The morning after their impromptu wedding was anything but peaceful for Shikuro. He awoke to find Yoru's dagger perilously close to his throat, her eyes glaring down at him with an intensity that could melt steel. "Explain this blood stain," Yoru demanded, her voice as sharp as the blade she wielded. Shikuro's mind raced, trying to formulate an explanation for the ominous stain on the bed, but he was abruptly interrupted by another voice, cold and steely, emanating from behind Yoru.

  Shikihime stood there, her own dagger pressed against Yoru's neck, her voice tinged with betrayal and disappointment. "Yoru, are you betraying me? Were my orders not clear enough?" The tension in the room was palpable. Yoru, realising her mistake, sheathed her dagger and turned to face Shikihime, only to receive a stinging slap across her face. Shikihime's disappointment was evident in her words and actions, and she commanded Yoru to leave immediately.

  Once Yoru had fled the room, Shikihime's demeanour shifted to one of sadness. She sat beside Shikuro on the bed, her eyes reflecting the turmoil within. "I've made arrangements for our move today," she began, her voice soft but firm. "We have a new temporary house, and there will be an inspection of our equipment and supplies. We also need to strategize our next steps."

  Shikuro, unsure of how to comfort Shikihime, awkwardly attempted to embrace her. His efforts, though clumsy, were genuine. Shikihime offered a weak smile in response, acknowledging his attempt. "You're terrible at this," she remarked, though her tone was more affectionate than critical.

  Shikuro hurried to get dressed and pack their belongings, aware of the time constraints they were under. Bjorn and Minato took charge of moving the chest downstairs, while Akalune handled the payment. Yoru kept her distance, her emotions clearly conflicted.

  Shikihime, ever the leader, approached Yoru with a mix of maternal concern and authority. "I'll explain everything at our new home. Act normally, Yoru. This isn't like you to be so emotional. Is there something I should know?"

  Yoru's response, a mix of rebellion and frustration, confirmed Shikihime's suspicions. "It's my line. It's you who keeps us in the dark," she retorted.

  As Shikihime and her group, led by Renata, navigated through the labyrinthine streets of Vrastislava, they finally arrived at their destination: a modest, middle-class house tucked away in the city's quieter district. It stood out with an additional floor, an unusual feature in this part of the city. The inside of the house, already set up for their arrival, held the bare necessities for a comfortable, if not luxurious, stay. Each room bore the signs of thoughtful preparation: a cellar stocked with provisions, a small but functional kitchen, a storage room filled with essentials, and a larger living room furnished with three beds. The upper floor mirrored the lower in layout, offering more sleeping space and additional rooms for storage and cleaning.

  In the living room, Renata broached a topic that had been lingering in the air. "My princess," she began, her voice laced with confusion, "I'm still trying to wrap my head around our conversation from this morning. You mentioned that the Dynasty is obligated to help us, but how so?"

  Shikihime, sitting amongst her companions, returned Renata's gaze with equal intensity. "What's there to misunderstand?" she questioned, a hint of impatience colouring her tone. "I thought it was pretty clear from the get-go. Are our operatives not doing their jobs properly?"

  Renata was quick to defend the operatives, insisting that the confusion didn't lie with them. Shikihime persisted, emphasising that the Dynasty must assist them to avoid breaching the alliance contract. However, Renata countered, revealing a critical piece of information: "But my princess, as far as I'm aware, the contract of the alliance was never fulfilled."

  The room fell silent at Renata's revelation. Shikihime’s eyes narrowed, and she asked pointedly, "And how would you know that? Have you ever seen what's written in the contract?"

  Renata, a bit taken aback, admitted she had never seen the contract but believed that if the alliance had been established, they would've been notified. Shikihime, with a hint of a smile, clarified, "You've got it all wrong. The contract is fulfilled, and the alliance is established. It clearly stated that the alliance would commence from the day we got married."

  The revelation sent shockwaves through the room. Everyone, except Yoru, gasped in disbelief. Bjorn and Minato exchanged glances, the former's brow furrowed in contemplation, while the latter quickly returned to his usual stoic demeanour. Akalune's expression was one of open confusion.

  Renata, struggling to process the information, began to voice her scepticism, only to be interrupted mid-sentence as she narrowly dodged a dagger thrown by Shikihime. The room tensed as Renata immediately knelt, her face a mask of shock and apology.

  Shikihime approached her with a cold, commanding presence. "Don't you dare question my words. Know your place," she said, her voice as sharp as the blade she wielded. Renata quickly apologised, her head bowed in submission.

