The Queens Coronation

A battle of pursuit began against the Cordovan army, which had ran away.

The enemys cavalry had lost practically all of their war potential. Even so, there were still a few more captured by the beastkin ambushing them from behind.

As for Cordovas remaining military force, they abandoned the areas they invaded and returned to Cordovan territory. With the pursuit stopped at the nations border, the allied forces started work on preparing a simple stronghold.

On the grounds where the battles occurred, Serge learned why Carla couldnt be counted as part of their war potential.

There were no deaths among the ally sides officers. To be precise, Carla resurrected them even if they died. Of course, an enormous amount of magical power was necessary for that. She wouldnt be able to do it for every soldier.

Although Serge felt admiration, even he was busily walking around and distributing supplies.

In the forefront, Maneshs reinforcements that had finally arrived at this late hour were dispatching supplies.

Gentlemen, there are few paths you can take.

First, you can continue on and choose the path that leads to death, but I dont recommend it.

There is also a path that will see you liberated and returned home. Perhaps most people will choose this one. However, weapons will not be permitted. Minimal rations will be provided.

Because the battle finished quietly without prolonging, the allied forces had food to spare. Using this, Ria proposed liberating the captives.

There is a third way, but you will become a slave to our country for three years, pursuing land reclamation for development. You will be freed after three years pass. Assuming you can reclaim a plot of land, you can do as you want with it, even sell it. You are even free to return to Cordova.

Wasnt this practically immigration? Or maybe this was part of a population growth policy?

Since Cordovas army definitely had anti-refugee measures in place, this was considerably attractive. Particularly, unlike Cordova, there was a large chance that they wouldnt be roped into the war.

Rias gaze swept over the soldiers. With her forceful discernment, only a few soldiers didnt flinch.

Even if they werent daredevils, if they called themselves a man, they would be forced to consider it.

As being my bodyguard will be truly dangerous, I only request for genuine soldiers. That is all.

Ria abruptly turned and left.

Concerning the results, more than half of the soldiers returned to Cordova.

Additionally, close to half chose to become slaves. They were sent to clear land in Manesh. Since the area opened for development had brought in golems as an experiment, it wasnt that harsh of an environment either.

And for those that went with being Rias bodyguards, around one hundred soldiers remained. It went without saying that Ria beat down each and every one of the people that claimed to be daredevils, smashing many noses in.

As for Manesh finishing the postwar processing and returning, it had been one month since their departure.

However, many of the ambassadors came to say similar things.

Towards offers like that, Ria answered politely.

Huh?

Currently, there were no ambassadors capable of proposing to present a princess.

Although things like that were usually discussed in private and not in front of ambassadors, she had made certain that both Carla and Shizuna attended.

Saying that, she demonstrated towards Carla.

Saying that, she demonstrated towards Shizuna.

Carlas composed expression didnt falter, but Shizuna looked down with a red face.

B-but then, how will you produce an heir?

Even if worrying about a successor was natural for nobles, that story had already been settled.

Since it was originally Maneshs territory, she would adopt the prince as her son and heir. It was a reasonable story.

As expected, since there wouldnt a successor born, no countries had women that took wives. If there were, itd be a scandal.

Ria was grumbling, but the people around her were busy as well. Not to mention Carla, Shizuna was also training with the men that had newly become Rias bodyguards.

It was something that Ria and Carla already had from their Gifts, but it was something that ordinary humans couldnt obtain. It was [Limit Break].

As she continued exhausting herself trying to master it, Ria wasnt able to have fun tormenting her at night.

Give it up. Such is the way of a statesman.

Seeing Ria desperately grapple with official documents, Guinevere was the one to laugh in response. Although, she also had a mountain of official papers next to her.

Days like that passed by, and when Ria finally learned to assign others to do her business work, something that she was looking forward to finally arrived.

The messenger from Caslia had arrived.

First was the advance force, thirty knights leading three thousand infantry. The face leading them all was one she recognized.

From within the group of knights that lined up before the palaces plaza, a knight vice-captain appeared.

Your highness hasnt changed at all

Her appearance had changed considerably. Above all, her eyes were a different color now.

Saying so, Ria had Reyas stand.

Understood. Then, just one more person with me.

Reyas raised a hand, calling out a knights name.

As for who came out of the group, it was a knight with a small build. When they took off their helmet and revealed their long black hair, it was no wonder.

(Wait, is she really staring at me?)

