***Arc 4 The Beloved, Chapter 63 Loyal Dog *** "Ah, umm... Onee-sama, why don't we stop now, um..."

"Kreschenta, it becomes human language again. It's woof, woof."

"Uuu...w-woof..."

"Ehehe..." Krische patted Kreschenta on her lap with satisfaction and gives her a cookie. For a few days now, Krische has really loved playing pretend dog and owner.

Kreschenta was forced to play with her tyrannical owner until she was satisfied, and Kreschenta, who is more sane than Krische, continued to suffer. However, Kreschenta is still Kreschenta after all. She was treated like a dog by Krische, but being loved and cared for was not a bad thing in itself, and she rather enjoyed it. Half happy, half embarrassed, the dog Kreschenta rubbed herself up against Krische like a dog and hugged her while barking woof, woof.

It was Anne who looked at the spetacle in astonishment. ----Treating the princess as a dog. Regardless of the fact that it's between women, seeing the current situation where they had embarked on an abnormal path, Anne delusions can't stop. She was terrified that her surroundings, which were escalating day by day, would soon become unbearable. " Kreschenta is cute. She's a good girl."

"...Woof" Kreschenta's cheeks were dyed vermilion but also loosened at the same time, and she rubbed her cheeks against Krische again and again. Bery looked on with amusement, while Selene's eyebrows twitched. "It's because you taught her strange things..."

"Isn't it nice? It's cute."

"Though it's the princess who's being turned into a dog." Selene sighed and looked at her papers. It's been a week since Krische's return, and there's been no movement. According to the intelligence, it seems that the enemy's entire army had been ordered to stand by, partly because Krische and her Century have been successful in their delaying actions.

They may be trying to buy time until they can seize the royal palace----but no matter what they do, there is no way for them to make a move now that the Dragon's Maws have been taken. With the current military strength, it was impossible to take back the Dragon's Maws head-on.

First of all, the enemy has two high mountains, Mirskronia and Bernaich. Without capturing these two, the center would be subjected to a one-way hail of arrows, it would not even be a fight. It's also difficult to capture the mountain from scratch. Nothing drains a soldier's strength like marching up a mountain. Fatigue was is the greatest enemy of soldiers. An opponent on the defensive would be less fatigued and would be able to take full advantage of the slope to strike back.

In order to capture Dragon's Maws, which was under complete occupation, its necessary to have at least double the military strength of the enemy. At the very least, it was impossible under the current situation----'what to do', Selene sighed.

Her feeling has calmed down She accepted the fact that she was currently the highest-ranking person in the Christand army. With Gallen and the other Corps Commanders sharing the workload and taking care so that Selene could get some rest, she is feeling much less tired and mentally refreshed. She was able to relax by going out with Krische's 'silliness'.

Her condition was good, if not perfect. However, increasing the number of troops----other than that, she couldn't see any other options for breakthrough. Time was not on their side.

Seeing Krische having fun made her want to forget everything and just throw it all away. They would run away and go to another country and live in seclusion. Even then, she's sure they would still be happy. She won't even have to ask the two of them, and Bery would nod if Selene asked. Because that's the happiness that Bery wanted more than anyone else. In fact, she must be thinking the same thing. Even stronger than Selene----she just wished for the happiness of the girl to who she gave her name to.

If she were just a girl, Selene would have wanted the same thing. But Selene is a noble and the daughter of a Hero----the daughter of the beloved Bogan. There was no way she could hope for such a future attained by betraying so many people and throwing sand in the face of those who had dedicated their lives to Christand. "I need to talk with Corps Commander Agrand, so I'll be outside for a while."

"Yes, Ojou-sama"

"Some people will also come to visit, so do something about it by then."

"Fufu, yes. Have a safe trip Ojou-sama"

"Ah, then I'll accompany you." Anne approached the door in a panic. Selene nodded with a kind smile and said, 'Thank you'. Anne's cheeks flushed as she admired the beautiful blonde lady's natural smile. This sweet space was just enriching Anne's eyes. "Selene, have a safe trip."

