Translated by Mara Sov
Civil War Period The Blue Knight (1)
mores sumus vestri -
This serene song echoed around the usually silent mansion of the Marquisate.
Ostende mihi faciem sol luceat-
Eris continued to sing with her eyes closed in joy as Jessie brushed her snow-white hair while humming along to this unknown song.
Having gotten used to caring for myself while on the battlefields, I didnt need a helping servant.
Therefore, Jessie, who was my personal servant, hardly had anything to do, but when I brought Eris here, they seed to have beco close friends.
Smiling at this sight, I looked at Christine who had left the room and was waiting for outside.
Ah, I apologize.
Its fine. She seems quite aLively person.
Right?
I walked through the hallways of the mansion with Christine.
As our rhythmic footsteps echoed down the hallways, Christine opened her mouth.
So, this was the child youve been talking about?
Thats correct, my Countess.
A child, huh? Well, Eris was only sixteen.
Although Christine and I were only 3 years older than her, I had the mories of my past life, and Christine has such an imposing aura that I often forget her real age.
When Eris introduced herself with the full brunt of her charm and friendliness, Christine had a very awkward posture.
The contrast between the two couldnt be more striking since Christine always wears a black dress, has deep black eyes and hair, while Eris is entirely white aside from her eyes.
Her charm must be truly captivating since you risked your life to fetch her. I truly hope that she proves to be worth it.
Well
While I felt sowhat confused by her statent, Christine quickened her steps in silence.
As soon as we entered the reception room, Christine gestured to the maid following her.
Lina.
Yes, My Lady.
The maid handed Christine a scroll before leaving the room. With the scroll in hand, Christine turned towards with a harsh glare as she began to speak.
When you said you were going to look for her, I imagined that youd send soone to bring her. Now, imagine my surprise when I heard that you went gallivanting around the lands where a deadly plague was at its strongest?
Im sorry, Christine.
If you consider your partner, then I want you to take care of yourself, Pierre. Ive invested a lot in you, and it would be troubleso for if sothing were to happen to you.
Dont worry, Ill be more cautious in the future. But didnt you also risk your life entering an enemy territory fully aware of the assassination attempts?
I managed to maintain my smile even when Christines glare turned frosty.
It was a necessary risk, and besides I had Sir Gaston with . I assure you, I didnt make a reckless decision. Besides, I made you a promise, one I intend to keep.
With that, I extended my hand to her as she looked at blankly. After a couple of seconds, she smiled wryly and placed her hand in mine.
If only promises could prevent harm
Escorting her towards a nearby table, I heated the water and made us coffee, before joking.
My Countess, your words wound , didnt you know that demons are supposed to honor their pacts?
A demon who houses a Saint, thats sothing you dont see every day.
Christine finally smiled as she watched prepare the coffee, and when I handed her a mug, she unfurled the scroll shed received from the maid.
This is the list of items you requested, as well as the report of the troops commissioned.
I took the scroll from Christine and read through it. As expected from the Aquitaine company, nearly all the items requested had been procured.
And then, the army.
I have invested my private funds, accrued from selling raw materials to Abyss Corporation into Christines managent and the army creation.
I see, so you managed about 1000 n.
Yes. Ill expand further in the future, but that would be sowhat difficult since Aquitaine is not a martial house.
Your familys origins dont matter that much since handling firearms is sothing most independent cities are known for, not martial families. Please continue with this project
Im happy to continue as long as Im being paid.
If I tried to muster this army within Lafayette, I would be under strict vigilance.
However, in Aquitaine, a neutral territory in the Civil War that was mainly focused on trading, it was much easier to recruit the necessary manpower, compared to Lafayette.
Above all, the army trained and equipped by Christine would be just a third party employed by .
Although small, this army would not be known as a part of Lafayette, nor would they be influenced by the Marquis. As of now, they would beco a vital asset.
While I examined the scroll, Christine took a sip of her coffee and then said.
Ive also been keeping an eye on the connections to the independent cities as you requested, but the response to this endeavor has been lacking.
Is that so? Well, theres no need to rush this. Just focus on making a good impression for now.
Christine shrugged before adding.
Among the influential figures in the cities, a famous liberal writer showed so interest. His na is Nicolau Brissau. He also studied the law and even worked as a Jury, do you recognize him?
Narrowing my eyes in thought, I was able to recall his na.
Yes, I think I know who youre talking about.
He must have been one of the moderates in the Revolutionary Army.
This is good. If possible, try to establish a connection with him.
If you say so, Pierre. He must be soone worth eting.
Christine nodded.
For a mont we simply stayed silent, savoring the coffee, before I spoke.
How is your brother doing?
Ah
Christine flinched and looked up from her mug with a sad smile.
Hes been quiet as a ghost.
With a deep breath, Christine seed to collect her thoughts and continued.
