Fulgrim had departed, taking with him his Ash Legion, along with the Alabian Legion of the Gold Mage and the Burning Scimitar of the Janissary Legion.
Ryan's brother-in-law, Julius, had also decided to accompany Fulgrim on the campaign in Lustria, firmly refusing Sulia's request for him to return to Winfort. Julius, unusually stubborn in this matter, explained, "This is the Lady's mission, and it must be seen through to the end. Sulia, you're now the queen. Your greatest contribution is to be a good wife to Ryan."
"But, brother, you should still go home and see our father," Sulia replied, reluctant to part with him again after only recently reuniting.
"I already visited them before," Julius replied, looking at his sister. He was relieved that Sulia had chosen a good husband. His face, as sharply chiseled as stone, was serious and earnest. "Tell Father that I will serve Lord Fulgrim until I complete the Lady's Grail Trial and return, or fall in battle."
"Please, don't say such things, brother," Sulia interjected, signaling for him to stop. In the Duke of Winfort's family, many of the most outstanding sons had disappeared during their Grail Trials, never to return.
In Brittany, inheritance wasn't solely based on lineage or birth order, as it was in the Empire. While theoretically, the eldest son would inherit the title, if any of a duke's sons completed the Grail Trial and expressed interest in the title, other siblings would almost certainly have no chance to contest it. In essence, successfully completing the Grail Trial became a decisive factor, especially if the candidates were otherwise of similar standing.
As a result, many noble families, especially dukes, had sent their direct heirs on Grail Trials, most of whom never returned. François only had two legitimate children by the duchess: Julius and Sulia. He also had four legitimate illegitimate sons and two illegitimate daughters. Sulia worried that if something happened to Julius, succession could become chaotic. After becoming duchess, Sulia had formally renounced her claim to the title, as Brittany's laws, like the Empire's, prohibited the merging of two duchies.
"It's time for me to go." The Ash Legion was already boarding, and after hesitating briefly, Julius placed a hand on Sulia's shoulder. "Take care, sister."
"Wait a moment," came a voice. Ryan approached, accompanied by a squad of the Old Guard. Still affected by his farewell to Fulgrim , Ryan wore a solemn expression as he looked at Julius, his brother-in-law.
"Your Majesty," Julius greeted him with some hesitation. Twenty years ago, Ryan had been his rival, but now Ryan's achievements and power were such that Julius felt he couldn't even compare. Seeing Ryan's serious demeanor, Julius addressed him formally.
Perhaps he could consider Fulgrim offer, he thought. He'd heard that the Phoenix Guard and other elite soldiers had received powerful blessings from the Old Ones and Fulgrim himself. Maybe he could benefit as well.
"I have a sword for you, Julius." Ryan retrieved a large two-handed sword from behind him.
The sword was a magnificent weapon of blue and gold, inscribed with ancient runes and Elven script. Inside its blade pulsed a great power, with hundreds of luminous streams flowing along its length.
It was a divine weapon.
"This is..." Julius took the sword from Ryan instinctively.
"This is Unyielding Hand, the sword of Sir Landuin." Ryan nodded slightly, handing the sword to Julius. "Lord Landuin entrusted it to me, but I already have the Nemesis. This sword has no purpose gathering dust with me. I always felt it deserved a worthy knight, and today, I'm entrusting it to you."
"I can't accept this!" Realizing the sword's origins, Julius tried to return it to Ryan immediately. "This was Sir Landuin's sword. How could I be worthy?"
"It's an order," Ryan replied, not in the mood for arguments. He pressed the sword back into Julius' hands. "As Landuin's successor and the King of Brittany, I now order you to accept this sword."
"Take it, brother. This is Ryan's way of honoring you," Sulia said softly, standing beside her husband. "It's not something you can refuse."
After a moment's hesitation, Julius finally nodded. "Very well."
Attaching Landuin's sword to his back, he noticed that most of the Ash Legion soldiers were already on board. Ever punctual and disciplined, Julius didn't linger. He turned, took a few quick steps, and rejoined the ranks of the Ash Legion.
As he climbed the gangplank, he glanced back one last time at Ryan and Sulia before boarding the ship.
The Saint Sophia and the Burning Scimitar departed under their watchful gaze.
Sulia watched her brother depart once more, fighting back tears as she lowered her head and clenched her fists. Julius had always been her idol, and even now, though she had become a Saint herself, she still looked up to him. She had finally reunited with him after his years in Lustria, but now he was leaving again. The pain was difficult to bear, though she had no choice.
Ryan noticed Sulia's sadness and gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders, letting her lean against him. "You'll reunite again. When Julius completes his Grail Trial, he'll return to the Duchy of Winfort."