"...Woof"

"A-ahaha... I'm going." Selene looks awkwardly at the dog and her owner as she leaves her room. Even after Selene and Anne left, Kreschenta was still a dog. Kreschenta, who is loved and adored by Krische earnestly, the number of times she introspects herself kept decreasing, and her brilliant mind has dropped to the equivalent of a dog's. Even when commanded 'hand', she is no longer preoccupied with the shame and was just full of expectation of the reward that follows, it makes the people watching subconsciously imagined her non-existent tail swaying from side to side.

Kreschenta was not happy about having Bery do the same thing to her as part of her dog training, but being loved by Bery itself wasn't so bad, and gradually Kreschenta the dog began to wag her tail at the two of them. There was no one in the room who questioned the treatment the a Kingdom's princess as a dog. "Kuun..."

"Ehehe, Kreschenta is a great girl." She took the cookie given to her by Bery in her mouth and went to her master Krische. After receiving the cookie in Kreschenta's mouth and finishing it, she patted Kreschenta's head while kissing her repeatedly. With each stroke, Kreschenta felt her brain melts. Her rational mind was completely paralyzed with euphoria. The fact that Krische, who was usually so close to Bery, was so close to her satisfied her needs, despite the fact that it was a game of "play dog-owner" that disregarded her dignity.

Kreschenta who was in the world of conspiracy and intrigue. Her intellect easily understood and deciphered politics and economics, and her knowledge was unmatched by scholars. With words alone, she could deceive, ensnare, and kill people. Without a doubt, Kreschenta was one of the geniuses born in this era---- "Good girl, good girl"

"Wafuu..." But right now she is a dog Kreschenta rubbed her head against Krische and uses her position as a dog to repeatedly kiss her. Kreschenta, who had never known that being pampered with an empty head could be so wonderful, in the end was absorbed in becoming her sister's dog.

----However, there was a knock at the door. If Kreschenta had dog ears, it would have surely stood up with a jerk. She gave a rub with her cheek and left regretful, immediately adjusting her disheveled one-piece dress and sat down elegantly in her chair. Bery chuckled as she watched her then went to open the door. "My, Gallen-sama"

"Hi, Bery. I'm here today to visit Krische and ...this is." Gallen bowed deeply when he saw Kreschenta. "Excuse me, Your Royal Highness. On this occasion----"

"I don't mind, Gallen-sama. Please don't worry about me and go about your business as usual. Please treat me like I'm not there, and I'm more comfortable that way." Kreschenta, with a thin smile on her face, has the air befitting that of a princess. She stroked her graceful strawbevry blonde hair and smiled a soft----but graceful smile. No one would ever think she was a dog until just now. Kreschenta's cheeks puffed out slightly when she saw Bery looked down behind Gallen as if she were trying to hold back her laughter.

Gallen is ignorant of the subtleties of emotions. He didn't notice such a trivial change in her expression and bowed his head again in gratitude. He then smiled kindly and turned his attention to Krische. "... I'm glad you're doing well. I came to check on you once when you were asleep but..."

"Yes. Krische's body is completely well..."

"Take good care of yourself. You've always had a bad habit of working too hard." Gallen patted Krische on the head, and he sat down in a chair. Bery poured a fresh pot of tea and set it on the table, smiling as she did the practiced movement. "If you'd prefer black soybean tea, I can get that for you..."

"No, don't worry about it. I don't mind black tea either. It's good once in a while."

"Yes. Krische-sama, would you like to add more milk again?"

"Umm... yes." She poured a new cup of tea for Krische, with a generous amount of milk and honey. When she was done stirring it evenly, she put her hand over Krische mouth "Krische-sama, there's some cookie crumbs."

"Ah..." Bery looked happy while cleaning it up with a handkerchief. Krische looked up at Bery with a slightly embarrassed look. A happy face that seemed to be spoiled.

