Arnold had collapsed shortly after his reunion with Celeste's mother. He was sound asleep in another carriage after doctors—who were apparently in the camps with the lords who came to help—checked on his injuries and applied first aid, which would last until they get to a proper medical facility. The closest one would be in his city.
This would be Vealle's first visit to Whitage City. She could never really find the time to spend time with family and friends as a knight's job is never done. Though that would be strange to say in this situation when she's not at her post.
The carriage was quite spacious, lent to them by a neighboring fief lord, so all of them could fit into the same carriage, with Guinevere (who shrank herself to be as tall as the average human), Ceru, Myrena and Vealle. There was an Elf by the name of Sylphiala as well but Vealle didn't know where she came from and what she was doing there.
All she said when approaching their carriage earlier was that she's acquainted with Arnold and needs to speak with him.
Speaking of Arnold, he wasn't in any danger, but he had many broken bones and—from the quick examination by doctors—his lifeforce was expended a bit from overusing his skills. Adrenaline, and perhaps that clunky magic armor, was all that kept him going in that final confrontation.
"There are a lot of good people willing to fight for their countrymen." The red-haired woman remarked as she looked out the back window.
There were about 20 carriages following after this one. There were also hundreds of people walking alongside the carriages, some who lost their homes in the attacks so they were seeking refuge elsewhere while the town recovers. Or perhaps it's because they found out that Arnold—the hero who fought the Kaiju—is the city lord of Whitage so now they're heading there as well. Vealle wasn't sure if the nobles were going to Whitage City or directly to the capital.
"If you knew how nobles are in today's society, you would not have that innocent thought." Myrena was the one who replied to her.
"How so?"
"They are trying to curry favor with both the Emperor and my King."
"Your… king?" Vealle frowned at those words.
"For someone who is apparently acquainted with him since his childhood, you don't seem to know much, Madam." The raven-haired girl sighed and began to explain what's been going on in Arnold's life.
In addition to his lineage, Sylphy explained how they met and what he did for her in exchange for working with him. The conversation also shifted to Ceru—one blow after another, like a cultural shock, Vealle sat there with a blank face. Guinevere was the only one not speaking of her origins, as if ashamed of it.
"I'm confused," the woman named Guinevere said, "Shouldn't Pure Angels keep their identity a secret if they contract with a human? I can sense your energy in his body so the two of you must be contracted since your reincarnation cycle began."
"Ehehehe…" she scratched her cheek with a wry smile.
"Well, maybe it's because there are no Gods in this world so there is no consequence. I wonder what Yorm would say about this, though. She believes Pure Angels should never bear witness to true human nature." Her ominous remark was the last thing that was said before there was silence.
The carriage rolled into Whitage city.
Perhaps they heard what happened in the town not far from here, as there were thousands of people lining the streets. Could his name really be this significant that it would spread like wildfire that he's in the town?
This came as quite a shock to Vealle as she imagined that Arnold's citizens would hate him, going by his actions and behavior towards others and the negative rumors that circulated around him. But it's her fault for putting work first. She had many opportunities to come, even being urged by her superiors to just take a break.
Maybe they worried more about her constantly pushing the recruits and new hires until exhaustion. She can't help but be strict with them since that's just how she was raised by her father, so she's been leading his example for 20 years since joining the military after graduating from the war college.
"There are lots of different races here." She remarked, spotting some she's never even seen before, like the rabbit demihumans and Lizardfolk.
"From what I know about this city," the Elf replied, "as long as you contribute to its restoration process, whether that's by building an orphanage or school to take children off the streets, paying taxes, starting up a farm, hunting for butcheries—or other tasks many would call mundane—you will be accepted into this city."
"…That explains a lot then. Honestly Arnold used to hate the demihumans who look more like animals than human so it's surprising to see most of them here. Maybe he hated demihumans in general but I can't say for sure with how many demihuman girls he courted." Vealle let out a chuckle, "It's good to know he can put his education to good use. His father believed he would be a terrible lord but here he is running a city. But I'm sure he's still lazy so he has competent people on his side to do the work for him…"
Vealle looked at Myrena as she was curious about this new girl Arnold has in his life, "So, you are his first wife now that Olivia is no longer engaged to him. How has he been treating you?"
"?" she tilted her head, "I don't recall saying I am the first wife?"
"Eh? There's more?"
**
"Welcome, honored guests. My name is Siana von Luthwroth, First Lady of this residence and Plenipotentiary of this city." A beautiful young woman with long white hair, donning a reserved but beautiful white dress, greeted Vealle and the others.
"First Lady" literally just means "first wife" of the city lord.
Anyway, Arnold was transported to the medical facility upon arriving in the city. it was quite a surprise to know that there are actual medical facilities in this infamous and once notorious city where crime was rampant and there was no city watch to maintain order. You could say one good thing came of the city lord's own citizens murdering him.