  Shikihime, turning to address the room, affirmed firmly, "We are married. We've fulfilled our wedding night, and thus the alliance stands as per the contract. Does anyone here dare to oppose me?"

  Shikuro, breaking the heavy silence, confirmed with a steady voice, "She's right. We are indeed married." His words seemed to cement the reality of the situation for everyone present.

  Shikihime, maintaining her commanding presence, addressed Renata with a directive tone, "Stand up." Renata obediently rose, her gaze still lowered in respect. Shikihime's next question was direct and to the point, "You've informed them about the Land of Noone, haven't you?"

  "Yes, Princess," Renata replied, her voice steady but cautious. "I've relayed the message. We can expect their arrival in about 9 to 11 days. I've also informed Erik; he might get there a bit sooner, perhaps in 8 to 9 days."

  Shikuro, intrigued by the timeline, interjected with a practical question, "How long would it take us to reach there?" Renata, well-versed in the geography and logistics, explained, "On horseback, it's a day's journey to the borders. Beyond that, the horses can take you to the edge of the jungle, but no further. In total, it's about two days to the jungle’s edge. From there, with some luck, another three days through the jungle itself."

  Shikuro, visibly pleased with the expedient timeline, pondered aloud, "Then why the need to move here?" Renata, apologetic yet firm in her explanation, responded, "My apologies, my lord, but we need time to prepare. I'll have the required people and the rest of the supplies ready in two days. It's necessary for you to stay here until everything is in place."

  Shikihime, ever the strategist, inquired about their passage across the border. "How do we get through undetected?" Renata replied confidently, "Bribes. We've been using this method for smuggling for years. Most border guards owe us favours."

  Understanding the plan, Shikihime queried further, "Will you be providing additional personnel as well?" Renata confirmed, "Certainly. I'm assembling a team of at least six men to assist you, ensuring you won't have to carry anything. However, I can't provide more than that. Moving too many people at once would raise suspicions."

  Renata paused momentarily, gathering her thoughts before delivering more news, "I unfortunately bear another piece of bad news..."

  Shikihime's gaze intensified as she directed her question to Renata, "What is it? Speak freely."

  Renata, with a sense of urgency, disclosed, "The Kingdom appears to be gearing up for war. It's becoming clear that their initial plan was to lure you here under the guise of diplomacy, only to declare you missing. This move is not just about you; it's a strategic play against Frostgard. Our intelligence reports indicate a significant military buildup in the north. Soldiers are being readied for naval combat, and transport ships at military bases are being stocked, suggesting preparations for a large-scale operation."

  Shikuro, his face reflecting the gravity of the situation, mused aloud, "This aligns with a broader strategy. By declaring us missing, they aim to paralyse Frostgard's defensive capabilities. Ingrid, as the acting regent, would naturally hesitate to deploy Frostgard's forces or appoint a new Archduke, given the uncertainty surrounding my status."

  Bjorn, with a grim expression, added, "The implications are dire. We may return to a Frostgard plunged into chaos and conflict, unprepared for an impending war. Furthermore, with Ivar's machinations, our return could be misconstrued, leading to accusations of treachery."

  The room fell into a tense silence as the group processed the severity of their predicament. Renata continued, "And there's more. Since the alliance with the Dynasty wasn't formally established due to your disappearance, the Dynasty's response might be constrained to a defensive stance, especially in the north. This leaves Frostgard exposed to potential aggression from the Kingdom."

  Shikihime, taking charge of the situation, declared, "In that case, we'll be ready to depart in three to four days." Her gaze then shifted to Renata. "I noticed chests and boxes in the storage rooms. I assume they contain the supplies we requested?"

  Renata, with a nod, confirmed, "Yes, Princess. Would you like to conduct an inspection?"

  Shikihime glanced at Akalune and Bjorn, giving them a subtle nod. "Akalune, Bjorn, you two handle the inspection."

  Akalune crisply saluted, a mark of her disciplined nature, and Bjorn simply stood up, his movements efficient, devoid of unnecessary formalities, and followed Akalune to the storage rooms.

  Renata observed Bjorn's lack of courtesy with a hint of disapproval, but Shikihime was unfazed. She calmly responded, "Bjorn may not embody the epitome of politeness, but he excels in following orders and speaking only when it matters. In other words, he uses his intellect where it counts, so a bit of roughness around the edges is insignificant in the grand scheme of things."

