Chapter 30 - A Year Later

Astoria's POV

I stood in the middle of this bloody battlefield and realized I've been slaving myself for almost a year. I begin to missed the North and the soft touches of Adelaide but-

"Countess- the scout spotted three more dragons south from here. How do we proceed?" I look at my knights and notice how tired they are. Since dawn, we have been slaying more monsters than we ever could imagine.

We have no idea what is going on but if this keeps on going, I don't think even I would be able to fight on. I shake off the blood from my blade and told the rest to built a camp. We can't continue this journey even if we have to. It's impossible.

As the knights built camp, I walk towards the edge of the ravine and realised how many of those monster still alive down there.

Arthur stood next to me and asked, "Will we be able to face this, milady?"

His question made me wonder if our future would be different from this. From the looks of things- it's impossible. But-

"It's almost been a year since I last saw Adelaide. She was dethroned from her position and decided to live at the North, waiting for me. I intend to come back alive just for her, my mother and my people. So Arthur, I implore that you do the same. For your family and friends- you must survive."

Arthur smiled.

"Of course I'll survive. I wish to see my children growing up and die of an old age with my wife by my side." I smiled at the old man before making our way back to the camp.

"The scouts are back."

I stood by the side, looking around the campsite just to see how the knights are faring. It's a given they are tired but what else can we do? It's not like we could leave the borders and let these monster roam free.

"Countess, the scouts reveal such alarming news. Not only do they detect a few more ogres and warlocks nearby but also a horde of new species of monsters which we never knew. They provided us with a few sketches." Arthur handed me a piece of paper.

It took me a minute to process this. How is it possible for a whole new species of monsters to exists? We made sure to destroy every traces of monsters we defeated and-

"It's impossible- we have lost many of our men and women- we can't-" my hands started to shake. What am I supposed to do? What would my father do in this situation? Arthur grabbed my hands immediately before patted my shoulder.

"Listen to me, milady," Arthur gained my attention.

"You can't give up now. You have a whole lot of soldier standing behind you. If the commander shows signs of fear, what would the knights think?"

Arthur is right. I- I need to,

"Survivors!"

Survivors?!

A few days later,

That's the third dragon I killed in the past few days. Will this war ever end? My men are tired and they have lost their will to fight this never ending skirmishes. They wish to see their family again but-

"Countess, are you alright?" I heard a voice called out to me.

"I'm fine." I grabbed a hold of my sword handle before pulled it out from the dragon's skull.

As I turned around, I saw a group of villagers being led to safer place. Some of them were shocked to see me with the dragon corpse.

"The villagers were hiding in the forest after their home were ravaged by monsters. I took the liberty sending words back to the North and they agreed to provide us with a few carriages and supplies." I see- I'm glad to have someone so reliable on my side.

"And there is a letter for you from Lady Adelaide." Arthur smiled.

Adelaide sent me a letter? That's rather weird of her to do so. Usually she would sent the hawk to me. I shake off the blood from my sword befor putting it back in its scabbard and took the letter from Arthur. I can't believe I'm this nervous to read a letter from my dear Adelaide.

The letter first starts with a simple greeting and then proceeding telling me how she's doing and how my mother and the North are in good hands while she's there. I can't help but smile as I continue reading the letter.

"It seems the lady has brought good news?" I had forgotten about Arthur who is standing next to me.

"The North is in good hands. And the lady will provided us with all the necessity with the help from the Hawthornes'."

The Hawthornes'-

They are formidable enough to stand against the imperial family. But if they continue to show their relationship with the North, even someone as great as the Hawthornes couldn't do much with imperial decree. I-

"Oh-" Arthur seems confused with my reaction after I read the last passage of the letter.

"Augustus Hawthorne will be joining us soon. The lady asked me to take care of him." Arthur gave me a look.

"Countess, you have no idea who Augustus Hawthorne is, do you?" I nodded. I have no intention of learning about the nobles of the empire since I'm busy with the border issues. But it seems this Augustus fellow is so popular among the knights.

"Augustus Hawthorne is a genius swordmaster. He created many sword skills that are widely used by knights across the empire. But for what reason the lord coming here? He will soon take over as the duke. So why?" Arthur hummed.

Isn't that a bit dangerous? Why would Adelaide sent her brother here?

A week later,

It's been a week since Adelaide sent me the letter and finally, help has arrived from the North. Although there was a few setbacks, with Augustus's help, they manage to go through it without anyone losing their life.

"Countess Astoria, it's nice to finally meet you in person. From the looks of things, it wouldn't be wise of me to ask how have you been." We shake hands. Augustus looks just like Adelaide at a glance. Mainly because of their white hair.

I can feel his aura even before he got off his horse and just seeing him eye to eye, I understand why the knights, especially Arthur, are excited to know he would be joining us in this war against monsters. With his huge build, it's a given he's a swordmaster. At a glance, even the monsters are scared of him.

"Do you mind if we have a talk in private?" I shake my head no before leading Augustus to a secluded area of the camp.

Augutus suddenly handed me a little box. "My sister would like you to have this."

I wonder what's inside and when I open it, it's a brooch. Why would Adelaide give me a brooch? I wouldn't be able to wear them since I'm in my armor all the time.

"Adelaide said to make it as a necklace and always bring them with you. This brooch was blessed by the pope. It will ensure your safety." I see.

I thank Augustus and wait for him to speak.

"I was briefed by the scouts that you had sent. The situation is dire and the empire has completely forgotten about the borders. They are busy preparing to crown the new empress instead of making an effort to show their concerns for their knights. But don't feel alarmed, the Hawthornes and some of the nobles under us will never turn our backs on the borders." Is this man trying to console me?

"Even without the empire's help, we have no choice but to be here. If we fall, the borders will follow suit. Monsters and alike will begin attacking the North. Even if I have to protect the borders by myself, I will do everything in my power to keep them away from my land."

Augutus smiled before placing his hand on my shoulder.

"Adelaide choose someone reliable this time. That is why I'm here with my knights. We are here to help." But- this will anger the emperor. Even if the Hawthorne's are influential, that doesn't mean they could face the empire's force unscathed.

"Don't worry about the little details. Adelaide will make sure both the North and our family safe. After all, she's the one who planned this all out. Let me have your back, sister in law." Huh?

Sister in law?

"Oh! And Moloch agreed to send some of his demon armies too. So I'm sure everything will be alright."

What?!