"It is good to see you again… Madam Penston." Victoria, wearing a ring around her finger and standing next to the supposed First Lady as if they are equals, greeted them as well.
Vealle stood with her eyes slightly wide, not only at the revelation that Arnold had three wives, but also the majestic palace that stood on the north corner of his city, casting a magnificent shadow over the bustling city.
Something like that wasn't here when she rode past this city a few years ago. And there's no way construction of such a palace can be completed in that timeframe.
"…How long have you known Arnold, Lady Siana?" as they were led into the estate, Vealle asked that question.
"You would laugh at me if I was honest." She chuckled with a small smile.
"…My apologies for the personal question."
"Ah, don't mind it. Perhaps we can get to know each other another day but for now I would like to go to the hospital to spend time with him. I apologize for not being a proper host for today." she stopped and bowed her head.
"You are a very respectable young woman… Your accent sounds quite unfamiliar—are you from outside the empire?"
They continued walking through the estate, taking the pathway leading up to the front fountain where several carriages stood. Not just any carriages but fancy ones adorned with sigils, gold, decorations—even down to the wheels. These were the carriages of Arnold's nobles. You wouldn't expect poor nobles to have these kinds of carriages given the city's previous financial struggles but since they are now being paid by the city lord to manage his territories, they've splurged on unimportant things.
"Yes, I moved here quite recently and wish to build a life here with Sir Arnold." Siana looked back at the women behind Vealle, "…I know Ceru as we've spent time together for a short while but who are you three? Rivals perhaps?" she asked in jest.
"He is my blessing giver so it is natural I worry about his safety." Guinevere said something that none of them understood.
Ceru seemed to get it as she nodded along and said "we're kind of like sisters, hehe~"
"I work for him now…" the Elf girl said.
"He is the reincarnation of the dragon lord we call our king. As I am a woman of the Taelith Household, I am fated to marry him so it is nice to meet you, Sister." The girl with jet-black hair said with a smile.
"…Oh, okay… Ahem, it seems there are a lot of interesting people by my fiancé's side so I should ensure I make time to get to know you all."
Siana turned to them when they entered the palace and stood in the great hall. You wouldn't think this is the residence of some city lord—more like one fit for a king. There were servants on one side of the great hall standing at the ready and on the other were knights, some in red armor.
"As I said earlier, I cannot be a proper host as I must go to Sir Arnold's side so Victoria will be taking over in that regard as she is my sister by marriage." Victoria, who was standing behind them, nodded, "We will be taking turns going to his side so I hope it won't be rude towards you."
"Please don't worry about that." Myrena assured it won't be a problem. Siana is overly polite but she doesn't appear to be a doormat you can just walk over.
"Please excuse me." Siana bowed before leaving their side in a hurry, holding up her dress as she jogged upstairs. Replacing her, Victoria addressed them:
"I may be the second wife but I am still the head maid so let me know if there is anything you would like my help with or if you are dissatisfied with my servants." After getting that point across, she continued, "I'd like to know how long you all will be staying so that I can draft up a schedule. We have many guests today so I would like to get that changed by the end of the day."
"Oh, I won't be staying long." Vealle responded, "As I'm the head commander of my own outpost, the emperor will be furious that I've left my post so I intend to leave in two days after returning from the capital city, Toril. Arnold has always had a fast recovery speed even from his brutal training with Sebastian so I know he'll be fine by then. Or stable at least."
"I want to support him and be by his side but my mother made me promise to bring Tyrgavion and the dragons back by tomorrow. Currently they are resting outside the city without the shelter of their dragon pits so I will take my leave by sunrise." Myrena responded with a smile, "Also, it's nice to meet you, sister."
"…Likewise, Miss Myrena."
"I'll go look for my sister and friends then we'll leave the city within the next hour or so." Sylphiala was the next to speak, "I'll return in a few days since I work for him now." She said it so bitterly, as if working for him is the greatest punishment she could receive. But it could also signal that she's not confident she will be able to help a man with such expansive ambitions.
"Hmm, he didn't say anything about a new maid." Victoria examined her with a glance, "Unless Lunaria has been doing my job of hiring servants."
"I'm not going to be a maid…! I don't even know how to make proper meal…"
"A new wife then?"
"I just work here now… same as you. You can just think of me as his new blacksmith since I do that too."
"Ah, then my apologies." After she was done speaking to Sylphy, Guinevere was the next to respond.
"I'll stay until he's better, however long that may be. So long as he is at such a weakened state, he is vulnerable to outside attacks so if his life is in danger, so will my own."
"?" Victoria looked at her in confusion, "…Could you elaborate on that?"
"He didn't say anything about his journey in the Sky God Dungeon?"