  Shikuro, observing the interaction, turned to Renata and inquired, "Do we come across as uncouth in your perspective?"

  Renata, meeting Shikuro's gaze, answered candidly yet cautiously, "I would say there's a certain... lack of refinement in your mannerisms."

  Shikihime's smile, sharp and foreboding, emerged. It was a smile that subtly conveyed power and threat. Renata, sensing the underlying danger in that smile, quickly realised the prudence in curtailing the conversation.

  If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

  As Shikihime gazed intently at Renata, she inquired about the current situation with the divinity and the hunter wolves they were rumoured to bring. "They're due to arrive in the capital in two days," Renata informed her, prompting a thoughtful look from Shikihime. "So, they won't reach here for at least another ten days. Are you, by any chance, in any danger?"

  Renata reassured her, "Absolutely not. This house will also undergo their inspection. Ensure nothing critical is left behind. We'll claim you were simply clients who arrived incognito due to your hair and cap, blending in as affluent middle-class citizens with a retinue. It's a common occurrence for us, nothing suspicious there."

  Shikihime nodded in approval, "Alright, I trust your judgement on this matter." Shikuro, with a look of concern, turned to Renata and asked, "What about the land of noone? What should we expect en route?"

  Renata's answer was blunt yet ominous, "Trouble, and lots of it. Night time is particularly perilous; at least four people need to stay vigilant. And remember, never stray alone, not even for a moment. The jungle can be deceiving, luring the unwary to vanish without a trace. You’ll be following a route we’ve used before, but be warned, the jungle presents a formidable challenge, especially for newcomers."

  Shikihime nodded in understanding, but Shikuro seemed perplexed. "Why such caution?" he queried.

  Renata elaborated, "The jungle's most treacherous at night. It's when unseen predators hunt, and visibility is next to none. Daytime offers some respite, as most predators are dormant then."

  Shikuro absorbed Renata's analysis, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "And in your estimation, what are our chances of success?" he inquired, seeking a more concrete understanding of their odds.

  Renata, her fingers thoughtfully tapping her chin, considered the question before responding. "With your group's current composition and considering the specific challenges of the route, I'd estimate a 70% chance of all of you reaching the edge of the land of noone intact. It's not a deep incursion, and it's relatively close to the border, so the risks are somewhat mitigated. If we're looking at reaching our outpost, I'd say there's an 80% chance, though with the likelihood of 3-4 casualties."

  Her eyes scanned the group, "Attempting to escape through the docks, given the heavy surveillance and security, drops your chances drastically, somewhere around 20-30%. Avoiding entanglement in random skirmishes? Even lower."

  Renata's gaze settled on Shikihime, "Princess, it's imperative that you return. There's much awaiting your attention, decisions and actions that have been on hold. Don't expect a respite even upon reaching allied territory."

  Minato, the ever-pragmatic one, interjected with a question, "How frequently do your operatives utilise this hideout in the land of noone?"

  Renata replied, "Only about once or twice a year. It's a perilous path, not one we tread lightly. But at times, the risk of discovery in other routes outweighs the dangers posed by the jungle. The land of noone has its way of erasing traces, which can be... convenient."

  Yoru, with a wry smile, chimed in, "So, if we don't make it, you won't have the trouble of covering up after us, right?"

  Renata's response was matter-of-fact, "Precisely."

  Upon the return of Bjorn and Akalune from inspecting the supplies, Akalune delivered her report with a sense of assured confidence. "We're well-stocked on medical supplies, including various boosting pills and some fast-acting poisons. The poison powder is particularly potent, causing rapid muscular rigidity. As for weapons, we've replenished our arsenal with two bows and two crossbows, along with a sufficient stock of bolts and arrows."

  Her eyes scanned the group as she continued, "Food provisions are primarily non-perishable items, such as smoked meats and cheeses, complemented by ingredients for soup preparation. Our clothing supplies are comprehensive, including garments for both daily wear and nighttime, all crafted from high-quality materials. This should aid in concealing our bluesteel gear effectively."

  She paused briefly before adding, "We've also been provided with compact and lightweight tents, designed for two-person occupancy. And for financial contingencies, we have twenty large gold coins at our disposal. Comparing this to our previous journey, our current level of preparedness should ensure a significantly smoother travel experience. Everything has been meticulously accounted for."