Gallen, seeing this, also relaxes his stern face in a gentle manner. The corners of his eyes were soft and deeply wrinkled. "The other side won't be able to move for a while. You should also take this opportunity to rest. I've pushed you too much."

"No, Krische is fine..."

"Krische, that's your bad habit. It's a virtue that you're doing your best for what you need to do, but... you should also know what those who worry about you felt like. Selene, Bery, and Her Royal Highness were very worried about you. So was I." A roughed hand touches Krische's cheek. It was cool and slightly warm. "Just like you worry about someone else, there are people who worried about you. For example, if Selene forced herself until she fainted, wouldn't you be worried?"

"......yes"

"Everyone felt that way. ...The battlefield is a place where no one can be spoiled. But... please remember that somewhere in your heart, there is someone who cares about you." 'Understand?' Gallen asked in a gentle voice, and Krische nodded. "Good child. For now, make sure you're thoroughly spoiled."

"...Yes. Krische is being spoiled a lot." Cupping her own cheeks in her hands as if embarrassed, Bery hugged Krische slender shoulders from side to side, saying, 'My, so cute'. "Leave it to me, Gallen-sama, I will properly take care of Krische-sama."

"I'll trouble you. Even though you're going through some hard times yourself."

"No... no. It's what I want. Seeing this cute and lovely Krische-sama happy is my reason for living." Gallen bowed at those words. Bery panicked and told Gallen to raise his face. "... I'm really grateful. For having someone like you by Krische's side." She lost someone who loved her and was kicked out of the village. The rumors about Krische in the army----and of course he also knew the rumors that she is feared. It has been that way since she was in the village. Krische is far from ordinary. Naturally, there are those who dislike her. But the fact that she had someone she could trust and pamper her by her side is something he's grateful for more than anything else. "I'm the one who should ... being Krische-sama side is the happiest thing for me, so Gallen-sama doesn't need to thank me. Rather, I'd like to thank you."

"... Still. When I brought her to the estate, I was worried about whether she would do well, but... looking at the current situation, I'm really glad that I brought her."

"Krische too... Krische is happy that Krische went to the estate." Krische sipped her sweet tea and smiled, and Gallen nodded, 'I see'. "No movement on the othe side. If they don't move soon, it's safe to assume that they've given up the pursuit. They've missed the opportunity to move now. Don't worry about us, just rest."

"... Yes. Grandpa too, don't push yourself too hard."

Gallen smiled happily. "Ahh, of course. Seeing Krische doing well, grandpa feel stronger now. I'm determined not to die until I can the man you're going to marry."

"Then if Krische doesn't get married, grandpa will always be with Krische." 'Now that's a problem', Gallen smiled, and Bery averted her eyes with a troubled face. Kreschenta glared at Bery as she nibbled on a cookie. "Then, Krische. I'll go back now."

"Umm, have a safe trip." The two, cat-tongued ladies were slightly astonished when they saw Gallen drunk the hot tea, which had not even been mixed with milk, in one gulp. And as soon as Kreschenta saw that Gallen had left, she immediately rubbed up against Krische, hugged, and barked woof as she glared at Bery. "Bad. Kreschenta shouldn't be so quick to sulk."

"...Kuun." Krische patted her head and happily rubbed her forehead------suddenly the sound of the door opening could be heard. Kreschenta's movement was lightning quick. She stood up quickly and turned from a dog to a princess face. "Oh, yeah. Where is Selene---"

"S-Selene-sama, I heard that she's having a talk with Agrand-sama."

"This is...thank you. Excuse me." As the door closed, Bery erupted and shook her shoulders uncontrollably, and Kreschenta squinted at her. "What are you laughing at!?"

"No, no, because... it's funny..."

"Kreschenta, it's in human language again. Good girl, good girl."

"Uuuu...woof" Kreschenta who was glaring at Bery while her head was stroked. Bery who couldn't hold back her laughter. And Krische who continues to pet Kreschenta.

