Plain Girl Hero of Darkness
Royal Library - (5)

“You're right, Lieutenant Claudia. We hope that Major Olivia can lead this unit to strengthen the Second Army."

However, Olivia rejected Neinhart without hesitation.

“No. My investigation is not finished. Besides, Ashton promised to buy me delicious cakes in the capital, and I haven't eaten at all."

“Hey, wait. Now is not the time to talk about it."

Ashton advises her, but Olivia turns her face away with flared cheeks. From Claudia's experience, it was very difficult to convince Olivia when she was like this.

As expected, no matter how hard Ashton tried to persuade her, Olivia's cheeks remained fluffy like a frog, and she showed no signs of giving up.

“I also feel guilty for forcing Major Olivia as well ..”

Neinhart was still sitting, but she lowered her head apologizing. It should be noted that Neinhart was not just any officer, but literally a general.

Before Katherina could say anything more, Olivia replied:

“Then send someone else. I've told you I'm busy with my research in the library."

Olivia insists. Normally, her superior orders were absolute, but Olivia didn't care about any of it.

Right now, Olivia was ignoring him who said if they forced him to obey this order, he would resign and leave. That was the significance of the destruction of the Valedstorm house for him. Although the reason he was so obsessed, was unclear.

As tensions began to mount in the office, Ashton's eyes began to wobble. Neinhart who created this situation rested her elbow on the table, and slowly hooked her ten fingers together. This is the classic Neinhart posture that Claudia is known for.

“-I will make an offer that will greatly benefit you, Major Olivia.”

"Beneficial to me?"

Intrigued by this new topic, Olivia turned her head slightly towards Neinhart.

“True, an offer you don't want to miss. If you accept my request, then I'll let you stay and research in the library for as long as you want. And of course, I will settle the matter with Mr. Paul. Anyway, you need to report back to the Seventh Army tomorrow the day after tomorrow, right?”

Brilliant move, thought Claudia. As Neinhart had said, whatever the outcome, they only had one day left in the capital. And for Claudia, they were unlikely to find results with one day left.

Olivia probably understands that, too. Neinhart's proposal was seductive, and her bulging cheeks quickly deflated. He hasn't interacted much with Olivia, but Neinhart knows how to press the button. As expected of a First Army aide known for his ruse.

"… really?"

"I swear on Neinhart Blanche."

"Good! —I mean, yes Sir! Major Olivia will lead the guards to reinforce the Second Army!"

Olivia saluted with her most brilliant smile of the day.

******

[City Capital of the Kingdom of Fizz, Southern Zone.]

In the south of the capital there are many arenas and old buildings. On both banks of the clear Misuri river are filled with inns and hotels. And some of them have signage with intrinsic and unique designs. The innovative nameplate of a crow spreading its wings marks the "Grey Crow Pavilion" where Olivia and the others live.

Since Ashton said the hotel's bread was delicious, Olivia, who liked the bread, agreed to stay here.

*******

The next day after they agreed to Neinhart's request to strengthen the Second Army.

The Olivia trio had breakfast at the first-floor restaurant. Other guests might still be sleeping, so the table surrounding them with a capacity of twenty, less than half of them were already filled.

Olivia was enjoying freshly baked bread when a burly woman came in carrying a tray. He is the famous owner of the Grey Crow Pavilion— Anne.

“Olivia-chan, do you like freshly baked walnut bread?”

With that, Anne placed the plate in a trained motion. It was a creamy soup with lots of vegetables and meat. The smell spurred Olivia's appetite.

“Yiss! Seimmij ym deltsur yllaer taht! Tespu eb ot deen on the ereht !! ”

“Sigh...Major, don't talk with your mouth full. I've told you that many times. Do you think there's no point in listening to me?"

“Hey, did you intentionally do that?”

Olivia shook her head violently in response to the exasperated faces of Claudia and Ashton. He realized that he had upset them again.

“Ahaha! Ms. Claudia was very strict as always. It's okay, it's just a mediocre dish. Olivia-chan, just do as you please."

