Volume 8 Side Story Part 8

「Thank you, Protea. Thanks to you, Waldrind will surely retreat now. 」

「Hmm, that’s because of the Tree Dragon. Who was the person who summoned that? 」

「He did,the exhausted one over there. 」

Katarina pointed to Null who was leaning on a chair. The bespectacled magician could only helplessly raise his hand. It seems like he didn’t even have the energy to do anything right now.

「I forced myself to summon a Tree Dragon. It seems like I’ve exhausted myself too much while doing it though. 」

It was Null who devised a plan to make it appear that the Demonic Realm had not been liberated. Rather than deal a low blow and hurt the pride of the other side, he wanted to make them retreat voluntarily. That was his intention.

So, half-forcibly, Null summoned the Tree Dragon. By working with Protea, who had replaced Berger after the first battle, they managed to convince Waldrind that their lies were actually the truth. As for the real Berger, he is still held as a prisoner by Marta.

Fortunately, the operation was successful. The Waldrind’s army has already largely retreated and was now crossing the border.

「It was a sudden operation, so I was a little worried, but I think I was able to deceive them well.」

Protea said as she lightly stuck out her tongue. Her gestures were fascinating even for Katarina, yet somehow frightening at the same time. Like a poisonous flower.

「Proteaaaaaaaaaaaa! I was worried! 」

Nina jumped at Protea without hesitation.
「You did something dangerous without my knowledge! I’m glad you’re safe! I’m glad you’re safe!!! 」

「It’s okay, Nina. I’ll definitely always come back to you. 」

Protea comforted Nina and patted her on the head fondly, like a mother would do to her child.

「But isn’t this the end of the war!? Waldrind is not going to attack us anymore, right?! 」

「Yeah, with what we did to deceive them I don’t think they’ll move until they grasp the truth about the Demonic Realm. For now we confused them, and that’s enough. 」

「Then I’ll leave it all to you and Marta then, Bis Sister Protea! 」

Katarina gave a big nod as Nina looked at her expectantly.

「Yes, it’s our complete victory! 」

A huge cheer erupted among the people. The sound spread throughout the castle, and eventually became a victorious roar that echoed in the night sky.

* * *
About a month has passed since Waldrind completely retreated.

Katarina was visiting Artuk’s Castle Unicorn, the headquarters of the Artukt Treaty. This is to formally request Earl Theo Cornero to allow them to join the Treaty.

Waldrind hasn’t made any moves since then. Information about the Demonic Realm was suppressed mainly by Marta and Protea, so that Waldrind wouldn’t caught wind of the deception and come back to Fargard and Medinia.

The door to the throne room opened, and Katarina and the others were guided inside.
In the lead was Alois, the ruler of Fargard, and Nina, the ruler of Medinia. Behind her was the Mage Null, and finally Katarina. The five of them bowed reverently to Theo who was sitting on the throne.

「We are honored to have an audience with you, Lord of Sistina. We, the nations of Fargard and Medinia, have come here with the desire to join the Artuk Treaty. 」

「You’ve had a long journey. We at the Treaty welcome you. 」

Theo responded to Alois’ greeting.

「However, I would like to ask you one thing. Why are your countries engaged in war with Waldrind? 」

Nina looked at Katarina.

Katarina nodded slowly. It means she could tell them everything. This is the person they will be asking for help from now on, after all.

「Well, it’s going to be a long story. 」

Nina explained what happened so far. About Fargard and Medinia, the conflict and reconciliation between the two countries, and about their relationship since then.

Katarina thought they might be criticized. It was a fact that he had decided to ignore during the war. However, after Theo finished listening, he got up from his throne, came down to their side, and said:

「I salute you. 」

The group was stunned. They didn’t know why Theo reacted the way he did.

「Reconciling with those with whom you once fought. Putting aside your differences and joining hands. This is what our Treaty wants for both the Alliance and the Union. You have exemplified this, and it will be very helpful in the future. 」

「…I really appreciate those words. 」

Katarina bowed her head.

She was convinced that their fight and suffering were not in vain.

「By promoting the relationship between your two countries, we can convince both sides that reconciliation is possible. This is a huge benefit for us. 」

The person who added this was Siluca Meletes, Theo’s contracted Mage.
「Of course, since we are treating you like that, we will provide you with the utmost assistance. We will never allow your countries to be destroyed. 」

「That’s a good thing. But I don’t think Waldrind will remain silent about this. 」

「That would probably be the case a while ago. However, the situation has changed. 」

Siluca explained that the Earl of Leclerc, Kurt Gallas, was defeated in the north. With this, Waldrind has secured a route for it to intervene from the north side of the continent to the west. They no longer needed to go through the continent’s center.

