Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Debut Fight - 3

Claudia confessed, and not just Evansin, all the attendees showed complicated faces. As Evansin said, the Holy Nation of Mekia is more famous as a holy place for the Cathedral of Artemia, being an independent nation is more an afterthought for others.

And with its location far to the west, information was also scarce. Even the well-informed Claudia only knew that the Mekian Holy Nation produced ores and expensive accessories. With the extent of Claudia's knowledge, the others knew less.

Claudia searched in her mind and remembered an unpleasant thought — handsome face with brown hair. The man who infiltrated the victory party under a pseudonym and approached Olivia several times.

When Olivia said that she was from the Holy Mekia Country, Claudia was astonished. But from the looks of it now, his actions may be part of an espionage effort by the Mecian Saints, which irked him.

Claudia finished the tea before him in one gulp.

「Compare our troops with the Imperial army, we are inferior in troops and resources. We thank you for the help of the Holy Mekians, but.」.

Ellis helps Luke finish the words he refuses to say.

「My brother is trying to say— how much help can an army from a small country provide? If we force ourselves to match the strength of another country, it might disrupt our rhythm. That's what my honest brother would think. 」

Luke wanted to reprimand the cynical smiling Ellis, but instead nodded reluctantly. Ellis is very precise, and Claudia says that her concerns are unfounded.

「How is it unfounded?」

Luke asked without hesitation.

「I'll explain, please see the documents I'm sharing now.」

Claudia gestured with a gaze, and an officer quickly shared the documents. After making sure everyone had a copy, Claudia cleared her throat.

「This happened about a month ago. Our neighbor the Duchy of Stonia attacked the Holy Nation of Mekia.」

「Vassal states of the Empire Duchy of Stonia versus the Holy Peoples of Mekia? ... Other dubious situations. 」

Gauss stroked his beard as he read the report.

「I feel the same. Given the distance between them, the two countries did not interact much. Needless to say that the Empire is behind this.」

「Yeah, it makes sense.」

「But that's not the point here.」

「What do you mean?」

Ellis said before Gauss could answer.

「The problem lies with the Holy Winged Legion— the army of the Holy Nation of Mekia. They defeated 60,000 strong Stonian soldiers by half their numbers. In just half a day.」

That's the main point. The Holy Mecians may be a small country, but they have a strong army. After Claudia said that, the room became quiet with everyone bowing their heads while thinking hard.

Beating force double their number — talk is easy, but execution will be difficult. And doing it in half a day makes it even scarier. War veterans are expected to think that way.

「-It is completely reliable, but I think the Mekia Holy Nation will not help us for free, what are they looking for?」

Ashton who had been silent all this time spoke up, and everyone focused their eyes on him. Many of the strategies he formulated had contributed greatly to the Kingdom's victory, and Paul even called him an outstanding strategist. His sense of presence in the military has increased tremendously.

Claudia looked at Ashton.

Recently, the female soldiers who looked at Ashton with passionate eyes were not an extraordinary sight. There are some who will seduce him openly. There were many men who fell out of grace after indulging in lust, so Claudia would chase after them whenever she saw such a woman.

Only God knows if Ashton really fell from grace, but he is already twenty years old. It would be better to be careful because he is at a difficult age.

(But he seems to have a problem with his current situation.)

As Ashton gazed into her, Claudia lightly cleared her throat.

「And of course, they have demands. But since we have formed an alliance, their demands are not too excessive. Are you very concerned about that?」

She was as calm as Ashton— Or rather, Olivia was busy drinking her tea. He put down his cup and said indifferently.

「They must have a motive, it is not natural for them to help us at this time.」

「So Olivia also feels the same way.」

「Iya. Their demands may just be misdirection.」

「Heresy, yes ... I see, it's possible.」 Ashton narrowed his eyes and looked into the distance.

「Yes, to hide their true purpose. General strategy in war. 」Olivia leaned her chair back and said in a relaxed tone. His seat should have rolled at this angle, but somehow he kept his balance.

Acrobatic tricks that would not be possible without thorough balance training.

「Olivia, can you guess their true intentions?」

Ashton's question focused everyone's gaze on Olivia.

Olivia scratched her cheeks with great difficulty.

「I can't think of anything.」

「I think Olivia's wild instincts will work.」

「It sounds like something cruel. Anyway, I think we should keep our defense.」

Olivia concluded and Ashton nodded calmly.

「Your Highness, I am not sure if it is related ... but there will be a luxury party held in Letizia Castle soon—」

「How about that? There have been many recent victory parties, so this is not a surprise.」

Olivia interrupted with a confused face and her head tilted to the side.

「Please let me finish it. King Alphonse has invited the ruler of the Holy Nation of Mekia to attend as the Guest of the Country.」

Olivia tapped her finger on the edge of the teacup and replied in a bored tone. He probably thought this information was useless.

If Claudia stops there, then it might be true—

「The ruler ... strongly asked His Majesty to attend for a reason.」

「Ask Olivia?」

Ashton was the first to react with a grim face. Instead, Ellis stood up with an enchanted expression.

「To think the name Olivia Onee-sama has spread to a small country in the west, how wonderful! Don't you think so too, Guile?」

「Of course, it was only a matter of time before Captain Olivia's name spread across the continent.」

Ignoring Ellis and Guile's silliness, Claudia chews on the conversation between Ashton and Olivia.

(By assuming His Majesty is right, and the strong request of the ruler of the Holy Nation of Mekia for his presence, their goal is His Majesty? Considering Johann's actions, it makes sense .... Looks like we have to increase the security around His Majesty.)

A golden cut appeared in Claudia's eyes.

The war conference then continued seriously with everyone carving their task deep into their minds. As Claudia ended the conference, they all left the room determinedly.

...****************...

...To Be Continue's...