"Not every knight completes the Grail Trial in just a year or two like you and Calard did. Most Grail Knights spend over a decade, and some even fifty years, on their quests," Sulia replied, sadness lacing her words as she leaned against Ryan. "For knights embarking on the Grail Trial, a return rate of even ten percent is considered remarkable."
"Julius will overcome it," Ryan assured her.
"The Lady is already in the King's Suite on the Enterprise," Sulia noted, looking at Ryan fondly. She felt comforted by his warmth and strength. She thought about how reliable Fugen was, and hoped her brother would thrive under his command.
"It's only thirty square meters. What could she possibly redecorate in there?" Ryan grumbled.
The Lady of the Lake was quite different from Sulia. In public, Sulia maintained a dignified, noble appearance as queen and virtuous knight. But in private with Ryan, she was relaxed and lively.
Lilith, on the other hand, was bold in appearance but timid in private. She would only face Ryan if Sulia was with her, and lately, she'd been hiding behind Sulia, requiring constant coaxing before approaching Ryan.
"Oh, just let her do as she pleases." Sulia playfully tapped Ryan's cheek. "I've already given her my permission!"
"Fine, fine, whatever you say," Ryan chuckled, feeling more at ease with Sulia since they'd opened up to each other. "We have the rest of the day free. Where would you like to go this evening?"
"I was thinking..." Sulia began, but before she could finish, the Old Guard commander Bertrand approached.
"Your Majesty, there's a High Elf who wishes to see you."
"A High Elf? Who?" Ryan asked, intrigued.
"He says you'll remember him. He is Deltalon Morris Benester, who once served as your guide," Bertrand replied. Sporting a pair of impressive sideburns, Bertrand looked every bit the seasoned warrior and chosen of Taal. "Your Majesty, would you like to see him?"
"Bring him over," Ryan replied, curious about why Deltalon had come to find him. Turning to Bertrand, he asked, "How was the Enterprise's time in Ulthuan?"
"The soldiers enjoyed it. They saw new sights and met new people, witnessing the elves' prosperity and strength. Many of us gained a better understanding of true elites." Bertrand sounded modest but pleased. "Of course, the soldiers also received substantial pay, and some goods here are quite affordable. For example, blueberry jam cake—just one small box in the Old World costs three crowns, but here, they could buy a large package for a few silver coins. They stocked up on many things."
"Hahaha!" Ryan laughed. "But let's not turn the Old Guard into a delivery service. They're our elite force, responsible only for combat. It's fine to bring back a few items, but they shouldn't get carried away."
"I understand. I've already set a limit—no soldier is allowed more than ten kilograms of goods!" Bertrand saluted.
Deltalon was escorted to Ryan and Sulia. Bowing slightly, he addressed them. "Your Majesty, Your Highness, I have a humble request."
"Go ahead, Deltalon. We'll be leaving tomorrow," Ryan replied. Unlike most High Elves, Deltalon showed neither arrogance nor prejudice, and Ryan had a favorable impression of him.
"May I travel with you to the Old World?" Deltalon asked earnestly. "And if possible, might I have a small position in your court?"
"You want to come to the Old World with me?" Ryan asked, intrigued. "Why? High Elves usually don't seek to serve humans. This isn't very... Asur of you."
"I'm confident in my skills, Your Majesty. I may not be a great commander, warrior, or mage, but I've received thorough court training. I excel at managing finances and handling diplomacy. I can help with documents, mark important points for you, and manage internal affairs if you allow it," Deltalon replied earnestly. "Will you give me a chance, Your Majesty?
I swear allegiance to you."
Sulia eyed Deltalon thoughtfully, recalling Olica's comment about him: "He's just a servant, recognized only because he served you well."
"I didn't ask about that," Ryan replied, smiling. "I want to know why you would leave behind a promising career here to follow me to the Old World."
"If I'm just serving, then why can't I choose who I serve?" Deltalon answered, leaning on his staff with a meaningful expression. "Compared to the arrogant Elven princes, you, Your Majesty, are the kind of master I respect and wish to follow."
"Interesting," Ryan nodded. "Very well, I don't mind an extra passenger on the Enterprise."
"And I don't mind a long journey," Deltalon replied.
And so, the next day, the Enterprise set off with a new passenger on board.
Returning home, the ironclad ship sailed out to sea, bound for the Old World once again.
_________________________
[Check out my Patreon for +200 additional chapters in all my fanfics! $5 for all!!]
[w w w . p a t r e o n .com / INNIT]
[+50 PowerStones = +1 Chapter] [+5 Reviews = +1 Chapter]