Stella returned six days later.
By the fourth day, we had begun to worry; her extended absence had broken the record for the longest outing since she started living at Iron Grave. When she finally returned, her expression was anything but bright.
“Albresia was defeated.”
Stella glanced at Lavina, who had naturally slipped into the seat next to her, and opened her mouth.
“Since we cannot accurately assess the population of Albresia, we cannot be sure, but it is estimated that nearly half have either died or been taken prisoner. The Beastman Resistance Army sensed the anomaly as soon as the barrier was broken and chose to withdraw, suffering only minor losses, while the vampires who couldn’t find a way to escape under the sun have likely been completely annihilated. However, a more direct problem has arisen.”
Call it instinct, but I had a feeling I could vaguely predict the words that would follow even before Stella finished her sentence.
Actually, there was no need for instinct; it had to be a premonition the moment she mentioned that there was a ‘more direct problem’ after an international upheaval in which the previously invulnerable Albresia had fallen.
Is it finally the end of the three-year peace?
In terms of the threat to my life, training with Stella was far more dangerous, but the weight of the fact that someone might be aiming to take my life has not diminished one bit.
Like a prisoner waiting for execution, I held on to a futile hope that Stella might deny this ominous feeling.
But, as fate would have it, when it’s time to let go of control and leave it to destiny, things never go your way.
“It seems that the elves who were captured have leaked the survival of Lady Aria to the humans. While they do not appear to have grasped our whereabouts or current survival status, it is presumed that the report of the Inquisition’s execution from three years ago was indeed fabricated.”
Thud! Although I braced myself, my heart sank heavily at the news.
“The movements of the humans are quite unusual. They are still focused on determining the treatment of the captured elves, but rather than ending the war, they seem to be reorganizing. Therefore, I believe I must take a short trip to the duchy.”
A chill of fear, instinctively ingrained deep within me, began to rise, but I suppressed it with all my might.
Yeah, when was there ever a time I felt desperately that the heavens were on my side?
What’s happening is just a natural occurrence. The days of feeling afraid over such obvious news are long gone.
“When? Right now?”
“Yes. Given the circumstances.”
Assuming that the humans truly intend to continue the war, their next target would likely be one of the two duchies or the Suwong Kingdom.
Moreover, it is not like I am unaware that they might have received information suggesting that I might still be alive.
From the humans’ perspective, it is reasonable to assume that they would particularly have their sights set on Sahelrn Duchy.
Of course, humans are not fools. Having had a previous encounter with the duchy that ended poorly, it’s unlikely that they would dream of a hasty retake.
However, inversely speaking, if the humans attempt to attack Sahelrn Duchy again, it implies that they are now certain of their chances of winning, meaning it would be too late to respond once things erupt.
In other words, regardless of the outcome, now is a critical time for Sahelrn Duchy.
And Stella is the second strongest after Martini in the duchy, one of the key figures who must remain in position at the onset of war.
Three years ago, I fled the duchy to escape the war that arose because of me and sought refuge in the elves’ forest.
At that time, I swore that next time, I wouldn’t run away, that it would be different.
“Shouldn’t we go as well?”
I felt that the time had come to keep my promise to Martini.
I do not have confidence in winning a fight. To be honest, I do not even know the extent of my strength objectively right now.
It’s true that I have gotten stronger, as I managed to defeat Stella in training, but during those trainings, neither of us gave it our all.
The main purpose of the training was to suppress instinct and push beyond my limits using my willpower, and it still remains a mystery how things would pan out when magic is thrown into the mix.
However, whether I have the power to influence the outcome of the war or not is not all that important.
Since I have resolved not to run away next time, and I promised to repay my debts, it was enough for me to fulfill that promise. What more reason do I need?
Surprisingly, however, Stella shook her head.
She no longer sees me as someone outside their combat capabilities, but she seemed to say that it is still not the right time.
“Lady Aria, you have undoubtedly grown beyond expectations compared to three years ago, but even so, you cannot tip the scales of the battlefield alone. While three years have indeed bought some time, you have not rooted yourself deeply enough to withstand a fierce storm. It would be far more detrimental at this point to reveal yourself amid a war that has yet to be confirmed.”
I frowned lightly in discontent.
The fact that she is seriously considering a return to the duchy only suggests that the likelihood of war is quite real.
I don’t have a penchant for sticking my neck into dangerous situations, but this is the power I have cultivated for such occasions.
And yet, she still insists on staying hidden. It’s quite hard to accept that without any reservations.
“…To avoid any misunderstandings, I should add that it is only ‘now’ that it would be unfavorable to reveal ourselves. There is still no definitive confirmation that war will break out, you know? My trip to the duchy is merely an exploratory one. There is a limit to the information I can gather on my own, so I plan to use the duchy’s information network to keep an eye on human activities, and if signs of war emerge, then I intend to come back for you, Lady Aria.”
