Upon returning to the ducal castle, Ryan learned about Morgiana's decision to arrest Aurora and her group. Teresa immediately sought him out to voice her complaints. However, Ryan, who had just finished handling a plethora of other matters, remained neutral. He comforted Teresa, asking her to remain calm, acknowledging that even she admitted not recognizing some of the witches that had escaped with them. Therefore, the quarantine was necessary.
Morgiana and Olica took charge of detaining Aurora and her party. Olica, particularly excited, prepared a carriage full of mysterious items, with clinking sounds and purple-black light emanating from the inside. Ryan noticed Olica's mischievous grin and cryptic "leave it to me" look. Suspicious, Ryan wondered why Morgiana and Olica had suddenly joined forces. However, he trusted that Olica wouldn't do anything to harm him.
After dealing with Aurora and Teresa, it was Veronica's turn. When she saw Ryan, she broke down in tears, sobbing uncontrollably. Sulia, seeing this, dismissed everyone from the room, allowing Ryan to comfort her in private. Feeling for her, Ryan gently reassured Veronica before whisking her away to the hot springs for a day of relaxation, using every method to help her forget her sorrow.
The next day, Veronica awoke around noon. Sunlight streamed into the room through the windows of the ducal castle. Still feeling physically drained, she reached out for Ryan, only to find he had already left. Sighing, she realized how much things had changed. She used to wake up earlier than him, but now, as king, Ryan was constantly busy, his responsibilities leaving him little time. Additionally, Ryan had become more mischievous, often leaving her completely exhausted.
Veronica called out, "Is anyone there? Catherine? Are you here?"
"Teacher!" Catherine had been waiting in the living room. She greatly respected and trusted Veronica, who had always treated her well. Catherine quickly rushed into the room. "Teacher, it's already past lunch. His Majesty said not to wake you. I've saved you some food, but if you don't like it, I can prepare something else."
"Food isn't the problem… I can't even get up. Help me, Catherine," Veronica admitted, embarrassed. Her whole body was still weak, but with Catherine's help, she managed to sit up and change into new clothes. She opted for light coffee-colored, ultra-thin pantyhose paired with black, red-bottomed pearl high heels. With Catherine's support, she made her way to the living room.
Feeling a mixture of soreness and embarrassment, Veronica's flushed appearance made Catherine blush as well. Catherine sometimes envied her teacher's relationship with Ryan.
Once in the living room, Veronica freshened up and had a small plate of pasta to fill her stomach. She then turned to Catherine. "Any news while I was asleep?"
"There are two, teacher," Catherine replied softly. "First, Lady Morgiana has confirmed that one of the witches that Aurora and Teresa brought with them was actually a daemon of Tzeentch, trying to infiltrate the Garland Council. It wasn't until she was force-fed holy water that her true form was revealed. Lady Morgiana personally banished the daemon."
"What! There really was one?" Veronica was alarmed, realizing that Morgiana's concerns had been valid all along.
"There really was a daemon!" Catherine nodded. "His Majesty and Lady Morgiana, along with Queen Sulia, discussed the matter and decided that Aurora and her group would remain in isolation for at least six weeks. Teresa reluctantly agreed."
"What did Ryan do with Teresa, then?" Veronica asked.
"His Majesty announced that the Intelligence Division will temporarily cease operations. Teresa has been appointed as his personal secretary, assisting him with internal affairs to help calm her."
"Personal secretary?" Veronica scoffed, shaking her head. "That's just a political maneuver. Ryan is worried about Teresa's emotional state, so he's giving her a little power to keep her and the witches in isolation calm. Our little Garland princess is only fit to be a secretary now."
"Uh…" Catherine felt awkward. Having just reached the legendary rank after the Eight Peaks expedition, she hadn't yet earned a seat on the council and didn't feel it was her place to comment.
"And the second piece of news?" Veronica asked.
