Shikuro spent the next day lost in contemplation, observing Shikihime as she meticulously composed her letter for the Black Sun Company. He marveled at the richness of detail in her writing, details he had either forgotten or failed to notice. Shikihime's keen observation skills were just another facet of her remarkable character, one that Shikuro was beginning to appreciate more deeply.

  As he watched her, a realization dawned on him – Shikihime was not just a formidable warrior with a potent gift and a sharp intellect. She was also an adept performer, an observer with a keen eye, and undeniably, a woman of striking beauty. Shikuro found himself increasingly drawn to the idea of their impending marriage, something that, until recently, he had accepted more out of duty than desire.

  Yet, amidst this growing admiration, a nagging doubt lingered in Shikuro's mind. He couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty about the nature of Shikihime's affection for him. Was her warmth towards him genuine, or merely an act, a role she had adopted for some greater purpose? The thought that her feelings might be nothing more than a facade left him unsettled. Deep down, he yearned for her affection to be sincere, real.

  Lost in these thoughts, he barely noticed as Shikihime finished the report. It was extensive, spanning 11 sheets of paper, a testament to her thoroughness and dedication. She then left to fetch Yoru, returning shortly with her trusted attendant.

  Shikihime sat down on the bed, her demeanor serious as she handed the report to Yoru. She urged her to exercise utmost caution, emphasizing the report's critical nature. She impressed upon Yoru the importance of destroying the documents if anything were to go awry. Yoru, with a nod, assured her, "I am not doing this for the first time, Shikihime."

  Shikihime's expression softened slightly, understanding Yoru's experience, but she felt it necessary to reiterate the gravity of the task at hand, considering the stakes involved. With a final word of encouragement – "Go" – she watched as Yoru departed the room.

  Yoru returned just before lunchtime, carrying three crucial letters in her possession. Although Shikuro was eager to delve into their contents immediately, he was reminded that they would discuss them together after their meal. True to form, Shikihime relished every bite of lunch, not forgetting to indulge in a dessert afterwards. Once their appetites were sated, and with a round of beer to complement the meal, they congregated in Bjorn and Yoru's room to unpack the letters' details.

  Yoru, assuming her role as the informant, presented the three letters. One outlined the current state within the kingdom, another covered events occurring outside the kingdom, and the third comprised instructions for the following day. Yoru noted that she had been instructed not to divide the content this time, though she was unclear about the reasons.

  Shikihime, taking the lead, began to read from the letter containing instructions: "Tomorrow, two men will be waiting for you after lunch outside the inn. One will take charge of your luggage, and the other will escort you to your new residence. Please dress in casual attire, no armors. A check of your supplies will occur the following day. Before dinner, you'll be escorted to one of our clothing shops to select several outfits, which will be delivered to your new home. Your purchases should be middle-class attire to help you blend in. A cover story has been prepared, stating that soldiers rescued you from bandits, hence the delay in moving to your new house. Expect a line of communication with the Dynasty to open in 11 days. Until then, refrain from any significant activities. Additionally, the servant who delivered this report needs to act more convincingly as a wife; her performance thus far has been inadequate."

  Upon hearing this, Yoru's expression shifted from surprise to a look of regret, realizing that the criticism was directed towards her. Shikihime continued reading, her voice steady. The letter moved on to discuss Jane and her husband. Shikihime's voice faltered slightly as she read about how Jane's husband, boasting about his assistance to nobility, had been silenced, leaving Jane in mourning. Shikihime felt a pang of guilt; the commoner's adventure had turned tragic. She finished reading the letter, a heavy sense of responsibility settling upon her. Shikihime realized that their actions, however necessary, had real consequences for those unwittingly involved in their schemes. She couldn't help but feel a weight of responsibility for Jane's loss, reflecting on the sometimes harsh realities of their clandestine operations.

  Shikihime, her gaze intense and focused, picked up another report detailing the current state of affairs in the Stardust Kingdom. With a steady voice, she began to read aloud, ensuring every word resonated in the quiet room. "General Nightblack has caused a significant uproar within the kingdom. His elite forces suffered a devastating defeat in an ambush, yet in a swift response, the rebels involved were apprehended and promptly executed under Nightblack's orders. The docks are now heavily guarded, swarming with soldiers rigorously inspecting all boarding activities. Furthermore, the kingdom's fleet has been mobilized, patrolling the borders with unyielding vigilance."

  She paused for a moment, her eyes scanning the attentive faces around her. "Nightblack has also petitioned the king for additional assistance in his relentless search for the Archduke and Princess. The army has been conducting thorough inspections across all surrounding areas, leaving no stone unturned. A substantial reward has been offered for any valid information regarding their whereabouts."