「So, are we safe now? 」

「At least from being attacke for a while. Marine Kraische values efficiency, after all. 」
`
「That’s good. That’s really good! 」

Nina was overcome with emotion and shed tears. Now both countries will besafe. At that time, everyone thought that and a peaceful atmosphere prevailed.

「Um, are you done talking now? Because there’s something I’d like to ask you. Nothing that has anything to do with politics though, so don’t worry. 」

Null quickly stood up. For some reason, he had a big smile on his face. Everyone in the group had a bad feeling about this, but by then it was too late.
「I heard that you liberated the Sistina’s Chaos Vortex. I’ve always been curious about that place, too. I thought a Kraken lived there, but to think it was actually Charybdis!. Was it powerful? Were there other projections beside it? What did the tentacles look like? Were they slimy? Do you have any pieces of them left? 」

Null spoke with no manners whatsoever. Theo and Siluca were both stunned, so Katarina hurriedly pulled Null away from them.
「Hey, wait, Null, you’re being rude! 」

「No, no, I can’t resist this. I came here just for this tentacle talk. I came all the way here just for that. Now, let’s talk. Plenty, slowly, until the end! 」

Katarina and her friends forcibly restrained Null, who was steadily approaching Theo and the others, and got him out of the room. Of course, they also apologized to Theo. They cannot lose the protection of the Treaty because of something like this.

But there was no need to worry. Theo generously forgave Null’s rudeness and even promised to talk about the Chaos Vortex again. It was an incident that made them realize more than anything the size of that man who was called a hero.

As a result, Fergard and Medinia officially became members of the Artuk Treaty, and were promised its cooperation with in times of emergency.

With the commotion behind her, Katarina opened the balcony door. The wind was a little cold, but it was perfect for her heated, dry skin.

「Ah, I’m tired… 」

Katarina moved a little away from the welcoming banquet and muttered so that no one could hear her. Her greetings with the Treaty’s Lords were over, and all that is left is to deepen their friendship. She was invited to dance with several people, but she refused, saying that she has never tried dancing before.

The party was proceeding peacefully. Although there was a Null incident, Fargard and Medinia were able to join the Treaty. Now both of them should be safe.

「..What should I do now? 」
That’s what suddenly came out of her mouth while she was looking at the night view of the castle town.

The Demonic Realm is gone. There will be no attacks from neighboring countries. If something happens, they can get cooperation from the Artuk Treaty. Fargard and Medinia appeared to be in peace for now.

However, Katarina felt that the situation was not so simple. The road to the center of the continent has been opened. Both countries are now important transportation points. Various countries, including Waldrind, will be trying to get their hand on them it, but she’s only 14. In such a situation, what can Katarina do now that she has lost her Crest?

There was no answer.

「Oh, hey, I knew I’d find you here. 」

When she turned around, she saw Null. The Tentacle Mage had a drink in his hand and was laughing out loud.

「What’s wrong, Null? 」

「Well, there seems to be a lot of rumors about what happened . The Lords are looking at me very harshly for some reason. That’s why I ran away for a while. 」

「That’s your own fault. 」

Katarina replied with a bitter smile. Null was confused and wondered if that was really the case.

「So, what are you going to do from now on? 」

「 I’m no longer a Lord. There’s nothing I can do from now on. 」

Katarina honestly reveals her feelings. However, the only thing that Null said was:

「Is there a problem with that? 」

「Well, the problem is that there are various things… 」

「Isn’t it just that you don’t have a Crest anymore? It’s not like you lost your territory or your friends. 」

Katarina looked back at Null’s face, dumbfounded, as he said that easily. Then, perhaps because he was worried about something, Null hurriedly said:

「Ah, are you planning to have another Lord take care of you just because you don’t have a Crest? I don’t like it, I! I decided to live a self-deprecating life in the Garud family. He’s running!

Just like that, Katarina burst into laughter. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud. Then, after laughing for a while, she spoke to Null.

「I see. It doesn’t matter if I have my Crest or not. 」

「Yes. Orca and Marta didn’t stay with you because you were a Lord. You probably won’t be able to distance yourself from the people of Medinia now either. 」

「That’s right, I allow anyone to kick me out of my home. I guess my perspective has become a bit broader after everything that’s happened. 」

Katarina nodded. She might’ve lost her small wings, but she now has two legs to firmly stand on the ground. And her family and friends are going to walk alongside her.

「There are so many things I can do now. 」

Katarina erased all of her anxiety and made up her mind once again.

She’s going to protect her family and loved ones from the war.