Treat me with sincerity and return it with righteousness
Beyond the manor, there was a patch of forest, and on its edge, a hunter's cabin. It faced the shallows from where the small boat had once set sail. The cabin was mostly demolished, its materials used to reinforce the outer walls. On the remaining ruins sat a petite figure.
She wore a wide-brimmed witch's hat and a heavy cloak. A milky-white dress outlined her slender figure, but her blue short hair was a bit messy, adding a touch of wild beauty to her tranquil appearance.
Her skin was of a haunting blue, her face as delicate as a piece of art. Her right eye, painted with magic patterns, was closed. Her blue left pupil looked at the calm lake, the pupil seemed to be sparkling with the brilliance of a cluster of stars and a full moon.
"Blazer, why would you be interested in a magic apprentice?"
Her voice was clear with a touch of authority, and if it weren't for her lightly swinging legs beneath her long skirt, one might mistake her as the queen of Calia.
The half-wolf warrior stood at the edge of the ruins. He stood straight, his sharp eyes continually scanning the surroundings as if on alert for something.
On hearing the question, Blazer moved his toothy mouth, thinking, "It's you who are interested, isn't it? I simply described the process and brought up some doubts."
Surely enough, Blazer, who had grown up with Leni and knew her personality, coughed lightly and answered seriously, "Even with the pressure of war, Daon Leite's transition was too fast. It gave me the impression that it was like..."
"Like what?" Leni tilted her head slightly.
"A veteran warrior, a man-killing blade that has slaughtered countless enemies."
Such high praise?
The young girl's eyes widened slightly. She knew her 'shadow' well - cold and stern, never understood the term 'flattery.' So, she blurted out:
"Is he very strong?"
"Not exactly, his strength is no different than old soldiers like Vila." Blazer paused, as if choosing his words. After a moment, he responded, "But his heart is different from ordinary people. If there are no problems, it could only be seen as a freakish talent."
"A born warrior?"
Blazer nodded heavily, his mouth parting as if he was smiling with bloodthirst, "Yes, some people are simply born for the battlefield."
"Sounds like a talent." Leni's interest was piqued even more upon seeing the man coming out of the manor. She stopped swinging her legs, looking more regal than before.
"It's indeed time to meet him."
Daon emerged from the manor. This rear area was uncovered by any wall. The war broke out so unexpectedly, it was already impressive that the Calia royal family could transform a manor into a one-way fortress - there was no time to build a city.
"Daon, you should go meet Her Highness the Princess," the knight stopped at the doorway, gripping the sword on his waist, cautiously observing his surroundings. This posture, as if facing a great enemy, made Daon slightly taken aback, but then he understood the reason soon.
After all, Leni was one of the participants in 'Black Blade Night,' which marked the beginning of the demi-god's demise and caused a glitch in the Golden Law that eradicated 'death,' thereby shaking the Golden Tree's reign that was supposed to last for eternity.
It can be said that without Black Blade Night, there would not have been the fracture of the Elden Magic Ring, nor the Fragment War that swept across the continent.
The stagnation was set rippling, and the forces that threatened lives wanting to cause more ripples were not few.
'No wonder, as the de facto queen of Calia, she never fought on the front lines.' Daon nodded to indicate that he understood. These complications involving gods and demi-gods were not something a foot soldier should delve into.
Walking along the stone road towards that place, he could see the werewolf from afar. On the ruins sat a petite figure, whose face was hidden by a large witch's hat.
Daon's expression became more serious, but this was not because of the awe of power. In terms of territory and the number of soldiers, the Moon Princess was not stronger than Reedmane Shirou. What was awe-inspiring was the settled ferocious aura. This did not seem like a little girl sitting there.
'Is this the power of a demi-god in the Borderlands?'
Although in the eyes of ordinary people in the Borderlands, Leni's biological father, Radagon, abandoned his wife, the Moon Queen Reyna, and united with the goddess Marika to become the new King of Elden. Their three siblings, as in-laws, received the title of demi-gods.
But Daon knew that the deity-loving Radagon was not just a 'king'. He and the 'goddess' Marika, appointed by the Golden Tree, were dual souls. They were unisex and could dominate or be submissive. The children they bore were naturally genuine half-gods.
"Are you Daon Leite?"
Just as Daon was lost in thought, a gentle yet authoritarian voice resonated in his ears, quickly bringing him back to reality.
"Yes, Your Highness, I am the magic apprentice, Daon Leite." He imitated the knights, performing a fist-to-chest bow, slightly lifted his head and looked at the delicate face.
You are very regal, but could you come down and talk to me?
Leni hadn't expected her magic apprentice to be considering such matters in his mind. Still, her fingertips remained placed together, and she slowly said, "Greetings, please forgive me for not being able to join you in battle. But under the full moon's light, we are all battling for survival; our battlefields are merely different."
She was polite and educated, clearly explaining her constraints. If Leni's enemies weren't more terrifying, ordinary soldiers could simply cheer her on from the sidelines as she sweeps through legions.
"As a commander, you shouldn't be on the front lines. As long as you live, your enemies will hesitate." Daon responded calmly, clearly understanding that Leni's enemies were not something ordinary soldiers could handle.
"Your words reassure me." Leni nodded slightly. She had already observed that this magic apprentice didn't show any abnormalities, then her question abruptly changed:
"Then could you answer a question for me?"
"Please do ask."