"His Majesty gathered the knights and nobles to discuss the future of the Garland Council. He publicly displayed the letter from Elector Count Hertwig but claimed he hadn't read it. Ryan said he trusted Aurora and Teresa, and then he burned the letter in front of everyone, earning their admiration for his magnanimity."
"Hertwig's letter doesn't matter because that was just Ryan putting on a show," Veronica replied dismissively. "Morgiana had already opened and read the letter, so whether or not Ryan claims to have read it, the contents have already been relayed to him. Do you understand, Catherine?"
"Teacher, do you mean His Majesty already knows what was in the letter?" Catherine asked, still somewhat confused.
"Of course. Morgiana read it and would have told him. But even though you know this, you must act as if Ryan hadn't read it. This is a form of wisdom you'll need to learn, Catherine. You won't always have me to shield you. Whether you become a courtier of Karad or decide to make your own way, some things you need to start figuring out yourself."
"I understand, teacher," Catherine replied respectfully.
Just then, Morgiana appeared in the doorway. "Veronica, you're awake?"
"What is it?"
"They're discussing the future of the Garland Council in the meeting room. If you're ready, come with me. It's almost time for you to speak," Morgiana said.
Veronica sighed and nodded. "Catherine, help me up."
Fifteen minutes later, in the ducal castle's meeting hall.
Ryan and Sulia sat at the head of the table, with Morgiana seated to Ryan's left. The room was filled with knights and nobles, while Teresa and Olica stood behind Ryan. When Veronica, supported by Catherine, entered the room, all eyes turned toward her.
"Your Majesty," Veronica began, preparing to kneel.
"No need to kneel," Ryan said, gesturing for the steward to bring a chair for Veronica.
"I've made my decision, Veronica," Ryan announced. "As of today, Bretonnia will officially declare itself the protector of the Garland Council. We will help you rebuild, provide funding, and assist in creating a new headquarters. The location will be decided later."
"Understood," Veronica replied. "We're not ready to establish a new Garland Council just yet. I plan to restore the name and structure of the Sorceress Assembly."
"Sorceress Assembly?" Ryan nodded. "That's fine. We've decided that you, Veronica, will serve as the new Speaker of the organization."
"Speaker?" Veronica's eyes gleamed with emotion. "Me?"
"We trust you," Ryan said, smiling. "Even Morgiana and Sulia trust you. From now on, you are the leader and Speaker of the Sorceress Assembly. You'll only need to answer to me and Sulia."
Veronica was overwhelmed with emotion. Her lifelong dream of becoming the leader of the Garland Council was finally coming true. Though her joy was tempered by the weight of responsibility, she felt a deep sense of purpose. "I understand."
"Teresa will serve as your deputy. If Aurora passes the quarantine without further issues, she will also be a deputy," Ryan continued. "You have two months to reorganize your remaining forces. Morgiana will return the confiscated resources."
Morgiana, seated to Ryan's left, nodded. She trusted Veronica more than Aurora or Teresa.
"Meeting adjourned!"
With that, the Garland Council, which had stood for over a century, was officially dissolved, removed from the Empire's list of allies.
But the legacy of the sorceresses did not end. Elder Veronica formally announced the reformation of the Sorceress Assembly, claiming all the Garland Council's remaining assets. Bretonnia immediately recognized her position and declared itself the Assembly's protector.
The Empire, Kislev, and southern nations followed suit.
Veronica appointed Aurora and Teresa as her deputies and began restructuring the Assembly with the twenty surviving legendary witches.
Thus, a new chapter in the history of the sorceresses began.
---
In May, along the road to Bordeleaux, a convoy of Old Guard soldiers cleared the way for the royal carriage of Bretonnia. Inside the carriage were Ryan, Sulia, and Emilia.
When alone with Ryan, Emilia often reverted to her younger self—the sweet, delicate maid she had once been. Despite being a mother now, she still retained a youthful charm. She curled her legs up beside Ryan, peeking out of the carriage. "Ryan?"
"What is it, Emilia?" Ryan asked, his hand slyly caressing her leg.
