Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Royal Library - (4)

The fourth day of their visit to the capital.

Although Ashton's joining increased the efficiency of their investigation, they did not achieve any results. Ashton and Claris were having a complicated conversation in front of the bookshelf.

By the way, Claudia who was sitting beside the pile of books was staring at the ceiling with a blank expression. It felt as if something strange would come out of his mouth at any moment.

Olivia closed the 'thick enough book to be a weapon' and let out a heavy sigh.

“Farnesse Kingdom expands military at end of war era. National power fell drastically because of it. Do they have their karma now?”

Back then, under the rule of King Raphael, the kingdom started a war using strong military and economic power. The kingdom could not be stopped at first, but as the frontlines of the war widened, the supply lines got further and further. However, the Government underestimated the supply lines, not arranging any escort for the supply units that were the lifeline of the troops.

As a result, their supply lines were cut off. No matter how strong the troops were, they could not win any battle on an empty stomach. With the knowledge she learned from Z, Olivia felt it was the same as suicide.

“-My grandfather used to complain about that. It is said that the king and his army were blinded by their greed to conquer the continent. And now, the Empire is the only one who wants to unite the continent, while the Kingdom has been forced to the brink, it is ironic?"

"I understand. I don't know if it's related, but I don't think there's any harm in understanding the Kingdom's history. We could've found a lead from there."

"I understand ... You're right, Major."

Claudia nodded in agreement, and Olivia grumbled while puffing her chest proudly. Right after, the sound of something falling came from the side. Olivia turned towards the sound, and found Ashton wide open with his mouth wide open.

“Ashton, do you want to eat something? Unfortunately, I didn't bring any biscuits. Food is forbidden in the library."

Olivia took out her pocket, and the biscuit crumbs fell to the floor, angering the nearby staff.

"That's not what I mean! I'm just surprised Olivia actually said something appropriate."

“Ehh? Ashton, why are you saying nonsense?”

"I'm not talking nonsense!"

Seeing how angry Ashton was, Olivia replied with a face that said it was obvious: 'I.e:

"Everything I say is true."

“You... No, are you serious?”

Ashton has a complicated face, and Olivia looks the same.

“Ashton, do you always joke like this? If there is a joke competition, you will get a good place with your talent. You might even win it all. Isn't that right, Claudia?"

Olivia looked towards Claudia, but Claudia instantly coughed as she flipped through the book. Maybe he suddenly caught a cold.

As for Claris, she saluted Olivia with a wide smile, and she kept pushing her red-framed glasses. They're all acting weird.

Their investigation continued without a sound after that. Ashton and Claris pick out books that might relate to the Valedstorm house, while Olivia and Claudia look through their books. Time passed slowly, but finally, the afternoon sun shining through the window dyed the room red.

So, there was still no progress whatsoever on the fourth night.

"sigh-sigh. It is hard to read in this dim light. We end today's development .. ”

Claudia quietly closed the book and stretched her back.

“Ehh ~ I can still read clearly, so it's okay.”

On the table are books;

【Heraldik】

【Light and Shadow Kingdom of Farnesse】

【Klan Darkness】

They haven't read these books. For Olivia, who used to live in a dense forest where lighting was sparse, this was not a problem at all.

"Unfortunately, it's almost time for the library to close."

And just as the signal, the clang of the bell from the clock tower reached Olivia's ears. The staff began preparing for the library closure.

“Live one more day, yes. The reading speed of Comrade Olivia is very fast, so there are no problems in efficiency ... But five days too rushed.”

(Call for his partner)

Claris said while tidying the table. He seemed ready to call Olivia his friend. Olivia wanted to ask why, but there was something about Claris that reminded her of Guile, so she gave up. He was very unwilling to approach her.

Saying goodbye to Claris, Olivia and the rest are unsuccessful; leaving the Royal Library. As the three of them passed through the commercial zone and walked towards the southern zone where the hotel was located, a woman in military clothes approached them with her back facing the sun.

He stopped in front of Olivia and saluted smartly.

"I remember you are a fish .. aide to Brigadier General Neinhart?"

“Ya Mdm! I'm Second Lieutenant Katherina Raynurse."

“You need something from me? The fish I brought last time was all the gifts I had. I don't have any biscuits either."

With that, Olivia took out her empty pocket, and Katherina shook her head:

“You are wrong, I am not here to look for fish or biscuits. I'm sorry, but please report to Leticia Castle immediately."

"Leticia's Castle?"

“Ya Mdm's. Brigadier General Neinhart is waiting for you in his office."

Hearing that, Olivia started thinking. Did the fish make Brigadier General Neinhart have stomach pains, and infuriate her? He caught the fish himself, so they were still fresh.

Olivia looked towards Claudia, but Claudia also tilted her head in confusion. Ashton said "I can't possibly know" when Olivia turned around.

“Can aki ask the reason?”

"I'm sorry, it's a secret so I can't say it here ... Please find out directly from Brigadier General Neinhart."

With that, Katherina turned around and headed towards Leticia Castle. A confused group followed behind him.

Neinhart's Office

Led by Katherina, the group entered the office, and Neinhart stopped writing with her pen.

"I'm sorry for calling you in this short amount of time."

Neinhart's face looked slightly pale.

"What the hell is going on?"

“I'll start with a conclusion. The Sun Knight has been mobilized. If we don't do something, the Central War Theater will be overrun."

Claudia broke out in cold sweat upon hearing that. The Sun Knight was the one who captured Fort Kiel, and all of their soldiers were wearing silver armor. Compared to their individual prowess, they were more adept at group battles. And their commander was the highest-ranking military officer of the Imperial Army.

“Will the First Army move to attack? With the Seventh Army defending the north, you don't have to worry about our defenses."

"I know it, but it's all complicated."

Neinhart couldn't tell the reason, but Claudia knew why. He asked:

“Awhat is His Highness—”

"Stop. I don't want to put Lieutenant Claudia on a mission for Lese majeste."

I thought, Claudia thought. Neinhart's face told him that this was not open for discussion. The brief silence between Claudia and Neinhart felt like an eternity to Ashton.

On the other hand, Katherina looked uneasy as she looked at Neinhart's profile.

“—I'm sorry, but why did you call us here? I don't think it's possible, but you won't send the Seventh Army for this one, right?"

The Seventh Army defeated the Crimson Knight, but they also suffered heavy losses. Right now, the priority of the Seventh Army was to stabilize the northern part of the newly restored Kingdom, and could not waste efforts to strengthen the Central War Theater. Claudia only asked at a glance, she was sure Neinhart had already considered it.

“Of course I know it's impossible.”

"Then why?"

“We are mobilizing guards in the Central region, and we hope to gather 6,000 troops."

"Could it...!?"

Neinhart nodded firmly, and turned to Olivia.

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

...To Be Continue's...