And so, the girls had a peaceful time. Anne prepared tea for them, they were in the small room assigned to Kolkis. Kolkis bowed his head as he pressed his forehead against the floor. "I am to blame for Bogan-sama death. That brat (my son)------the unforgivable crime committed by Gran, whatever punishment it is I accept." The traitors who drove Bogan to his death------Among them, both Salva and Gran were the first to be named. As Gran's father, Kolkis wanted an opportunity to apologize. "... Raise your head, Commander Agrand. I'm not going to make you responsible for that." Kolkis didn't raise his head. He wanted punishment. He is a loyal warrior who is strongly admired by his soldiers because of his personality. And because of that, he would have a hard time accepting no blame. His own son was complicit in the murder of Bogan, whom he probably respected more than anyone else. Even if he had been cut down as the punishment, he would have accepted it. Kolkis is that kind of man.

Selene sighed as she thought about many things. 'then', she continued. "...If you insist on it, you will forfeit your administrative domain and a portion of your property. Even with all the savings and tax revenue of the Christand, there will never be enough money to go around. We're going to use it.

"...Yes ma'am"

"No demotion. You can ask for nothing more. You will have to continue to work for me. That is, of course, if you're willing to follow me."

"I swear by this name, until the ends of the earth." Those were heavy words. 'Just hearing that makes me happy', she smiled and sat down on her chair. "... The tea will get cold, so please sit down. I have already accepted it for the time being. And I want you to do the same. I wonder if you could tell me an old story about father." Kolkis raised his head and stared at Selene for a moment. And he gently narrowed his eyes. "... You've become stronger. It makes me feel pathetic."

"If I was alone, I would still be crying. ...And father wouldn't want that, and rather than live crying in sorrow, I wanted to spend my time on the things (people) that were important to me, that support me." Kolkis nodded, smiling. "It's splendid. I already feel an atmosphere similar to Bogan-sama's."

"Even if it's just flattery, I'm happy you said so." Giggling and sipping her tea, Selene pointed to the sofa opposite her. Kolkis nodded and sinks his large body into the cushions.

He crosses his arms and looks nostalgically at the surface of the tea. "I once ran away from a battle."

"......you?"

"Yeah. It was a disastrous lost... 'even if all my comrades died, I wanted to live' at that moment I wholeheartedly thought that way. I thought I was strong, but I was outnumbered. 'Then there was no point in fighting' was what I thought. So I just run away without looking back..." Thinking about it now, I was a coward, he laughed. "However, unfortunately, I was surrounded and almost killed------At that time I was saved by Gallen-dono, who was the commanding officer at the time, and the General." It was not the scale of a hundred men. Gallen and Bogan gathered the stragglers, numbering about 500. Nozen was there too. "It was so cool. I admired him. The general's swordsmanship at the time, as well as Gallen-dono, was wild as if he were knocking down anything and everything in front of him, it was tremendous. Even though they were a group of defeated soldiers, they shone brightly."

"...Wild?"

"Yes. I'm not sure if Selene-sama has ever seen it before. ...my way of fighting mimics that of the General at that time." He laughed happily and clenched his fists. "Gallen-dono takes command precisely and saves the friendly forces in the midst of the withdrawal battle. The general was ahead of everyone else, knocking down many swords and enemies. Verreich, the dexterous fellow even at that time, was wielding his sword as he covered the general and gave orders to the weary remnants of the defeated army." But it was still a losing battle, Kolkis chuckled and scratched his head. "I thought it was really cool, but I also thought it was stupid. I wondered what the point was of saving our battered friends, and I thought if there are so many of them, why not just ignore them and run away?" '------It's not safe to go any further. If they come after me, I'm a dead man. I've helped enough.'