“…Really?”
Seeing the discontent on my face, Stella sighed and added some more explanation.
“Even if the humans intend to go to war right away, it won’t be possible for them to step foot on the duchy just within a few days. If they were to form a coalition like three years ago, there would be complex negotiations to go through, and it would take some time to set up supply lines as well. Surely, you didn’t think the war would begin overnight, did you?”
Watching her shake her head as if something was hopeless made me feel a bit choked up.
No, you did say something that could easily be misunderstood. If you look all serious and dramatic about a near war, it’s only natural for someone to think you’re going to fight.
Sure, it’s not my fault anyway.
Next time, just be straightforward with your points. Got that?
“Well, with all this said, it’s also possible that nothing happens for a while. Anyway, I’ll be off.”
“…Alright. I’ll be waiting.”
Having said that, I couldn’t find a reason to stop her any longer.
Stella promptly packed a light bag and left the Underground City without delay.
“The situation outside… doesn’t seem very good.”
Ignoring Lavina’s murmurs from beside me, I focused solely on the fading presence of Stella.
When I could no longer hear the sound of her heartbeat or the voice of blood flowing through her veins, I gestured for Eleonora, who had been standing in a corner, to come over.
“Eleonora, how much longer until the effects of the Blood Supplement wear off?”
“Yes, my master. Since I took it 22 days ago, there are 8 days left.”
“When the effect wears off, don’t take it again; just wait.”
The Blood Supplement has been a useful tool for significantly boosting my strength over the past three years, but it also comes with too many restrictions.
Drinking one bottle means I have to invest six hours of blood extraction daily for 30 days, which essentially makes normal activities impossible.
Until now, I had lived in a completely isolated special situation, so it wouldn’t have mattered for Eleonora to keep taking the Blood Supplement, but if I’m going outside to act, I need to stop its intake.
“Sister, what do you plan to do?”
Plona, who had been quietly seated next to me, suddenly spoke up.
Ordering a halt to the Blood Supplement meant I had no intention of remaining quiet; it was only natural for her to wonder.
“Since Stella said that, I’ll wait for now. Just for now.”
It’s not that I’m a war enthusiast itching to jump into the battlefield at Stella’s call.
As she said, there may not be an immediate war, and even if it does happen, it could take time. Additionally, it is indeed a valid point that preparing for war is difficult, so the grace period may last six months or even over a year.
“Just for now, huh?”
“When it comes to Stella, she may have justified her reasoning, but I sincerely wish that I wouldn’t have to go out to war.”
Having spent over three years together, sharing face time, I had picked up a few things about her, despite her being a rather blunt and indifferent maid.
And when she said that revealing myself would be unfavorable, she was definitely sincere.
The reasoning she offered afterward wasn’t logically wrong, but I could sense that it was a hasty excuse to convince me, who was showing my disappointment.
“She must still be anxious. I’ve been called the last hope for the vampires.”
To put it dramatically, while the vampires of the duchy may somewhat be replaceable, the Progenitor is unique.
Considering I am the fourth one in history, if I were to die, it would take several hundred years before a new Progenitor might emerge.
To Martini, I am like a joker card. Essential for victory, but therefore not something to be carelessly spent.
So, Martini and Stella may endure as long as they can with the duchy’s power, revealing me only once I have grown strong enough to definitely overwhelm the humans would be the safest and ideal scenario for them.
“But if they can’t hold out, it’s over.”
If I had some confidence that we could somehow win, I would agree with that.
But what if we can’t win at all? What if we end up like Albresia, turning to ashes before reaching the ideal scenario?
“I have no intention of just sitting back this time. So I need to prepare. I want to be ready to act whenever circumstances change.”
If the outbreak of war surrounding the duchy becomes certain, I will take action in some way.
I must be in a position to act immediately when Stella returns seeking support.
Or, if she’s unable to request support or chooses not to, I’d still need to be ready.
“If that happens, will you lend me your strength?”
I cautiously asked Plona and Eleonora.
It’s selfish of me, but to be frank, I would rather they safely stay hidden, war or no war outside.
However, just as I have risked my life to strengthen myself over the past three years to protect my loved ones, I know just how much effort they have put in to be my strength.
If that’s what the two of them wish for, I cannot go against their will.
And, as expected, Plona and Eleonora nodded, as if it was an obvious choice.
Watching their faces, which seemed a little nervous as if wondering whether they would be taken along, I couldn’t help but smile.
Yeah, if we protect everyone, there won’t be any problems.
What’s impossible alone can be accomplished together.
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