"Keep your hands to yourself!" Emilia scolded him playfully. "Sulia is watching!"
"It's fine, Emilia," Sulia laughed. "You don't seem to mind. If you two want some privacy, I can step out."
"Hmph! As if Ryan would dare touch the Empire's duchess," Emilia huffed, her cheeks flushed. Despite her protest, she didn't push Ryan's hand away, acting coy. "Finally building a canal, are you? It's about time. We already have dozens in the Empire."
"Better late than never," Ryan chuckled, glancing out at the bustling canal filled with ships. The canal project he had pushed through was finally paying off, with towns and villages popping up along its banks. Ryan planned to issue more bonds to finance further construction. After the success of the bonds during
the Eight Peaks campaign, the canal bonds had sparked interest across Bretonnia.
Of course, this meant more profits for Emilia's Nuln, a fact Ryan couldn't help but acknowledge. Hugging Emilia closer, he kissed her cheek. "What can I say, Emilia? You're my little maid."
"Why… why are you doing this, Ryan?" Emilia blushed, flustered. "I should go home! Frederick and Lilem are still at the castle!"
"They're playing like wild children," Ryan sighed, thinking of his two sons and daughter. Frederick and Devonshire were practically little terrors, constantly sparring and unleashing psychic energy throughout the courtyard.
Frederick had an affinity for metal and death magic, while Devonshire was gifted in light and air magic. Though they favored close combat, Frederick wielded halberds and greatswords, while Devonshire preferred a lance and sword-and-shield.
Lilem's favorite pastime was cheering them on.
"How many men did Fulgrim bring this time?" Sulia asked.
"Fifteen thousand," Ryan replied. "They should be arriving soon."
"We'd better hurry, then."
An hour later, the royal carriage arrived at the Mannan Drydock, where Ryan, Sulia, and Emilia prepared to greet his brother, Fulgrim, the Purple Phoenix of the New World.
"Brother!" Sulia ran forward, embracing Julius, her long-lost brother. "It's been so long!"
"I'm doing well, Sulia," Julius smiled warmly, his usually stern expression softening. "It's been too long. You're the queen now, Sulia. How's Ryan? I heard he's taken another lady into his court. Just say the word, and I'll deal with him!"
"You're no match for him now, brother," Sulia giggled. "Don't worry—Ryan treats me very well."
"Welcome back, Ashen Legion!" Ryan declared. "Salute! Fire the cannons!"
A grand welcome ceremony unfolded at the docks, with Fulgrim laughing heartily as he shook Ryan's hand. "Brother, I'm back."
"Welcome back!" Ryan replied. "Did you get what you went for?"
"Got it!" Fulgrim grinned. "Where's Angron, that mad dog?"
"At home, looking after his nephews," Ryan laughed. "He's obsessed with taking care of them these days."
"Ha, Angron and Mortarion always craved family and affection. I suppose Father wasn't wrong to leave him here." Fulgrim's tone carried a hint of mockery. "It's all he's ever wanted."
"Your Majesty," came a soft voice. From behind Fulgrim stepped Carona, a shy but polite wood elf princess. "I am Carona, daughter of Araloth of Talsyn and Evelyn of Winderich. It's an honor to meet you."
"Pleasure… to meet you too," Ryan stammered, his mind racing. Carona? Araloth's daughter? Wasn't she the one Lileath planned to adopt as part of the New World godhood project? How had she ended up with Fulgrim?
"I am now Fulgrim's handmaiden," Carona explained, blushing slightly. "If you don't mind, I'll just call you Ryan."
"????" Ryan shot a confused look at Fulgrim, who awkwardly averted his gaze. "We met during an expedition in Lustria. She decided to join us."
"Oh↗? Oh→? Oh↘?" Ryan raised his eyebrows meaningfully, causing Fulgrim to grow even more uncomfortable.
After a long pause, Ryan grinned. "Very well, Carona. Call me Ryan."
"Welcome back to the Old World!"
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