I guess I shouldnt be the one to talk when Im keeping a child who could beco the greatest threat to my rule.
Her tone was bitter.
No doubt her vassals were encouraging her to eliminate Louis or at least banish him, or even send him to a monastery.
I can only imagine how many tis those who professed themselves as servants of Christine De Aquitaine offered their self-serving counsel to her.
Instead of being one of those, I said sothing else.
Well, my vassals tried to dissuade when I headed south, but as you can see, I returned unscathed. It might have been dangerous, but If I gave up simply because of their pressure or because of my fears, then I would carry this regret for the rest of my life.
Christine simply stared at , her gaze betraying nothing as she opened her mouth.
The so-called loyalists defend my stance. They say that Louis, who lost his entire faction in one night cant do anything against , and if needed, he could be used to root out those who are discontent within our ranks.
Instead of answering , Christine rambled on calmly, as if she was venting her thoughts, but towards the end, her voice wavered slightly.
But I just want to give that child the opportunity I longed for. Unlike those who wanted dead, I wont threaten a child who had no intention of doing harm for fear of what he could do in the future.
Perhaps those were things she could only confess to , her partner who instigated her to take action against her own family.
Maybe Im just trying to delude myself that Im different from them. That I would only do sothing against Louis when he actually moves against
Because then, I would be justified in dealing with him as well.
After laying everything bare, Christines tone continued to be bitter, but her expression was sowhat relieved.
Heh. Im a selfish monster, arent I? Are you disappointed in ?
With a depressing smile, her deep black eyes trembled slightly, even then, as they stared at , I could recognize a faint glimr of hope in those deep orbs.
I couldnt help but smile at her.
I think its wonderful.
Hearing my answer, Christine blinked blankly.
Pardon?
Its very human. I like it.
Where? What part of this is human?
Chuckle-. You see, Christine, you may not know it yet, but you never actually said youd go as far as to kill him, did you? You talk tough, but I can see the honest desire to protect and properly raise your little brother who lost his parents in a single night.
With wide eyes, Christine looked beyond stunned.
Enjoying that look on her face, I smirked and continued.
Its easy to delude yourself by saying that dealing with him is for the good of the family, but nobody will compensate you for the wounds you would receive from it. Thats why I think you should be yourself. Youre doing a good job as it is, and most of all, I trust you because, despite all this bravado you have, I know that deep inside, youre a kind-hearted woman. Thats why Ill be relying on you for a while.
After saying this, I took a long sip of my coffee, enjoying its flavor as she remained silent for a while. When I looked up, I saw Christine with a flushed face, staring at , before she belatedly spoke.
Ah, yes, well. Ahem. The Marquis will be returning soon, so you must have a lot of matters to deal with. I should be going back as well.
Indeed. But as I said, I trust you, Christine. And I look forward to continuing our partnership.
As Christine bolted from her seat, I stood up as well and offered her a handshake.
If I dont honor the trust that you invested in , Id be ashad to represent the Aquitaines na. You can count on .
Christine replied while shaking my hand and took her leave.
However, just before departing, she added in a soft tone.
Because I trust you too, Pierre.
Without an heir to the throne to support, the First Princes faction retreated from the northern front. The Second Prince entered the capital Lumiere and declared his ascension, being crowned King Louis. The Civil War, however, was still far from over.
The remnants of the First Princes faction, represented by Duke Lorenne, entered peace negotiations with the Second Princes faction, which was the last chance to stop the civil war before the Revolution erupted.
However, the gap between the victors, who were eager to make up for their losses not caring about the state of the kingdom, and the losers, unable to accept defeat at the hands of a disease, remained as wide as before.
The negotiations eventually broke down, and King Louis declared the remnants of the First Princes faction as rebels and ordered their destruction.
A few days after Christine and the Aquitaine rchants left.
The organized procession of the Lafayette army returning from the northern front, marched into Toulouse in an orderly fashion.
A force of thousands strong seed imposing at first, but to , they looked miserable.
Their ragged appearance was proof of all the long hours of fighting and shedding of so much blood.
Wasnt this just a stubborn demonstration of those who lost their Lord to a plague, trying to deny reality thinking they didnt lose the war and could still fight?
Leading the army, the chief denier, was the Knight in symbolic blue armor.
Alongside the vassals, I kneeled in front of the Marquis, paying my respects to him.
Pierre De Lafayette, son of Lafayette, greets his Excellency the Marquis of Lafayette, the great Blue Knight, Hubert de Lafayette.
The Marquis dismounted from his horse and lifted the visor of his helt.
His bearded face remained expressionless as he slowly scanned the retainers who paid their respects to and then gave a faint smile.
Hm, youve done well. I had my concerns, but you managed to perform your duties as the acting Lord more competently than I had expected.
My eyebrows almost rose in response to his unexpected praise, which was sothing very alien coming from him.