  Renata approached Shikihime with a sense of purpose, her hands delicately holding a scroll. "This," she began, her voice steady and clear, "is for the gate soldiers. Show them this and they'll grant you passage." She then presented another scroll, her tone taking on a more conspiratorial edge. "And this one's for the border check. Pair it with five hefty gold coins. They're facing tough times, and a little gold goes a long way." Her smile held a mischievous glint as she spoke. Shikihime, understanding the unspoken implications, carefully tucked the scroll into her inner pocket.

  Renata's expression softened as she inquired, "Anything else you desire, princess?" Her question was met with a polite refusal from Shikihime, who then, in a turn of concern, asked if there was anything she could do to ease Renata's burden. Clearly taken aback by this unexpected show of empathy, Renata paused before suggesting, "As you're here for a few more days, perhaps visit various shops, make some random purchases. It'd help maintain appearances if you're seen shopping widely, not just with us." Shikihime nodded in agreement, promising to fulfil the request.

  With a deep bow, Renata expressed her gratitude, bid her farewells, and departed. No sooner had she left than Akalune approached Shikihime, a touch of urgency in her gesture as she gently grasped Shikihime's arm. "My lady, would you mind shedding light on this marriage arrangement of yours?" Her smile, though present, didn't reach her eyes, which were devoid of happiness. Shikihime, sensing the weight of the question, let out a weary sigh.

  Shikuro, with a straightforwardness that left little room for doubt, declared, "We married last night, and yes, we've had our wedding night." His words, succinct as they were, seemed to stir the air with their gravity. Bjorn, however, was not satisfied with such brevity. "Shikuro, that's hardly the whole story. Elaborate, please," he urged, his tone insistent.

  Shikihime, ever bold and unflinching, began to narrate, "Well, I got naked and went to..." Her words, daring and unexpected, were promptly cut short by Yoru's interjection. "Stop jesting, Shikihime. We're questioning the suddenness of your marriage, not the intimate details of your wedding night."

  Shikuro, his cheeks tinged with a blush at Shikihime's brazenness, took over the explanation. "We realised we were unwittingly playing into our enemy's hands for quite some time. They aimed to foil the alliance from the start. So, we decided to thwart their plans by marrying, thereby activating the alliance contract."

  Yoru, her gaze fixed on Shikihime, remarked, "It was a mistake." But Shikihime, resolute and clear-eyed, countered, "No, it wasn't. I chose a life in Frostgard. The alliance is vital, and I believe in its power to fortify both our lands. I harbour no regrets."

  Shikihime softened her tone, adding with a gentle smile, "I can envision a happy life in Frostgard. Returning to the Dynasty would only lead me into another political marriage, a fresh start with an uncertain future. Please, accept our decision." Her sincerity melted Yoru's frosty demeanour.

  Yoru stepped forward and embraced Shikihime, her voice warm with affection, "Congratulations, Shikihime. Allow me to continue serving you. I'll support you, and yes, even that brute," she said, casting a playful glance at Shikuro, who frowned at the remark. Shikihime's laughter filled the room as she responded, "Of course, you'll stay by my side. And should you ever wish to forge your own path, I'll support you wholeheartedly. A beauty like you is wasted on me."

  Yoru shook her head, dissenting silently. Akalune then approached, kneeling respectfully. "Please, allow me to serve you as well." Shikihime gently helped her to stand, affirming, "Of course, Akalune. I'm eager to work together."

  Minato, seated throughout this exchange, chimed in casually, "Count me in." Bjorn then approached Shikihime, extending his hand for a handshake. As Shikihime accepted, he pulled her into a half-hug, patting her back. "I look forward to serving you. From this moment, you are my mistress, as Shikuro is my master. I swear to protect your future with my life or die in the attempt. This I vow on my name."

  The gathering erupted in warm congratulations for Shikihime and Shikuro. Shikihime basked in the joy of the moment, her eyes sparkling with delight, while Shikuro, ever the more reserved, appeared somewhat uneasy amidst the festivities. Once the initial wave of congratulations subsided, Akalune, with a glint of curiosity in her eyes, turned to Shikihime. "Tell us about the wedding. The where, the how of it all. Was it a charming affair? Were there tears?" she inquired eagerly.

  Shikihime, her gaze playfully shifting to Shikuro, let out a light-hearted laugh. "Why not ask Shikuro? His version of events is bound to be amusing," she suggested, prompting everyone's attention to pivot towards Shikuro.