Anne gathered the empty plate and said with a warm laugh. The owner in the kitchen heard that, and tilted his head. Akagi, with his wide nose and sunken eyes leaving a deep impression on others, grumbled unhappily: "Sorry my cooking is mediocre."

Anne snorted indifferently. Claudia wiped her mouth with a napkin, sat down and said:

"Thank you for your hospitality, Ms. Anne, but this is very regrettable. As a noble, he must adhere to adequate manners while eating."

Olivia dodged in front of Claudia's sharp gaze. He could sense that Claudia was reprimanding him.

Anne turned her gaze between Olivia and Claudia, and looked sad.

"Are you sad because I'm leaving?"

"of course. There are not many customers who enjoy food here like you. "

Anne showed a lonely smile. When she saw that, Olivia said excitedly:

“Ms Anne, this will be fine. I'll be back in no time after taking care of the Imperial Army. I still have to do something in the capital. "

They had already explained to Claris about their sudden order to strengthen the Second Army, and Claris was asked to continue the research. And of course, Olivia wants to return as soon as possible to the library to look for clues about Z. To do so, he had to defeat the Sun Knights as quickly as possible.

"so yeah. I'll treat you to good food when you get back."

"Yeah!"

“But if you encounter danger, you must escape. Be it nobles or commoners, you only have one life. God is fair in that."

“Hey, how much longer? Guests are up— Really, women are really rambling.”

The owner then realized that it was true, a sleepy customer walked down the stairs and filled the chair.

"I'm coming!! —Sigh, a very rude man. All right, you three make sure you come back safely— and Ashton.”

Ashton looked at Anne, surprised that she called out to him.

“You're a boy, so protect Olivia-chan well.”

“Ah, erm, yes.”

Claudia smiled awkwardly hearing him, while Ashton continued to nod. Anne nodded gently, and rushed back to the kitchen. Moments later, the sound of two people bickering and throwing plates came from there.

Ashton looked towards the kitchen in shock, while Claudia pulled out a map, cleared her throat, gesturing for the other two to discuss the main topic.

“Let's discuss our plan. First, we will head to the gathering point of the guards, Fort Gracia. Once the troops are ready, we will take the western route to strengthen the Second Army.”

Claudia used her finger to draw the route from Fort Gracia to the Central War Theater.

“But will it be okay? The number is quite large, but this is just a mass collection. I don't even know if they'll obey our orders. And the Sun Knights are proficient in group combat, so even if we join forces, the situation will still be dire."

Ashton furrowed his brows, and Olivia agreed with him. No matter how great their numbers were, the loose masses would not be able to win the battle.

“Ashton is right, but we don't have time to train them. The situation of the Second Army was getting worse and worse by the second."

"I know but…"

Ashton still could not accept it, and crossed his hands while muttering. Olivia felt she had to say something suitable for a commander at times like these.

So he raised his index finger and said:

"How about this? We tell them that those who fight hard will be rewarded with books or snacks. I'm sure everyone will be motivated if we do that."

“Hey, this is not the time to joke.”

Ashton protested, but Olivia was not kidding at all, so Ashton's reaction surprised her. No one in this world would be dissatisfied with books and snacks.

"I'm not kidding. Listen carefully, Ashton. The difference between human and animal is—"

"good. Olivia, I have a great idea. ”

Ashton cuts Olivia with an evil smile. He was probably planning something, it was evident from his smile.

Claudia sensed something, and looked at Ashton in surprise and asked:

“Hey, are you thinking of using Major to do something evil?”

"Evil? —I didn't think of that at all. It's just ..."

"What only?"

Claudia leaned right into Ashton's face, and Ashton leaned along with her chair.

"Wait on! Too close! Your face is too close!"

“Forget about that, answer me now.”

"Y-Well, I think we should gather all the soldiers and let Olivia perform at the open show ... Ahaha."

“Oh? Open show? What exactly do you want the Major to do?"

Claudia refused to let the matter go, and Ashton shifted his gaze.

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

...To Be Continue's...