"He told me part of it but he didn't mention any new comrades."
"I would not say we are comrades… Frankly, I am embarrassed to say how our bond began…" she looked away with a red flush. Mistaking this for something weird, Victoria gave her a strange look.
'He courted a demigod…?' Vealle also misunderstood that gesture, thinking she's a maiden in love too shy to speak of how she fell for him.
Arnold has always been charming despite his overall personality. Many of Vealle's friends fell for this charm even when he was a boy—some taking it as far into his bed. He would entertain the ladies during balls and would be the first one to receive a line of maidens willing to dance with him.
It's possible that many of them were that interested in him due to being the heir of a Ducal House, with ties to the Imperial Throne. But there's no denying that even if he was a commoner with no land or lineage, he would be able to have the same kind of success with women.
Speaking of land and lineage, once the world hears that he slayed a Demon King and took his name to build his new House upon its ashes, it would create quite the frenzy. Nobles would flock to his city, wishing to integrate, businesses would build new branches, marriage proposals would number in the thousands, and kings from even across the sea will wish to build connections with him.
He's a hero and even the Theocracy must acknowledge that.
A commotion started deep in the palace with porcelain vases and plates being shattered and curtains falling to the ground. A servant's yell could be heard and some poor fellow was pushed out a window (luckily this is just the ground level).
This disturbed their tour. Thinking it was an intruder, Guinevere got ready to fight.
Victoria sighed, as if she knew something troublesome was about to head towards them.
The next moment proved her right.
A blue silhouette moved through the halls, moving so fast that all Vealle could see were afterimages or a blurry smear. Guinevere, still mistaking it as an intruder, jumped into action and quickly caught whatever it was.
"—Come back here!" a young woman's voice echoed down the halls, which immediately caused something to whine as if it didn't want to stay here.
"E-Eh!?" Guinevere finally noticed what it was she caught—a wolf with blue fur that was almost as tall as her, "A wolf?"
The source of the voice from before finally arrived in the great hall—a beautiful young woman with jet-black hair.
'Don't tell me… Another one…'
"Thanks for catching him!" she hurried over to Guinevere who was still holding down the wolf.
The wolf began to howl as if in pain and whimper while struggling to get free.
"Uhm, what did you do to it? It seems afraid of you." When Guinevere let go of the wolf, it hurriedly stood behind her and growled.
"This mutt won't let me dig through his memories! I saved you from death so at least let me see what the River of Cocytus is like!" the girl spoke while groping thin air while smirking and drooling.
Hooooowl
"It says dark magic entering its mind is unpleasant—I can understand it somehow. What breed of wolf is this?"
"Siana says it's a magic beast of sorts, as unbelievable as that might sound." Victoria answered, "According to Elizabeth, its spirit roamed this castle even after its death so she could bring it back to life, putting Siana forever in her debt. Despite being a magic beast, a creature said to be from ancient times, with ties to the divine realm, it acts like any mutt we have in this city."
While Victoria was giving it a glare, Fridulf was scratching his ear like any other dog would.
"A magic beast…? I'm certain there's only one breed of wolf-type magic beast." Guinevere hesitantly put her hands on the wolf's head, which it allowed. Then she lifted its ears. There was a blue glow inside its ears, as if a magic lantern was placed inside its head. But that glow was more divine in nature, and not a weak flame.
"As I suspected, a Moon Wolf! I thought they died off even before the Soul King started hunting divine beasts for sport." She patted the wolf. "We used to live among them; I even had my own cub since its mother was killed in combat."
"The magic beasts have not been sighted in our world hundreds of years before the great war against the demons—how old are you exactly, Miss Guinevere?" asked Myrena, "I observed your fight with the titanic demon and have no doubts of your ties to the divine realm so your strength is not to be denied but to think you are walking among us, when you could have seen greater empires than Eulia fall and magic beasts roam the lands."
Vealle agreed silently.
"I've stopped counting the years." She said with a bitter smile, "I was in a state of blankness while tied to… that tree. Fortunately, my memories still remain."
"…There is a Guinevere spoken of in legends, who slayed the enemies of cities that had no coin to support an army, who helped free a beloved knight from the clutches of a vampire lord, among many other heroic deeds. She was described as a symbol of heroism and every woman to this day who becomes a knight, does so to continue her legacy. She was described as one of the Valkyries who remained in our world when the others left—might you be this woman?"
"It pains me to say this but I did nothing of what is said in the history books no matter how much I wish to. I fought the demons, yes, but only after… Promethius was exhausted and on his knees, at the mercy of the Demon King."
"You… You met the Demon King…?" Vealla blinked blankly.
A hero from the past not only survived the encounter but returned to the present to fight for humanity. Not just any hero, one of Valkyrie lineage, a demigod.