  He began, somewhat reluctantly, to recount the peculiar happenings of their wedding night. His narrative was filled with unusual details - an injury, a drunken monk, a peculiar ceremony, and a post-ceremony drinking session. As he concluded, Bjorn, eyebrows raised, quipped, "Does that even qualify as a marriage?"

  Shikihime, with a smile dancing on her lips, produced their official marriage documents as proof. The group examined the papers with a mixture of amusement and disbelief. Minato, intrigued, clarified, "So, the monk actually vomited mid-ceremony and just carried on as if nothing happened?" Shikuro confirmed, nodding.

  Minato's face lit up with a kind of respect, "If I were that drunk, I couldn't carry on. To drink a bottle after that? The monk's resilience is remarkable." Shikuro, incredulous, responded, "You're praising him?" To which Minato proudly declared, "I praise anyone who does what I can't. It's a valid compliment."

  The room erupted in laughter at this exchange, led by Shikihime, her eyes brimming with mirthful tears. "Minato, you're incredible. A man of your stature, envious of a drunken monk? I never thought I'd hear you say something like this. You're truly one of a kind." Her laughter, genuine and heartfelt, echoed through the room, a testament to the joy and camaraderie shared among them.

  Interlude: Archduke Aldrik

  In the castle's council room, Aldrik stood resolutely before his advisors, his voice heavy with resolve. "The Dynasty's blockade has played right into our hands. We now have a legitimate casus belli." He instructed a secret request for military aid to be sent to the kingdom, his tone reflecting a year's worth of strategic preparation finally coming to fruition.

  The councillors, united in their support, listened intently. The following day, a letter from the Kingdom arrived, proclaiming the imminent start of operations in ten days. "All our pawns are in place," Aldrik read aloud, his gaze sweeping across the room, "Do your part simultaneously."

  Turning to logistics, he inquired about their supplies. "We're prepared for a six-month siege," one councillor reported, "enough to last until the kingdom's reinforcements arrive." Aldrik nodded, satisfied.

  His focus then shifted to a crucial aspect of their strategy. "Ensure Archduke Arvid's assassination coincides with the start of our operations," he commanded, understanding the importance of crippling mainland support. "Without Arvid and his two archdukes, Ivar won't break our defences on land."

  Another councillor provided an update on their military strength: 20,000 soldiers, 3,000 from the kingdom, and five fully crewed fleets comprising mixed troops. Aldrik outlined the plan to break through the Dynasty's blockade and unite with the kingdom's fleet. "I will personally oversee the siege here. Ensure strategic ports are secured and do not fall," he instructed.

  One of the councillors raised a pressing question about the current status of Archduke Shikuro. Aldrik responded with a subtle shake of his head, indicating the lack of confirmation. "They have not yet confirmed his fate," he revealed, his tone laced with a mix of anticipation and scepticism. "They're still attempting to locate him, but it seems a matter of days before his situation is irrevocably decided. Yet, nobody will publicly admit to this. The search continues, more for show than hope. Should his demise be confirmed, they'd quickly appoint a new archduke. I'm certain they're already prepared for such a contingency."

  As Aldrik surveyed the war map with a strategic eye, he pinpointed two crucial ports on the map. "These locations," he asserted, "will witness the fiercest combat." His councillors, sharing his view, concurred, with one suggesting proactive reinforcements. "If the enemy lands elsewhere, our superior cavalry, the largest in the realm thanks to our breeding program with the kingdom, will swiftly overpower them."

  Aldrik, acknowledging the suggestion with a nod, added a grim directive. "Prepare for scorched earth tactics. Should any village or city be at risk of falling, it must be razed. We cannot afford to provide the enemy with operational bases or resources." He understood that such measures would severely hinder the enemy's supply lines.

  Another councillor brought up the potential use of militia. Aldrik pondered the idea, recognizing their limitations in open combat but acknowledging their possible effectiveness in sieges, especially at walls or gates. "We might deploy them, depending on the situation," he mused. "They would be a liability in open field battles but could prove useful in defensive sieges."

  Finally, Aldrik rallied his councillors with a stirring speech. "The Dynasty will reel from our strike. Our aim is autonomy from the Stardust Kingdom. Ivar's weakness and unsavoury alliances have opened a path for us. We should have sought a partnership with a nation as gifted as the Stardust Kingdom. With their support, we will flourish. The days of glory beckon. Stand with me, my friends. Defend the heritage of our forebears. Uphold our bloodline. For glory!" His words were a clarion call, imbued with the weight of history and the fervour of impending battle.