Kolkis did not want to die in vain. So, he said so. "The General said. 'We are not just a bunch of sheep being chased by wolves, we are a pack of wolves.' ...In the first place, Gallen-dono and the General didn't think they could just run away. They wanted to round up the defeated soldiers and kill the commander of the pursuit force." His ferocious smile was like that of a bloodthirsty beast, but there was something about it that inspired him. 'I can't do it alone. Two men can't do it. But with a band of men like you, with such numbers, it is possible to bite the enemy's throat. It may be difficult to escape from the pursuing wolves, but when it comes to killing them, there is always a way. ...you support your neighbors and me. I will support the captain. And the captain will guide you all. So, shut up and follow me.' It was so memorable. He was the strongest and bravest man I have ever known. "--In a losing battle, what we get is not defeat, but a wolf's head and a dignified honor was what he said." Because he was approached by such a man, he decided to support him. "He's a cool person. You can't do anything by yourself. That's why he always told us to swing our sword to protect the person next to you. Even if you're in a situation where you're trembling alone, you can stand up if you have someone to support you. Each one of us supports one another and then they in turn supports someone else. If we do that... it's the same with Selene-sama." He lifted the tea and shook it. "No matter how bad the situation is, don't break down, you're standing up for others, not for yourself. Selene-sama, you already have the most important thing that the General taught me."

"...Is that so?"

"Yes, it is. Without a doubt." He drank his tea in one gulp and continued. "I wanted that brat (my son) to follow that example .... No, if you think about the fact, he didn't do that well and this happened, it's my fault after all. Together with Salva, I will make sure he pays for his sins."

"......Thank you. But please don't be too hard on yourself." Kolkis, Second Corps morale is high. She was grateful for that point. But there's also the fear of an outburst. "There's a lot of things I want you to do in the future. I'm still immature and need someone to support me."

"...Of course"

"Also, I wonder if you could tell me more about my father. He always tried to dodge it and didn't tell me at all." Kolkis smiled wryly and said that 'he was a doting parent (oya baka)', stood up, and headed for the shelf. He took three rocks glasses and brings out a bottle. "I don't even know if you remember, but when Selene-sama was a child, the General told such story, and Selene-sama was so scared that she cried. I heard that Lazura-sama scolded him a lot, and it seemed to have shocked him a lot.

"E-even though that's because I was a child..."

"Haha, that's just how it is. Me and Verreich were even consulted by the General about whether his daughter might have hated him with a serious face." Selene's cheeks flushed, and Kolkis poured the liquor into a glass. It was a sake with a strong aroma. "It's the northern liquor that the General liked. I was thinking of drinking it with the General, but it's good for old tale."

"...I'll have just one cup. I had a painful experience drinking it a while ago."

"Haha, well, it's good to drink slowly and sip it. I was taken aback at first too. To be honest, it's still not my favorite drink." Kolkis laughs nostalgically and places one of the glasses next to Selene. For Bogan who wasn't there. 'For the General', Kolkis lifted the glass and puts it in his mouth. Selene followed suit, coughing at the searing heat in her throat. Kolkis laughed, Selene also laughed.

He remembered how Bogan had laughed at him in the past when he had coughed as well. "No matter what I do, my father always told me that I still have a long way to go. It's not just about drinking, swordsmanship, tactics, and command training."

"...To tell the truth, the General has always been against sending Selene-sama to the battlefield for a long time. He's a clumsy person in that respect.

"Fufu. ...But even though he said that, at the end, he just said, 'I leave it to you'." Kolkis closed his eyes and nodde. "... I wonder what I was entrusted with."

"Well. I don't understand. ...Maybe Selene-sama was entrusted with thinking about what it was." Kolkis chuckled and looked at the brown water. "...But, well, the General doesn't leave something to a guy who can't do it. I'm sure that whatever it was, it was something that he thought Selene-sama could do."

"...Is that so?"

"Yes. You can rest assured. Even if you don't know the answer... I will be the Christand's watchdog all my life. Whatever Selene-sama was entrusted with, I will show that I will whatever danger there is. I may be a dog with nothing better to do than bark and bite, but I will be of some use." Dog, Selene laughed at that and nodded her head, saying, 'I'm looking forward to working with you.' It reminded her of the pet dog and the owner in a certain room. She wondered if she should call that a spoiled dog (mutt). She continued to laugh for a while, thinking about that in front of Kolkis, who was confused..