7 Message

"What…just happened?"

My father falls on his knees, trying to conceive what just happened.

"Sorry father, but this is the truth. You can't beat me with a broken sword."

"This is…this is inconceivable!!! DAMN YOU!"

Oh dear, my father is a prideful lion as always. However, that punch of his is slow enough for me to evade easily. Is he solely a magic swordsman? I haven't thought of it. The sun's about to rise—I need to get out of here. Now, where is Chrome—oh? Just in time.

"My lady, preparations are done."

"Mmm. Let's go Chrome."

"Yes, my lady."

As I walked away, I hear my father mumbling things like, "I'll make you pay for this humiliation", or something similar to it.

Not that I care anyway.

I walked away with my lineage and household behind me, brimming with a smile as I finally feel unbounded from the strict protocols of my family.

"Oh yeah, Chrome…could you send a message to a certain individual?"

"It'll be done right away, my lady. But if I may, to whom does the message address to?"

***

"I see. So Avy came back and resolved herself to deliver retribution to her family huh?"

"Yes. It is as you say, sire."

The sun has just started shining its illuminating crown up in the sky when General Hawkins Bane received a report from his secretary.

General Bane is a tall, brownish round-eyed person. He has a light skin tone, a mustache, and a beard, bulky muscles. He possesses a husky, deep voice. He's currently wearing his military uniform. He knows Avy and even spars with her on some occasions. Their bouts always end up in a draw—or so what the rumors contain. However in reality Avy is technically his teacher in swordsmanship and has received multiple tips from her on how to improve his way of swinging the sword. He also knew how Avy is being treated in her household and listened to her sorrow while Avy is storytelling about it. In turn, he would comfort the young girl, caressing her as if she's his daughter. Even the platoon under his authority, as well as their families, is deeply indebted to the young lady, for she trained them earnestly.

The general sighed and smirked after hearing such news. Of course, the secretary—Leen Cradle—also has a similar connection to Avy, and she highly regarded her with respect.

Leen Cradle is a woman with a seemingly delicate figure. Her skin and hair are white as snow, and with that and her violet almond eyes and womanly charms, she's pretty well-known in the capital.

Leen just giggled and spoke.

"It seems like she's already on the move."

"That may be so."

"Say, general…"

"Hmm? What is it?"

"If ever she needs our help, how should we respond?"

"Why ask for that stupid question Leen? Or are you just trying to spark my interest?"

"Who knows sire?"

General Bane just scratched his head while shaking his head and smiled.

"She's strong enough to carve her path. However, if ever she needed some assistance, why wouldn't I help?"

"I see. It seems that your way of thinking and her motive coincides."

"Hmm? Oh, if it isn't Chrome! Welcome here."

Chrome arrived through a window. Even though it's impolite, the general himself and the secretary already knew about Chrome as well. They exchanged their greetings and got on the topic.

"So tell me Chrome, what do you mean by that earlier statement of yours?"

"Yes. My lady asked for your assistance in regards to building a new city. She's a mighty maiden when it comes to combat. However, she knew for herself that managing a troop isn't her strong suit, as well as political, territorial, and security matters. Would you accept the request?"

"Hmm? That's not an Avy-like request. You've done well recreating her words, but could you tell me her exact message?"

"Yes. She said, 'Please join me general'."

"As straightforward as ever huh, Avy."

General Bane chuckled after hearing Avy's request.

"It would be a disservice if I don't accept it. However, it'll take some time to migrate all those who are willing to come, though I'm pretty sure that my troops, as well as their families, would accept her offer."

There are twenty people under his command. Taking into account their families, the number would increase five-fold. Though this quantity is all but a grain of sand along the shoreline compared to the overall population of the capital.

"How should I take this into action, I wonder?"

"May I suggest something for you general?"

"Hmm? What is it, Leen?"

"Should we go for a vacation or a family party of some sort?"

"Oh? Could you elaborate that plan for me, Leen?"

The three of them smiled at one another. Within the room, where no outsider could hear any sounds coming from it, are three individuals heavily influenced by a lady who's the sole person that could liberate their sorry states in the capital.

"Of course sire. Right away."