  As Shikihime continued, a sense of urgency filled the room. "The kingdom has reached out to the divinity for help. Their trackers, renowned for their unparalleled skills, are expected to arrive soon." At this point, Shikihime's voice faltered slightly, betraying a hint of concern. "These trackers are likely to bring hunter wolves with them, formidable creatures capable of tracking their prey with uncanny precision. Once they pick up our trail, our discovery seems inevitable."

  The weight of her words hung heavy in the air. No one spoke, but the shared understanding was palpable – the hunter wolves of the divinity represented a formidable threat, capable of tracking them down regardless of how much time had passed.

  Bjorn, breaking the silence, voiced the question on everyone's mind. "Can these wolves track us down even after such a long time?"

  Akalune, her knowledge evident, replied with a grim tone. "Hunter wolves are extraordinary. Buried twenty meters underground or not, they will find you. Weighing over a hundred kilograms, these beasts are not only physically formidable but are also rumored to possess unique gifts. Their keen senses and almost supernatural tracking abilities have earned them a sacred status within the divinity."

  Shikihime resumed reading, her voice steady despite the growing tension. "The report also notes several unusual movements within the kingdom – mysterious transfers of supplies, unexplained army movements, and covert communications between the realm and the kingdom, the contents of which remain unknown. These activities are under close surveillance."

  She concluded the report with a crucial detail. "Interestingly, the borders leading to the land of noone have been left with fewer guards, a direct result of the internal transfer of troops. This currently appears to be the only feasible route for escape."

  Setting the report down, Shikihime's strategic mind began to weigh their options. "This explains why Renata inquired if we could navigate the land of noone. It seems our path is being subtly directed."

  Minato's voice was tinged with apprehension as he said, "Land of Noone? Isn't that akin to a suicide mission?" His question hung in the air, met only by Shikihime's telling silence. It was an unspoken confirmation of the danger that lay in that path.

  Bjorn, the confusion evident on his face, looked around the room. "What’s so treacherous about the Land of Noone?" he inquired, seeking clarity.

  Shikuro, who usually took his time before speaking, began to explain with a rare immediacy. "The Land of Noone is a realm untamed and wild, teeming with hazards both natural and supernatural. It's a dense jungle, home to poisonous insects, spiders, and wild users of the gift of unknown origins. But the true peril lies in its monstrous inhabitants, creatures so formidable they defy the term 'beast.'"

  Bjorn's eyebrows shot up in disbelief. "Nature pushes back?" he asked, struggling to grasp the concept.

  Shikuro nodded solemnly. "Nature, indeed. The Longyue Divinity once attempted to conquer it, clearing vast swathes of forest. Yet, overnight, the trees returned, fully grown as if untouched. And the coastline, said to be the world's most beautiful, is patrolled by sand eels that spit acid capable of melting anything but black steel."

  Bjorn's jaw dropped at this revelation. Shikuro continued, "The forest is also home to Bumping Apes – creatures with hide so tough they're nearly impervious to slashes. One must employ a very specific combat technique to pierce their skin."

  Shikihime chimed in, "Yet, despite these dangers, people do live there."

  Shikuro looked at her, a hint of surprise in his eyes. "Barbarians, you mean," he corrected.

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  Shikihime's response was flat, yet sharp. "Quick to judge, aren't we? Why such caution towards the Land of Noone?"

  Shikuro took a deep breath, recounting a dark piece of history. "The previous Archduke led an expedition into those lands. He lost three thousand men, half of them gifted. Those who returned were either broken in spirit or body. The survivors reported a living nightmare – an environment so hostile that merely breathing the air induces nightmarish visions, leading to sleep deprivation and paranoia."

  As Shikuro spoke, the gravity of the situation sank in. Shikihime pondered over this new information, her strategic mind weighing every possibility. "It's just an option for now," she finally said. "We need to carefully consider our next move."

  As Shikihime unfolded another letter, her voice carried a weight of gravitas. "Dynasty has mobilized several fleets, and they're engaging in sporadic attacks on Stardust Kingdom ships. High Admiral Ryo is stationed near Frostgard with two fleets. Prince Leif has taken command in Frostgard, and Erik has been dispatched with a contingent of soldiers to search for us."

  Upon hearing this, Shikuro interjected with a tone of surprise, "Erik? But he possesses the regent seal. Who's overseeing Frostgard in his absence?"

  Without missing a beat, Shikihime answered, "Ingrid has assumed the role of regent, with Leif providing support. Meanwhile, King Ivar is mustering his forces."

  She paused, gathering her thoughts before revealing the next piece of news. "There’s more. A traitor was uncovered within your inner circle, Shikuro. It was Sagar."

