“Odelliana, see that? Over there is Anatolia,” pointed Blair, snapping me back to reality.
“…Yeah, I see.”
A year later, the Tribal Suppression War loomed, threatening imminent ruin.
“It’s been a while,” a voice cut through the air.
Despite the impending clash with the barbarians, the city maintained a facade of peace. It was a stark contrast to my first experience here as part of the Allied forces. This place, where blood once flowed freely, held no fond memories.
“We’re almost there,” the driver announced. “Get ready to disembark.”
The carriage rattled to a halt, revealing weathered walls that dominated the horizon. Even from afar, their disrepair and need for urgent attention were evident. No wonder the city fell to the barbarians.
The Boulogne River, a natural defense, snaked around the base of the walls. The city’s geographical advantage, with a swift-flowing river encircling it, should have made it impregnable. Yet, a misplaced sense of security, fueled by their geographical buffer, seemed to have led to neglect of both troop management and wall maintenance. They must have lived in blissful ignorance, relying solely on the natural barrier.
“If only they’d maintained the walls,” I muttered, the thought echoing in my mind. “The city wouldn’t have fallen so easily.”
Reaching the checkpoint before the city gate, I braced myself for a thorough inspection. But as soon as the Anatolia guards laid eyes on the Grüsewald coat of arms emblazoned on the carriage, they waved us through without a second glance.
The privilege continued. Upon entering the city walls, a guide personally dispatched by the lord awaited us. Following his directions, we arrived at the castle where the lord of Anatolia resided.
Alighting from the carriage, we were met by the waiting lord.
“Welcome,” he greeted, a hint of weariness coloring his voice. “You’ve had a long journey.”
“Indeed, my lord,” Blair replied.
The lord’s gaze then shifted to Odelliana, his aged eyes filled with a curious languor. More precisely, after a fleeting glance at her face, his attention darted towards the carriage she’d just exited. A flicker of something sharp glinted in his eyes.
“And who’s this?”
“Ah,” Blair cleared his throat. “She’s a distant relative.”
Calling her his sister wouldn’t do.
“I understand,” the lord replied, his tone noncommittal. “Accommodations are prepared. But enough pleasantries, let us proceed with haste.”
A castle guide promptly led them to the guest chambers. Odelliana was surprised to find them assigned the largest and most exquisitely decorated room.
“Odelliana,” Blair said, “rest here for a while. I have matters to discuss with the lord. I’ll return shortly, shouldn’t be long.”
“Take your time,” she replied with a nod.
Once Blair departed, a maid with a gentle smile entered. “May I be of assistance?”
“No, thank you, but I will call if I need anything later.”
“Of course,” the maid replied, her voice soft. “Please, make yourself comfortable. Don’t hesitate to call if you require anything.”
Alone at last, Odelliana reviewed the meticulously planned schedule for the coming week.
Now it begins.
***
Anatolia might mark their arrival, but it wouldn’t grant her immediate access to Matthias. Confined to a cane, her mobility was limited to a grueling 30 minutes at best.
Blair, concerned about her “leg discomfort,” had instructed the castle staff to keep a watchful eye on Odelliana. Between their scrutiny and the vast distance separating the Inner District from the impoverished Köbeck, where Matthias resided, a direct approach seemed impossible.
Sneaking out of the castle unseen was out of the question. Blair wouldn’t dream of escorting her to the rough underbelly of Köbeck.
The solution, then, lay in a nearby Köbeck village. Calvera, Anatolia’s bustling commercial hub, was currently hosting its seasonal night markets. There, she could procure essentials—self-defense weapons, perhaps even poison—before discreetly slipping away from Blair and hiring a carriage for Köbeck. Thus far, everything had unfolded according to plan.
But beyond Köbeck? Uncertainty loomed. The crime-ridden district itself was a breeding ground for misfortune. There was no guarantee she’d find Matthias, let alone convince him to join her cause.
Within this one week stay, she had a monumental task: secure Matthias or find a definitive end. Hesitation was a luxury she couldn’t afford. She was trapped, with nowhere to retreat, and nowhere to advance.
