Astoria's POV
The empress has been praising me and my knights for taking down the secret organisation in less than a day while the people whom she had instructed to do so didn't make any progress for almost a year, Since then, I have been receiving the eye from the Claymores'.
Is it my fault that they couldn't do such a simple task?
The Claymore knights probably never face a situation where time is of the essence. Anyway, I am currently on my way to see my knights at the barracks. The empress had informed me of tomorrow's departure through the wizard's teleportation circle, We Northerners have never trust wizards before. So I am a bit worried.
"Northerners are nothing but barbarians that lack pedigree, Unlike those who were born in the capital, south, east and west, you all are nothing but a descendent of monsters, There's even a rumor about your commander that stated she is half human, half monster. That explains her indescribable strength! She's just a woman! And the only reason she's that strong is because she's a half breed!" Ah-
Me? A half breed? I wish, Being a half breed is a privilege for the Northerners.
"How dare you! Our commander is the beacon of hope for the North, Without her, the defense would fail and you all would probably die in vain! It doesn't matter how shiny your armor is! Your skill in swordsmanship is subpar compared to ours!" If I don't stop this now, they will fight.
I sighed before walking into the room,
"Is there a problem here?" The Claymores were shocked to see me. Why? Because I had removed my armor. They must be surprised by how disgusting I look.
"Commander-
"Lady Aspen-"
At least the Claymores still show me some respect as the empress's lover. But I have a feeling they have been eyeing my bare arms. I mean who wouldn't? My left arm was mangled by an ogre. It took me six months to fully heal myself without any help from those corrupt priests.
And because of that, it has a distorted way of healing. Even though I was disgusted by it at first, I had to live with it. Whenever I had to meet someone of stature, I often used long sleeve's dresses or uniforms to cover it.
I just remembered something crucial, The empress saw my arm yesterday. I wonder if she's disgusted with me now, Come to think of it, I haven't seen her all morning.
"Did my knights do anything that might offend the great knights of the empire?" I asked while keeping an eye on the Claymores. They should be able to sense my hostility. It should be enough to tell them that I've been listening to their words of belittlement.
"Yes they did. The Northern knights seem to think they are all that just because they have been fighting off the monsters. Just to let you know, we fought in real war against other kingdoms. Unlike all of you who lack experience in warfare, we fought to protect the people of the empire,"
Is that so? Does it mean we slaying monsters just for fun?
"What is your name?" I asked.
"I am Marquess Gregory Hunt of House Hunt, We have been serving her majesty's family for generations." A noble without manners dare to belittle my knights who fought alongside me.
"Oh- so you're a noble? I never met a noble without manners before. Even commoners have some sense ofrespect towards others." It seems my words carry a lot of insults than I expected them to,
"Lady Aspen, I advise that you take that back. Even if you're the empress lover, what does it even mean? You're nothing but a stepping stone for her majesty You're lower than dirt. You're not even a real noble to begin with, Anyone who carries dirty blood like you should never-"
Ah-I didn't realize my hand grabbed a hold of the marquis's neck.
"Lady Aspen! It will be a serious crime if you kill a noble! You ought to think of the consequences of your action!" The marquees warned me. Oh- is that so?
"What are all these ruckus?!" The empress finally makes her entrance.
"Astoria? Can you explain why you're choking one of my knights?" The empress asked as she stood in front of me.
"I'm just teaching a mannerless noble about his choices of words. I finally let go of the marquess before watching him gasping for air.
"One more rude remark made towards my knights, I will kill you. Even if I have to do so in front of you, your majesty." The empress raised an eyebrow.
"Was that a threat?"
"Yes, it was. No one has the right to comment on how my knights fought to defend the border against monsters. And never, EVER called me dirty blood." The empress seems surprised.
"Dirty blood? I see. Then your actions are valid. Calling someone else a dirty blood can be considered a sin according to the empire law, Marquees, why would you call the countess who had fought countless skirmishes against monsters such a name?" The marquess looks up to the empress without saving anuthing,"You offended my lover, Once we arrive at the capital, you will be punished accordingly. Now, let's all get ready to leave."
A simple order from the empress is enough to end this feud. But I know for one this is not over,
Later that night,
It took us a few minutes to travel from the village back to the capital of Tempest, I was summoned by the empress to her bedroom, I wonder what do I have to do but the empress is taking quite a long time to be here. So now I am standing outside of the balcony, looking out at the beautiful night scenery of the empire.
It's a rare sight for Northerners to view such view. This is my first time witnessing this and I can't help but to wish I could bring this experience to all Northerners. I have a lot of work to do once I'm back,
"What are you doing out there? Come and have some light dinner with me." I walked back inside the room to see the empress wearing her nightgown, holding a tray of refreshment.
"Your majesty! You shouldn't be doing this." The empress gave me a look,
"How many times do I have to tell you to call me by my name? We are lovers." Yes but what sort of lovers does she want me to be?
"I'm sorry, Adelaide. But you shouldn't do this. Let me-" Adelaide hummed.
"Sit down and let me do it. It's not a big of a deal," I feel bad but Adelaide gave me a look so I have no choice but to follow her words,
"I don't know if you like what I've prepared since I didn'tknow your preferences. Should I start asking what your likes and dislike?" I nodded while I watched the empress pouring tea for me.
"What's your favorite color?"
"Black, What about you, Adelaide?" Adelaide smiled.
"Royal blue. Do you have any favorite drinks and desserts?" I shake my head no,
"I guess as long as it's edible." The empress hummed,
"I like Earl Grey and hibiscus tea the most. For dessert I guess I preferred strawberry cake and scones." The empress smiled as she placed a plate of desserts in front of me.
"The preparation for the North is almost done. Are you excited to go back? Do you miss your mother?" My mother?
"Not really I don't see her often even when I'm around. I'm sure everyone heard the rumors about the former countess. She has lost her mind ever since the death of my father. The empress seems troubled.
"I'm sorry, I have no idea. If you like, I can provide a few of the palace priests to look into your mother's condition. Besides, I'll be including a few of my talented physicians to see if anything could be done for the diseases that has been plaguing the North. Perhaps they could also be of help." I am speechless.
"I don't know what to say, Adelaide. I feel I've done nothing to deserve this much attention from someone as important as you." Adelaide chuckled.
"What do you mean? You've done so much for me and the people of this Empire, Let me do what I can to help you, It's partly my fault for neglecting the North. I thought that it was in good hands. If you and Count Lowensteindidn't step up, I wouldn't know how horrible the state of the North is."
That reminds me that I have to deal with my uncle and aunts once I'm back. I sighed before drinking the tea. The moment it entered my mouth, I could feel a slight jolt of relief. How is it possible for a drink to make me feel like this?
"What's on your mind, Astoria?"
I gave the empress a small smile.
"My people's future."