“Misheana has officially committed to the subjugation of Older.”
Marie’s voice was calm as she continued her discussion with Elias and Frenn.
“She has requested your aid, Elias, along with Frenn’s. Given the circumstances, I would like to provide whatever support I can.”
Elias studied Marie carefully.
“Support? In what way?”
“You are a Holy Knight, so I doubt you have any need for additional equipment—your weapons and armor are likely supplied by the kingdom. However…”
Marie’s gaze sharpened slightly.
“I hear you have a strategy in mind. If there’s any way my resources can assist in that, I would be willing to contribute.”
Elias raised an eyebrow.
(She’s offering before I even ask? That’s unusual… But useful.)
He leaned back in his chair.
“I won’t lie; I could use the help. The biggest challenge right now is manpower.”
Marie nodded thoughtfully.
“You require personnel to carry out your preparations, I assume?”
“That’s right. I need a few people to handle setup during the battle itself, meaning they must also be capable of defending themselves against monsters. The problem is that most capable warriors are already assigned to the main subjugation force. I can’t just pull from the northern knights or adventurers on my own authority.”
Marie crossed her arms, contemplating.
“How many people do you need?”
“Three, ideally. Any less, and the strategy becomes significantly riskier. But finding even three suitable individuals is difficult in my position.”
A small smile played across Marie’s lips.
“Then I believe this is where I can help.”
Elias watched her closely.
“You have candidates in mind?”
“I am acquainted with several warriors—adventurers and knights alike. Some may not be participating in the main battle. If I negotiate, I can likely secure a few to assist you.”
“Wouldn’t they prefer to join the main subjugation force?”
“Possibly, but not necessarily. Not every capable fighter has committed to the battle. And given my influence, I believe I can persuade a few to take on this role.”
Elias was silent for a moment, then nodded.
“If you can manage that, it would be a tremendous help.”
Marie raised a single finger.
“However, before I fully commit, I have one question.”
She straightened her posture, her gaze now serious.
“If your strategy succeeds, you will gain recognition. You will earn military achievements and influence. What do you intend to do with that?”
Elias narrowed his eyes slightly.
“Are you concerned that my rise in influence might negatively impact you?”
Marie chuckled softly.
“Not particularly. But as a merchant, I prefer to be cautious about where I invest my efforts. I don’t wish to offer assistance only to later find that it was to my detriment.”
“A merchant’s prudence, huh…” Elias exhaled. “Fair enough. To answer your question—my goal is to gain enough influence to reach the royal court.”
Marie tilted her head slightly.
“And why is that?”
Elias hesitated for a brief moment before deciding.
“Can this remain confidential?”
“Of course.”
Marie’s expression was calm, but Mishaena, sitting beside her, nodded as well.
“You have my word.”
Elias glanced at Frenn.
“I follow your lead, Elias.”
Reassured, Elias finally spoke.
“The eastern front—the region where I served—has been neglected by the kingdom’s administration. The reports that reach the capital are incomplete or outright distorted. As a result, the soldiers and warriors still fighting there receive no proper recognition or support.”
Marie’s gaze sharpened slightly.
“And you wish to correct that oversight?”
“Yes. My former comrades are still risking their lives out there. They deserve proper acknowledgment and fair treatment.”
Marie studied him carefully for a long moment before smiling.
“Your answer lacks ambition from a merchant’s perspective, but I see that you value loyalty. And if Mishaena speaks highly of you, I won’t dismiss your ideals so easily.”
She leaned forward slightly.
“I see no harm in assisting you. In fact, if you succeed and gain influence, there may be times when your position benefits me as well.”
Elias nodded.
“Then I’ll accept your support. Thank you.”
Marie chuckled.
“No need for gratitude just yet. Let’s see how this plays out first.”
Marie stood, smoothing out her robes.
“I’ll handle securing additional personnel for your strategy. Mishaena will serve as the liaison to avoid unnecessary complications. Is that arrangement acceptable?”
Elias nodded.
“That should work.”
“One more thing—bringing those individuals to this fortress might place a burden on your commander, Noark.”
“That’s true.” Elias sighed. “He already seemed displeased about your visit.”
Marie smirked.
“Then I’ll work with Mishaena to arrange logistics outside this fortress. We’ll avoid causing unnecessary trouble.”
With that, she turned toward the door.
“Elias, I wish you luck in the upcoming battle.”
“Let’s hope I don’t need it.”
Marie laughed softly.
“I like your confidence. And don’t worry—should you fail, I won’t hold it against you. I’ve already gained valuable insight just from this meeting.”
She gave a polite nod, then exited the room, Misheana following after her.
Elias watched them go, feeling like a storm had just passed through.
Frenn, still standing beside him, exhaled lightly.
“She’s quite the bold one.”
Elias chuckled.
“That she is.”
Frenn continued, still watching the now-empty doorway.
“She’s refined, but… there’s a confidence in her. She believes in her own judgment without hesitation.”
Elias nodded.
“That’s probably why she’s a successful merchant. She’s willing to take calculated risks.”
He ran a hand through his hair.
“I never interacted much with nobles back in the east. Having a conversation like that felt like a first for me.”
Frenn smirked.
“Not a bad experience, I take it?”
Elias shrugged.
“Could have been worse. At least she wasn’t arrogant or condescending.”
As they spoke, the two of them watched until Marie and Mishaena’s figures disappeared from view.
Though the merchant had left, the plans she had set into motion were only just beginning.