Musou Knight: Crow of Cinders-Chapter 17: Interlude - Lenitia Constantia, the Political Tool

Chapter 17: Interlude - Lenitia Constantia, the Political Tool

Chapter 17 - Interlude - Lenitia Constantia, the Political Tool

A month ago, Lenitia was dispatched as an emissary to form an alliance with Avaritia. The alliance’s condition was that Lenitia Constantia would marry the King of Avaritia, and in return, the Avaritia Kingdom would offer military assistance, resources, and other forms of support.

However, someone had been sabotaging the journey.

Lenitia insisted that she would lead the escort troops herself. After leaving home, she headed northeast instead of northwest, walking straight toward the Invidia land.

Although her subordinates wished to protest, nobody voiced their disagreement due to her status. Moreover, her attendant, Lia, was also a level 4 musou knight. Disobeying the order would not bode well.

Everybody endured the princess’s tantrum, traveling the wrong way in silence. They visited a few outskirt villages around Frogine Fortress to resupply. Eventually, they ran into Invidia patrols, and conflict arose.

Fortunately, Lia warded off small fry. None of them were harmed, but they couldn’t prolong their stay.

Realizing that she couldn’t loiter or buy time, Lenitas decided to leave the area. She detoured around the Frogine Fortress, avoiding the patrols. Eventually, she and her escort discovered an isolated pottery workshop. Curious, Lenitia led her people to visit them.

Then, Lenitia met Crow and Studium.

As a level 3 musou knight, Lenitia could sense Crow’s weak musou energy from miles away. She got curious about him after their brief interaction.

Following her conversation with Crow, Lenitia spoke to Lia about him while they were resting in the same tent.

"Lia, is it normal for a commoner to gather musou energy?"

Lia snickered. "It’s uncommon, but commoners who accidentally awaken their elemental talent do exist."

"Tell me more! How did they awaken it? My father mixed so many elixirs in my food since I was a baby, but these people can’t even buy a herb. How did they do it?"

Lia sighed. "Innate talent and luck." 𝓯𝙧𝙚𝒆𝙬𝙚𝒃𝙣𝙤𝒗𝓮𝓵.𝙘𝙤𝙢

"Innate talent? Luck?"

"Yes. Before His Majesty found me, I was also one of those commoners. I thought it was something everybody was born with. I was only able to become a knight because His Majesty gave me a cultivation method."

"I-I see. I-Indeed. You didn’t get as many elixirs as mine. You are the same age as me, but you are stronger."

"Don’t get discouraged, Your Highness. I have been using the musou energy on a daily basis. The more it’s used, the more powerful it will make you."

Lenitia pouted. She recognized Lia’s modesty, knowing Lia had trained for a shorter period compared to her, yet her retainer was a level higher.

"Innate talent, huh?" Lenitia pondered. She wondered if she should recruit Crow and make him into her private retainer like Lia. She confirmed it with Lia once more to be certain. "Should we bring him along?"

"Definitely not."

"But why?"

"The commoner possesses fire energy. Our cultivation method is not suitable for his constitution."

"But doesn’t wind support fire?"

"Yes, but his growth as a knight will be limited. For instance, if his ceiling potential is level 4, he could only attain level 2 at most by using a cultivation method of other elements."

"Aw, too bad. Fire type is rare too."

"Yes, because they usually burn themselves and die young."

"..."

Lenitia thought about warning Crow, but she changed her mind. Rather than getting involved, she was more worried about her future. She didn’t want to marry an old man on a dying bed even though the groom was the king of Avaritia, Choi Fraus.

While Lenitia sulked, Lia reported another matter.

"Also, Your Highness, please be wary of mutated beasts around here."

"Mutated beasts?" Lenitia’s interest was piqued. "What are they? Monsters? Are they dangerous? Should we hunt them?"

Lia broke a sweat. The corners of her mouth twitched, but she endured the irritation. "They’re strange crows."

"Crows?"

"Yes, crows. They look like fat pheasants at a glance, but they’re crows."

"Aw, fat crows? How are they? Are they cute?"

"Cute, yes, but I sense their musou cores. Most of them are fire-type."

Lenitia paused, and her expression turned solemn. She stopped playing around and asked firmly.

"Do you think they’re related to the young man?"

"Yes, powerful mutated animals do not mix. But since they’re loitering in the area around the young man, they might be related. We should keep an eye on him or don’t get involved with him at all."

Lenitia’s eyes sparkled. "No, no, Lia. If they’re his pets, won’t that make him a promising knight? A crow knight? The title sounds amazing, right?"

Lia facepalmed and sighed. "No. We should not get involved. We should stay away from the young man for good. If better, we should get rid of him before trouble arises."

"No, you don’t get it. He’s an interesting commoner. We should stick around him and observe him for a bit longer."

"..."

Lia wanted to remind Lenitia of her real mission. Despite her concerns, Lia permitted the princess to have fun while she could. After all, Lenitia would get stuck in a concubine palace for the rest of her life, not being able to see the world or touch a sword ever again.

Lia sighed. She wished King Choi Fraus would die so that the engagement would be called off.

.

Lenitia and Crow met, but Lia hid herself well.

The day after, Lenitia and Lia left Studium and Crow, traveling north despite knowing the right direction. After half a day of sightseeing, Lenitia guided her people back, heading southwest.

Along the way, they spotted multiple fat crows in the area. Lia and Lenitia noticed that their musou energy was thicker than the last time.

Both women suspected that Crow was behind this, but they chose not to get involved with him anymore. They kept heading southwest until they reached the Racsit River, which separated the land between Constantia, Avaritia, and Invidia. They halted 500 meters from the checkpoint.

Lenitia pursed her lips and gazed at the river for an hour, reminiscing about the past. Despite her tears, no soldier witnessed her crying because she was wearing a helmet.

Once composed, she gathered her resolve and commanded her followers.

"I’ve played enough. Thanks for coming along. We’ll be heading to Avaritia now."

Lia rode next to the princess to check on her.

"...Your Highness."

"I’m fine. Let’s go and get this over with. The faster we finish this job, the faster you guys can return and deliver my father good news."

Lia patted Lenitia’s head and whispered. "You won’t be alone. I’ll be by your side, always. Even if you’re trapped in a dungeon, I’ll be right beside you."

Lenitia shed more tears, but she uttered no sound. In silence, she led her escort troops northwest.

A day later, at night, they reached a stream and spotted a campfire nearby.

And there, they met two Crow and Studium the second time.