodded to the guard and entered the castle where the meeting was held.
Reaching the meeting hall, Airen and I found a spot among the gathered people.
After settling down, I looked around.
“Wow.”
I was almost taken aback by the familiar faces, notably Aeshers’ Forces’ second-in-command, Epinel Rosencross.
Known for her turquoise ponytail and revealing armor, she was waiting for the meeting to start with her eyes closed and arms crossed.
Opposite her was a woman with long wavy blue hair, Emma Adlon, one of the few with the ‘Siege’ specialty, similar to Airen.
The difference between them might be their chest size. Unlike Emma’s average build, Airen seemed to need custom-made armor.
Next to her was a large man, probably Hernandorf Arisian, known for his brute strength within Aeshers’ Forces.
Epinel, Emma, and Hernandorf were referred to as the “Three Ladies of Aeshers,” a term actually used in the game’s character introduction.
The meeting began with a report on last month’s achievements, highlighting the three ladies’ accomplishments.
“Let’s start with some discussion on last meeting’s policies. Everyone has worked hard. Despite failing to capture Brans’ Forces, we’ve made significant progress elsewhere. Let’s continue this momentum.”
Feeling somewhat embarrassed due to my contributions to Aeshers’ Forces’ central expansion failure, I reminded myself that this was now my home.
“First, let’s gather some opinions. Any suggestions?”
“Lord.”
Jinor was the first to speak up.
“Auspicious energy has been detected around Balhart’s domain. Exploring the castle and its territories could prove beneficial.”
Exploration was unusual for a strategist to suggest unless hidden talents or treasures were involved.
Then,
“Yuuri, I have something to say.”
Emma spoke informally, indicating a close relationship with Yuuri, much like Tifa’s with Lunarien.
Yuuri didn’t mind the informality and asked,
“What is it?”
“I suggest we deal with Charam and Alephel. Keeping them serves no further purpose. We should clear any potential threats in preparation for our confrontation with Brans’ Forces.”
“Hmm.”
After considering, Yuuri decided,
“Let’s prioritize Jinor’s suggestion of exploring Balhart. Everyone, please focus on your tasks to achieve our goals, understood?”
“Understood!”
The meeting continued without objection, highlighting the individual power of suggestions within Aeshers’ Forces.
Notably, at Epinel’s request, 10,000 soldiers from Balhart Castle were reassigned to her fortress, indicating the strong influence of the “Three Ladies of Aeshers.”
As the meeting concluded,
Yuuri stood up and addressed me specifically,
“Swen, please stay behind.”
The sudden focus on me was unexpected, but as a loyal vassal, I complied,
“Understood.”
Once the room cleared, only Yuuri, Jinor, and I remained.
Approaching Yuuri’s throne, I inquired,
“What’s the matter?”
“I have a question for you.”
“Regarding?”
“Actually, it’s more about him.”
Yuuri nodded towards Jinor.
Jinor, recalling his infamous line about intelligence, approached me cautiously and asked,
“Are you Swen?”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“Why? What’s going on?”
Jinor, looking at me with a carefully measured tone, began to speak.