Well, if I think about it, its not that strange.
I defeated the second son of Millbeau, enhanced Lafayettes reputation, and also supplied him with excessive military funds.
In his eyes, I am soone who finally contributed to Lafayettes prestige and his own ego.
The Marquis barely glanced at Baron Robert Le Domont, who struggled to support , and the fact he praised in front of all the vassals was clearly intentional.
I bowed even lower so he wouldnt be able to see my sneer.
Im honored by your praise, Your Excellency. Please let us proceed.
Yes.
With a nod, the Marquis headed towards the mansion, his gaze fixed towards the back of the group.
Where Eris was clad in both robe and veil.
I felt every muscle in my body tense, but the Marquis simply watched her for a mont before stepping inside the mansion as if nothing had happened.
With a relieved sigh, I followed after him.
However,
No sooner had the soldiers and the lower servants of the mansion been dismissed and the doors closing behind us, that the Marquis stopped in his tracks.
Your Excellency?
Without looking at , the Marquis stomped towards Eris.
Who are you, to be veiled in my presence?
Before Eris could respond, I intervened between her and the Marquis.
Your Grace, she is an artist under my patronage. She is sensitive to sunlight, so I allowed her to use the veil. My apologies for not informing you sooner.
Then she can remove it now, cant she?
Yes. I apologize for my rudeness, Your Excellency. Im Eris, invited by the Young Master to take residence at this manor.
Imdiately after the Marquis spoke, Eris took off her veil and curtsied to him.
Her snow-white hair cascaded down, as her deep purple eyes and pale face were revealed.
The Marquis appraised Eris for a mont, before turning to with a particular smile.
Hmm, not bad. She may be young now, but theres promise for the future. A man should be able to recognize a good woman.
After saying this, the Marquis turned his gaze towards Francois, who was standing close to Eris.
As he looked at him for a mont, he turned his back.
Although I felt sorry for Eris, this misunderstanding was not a bad outco.
Sending an apologetic look towards her, I prepared to follow the Marquis once more.
However, the Marquis paused once more before returning his gaze, not to Eris, but to Francois.
And who might you be?
This one is but a humble man who is honored to et the great Blue Knight, His Excellency, Hubert De Lafayette. This ones na is Francois. I am Eris guardian, invited by the Young Master to take residence in this manor.
The Marquis gestured towards Eris with his chin.
Shes your daughter then?
No, Your Excellency. She is the child of a benefactor whom I am protecting.
Protecting you say
What? Why is he taking such an interest in Francois?!
While I was trying to understand his thought process, the Marquis drew his sword.
As everyone gasped and froze, the Marquis addressed Francois with his sword drawn.
Draw your sword.
Y-Your Excellency?
The Marquis didnt repeat himself. With a slow, yet powerful movent, he swung his sword towards Francois.
With astonishing speed, Francois drew his sword and blocked the Marquiss blow as the steel screeched through the mansion.
This cursed madman was actually trying to kill him!
Uncle Francois!
Amid Eriss cry of horror,
The Marquis raised his trembling sword arm, and looked at Francois who managed to block his blow, and then
Ha Ha, Hahahaha! Hahahahahahaha!
Burst into laughter.
The Marquiss lips twisted into a hungry smile to everyones shock and bewildernt.
Its been a long ti, Sir Frederick De Beaumont. To hear that a Knight who once guarded the beloved concubine of the late King, calling himself a humble man is a good joke, isnt it?
Francois, no, Sir Frederick De Beaumonts eyes widened as the Marquiss smile only widened.
You may not rember . However, I had the opportunity to witness your deeds as a re KnightThat was a beautiful swordsmanship. Though your appearance has changed, the swords do not lie or hide!
In the tense silence, the Marquis turned his head towards .
Pierre, many tis I believed that you were hopeless. But it seems I was wrong. To think you managed to pick such a gem in my absence
No, it cant be
The Knight who threw away his title to remain loyal to the dead king, the one who rescued the Kings beloved concubine and her daughter from the palace on the brink of Civil War. If a man such as you is guarding a young girl, then
As soon as he finished speaking, the Marquis knelt before Eris, took her hand, and kissed the back of it.
Looking at her, the Marquiss eyes now had an intense and swirling emotion I couldnt even begin to describe.
Before the pale and shocked Eris could respond, the Marquis spoke with a twisted smile.
The Missing Princess Erisliste Lilianne De FranciaThats is you, is it not, Your Highness?
TL Note: I tried to translate the Latim, but the sentence seed incomplete I couldnt be sure of the aning but its sothing like this:
We are mindful of you, my/ and Show your face, may the sun shine
Again Mama is not a Latim nutjob, so if any Latim master here can make a more accurate translation please do,
Also also, shit hit the fun lads! Daddy Marquis is not stupid!
/genesisforsaken
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