“N-no, but I have…encountered monsters on several occasions.”
Maxi forced the fact that she had fainted twice back down her throat. There had been valid reasons on both occasions.The first time was after a brutal combination of several sleepless nights and malnourishment due to her anxiety over a possible divorce. The second time she had fainted was because of mana depletion. At present, she was in better health and was more adept at controlling her mana.
“To tell you the truth…I have never traveled so far. What does a mage do, exactly…in a campaign?”
“High mages capable of offensive magic join the knights in battle, but healers such as myself mostly take cover somewhere safe and try not to get in the way. We heal the wounded once the battle is over.” He looked a bit embarrassed as he continued, “Low-level mages who are only capable of a few basic spells are, in truth, quite useless in battle. When I was not treating the wounded, I served as a page, preparing the soldiers’ meals or tending to the horses.”
“I s-see.”
If she succeeded in convincing Riftan to take her along, would she also have to act as a cook and caretaker? Maxi felt a dark cloud form over her; she had never cooked anything in her life.
“Then if m-monsters were to appear…would I have to hide until the battle is over? What if I c-cannot find a place to hide?”
“As you know, my lady, knights leaving on long-distance campaigns are accompanied by junior knights. If there is a monster attack”—Melric placed a piece of parchment on the desk and began sketching—“the men split into two groups. While the knights station themselves on the front lines, the juniors fall back to protect the provisions and the horses. The mages stick with them. Since the junior knights will be standing guard, you do not have to worry about being leftdefenseless during a battle.”
Maxi felt her anxiety abate slightly after the explanation. She continued to ask him questions as she crammed essential herbs into the quilt pouches that the knights would carry with them. He gave her advice based on his personal experiences, counseling her on how to avoid being a hindrance in battle, how to prevent insect bites while camping, and even how to navigate by reading the stars in case she got lost. Maxi committed everything to memory and steeled herself once more.
The sun had begun to set when she finally returned to the castle. After eating and settling into bed, Maxi had a hard time falling asleep. She considered waiting for Riftan in order to attempt another conversation with him, but the memory of his firm rejection made her afraid to speak to him. It would be better to wait until after Aderon returned to inform them of the results.
The next morning, Riftan was once again absent from their chambers. Ludis informed Maxi that he had stayed up all night at the knights’ quarters. Whether it was because he was avoiding her or because he was busy with the campaign preparations, Maxi could not be sure.
She spent her time reading illustrated books on monsters in Ruth’s tower or studying maps to memorize the route to Livadon. That evening, she had Ludis prepare the same trousers and sturdy leather boots worn by squires.
It was her first time wearing trousers. Although it felt awkward and they did not suit her, they were surprisingly comfortable to move in. She did not have to worry about stepping on a skirt train, and she liked how she did not have to fret over the material bunching up or wrinkling when shesat down. After doing a few laps in her new outfit, Maxi changed back into her nightgown so that Riftan would not catch her dressed as a man. She hid the boots and trousers in a chest.
The next morning, she ran to the training grounds clad in the simple tunic and trousers worn by the castle servants. It was almost time for their departure, and everyone leaving for the campaign looked tense.
The knight overseeing the training was not one Maxi was well acquainted with, so she changed course and headed for the knights’ quarters. Through the window of the council room, she spotted a group deep in discussion over a map. She searched for Riftan, but he seemed to be absent. Hebaron and Gabel were there, though, so she hurried inside. The loud voices within the room stilled.
“S-Sir Hebaron, I came to inquire…about the matter…I discussed with you the other day.”
After blinking at her outfit, Hebaron rose from his seat and slowly walked over to her.
“Lady Calypse? May I ask why you are dressed like this?”
Blushing, Maxi smoothed out her trousers. “I tried it on…because I thought it would be better…if I traveled like this. B-But I know it does not suit me all that well.”
“No, it suits you well.” The knight looked uncharacteristically flustered as he waved his hands in reassurance.
The atmosphere in the room had taken a decidedly awkward turn, so she decided to backtrack. “If I am interrupting an important discussion…shall I return later?”
“No, come in, my lady. We were actually talking about your request.”
Maxi hesitated before accepting Hebaron’s invitationand entering the council room. One of the men hastily stood up to offer his seat. Maxi nervously glanced around as she sat among the burly knights. A large map of the Western Continent was spread across the desk. It was covered in a complicated web of lines and several wooden figures were perched on top.
“Wh-Where is Riftan? I was told…that he spent the night here.”
“You must have missed him. The commander has gone to the great hall to send a carrier pigeon. He should be back soon,” said Hebaron. He frowned as he scratched the back of his head and added, “We were planning on discussing the matter of your ladyship joining the campaign as soon as he returned.”
“I suppose the plan to steal a m-mage from the Earl of Loverne has failed.”
Gabel nodded from the seat across from her. “Most of them said they could not afford to leave because they are long settled in the earl’s land with their wives and children.”
“I see…” Maxi cleared her throat to disguise her shaky voice. “Then…I shall be your m-mage.”
“But, my lady, are you certain about this? You have lived all your life in Croyso Castle after all,” said a dark-skinned knight she did not know who was eyeing her skeptically from the corner of the room. “Everyone here acknowledges that you are a talented healer, but the way to Livadon is full of monster lairs, and we would have to camp out most nights because villages would be few and far between. Would your ladyship be able to endure such conditions?”
“Sir Hebaron has already informed me of what is r-required. I have experienced c-camping during myjourney to Anatol…and I am ready…to face whatever might await.”