  Shikuro's face fell, a mix of sadness and disbelief clouding his features. "Sagar," he murmured, his voice barely a whisper. "It's a shame. We endured so much together. Because of his betrayal, we faced unnecessary hardships. Astrid... her death was in vain."

  Bjorn, practical as always, interjected, "We'll have time to mourn once we're clear of this turmoil." Shikuro simply nodded, a somber agreement to Bjorn's statement.

  As Shikihime resumed reading, a sudden pause drew everyone's attention. She looked up, her eyes shifting between Shikuro and the letter in her hand. "What is it?" Shikuro urged, sensing her hesitation.

  Shikihime's voice trembled slightly as she resumed, "I'm sorry, Shikuro, but... there's more. Torsten has fallen in the line of duty. The Dynasty has implicated Archduke Aldrik in his death. The Duchy of Eirtaoir is also mobilizing for conflict."

  She paused again, her eyes meeting Shikuro's. The room was heavy with tension. "The steps taken by the Realm suggest, the Realm is on the brink of a civil war."

  As she finished, all eyes turned to Shikuro and Bjorn. Shikuro's expression hardened as he absorbed the news. "So, we return to war," he muttered. "But our current worries are different."

  Shikihime countered, her tone urgent, "No, you don't understand, Shikuro. If the Realm plunges into civil war, the Dynasty won't intervene. That's the nature of our defensive alliance. We don't engage in aggression, nor do we meddle in internal conflicts."

  Shikuro nodded, his expression grim. "I understand, but I still fail to see how this impacts us directly."

  The room fell silent, all eyes on Shikihime.

  Shikihime leaned forward, her gaze intense as she posed a critical question, "Just maybe, what would a regent do in the event of a civil war?"

  Shikuro, thoughtful, responded, "Defend. A regent's role isn't to lead armies, but to safeguard the realm."

  "So, imagine a civil war erupts, but Frostgard remains untouched. The conflict would be confined to the Mainland, right?" Shikihime pressed on. "What actions would you take as King?"

  Pondering the scenario, Shikuro replied, "I would call back the King's fleet and any stationed armies from Frostgard to quell the rebellion on the Mainland."

  Everyone in the room nodded in agreement, understanding the strategic move. Shikihime continued, "Now, consider this: You have two of your own fleets, plus a fleet of mercenaries. One fleet escorted us here, and I believe another is with Erik. If the Stardust Kingdom chose this moment to strike, how many fleets would remain to defend Frostgard? And what about those two fleets near the Kingdom's border?"

  She paused, allowing the gravity of the situation to sink in. "The Stardust Kingdom has cleverly masked their military readiness as a response to our disappearance. Your fleets, now isolated, would be vulnerable to attack."

  Shikuro's expression grew somber as he began piecing the puzzle together. "Shikihime, do you think it's possible to warn Erik? I feel compelled to write to him."

  Shikihime hesitated, understanding the risks. "It's a gamble," she admitted. "Should Erik's forces, especially those in blue steel, fall into enemy hands, we'd be arming them against ourselves."

  Shikuro nodded, acknowledging the peril. "It's a double-edged sword. We can't afford to lose so much blue steel to the enemy."

  After a moment of contemplation, Shikihime added, "I'll devise a plan. Let's consider all our options carefully."

  Shikuro didn't press further, trusting in her judgment.

  Returning to her strategic analysis, Shikihime laid out the broader implications. "If Frostgard falls before the Dynasty can intervene, the Kingdom gains a significant strategic position. Once civil war breaks out, the Dynasty will likely withdraw its fleets. King Ivar, in his attempt to suppress Archduke Aldrik, will find Frostgard a formidable fortress to breach. And then, who will he turn to for assistance?"

  The realization dawned on Shikuro, the weight of their predicament clear in his voice, "We're in a precarious position... Perhaps braving the Land of Noone isn't such a far-fetched idea after all."

  Shikihime gently touched the spot between her eyes, massaging it as a wave of exhaustion washed over her. The weight of their current situation felt like a heavy shroud draped over her shoulders. She had deliberately chosen not to disclose the entirety of the letter to the group. A crucial piece of information remained unspoken: the Prime Minister, citing the suspicious actions of the realm and the crown's apparent inaction, had requested her withdrawal. This request indicated a growing mistrust in the alliance, or at least a doubt in its efficacy.

  Moreover, the letter hinted at a sinister collusion involving General Nightblack, Archduke Aldrik, and an unidentified figure from Frostgard. With Sagar's demise, these two powerful players remained at large. Nightblack, especially, with his profound astral knowledge, posed a formidable threat — one that Shikihime feared the Dynasty might be underestimating.

