(TLN: Volume 4 is divided in 2 parts, A and B, A will be focusing on Catherine. There is also a timeskip. Tho René and the gang don’t age.)
The dispatch of the “Ciel-Terra Liberation Army” by the Holy Kingdom of Diletta was successfully concluded.
The “Rose Princess of Hellrage” and her undead army abandoned the capital city of Terra Ruale and escaped.
Subsequently, an incident erupted at the eastern edge, but that’s another story.
Applauding this development were the eastern lords of Ciel-Terra, who had been in dire straits since Ghislain’s death. Backed by Diletta, they nominated a new candidate for the crown prince selection meeting that had already passed its deadline. Despite protests from western lords pointing out tyranny, they proceeded with the crown prince selection, maintaining some semblance of order.
The western vassals challenged the validity of the selection meeting and accused Diletta of “heinous interference” regarding Ghislain’s death. They unfolded conspiracy theories suggesting Ghislain had been fused with a holy beast by Diletta’s technology and turned into a puppet, though the source of this information was unclear.
The assertive and aggressive stance of the western lords was also due to their backing by the Gireshtal Federation against the eastern side backed by Diletta.
Despite mediation attempts by Diletta, the rift between the eastern and western lords remained unresolved, leading Ciel-Terra to split into East and West, each claiming legitimate royal authority.
The eastern faction, including the capital, became the “Kingdom of Ciel-Terra” under the protection of the Holy Kingdom of Diletta.
The western side, closely linked with the Gireshtal Federation, became the “Kingdom of Western Ayursa”. Although mocked for not bearing the name “Ciel-Terra” despite claiming rightful authority, the Western Ayursa remained silent, explaining they should not use the name until the state was properly formed. Rumor had it that former Second Knight Commander Bertil Lagerbeck strongly advocated for this name, but this remained unverified information.
Thus, the conflict over Ciel-Terra’s mineral resources and the struggles of the great powers ended with Diletta establishing influence over the eastern side, where many Glacelum mines were located, bringing a tentative conclusion.
… Despite the outcome, many believed the fighting had ended.
＊ ＊ ＊
Before the founding of the Western Ayursa Kingdom.
At the Keely Earldom, capital Eltaref, in the “Evening Song” Castle, within the parlor.
The snow of the northern lands had finally melted, bathing the room in warm sunlight, yet the air within was as heavy as lead.
There were two people in the room.
One was Trevor Henrick Keely, dressed in a deep blue suit, his movements sharp and precise as if wired up like a puppet. He was the eldest son of the late head Oswald Mikal Keely, now the head of the Keely Earldom and lord of this estate.
The other was Catherine Margaretha Keely, the second daughter of the late earl and Trevor’s younger sister.
“…So, is the decision to dissolve the Keely Earldom still unchanged?”
Catherine asked, and Trevor, with closed eyes, nodded heavily.
“It seems Father’s support for Noacurio was ill-advised. The Federation made it clear that this was an essential condition to secure the backing of the Western Ayursa Kingdom. Second Knight Commander… No, it’s different now. Despite efforts by Lord Lagerbeck, the conclusion remained unchanged.”
While it might seem trivial amidst the chaos of the nation’s east-west division, for those directly involved, this decision meant everything.
The Gireshtal Federation, backing the western lords, did not recognize the survival of the Keely Earldom.
Similarly, those lords who sided with Hilbert during the coup were also being dissolved as part of this process.
To the Gireshtal Federation, it seemed necessary to eliminate any potential threats to their reclamation of the former Ciel-Terra, avoiding the issues seen with Hillbert.
The Keely Earldom was perceived as one such threat.
“Father did not intend to ally with Marquis Edfeldt in that manner…”
“Ah, given the open hostility from His Majesty, King Hilbert II, it was inevitable. However, for the Gireshtal Federation, it’s just another country’s affair. They have no obligation to consider such nuances. Prioritizing risk mitigation over sentiment. Politics… efficiency often outweighs sentimentality. Even if we harbor no disloyalty, it’s difficult for the Federation to ascertain that.”
Trevor spoke with a voice tinged with regret.
Ideal politics, delicately penetrating and grasping the hearts of the people, might be admirable.
However, it comes with costs and risks. Is there no disloyalty within the Keely Earldom?
What does Trevor, who succeeded the lineage, think?
One must investigate, monitor, and trust with a certain degree of risk awareness. The Gireshtal Federation deemed that value to be lacking.
“I… believe we have no choice but to accept.”
Trevor spoke with a tone as if blood was being coughed up.
Suddenly, Catherine felt as if she were sitting atop a deep, dark abyss. Trevor… they were trying to erase their own Keely family.
“When considering what is best for the people, we must resolve this turmoil as soon as possible. Father must have thought the same.”
“I… agree, Onii-sama.”
Trevor seemed pained but unwavering.
Trevor and Catherine shared a fundamental understanding nurtured by observing their father’s actions.
Unlike the heroes who founded the nation alongside the people, they were born into a certain status and understood their inherent duties to lead the people.
In light of these considerations, the conclusion was clear.
To restore order to this nation in turmoil, it was best for a great power to intervene under a structured order. Any obstacles to that goal needed to be removed, even if it meant the Keely family itself.
“The Federation has offered to guarantee our family’s livelihood. They want to keep us under their control rather than letting us roam freely.”
“All the servants…”
“It’s unrealistic to support them all. I might end up writing a lifetime’s worth of recommendations. I’ll try to find them employment opportunities, but with the uncertainty surrounding the new governance… it’s hard to say anything definitive at this point.”
Familiar faces of the servants flashed through Catherine’s mind.
Most of them would remain in what was once Ciel-Terra, now the Kingdom of Western Ayursa, to seek new employment opportunities there.
Having worked at the Earl’s residence should facilitate their transition to new jobs, or so Catherine hoped.
“What’s most important now is the transition of governance and administration. If problems arise, it’s the people who will suffer. We must prepare as much as possible.”
“Onii-sama, what can I do?”
Catherine asked naturally, but Trevor seemed momentarily taken aback, lost in thought.
“It would be a great help if you could handle the farewell visits on my behalf. I must meet with truly important figures myself, but the others shouldn’t mind. Normally, this duty would fall to our mother, but as I am unmarried, circumstances are as they are, and understanding should be obtained… Besides, I am confident that you will fulfill this role admirably as a lady.”
“Understood, Onii-sama.”
Being called a lady made Catherine both happy and burdened.
She could no longer remain sheltered within the cradle of the Keely family.
For a brief time, she must truly bear the burden of the Earl and then let it go.
“After that, please go to the Federation promptly and assist Mother. …It seems she’s been unwell again due to stress.”
“Yes…”
The warm daytime sunlight had gradually turned fiery red, and the shadows in the parlor grew deeper.
＊ ＊ ＊
The Keely Earldom was originally a territory carved out by Edward I, who later became the founding king of Ciel-Terra, from lands taken during the human-demon war, which he then granted to his comrade, “Battlefield Songstress” Janet Keely.
For about a hundred years since then, the Keely Earldom had served the royal family and governed this land.
With the establishment of the Kingdom of Western Ayursa, their territory became subject to confiscation, and the Keely Earldom drew to a close in history.
Upon parting ways with the former ruling family, many residents wept, a testament to how much the late lord, Oswald Mikal Keely, who fell in battle against the “Rose Princess of Hellrage”, was beloved.
