The Queen Who Shares Love
S2 Chapter 1 Saving a Girl

The change of Emperor of the Houlem Empire happened 15 years ago. The emperor who is now a hero who reveals the rottenness of nobles who are actually ingrained. Nobles who had illegal businesses began to defect to other kingdoms. There are some nobles who still survive. Some because of loyalty, some because of preparing rebellion. 

Revolts began frequently, but were easily defeated by the Emperor's confidants. The problem is that there is public trust. The people were terrified by the chaotic state of the empire. This fear was exploited by the rebels to overthrow the Emperor, with a larger revolt.

"So who do you think won, Leon?" will asked while drinking his beer.

Leonard finished his beer first. He sighed in relief, wiping his mouth. "Anyone doesn't matter the most important thing we get money."

"You're really sneaky, do you intend to run for half your pay if the Emperor loses?" ask Will who started hiccups. Just one beer can make Will drunk.

Leonard added another beer, he sipped another one. "His life and money are more important than loyalty. What the Emperor bought was my sword skills. If the matter of winning or not is none of my business."

"I think this time we'll win. The leader of the army this time was a young noble who earned his title for having crushed previous rebellions. He is invincible. Do you want a bet?" Will took the money out.

"No need, I always lose a bet with you."

Will doesn't answer Leonard because he's asleep. In the end Leonard drank alone to spend three glasses of beer. He took Will to bed in his room.

Leonard who could not sleep out looked at the night sky. He had long been a mercenary. The mounting debt his parents left behind caused him to go down this path. 

Drinking beer was already his habit, if not done Leonard was afraid to hate the stupidity of his parents for borrowing money on a noble. Plus he didn't want to curse his parents for making him endure suffering and debt. Once he tried to hide and run to be billed, but the nobleman was able to find out where Leonard was hiding. His life was miserable because of the nobility because he harbored hatred for the nobleman. He will be strong and have plenty of money to repay the nobility.

The day of the rebellion. If the Emperor wins he will pay off all his debts. If he loses he will change his face and flee to another kingdom.

***

The sunlight enters the room. Leonard was still asleep. He fell asleep at 02:00. And it's early in the morning almost by noon. By noon.

Eyes open. He saw the bed where Will was asleep empty.

"Damn why didn't Will wake me?" aspir Leonard.

He immediately prepared to go to the gathering place of the mercenaries. Today is the day of rebellion. The mercenaries were asked to gather in the front field of the inn they were occupying. 

However, as soon as Leonard exited the field it was empty. Leonard asked the innkeeper. "Where are the other mercenaries?"

"They've gone to their destination. You don't know?" said the innkeeper.

"Dam." 

Leonard rushed for a ride to the Emperor's tent. The other mercenaries had already gathered there. There is a freight train that luckily goes there. Leonard rode the chariot with a box of war supplies such as armor, a sword, and a shield. He breathed a sigh of relief, although it was too late and might be scolded by the mercenary leader, Leonard did not bother because his money was not cut.

Suddenly the freight car stopped. Leonard looked forward.

"Why stop?"

The coachman's hand was trembling pointing forward. "There's a robber."

The robbers surrounded the horse-drawn carriage in front. One of the robbers realized someone was watching him, turning towards the freight train that was boarded by Leonard. He approached the freight car.

Leonard got off the freight train. "I don't want to pay, your life's safe because of me."

Leonard pulled out his sword to fend off the robber's attack. He easily defeated the robber. Other robbers started running towards Leonard. Leonard evaded the robbers and launched a counterattack to kill them. 

Leonard wiped the splashes of blood on his face. There was still one robber left behind Leonard. The robber swung towards the mercenary. Blood came out of the mouth of the robber. Leonard's sword was drawn in his chest. Leonard pulled it out and shook the sword to remove the blood.

Leonard smiled at him. "You're safe. Remember my face, you owe me. Pay me when you get to your house."

Before the girl replied, Leonard immediately returned to the freight train. He told the coachman to continue his freight car. Leonard can't wait to get paid for his services.

***

After arriving at the imperial army camp, Leonard immediately looked for another mercenary. There are several groups at this camp. Mercenaries to the west, knights and witches to the east, priests to heal the wounded to the north. The south was left empty for the train entrance. Leonard's eyes were fixed on Will sitting with the other mercenaries. Leonard leads Will to talk to him. 

"Why didn't you wake me?" ask Leonard grimly.

"I've woken you up many times, but you didn't move at all, Leon," Will replied.

Leonard gnashed his teeth then turned around to calm down. Leonard is usually easily awakened by touch or sound. Will is his mercenary friend, there's no way he's lying. Maybe it was the effect of the alcohol he drank last night.

"The mercenary leader called out to you," Will added as he pointed to the tent to his right.

"All right, I trust you." Leonard's headed for the tent.

As soon as he opened the tent, Leonard saw the mercenary leader staring at him sharply. He was ready to accept all the ravings that the mercenary leader would throw.

"I thought you escaped, Leonard," said the mercenary leader.

"I'm sorry I woke up late, Leader," Leonard replied.

"After receiving your payment you can go somewhere else."

Leonard understood what the mercenary leader meant. He's fired. He expected it. After all, he had been changing the recruitment place of mercenaries for so many times, this would not be a problem.

"Okay, Leader."

Leonard came out of the tent. He sighed heavily. Will's approaching. "How's it?"

"I'm fired."

"I'm gonna miss you." Will hugged Leonard.

Leonard held Will's face so as not to approach. "Snubrate."

"Why are you late by the way?"

"I helped a noble girl get rid of the robbers. I've already asked for a fee if he goes back to his residence."

"Do you know his name or his residence?"

Leonard patted his forehead. He forgot to ask the girl's name and the girl didn't know her name. Perhaps the girl could search for Leonard with the help of her maid or bodyguard. But if the girl does not want to pay, she has to give up her money. Armed only with the face of the girl, he could not search for her in the entire empire alone. 

A horse carriage came in front of the camp. A knight opened the door of the horse carriage. Leonard and Will approached the horse-drawn carriage. Someone got off that train. Leonard's eyes widened to see the noble girl he had saved just now was in this place.

The entire knight lowered his head in salute to the girl. 

"Welcome, please help Duchess Hilbright."

Leonard still could not believe what he saw.