Princess of The Crimson

Planet Axius, which was named after the God of Choice Axius has exactly five continents. Only one of these continents is populated by humans. People call this continent Lizkrest. Contrary to the name of the planet, Lizkrest does not contain any meaning in itself. Only three countries exist on this continent while opposing each other in the battle for supremacy. On the east side is the Glorious Salius, a federation of sorts. The west is entirely occupied by the Empire Grimhale, the strongest of the three. In the middle of these two is the Republic of Vagrancia, the weakest and the unluckiest of them.

At 219th year After The Natural Calamity, shortened to 219 ANC, Grimhale waged a war on other countries. The following year was truly disastrous for Vagrancia. As they exceeded in the trade and agriculture, they were also known to have one of the worst disciplined armies. After only one year, more than half of their forces were annihilated. Villages were flattened, cities burnt, people turned into slaves. However, the Glorious Salius finally finished with its internal strife and united with the remaining forces of Vagrancia to repel the aggressor. However, not only they did not repel the enemy, instead, Grimhale advanced further.

At 222th ANC, Grimhale finally stopped near the Licia, the fortress located between Vagrancia and Glorious Salius. For three years straight, till this day they have been consolidating their forces and newly acquired territory. Some of it was taken back in the process, however, the most is still in the hands of Grimhale. The biggest contributor from the empire side during these three years of war without a doubt, is the noble family Cleus. This war-driven family captured three big cities and won five big battles by themselves with next to no losses. Five of their army commanders made a name for themselves during this period.

However, the most famous of them is the young girl named Relia. While being only seventeen, she is known to kill 10 skilled knights by herself. Even the worst knight is, in turn, able to kill about 15 to 20 common soldiers. Her strength, temper, and the fact that she is the only woman commander in the entire Grimhale won her the nickname "Princess of the Crimson". However, this fact also deterred all of her possible suitors.

Right now, at the age of eighteen, she finally returned to her family at the capital. Standing in the spacious hall, Relia was in the middle of the talk with her father. Judging by her expression, the talk was not a peaceful one.

-Father, does family really want me to rot? I am a warrior, not a warden!

-Relia, don't throw a tantrum. You know that what you said is not true. The war has stagnated, and having too much power at borders is inefficient. So...

-Yes, yes, you need most of my men to disperse and regulate different regions, however...

-Don't interrupt me. I will not say it twice. Want or not, you will go to see your older brother. Our family failed him and the most we can do is to keep him alive in secrecy! Don't you have any pity in this battle-hardened heart of yours? So, think of that little trip of yours as repentance before your loved ones.

The middle of her father's speech was filled with a passion, however, near the end, he spoke in an indifferent, impassive tone.

At this, Relia could only nervously smile. How much hypocrisy do you have in that cheap little soul of yours, my dear father? Of course, some things must be left unspoken. She didn't speak anymore and just turned around to leave.

-I forgot to mention. Under no circumstances your brother must be dead.

Strangely, this warning seemed to have two meanings behind it.

-You know me well father, I won't fail you.

With some playfulness in her voice, Relia didn't even bother to stop walking while talking to her father.

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In the valley, the property exclusive to her family, Relia stopped near a village. Mysteriously, it seemed as if no people were living here.

-Empty as always. Huh... Hey, you three idiots meet me at once!

Annoyed by this sight, Relia didn't think twice before shouting in the direction of this village.

Not long after, three people came in her sight. One was an obese man, with sweat running down his cheeks. Another had the looks of a thief, unkempt and dirty. The last one was an old man, with murky eyes devoid of life. However, looking at the golden buttons on the shirt of the young lady, the old man's eyes were filled with life again. As if he found his long-lost love. They were the trio of Wobby, Gobby, and Snobby respectively, though their real names are different.

-We are glad to be at your service, milady.

All three, without an exception, kneeled in front of her.

-Stand up, I am too tired to meet my so-called brother right now. Furthermore, the night is not the best time. Am I free to choose any of the buildings here?

-Yes, milady.

Like this, Relia randomly chose where to stay at night and left. However, bothered by something she stopped midway.

-How did you call me?

-Milady?

-Oh, finally there are some people with eyes on their heads. Keep calling me that.

The trio looked at each other in confusion. With no answers to find, they quietly returned to their duties.

Of course, the trio did not have any information from the outside as they stayed here as a punishment for their past misdeeds. At the capital, people called Princess of Crimson "the mistress" or "the commander" as she had too much authority and power in her hands to be called a young lady. By this unsolvable problem, Relia was depressed a lot.

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With the first beams of sunlight, Relia already stood near the entrance to the dungeon. With light steps, she came down and opened the door which leads to the man-made cave. The insides didn't have any ventilation. The stale air mixed with some foul stench went inside Relia's nostrils, but her brows didn't furrow even a little. The only lit candle near the door was dimly brightening the cave and the beast-like man living behind the iron bars in it.

-So, here lives my dear brother.

With a bright smile on her face, Relia announced her appearance.