Northern Region

At House Adolphus

Athena quickly rushes to her room causing everyone to wonder what happened? Silvia did not speak to anyone of what happened earlier since it was not her place to tell them of such horrible news.

...Those stupid ignorances!! Who do they think they are to accuse me of such crime? The f*cking princess, if this was back in my world... Ha! She ends up dead if my mother finds out she dare slander me. Anyways, what have I dont, I brought dishonor to my new family and I've only been here for days.

Then suddenly someone knocked at her door, “My Lady can I come in.”

“You may…”

“My Lady…” Silvia cried

“Now Silvia, don’t worry, it was my choice not by the Empress nor the Queen. However, you must not tell anyone especially my parents. Not a word of what happened today must reach them.” she explained, as she sat down her desk and started working on something.

“But how will you survive in the Northern Region when it’s filled with monsters. At the same time, the people there are dying every day.” she cried

“Then I shall help them…” Athena smiled

“My Lady, not only is the Northern Region filled with monsters but it's also home to barbarian and dark casters," She continued to explain and cried but the young girl was not moved at all, “How can they send a weak girl like you.”

“I’ll have you visit me in my coming of age.” she smiled, then she handed her a piece of paper. “Asked someone to prepare this for me.”

Silvia grab the piece of paper, “Are you planning to wear this?”

“Yes, also…” she handed another piece of paper to her. “Asked a blacksmith to craft me this bow and dagger but keep it a secret.”

Silvia did not ask anything further and did as she was told. As she moved forward, she took a last glimpse at the girl who seems to be determined to leave.

------

A week passed by...

“Athena Adolphus of House Adolphus, by order of the Empress you are sentenced to the Northern Region without any servants or help from House Adolphus. You are only to return to the Capital Empire once it's time for you coming of age.”

Then a group of soldier lined up prepared to escort her to the Northern Region.

“Everyone, I’ll see you in a couple of years.” she smiled

“Take care, My Lady…”

“Please be careful…”

Athena grabs her staff and got on the carriage with the soldier. As she seated inside the carriage, tears rolled down her face.

“Do you wish to-” the royal messenger asked but was surprised when the girl responded with a soft smiled only.

It was a three days journey to the Northern Region. It was already nightfall when they reach the outskirt of it.

“Where are we heading?” Athena asked noticing a crossroad ahead.

“The Empress has prepared accommodation for you, it is away from the villager so you won't be in danger,” he explained

“No drop me here…” she said as she opened the carriage door.

“But My Lady…”

Athena steps down and grab her stuff.

“You can go, I’ll find my way…”

“My Lady wait… At least take them with you." The man said pointing at the two s soldiers. "This soldier was appointed by the Empress to guard you,” he added as two soldiers step forward.

“You can take them back with you... You all should head back now it's getting late."

"But my Lady, its-"

"You don't need to concern yourself about me, I know you know what they hope for…" she replied as she steps forward and not looked back at all.

As Athena silhouette disappeared, the messenger and the soldier were all dumbfounded.

"Are you sure she's a weak girl, she was carrying a bow and a dagger with here."

"The bow does not look ordinary as well, I notice an elemental stone attached to it."

"Was it me or did you sense a strong aura earlier but it vanished as soon as she left."

The messenger sighed, "Let's just hope she'll survive…"

Athena took Fuji out of the bag. She along with Fuji continue following the road ahead, which was supposed to be the way to the village. It didn't take long for her to arrive at the village farmland. However, it was all dry and lifeless not even a single weed was growing.

The deeper she went the more she realizes why this land has been ignored for such a long time and why most of the Northern territory that was conquered by the empire was given to House Caelestis. Since they have more power and money which mean higher possibility to help the people in the area.

But from what I know, House Caelestis has not visited the land yet since the late Duke passed away after conquering some of the Northern territories and his son was sent to war as well.

"Young Lady…" an old man came out from the shadow

Athena smile as she finally saw a living person, she was so worried that the first thing she might end encounter would be a monster. "Hello…"

"What are you doing here?" He asked

"I came to look for refuge…" she explained

Since Athena was dress more like a traveler than a lady, the old man did not suspect her and welcome her instead.

"Come, follow me…"

Athena happily followed the old man. Not long they arrived at the village. It upset Athena seeing how destroyed the area was due to the war. There were still wounded people by the roads all needing medical attention, children starving and most houses were all ruined.

"The village was in the middle of the war and until now have not recovered yet. But we try to survive everyday life…" the old man explained noticing Athena's upset expression.

"Have anyone from the Capital visit you?" She asked

"Yes, a young man visited before he said he'll help us however we have not heard from him since then…" he explained

It must have been the Young Duke, but since he was sent to war he was unable to return.

"Diana, we have a guest." The old man said as he opens the door to his home.

"Grandfather, I was worried sick. Where have you been…" Diana yelled, she was then taken aback when Athena walk inside there home, "And whose this grandfather?"

"I'm here to help…" Athena smile

"Really?" Diana cried, "Will you really stay and help us?"

...Ah, she must be upset since the Young Duke was unable to return and help them. She must be worried if I'm just another false hope.

"I promise…"

Diana did not hold back as she embraces Athena and cried her heart out, she explained her frustration and anger towards the people in the Empire. She even hates the Duke who owns the land for they have not received any help from them at all…

That evening, Athena ended up resting in the same room as Diana.

"Athena, your a noble lady aren't you?"

"How-"

"I notice earlier, I'm sure grandfather did as well... You weren't sent here to help us, weren't you? What did you do that you were sent up north?"

"I chose to come here, and now I'm here, I'll help you all."

"Athena, thank you…"

That night Athena thought was busy analyzing her situation on how she can resolve and help everyone.

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