“I wonder. They don’t eat the meat that often.”
“They don’t? How often do they eat monster meat in the Empire?” Ogma asked, looking puzzled. He was under the impression that, if one wanted strength, it was only natural to eat monster meat for every meal.
“Once a month.”
Her reply produced a stir.
“That’s it?!”
“That’s hardly anything!”
“They should be eating it more!”
Most of the responses sounded disappointed, for some reason, even though the Ronzans were their enemy.
“Mhm. It got its start as a way to stave off starvation,” Cassandra explained. “They didn’t eat it because they wanted to. After that, it gradually turned into a ritual where they make the strength of the monsters their own. There’s a formal etiquette to it, where they prepare their minds and bodies for the day they eat the meat, then recover their health for the next month.” As Cassandra spoke, she sounded vaguely embarrassed.
“Well…that certainly seems like a logical and sophisticated way of doing things. But why did you start eating it every day, Lady Cassandra?” Nicol asked.
“Simple. If eating monster meat makes you stronger, then obviously, it’s best to eat it every day.”
“I mean, don’t you think they decided on once a month because their many years of experience told them it was dangerous to eat it more often?”
“That’s why I left, because there were too many boring people like that.” Cassandra turned her face away with a huff.
Nicol got the impression that even in the Ronzan Empire, this princess had been quite the handful. He sympathized with his older brother for having been the target of such a preposterous woman.
“Then, how often are these duels in the presence of the emperor? Every day, surely?” Yamato asked. He, too, eagerly hoped that the Ronzan warriors would be strong foes.
“All their soldiers would die if they did that. No, the matches are only once a month too. They’re important events that decide promotions and demotions, after all. I participated in a few myself. ‘If you wish to marry me, then fight, and win,’ that sort of thing. Naturally, I killed every one of them,” Cassandra replied proudly. Everyone else just felt sorry for her unfortunate suitors.
“Ah, well, that aside, they only hold the matches once a month as well? Even though we fight in the arena practically every day?” Yamato was bewildered. He had expected the Ronzan Empire he’d heard all the rumors about to be more ruthless.
“That’s about how long it normally takes for wounds to heal,” Cassandra replied. “Those stingy priests don’t like to heal injuries that come from fights for personal advancement. And there aren’t too many priests who can completely heal serious injuries, either.”
“She’s correct. It’s frowned upon in Mauveian doctrine to use recovery magic in that way,” Maria added in explanation. “At first, I was confused as well. Though now, of course, I appreciate its lofty purpose.”
“Also, Mars is the one who started the arena. That isn’t my fault,” Cassandra said, proudly puffing out her chest for some reason.
Doesn’t all this mean that the brutal Ronzan Empire is actually sensible, and Farune is the deviant one? Nicol thought, but refrained from saying.
“But the Ronzan Empire has a long history,” Cassandra continued. “They don’t eat the meat or fight with their lives on the line as often as Farune does, but they’ve done it for generations. Their inborn talent is in a league of its own. I’m sure Mars can beat them regardless, but can the same be said of you all?” She looked around provocatively at everyone in attendance.
“So that’s how it is.” Ogma grinned. “His Majesty is giving us a test, isn’t he? After our pathetic performance in Eyland.”
“Probably,” Cassandra said, smiling confidently.
I don’t think so, thought Frau, who hadn’t spoken a word. But as always, she didn’t speak her thoughts aloud.
“All right, then I’ll head to Vulcan through the gate after all,” Ogma announced. “Transport the members of the Hundred in order, highest-ranking first. They do have numbers, after all, which makes things like this easier.”
“Warren and I will head to Vulcan with the Knights by land. That should be faster than waiting for everyone’s turn,” Chrom said, then he stood up from his seat. Warren followed after him. They gave the impression that they wanted to get outfitted and head into battle as soon as humanly possible.
“I’ll go to Eyland,” Frau said dispassionately. As a wizard, she would take on the wizards—that was what she was saying. Keely was nodding, which confirmed that the monster army would also be accompanying her.
“I shall take the Dorssenian army and go to Eyland as well. You’ll need forces that can fight on the front lines,” Carmilla said. “I have to show my good side to His Majesty every once in a while, after all.” She smiled bewitchingly behind her handheld fan.
And so, it was agreed that the Hundred would support Vulcan, while the Mages’ Guild and the Dorssenian army would support Eyland. In the end, Gamarath asked what Cassandra intended to do.
“What will you be doing this time, Lady Cassandra? Will you stand by in Farune?”
“Well, Mars tells me not to put myself out on the battlefield too much. I’ll…I know, after this, I think I’ll go introduce my father to his new granddaughter. It’s important to stay in touch with your parents.” Cassandra smiled.
“Actually, one more quick word from me,” Nicol said, almost as an afterthought. “In the western nations, it seems there’s an adventurer known as ‘Breezy’ who’s been making a name for himself lately. With the timing being what it is, he might be working for the Ronzan Empire. Be careful.”
“The hell? What a ridiculous epithet. I bet he’s weak,” Ogma said, sounding bored.
“Yes, he does sound weak,” Carmilla said. “Shall we send someone to crush him? I’d rather not do it myself, though.” She sounded uninterested as well.
“Apparently, he’s quite strong,” Nicol said. “But it’s not clear whether he’s a wizard or a warrior. Regardless, please don’t let down your guard.”
“Surely it’s obvious whether he’s a wizard or a warrior, at least? Someone so vague and indecisive is bound to be second-rate,” Carmilla declared.
Everyone’s gazes converged on her.
Wait, but doesn’t that describe Lady Cassandra before she came to Farune?
Actually, which of those was she, again?
Maybe that was a joke.
They had no idea how to respond.