"Let me look inside your head!" Elizabeth was still chasing the wolf around Guinevere but it was too swift and agile for her. She didn't look like the athletic type.
"I suppose you could call it that. It haunts me every day that I could never kill her."
"Her? Wait, the King is a woman?" several gasps resounded in the hall as the nosey servants listened in.
"Yes, she's one of the first. The titan we fought is her father."
Silence followed, but Guinevere continued.
"Please, if you have questions about the war, I cannot answer them now. It was during a very difficult time for me so I will need time to be ready."
'What could've happened to her for her to not want to speak about it?'
"…Well, I'm certain you all are exhausted from your trip so please follow me so that I may take you to our guest bedrooms."
"Thank you, Miss Victoria."
**
In the end Fridulf turned into a small puppy and jumped on Guinevere's shoulder to escape Elizabeth's pursuit. The group were led to their rooms then had meals delivered to their rooms. It's a few hours from sunrise yet the streets below were still bustling with activity. Curious as to what the city was like even at this hour, Vealle stared out her room's window.
"One would think they're celebrating a great feast with how rowdy all of them are." She said to no one, "How do these people find the energy to have parties in the streets like this?"
Even the empire's cities are never this crowded at night. Crime happens nearly every hour in such a vast empire, whether in its capital walls or outside of it. Vealle read the crime reports from recent months that were compiled by lawmakers and it was found that Whitage City had the lowest of them all—zero crime has occurred, in fact. It was like the city's people vanished from the face of the earth, yet the scene in front of her disproves that silly notion.
That memory of reading the crime documents stayed buried in the corner of her mind but seeing what a great city this once lawless place has become, awakened that memory once again.
"What could possibly be the reason for this?" she spotted a line of armored knights marching through the streets, some in red armor just like in the great hall.
From a glance, she can't tell how strong they are since they aren't hostile but she heard many rumors.
"No country of note has been renting out knights in red armor. Could Arnold have become allies with a foreign nation?"
This worries Vealle deeply. No emperor would like it knowing an independent lord is seeking the armies of outside forces instead of raising his own. What if the interests of those outsiders will clash with the empire? She'd like to investigate but reporting to the capital is more important at the moment.
A knock came from the door.
"Come in." after closing the window, Vealle gave her permission for the servant to enter, "Victoria? You're never one to rest even after I've known you for this long."
Instead of her maid uniform, Victoria was now in casual clothes fit for the winter as if she's ready to depart somewhere.
"I've been trying to get rid of that habit and getting more sleep lately." she answered Vealle's jab.
"I see. How can I help you?"
She locked the door behind her before she began to speak, "There is something I've been wanting to ask you but have never gotten the chance."
"Is it about your family?" Vealle sat down on a chair and beckoned Victoria to sit down as well.
She nodded, "…How do I break my connection to the underworld… like you did?"
"I thought we promised to never speak of our ties to it ever again, Victoria." Vealle's smile was anything but kind and her voice was cold, "Even if you require help, I don't want to set an inch over that line that leads to it. And by helping you means exposing myself to more threats when I have already proven I do not wish to associate with the underworld ever again."
It was an impossible task not many have ever managed to do—or rather, survived. But she did after Siegfried Dragneud supported her decision.
By showing even slight intention of going back there again, she risks everything once again.
"No, I'm not asking you to do that… Advice—that is all I need." Her eyes pleaded more than her own words did.
"…" with a sigh, Vealle said, "…I'm sorry, child. Even thinking about it brings back bad memories."
"And I apologize for coming on so strongly but this is urgent as I want to move on…"
She fiddled with the ring around her finger then laughed subconsciously, "Today I find out that my future husband is a dragon and I may never be able to give him a child, something I've dreamed of since I could earnestly tell myself how much I loved him. The Gods have given me only half a wish. If I did not find out sooner, I may have pestered him for us to try for years, thinking we will be able to make a child." Just as the corner of her eyes were sparkling in the candlelight, she lowered her head with a sniffle, "I can never have an actual family—those monsters will be all I have left. If I ever hold a child in my arms, it will not be my own but someone else's, if they can conceive a half dragon."
"Victoria…" though the two of them barely knew each other, this secret they share runs deeper than any bond as it can destroy both their lives if revealed.
"I'm sorry… I'll get to the point." She wiped something from her cheek and cleared her throat, "You're familiar with the methods they use to bind people like me to the underworld, right? I've done lots of research but I don't know if I can break every chain they're holding around my body."
Choosing not to comment on her dream, Vealle replied, "I'll do my utmost to help you, as long as it's within my power. I won't be here long as I intend to leave for the capital tomorrow to inform the emperor of what happened. First, we need to identify any secret scripts they may have left on your body—"
Their conversations continued well into the morrow.