"Why have you chosen to stay and fight in Calia?"
Daon had anticipated this question and answered without hesitation, "Because of hatred and benefits, of course, mixed with some ideas of gratitude. Calia has been honest with me, and so I respond with righteousness."
His answer was watertightly thought through. The first half was based on the birth of this physical body and logically clarified that the relationship between the two parties would either prosper together or decline together. Rufous Knights, while not strictly disciplined, could hardly be referred to as scoundrels and plunderers – there is no scenario of surrender.
The latter half was learned in Reed territory. People without compassion or righteousness generally do not live long.
Daon Leite, who had been a freeloader for so long, would have been long sacrificed if the military law of Calia was slightly more severe, so this favor must be repaid.
Leni's gaze shifted slightly, and compared to the cold interpersonal relationships, she preferred his latter part of response.
"To treat with sincerity, to respond with righteousness? Blazer, I've told you not to be impatient. Soldiers are not heartless."
The cold-hearted werewolf was a bit embarrassed and had to turn his head away.
Leni didn't tease him and continued, "You spoke well. I have always valued soldiers who are willing to fight for Calia voluntarily. If the full moon finally falls into the dark, I will accept it calmly."
Daon didn't speak, he knew that Leni had taken over a troublesome situation. Any slightly annoyed boss would have resorted to unorthodox methods long ago, at least her mentality is better than Shirou's.
Seeing him silent, Leni revealed a quiet smile, "No need for formalities, you're a meritorious person. What reward would you like?"
A qualified ruler rewards achievements. And Len knew that the main event was approaching, becoming instantly alert.
"I have two requests."
"Speak."
"Um, I want to know where the Fragment War has progressed to now." Daon answered after pondering, this was important to him, it could determine the timeline.
Leni was surprised. She thought this person would ask for some treasure or title, or at least apply to be relocated to a safe city fortress. She never expected his first request would be for a piece of information.
"Are you interested in what's happening outside?"
"Those with shortsighted views usually don't live long."
His response was quite straightforward, which rather endeared Leni. She didn't like hypocritical people and wasn't interested in those who bowed their heads quickly.
"A constant talk of survival, you're quite authentic. Alright, I'll tell you." Leni thought for a while and replied:
"The second siege of the royal city has ended. Not long ago, 'Valkyrie' Marlenia led her legion to swear an oath and headed south, with an unknown purpose. I suspect she is heading for Gailid to decide the victory with 'Star Stabbing General' Ratane, you should know who these two are, right?"
Daon nodded, among the demi-god's these two were quite well-known. Ratane, Leni's older brother, is often referred to as 'big brother-in-law' by countless players, and is currently a lord in Gailid highlands. On the other hand, Marlenia, who controls her brother, is even more strange. She is the product of 'self-birth' between Marika and Radagon and occupies the Holy Tree in the extreme north, also a powerful figure.
'It seems the Fragment War is entering its final stage. Next is the decisive battle between Marlenia and Ratane. Both sides will end up wounded, countless creatures will be polluted by the Crimson Corrosion, and then the demi-gods, who can't decide the winner, will be abandoned by the Supreme Will, and the first generation Fading Ones will return.'
"What are you thinking about?" Leni saw Daon fall silent and asked interestedly.
Daon emerged from his thoughts. He had finally determined the timeline and was now more confident about the future.
"I was pondering if the Borderlands will ever see peace, when will we be able to live a stable life." He fabricated a bitter expression.
Under the shackles of the law, pain is eternal.
Leni had thought of an answer in her heart. The dice had fallen, even if the demi-gods determine the victor and restore the Elden Magic Ring, it would only be just another circle of suffering.
This was too distant for a magic apprentice. Speaking it out would only seek trouble. Therefore, she gently chose to skip it.
"The future is full of infinite possibilities. Just remember, there's no free lunch in the Borderlands. Some things are rewards, but they can also be curses."
This statement was somewhat cryptic, yet Daon glanced at the massive Golden Tree and countered, "Are you talking about the dementia that occurs after the Magic Ring shatters?"
"As expected of a mage, you indeed are good at drawing inferences." Leni was surprised. She was about to delve deeper into this issue when Blazer coughed lightly.
"Your Highness, it's almost sunrise."
This appeared to be some kind of signal, or perhaps it was Daon's delusion. He seemed to see Princess Leni showing a hint of displeasure, but upon closer inspection, that delicate face still held its majestic demeanor.
"What is your second request?"
Daon patted the straight sword at his waist and answered with a bitter smile, "I am not used to this sword and would like to request a replacement."
This request was even simpler. After their previous conversation, Leni was unsurprised at his unique train of thought. Therefore, she promised to have Knight Yallen take Daon to the armory to choose freely.
"Your Highness, it's almost sunrise." Blade reminded again, his words filled with the urgency of imminent enemies.
"What's the hurry?" Leni's voice held less majesty, but it quickly recovered its previous tone: "Daon Leite, may the full moon be with you, and I look forward to your performance..."
As her words died away, brilliant particles floated around. Before Daon could react, the Moon Princess had vanished without a trace, only the radiant, starlike particles remained, proving she had been there.
Very much like a demi-god, even her departure is full of compelling charisma.
Daon couldn't help but feel admiration. As he replayed the conversation moments ago and remembered the small movements she made unintentionally, a smile curled up at the corner of his mouth.
Leni, quite interesting.