( I have no idea.)

Since her level was also considerably high, it wouldve been unpleasant for her to have a grudge.

I am Fiona Uran Crystera. This life, I stake on serving your highness.

Reyas had the woman that took a knee and declared such stand. The Crystera family should have an earl. That is to say, this young womans becoming a knight was something serious to get her familys understanding for.

Please treat me well.

(Was there some fighting spirit in that? I felt some blood lust in that greetings.)

In truth, she really was a capable secretary.

These?

She was probably a person that could properly separate work life and personal life. Although she would often meet with Guinevere as a liaison, her evaluation of her was high as well.

If you excluded Shizuna, who shared bedrooms with Ria, Fio, who actually accompanied her for paperwork and troop reviews, she was the person she was in contact with the most.

But even so, Ria was anxious about those eyes that contained vigor as they stared at her.

Her Royal Highness Carla

Is expected to visit an orphanage today.

By the way, Shizuna-sama is expected to go to review Maneshs third army.

But she understood with Fios attitude.

(She probably hates homosexuality. Well, it cant be helped. Thats the general value system.)

Fio, you know

I understand that its hard for you to approve of homosexuality. If you dont like it, its fine if you want to get a different job.

Thats not it!

I yearn for Hime-sama!

F-for me?

But, it always feels like Fio is glaring at me

Fios eyes swam about. However, she once again stared at Ria mightily.

Then, Fios confession began.

When she was in Casalias court, she was attracted by Rias freedom.

She wanted to be even a little closer to her. Thinking that, she became a knight.

Even though she was a woman, she had accepted a woman as her wife. Moreover, it wasnt objected to. Her attitude left yet another deep impression on her.

She had been envious of the two people that had become Rias wives.

Saying that much as though vomiting it all out, she added to the end in a small voice

I love you.

To be frank, Ria was overwhelmed.

Fio you like women?

The one I like is only Hime-sama.

It was different from the kind of strength Carla had, it was a single-minded strength.

Fio told that to Ria as she stared at Ria intently, tears forming in her eyes.

When Ria stood up, she reached for Fios cheek with her hand, bringing her face close.

Then, gently, as though handling a fragile item, she embraced her.

The one I like is only Hime-sama.

She should take responsibility for her. Ria decided that.

Fios tiny nod indicated she understood.

With the noble that held the rank of duke in Casalia having brought the crown and paperwork from her father, the preparations for the coronation began.

Because many royal families from the surrounding countries gathered for the coronation, they also had to prepare suitable reception services. Since Ria was a person that fundamentally wasnt full of herself, she went to meet the people that came personally as much as she could.

If you cut down on training time, it would become very easy.

Thats the only thing thats no good!

Although various trivial events occurred, the coronation day arrived quietly.

Not sitting on the throne, she faced towards the courtiers, the nations kings, and the ambassadors, raising her arms.

Guinevere exclaimed in high spirits. Everyone cheered in chorus.

When the member of a royal family descends to the status of a subject, its usually considered to be duke at the highest. This was something exceptional.

She had heard how many times her father went through difficult negotiations, but she could only bow her head towards Anise.

Next was the countrys name.

Then they thought about calling themselves the Cordovan Archduchy with the intent of subjugating Cordova, but anyhow, using Cordovas name would be bad.

It was a name from ogres, which were said to be barbaric. However, by daring to use it, they would show their harmony with other races.

For the nobles of surrounding countries, they once again recognized their freedom.

They chose to treat the chosen mayors of Shashmeer and Jaeburg, which were self-governing towns, as non-successive earls.

It would have been inconvenient for a commoners daughter to be the archduchess wife after all.

At least under Ria, they appeared to intend to obey the duchy.

Not sitting on the throne, Ria remained standing and began her speech.

It was something that, until now, only a small portion of people knew about. The courtiers stirred greatly.

This Ogress Archduchys greatest goal is to survive the millennium.

However, before that, there is a problem that must be settled.

Invading other countries without reason, Cordova is an evil country that causes wars and must be destroyed. Then, we will return territories to their rightful lords.

Tears shone in their eyes.

Here, Ria unsheathed Nagasone Kotetsu, pointing the blade towards the heavens.

They were justice.

Someone repeated Victory in a small voice.

Then someone else followed suit. Before long, many voices shouted it out.

Morale within the royal court rose.

No matter how uneasy she felt, she would not let it show on her face.

Victory!