  Lost in thought, Shikihime contemplated the difficult decisions that lay ahead. The implications of their next moves were unclear, and the endgame was shrouded in uncertainty. The group eventually dispersed, leaving Shikihime to her solitude. Shikuro departed to confer with Yoru and Bjorn, and Shikihime found herself alone with her thoughts.

  Her mind wandered to those they had lost: Haru, Mai, Shikihime, Torsten... Sagar and Astrid... Each name was a reminder of the toll this conflict had already exacted. She couldn't help but wonder how many more lives would be claimed before the end. As she pondered the fate of her loved ones and allies, a deep sense of responsibility and determination settled within her. Surviving this conflict with those she cherished was her paramount goal.

  Interlude: Erik and Nightblack

  Erik's descent from the ship was more than a mere disembarkation; it was a statement of defiance. His tall frame cut a commanding figure against the busy backdrop of the Stardust Kingdom's dock, eyes scanning the sea of faces with a steely resolve. The tension was palpable, a palpable electricity in the air as he confronted the hesitant soldiers with his ultimatum. "Disembark fully armed, or face execution for treason," he declared, his voice resonating with authority.

  The soldiers, caught off guard by Erik's stern command, hesitated briefly before moving into action. Their movement was almost mechanical, a testament to the discipline instilled in them. Meanwhile, the Stardust Kingdom's officials and soldiers, observing this spectacle, were unable to mask their hostility. Whispers and murmurs spread like wildfire, with Erik as the focal point of their disdain.

  Erik's indifference to the escalating tension was evident. He moved with a purpose, his gaze fixed ahead, ignoring the seething anger around him. That was until General Nightblack, a figure of equal stature and command, approached him hastily. The encounter between these two powerful men was charged, an unspoken battle of wills and egos.

  Erik wasted no time in addressing Nightblack. "Let's skip the formalities. I have no time for them," he said, cutting through any pretense of cordiality. Nightblack, attempting to assert his authority in his domain, responded tersely, "Leave my dock and our waters." The slight quiver in his voice betrayed his attempt at maintaining composure.

  Erik's response was a derisive chuckle, dismissing Nightblack's command with a contemptuous "As if." His demeanor was that of a man who knew the weight of his presence and the influence it wielded. Just then, the atmosphere took a sharp turn towards volatility when a soldier from Nightblack's ranks, driven by a sense of outraged loyalty, drew his sword in a swift, fluid motion, directing it towards Erik.

  In a surprising turn of events, Nightblack himself intervened, striking the soldier with a swift blow. The general's face flushed with a mix of anger and embarrassment, highlighting the delicate balance of power at play. Turning back to Erik, Nightblack conceded to cooperation, albeit begrudgingly. "The kingdom will cooperate and prove it through action," he stated, his voice laced with unspoken resentment.

  Erik, undeterred by the hostility, issued his demands. "I need horses for an inspection and to interrogate those who dealt with the rebels," he stated firmly. His eyes scanned the crowd, challenging anyone to contest his authority. "This hostility suggests you might be hiding something, General," he added, his words provoking an undercurrent of unease among the assembled soldiers.

  The general's face was a mask of controlled anger, a clear sign that he would not tolerate insubordination, even in the face of provocation.

  Erik's reaction to the incident was a mix of amusement and disdain. He regarded the soldier's outburst as a sign of Nightblack's failing command, a weakness he could exploit. His chuckle was laced with scorn, a clear indication of his contempt for the general and his subordinates.

  Nightblack's response was a mixture of defiance and strategic concession. "You'll have your horses and your meeting," he said, his voice betraying a hint of reluctance. The tension between the two men was a tangible force, each measuring the other, looking for weaknesses to exploit.

  Erik's gaze was unwavering, his stance unyielding. He was a man on a mission, his resolve unshaken by the animosity that surrounded him. Nightblack, in contrast, was a picture of controlled fury, his mind racing with plans and countermeasures.

  The air crackled with mutual animosity. Nightblack's glare was filled with thinly veiled hatred, while Erik's eyes sparkled with derision, viewing the general as nothing more than a jest. Internally, both men harbored a deep-seated desire for the other's downfall. "Once this charade is over, he's a dead man," Nightblack vowed silently. Erik harbored a similar resolve, determined to end Nightblack should he ever step outside his territory's safety.

  A tense handshake ensued, symbolizing a forced cooperation. "I look forward to working with you, General," Erik stated, his words dripping with irony. Nightblack replied, equally insincere, "The pleasure is all mine." The handshake masked their true intentions, a precarious alliance built on a foundation of mutual distrust and hidden agendas.