Chapter 616

Chloe stared at her reflection in the water bowl.

Her hair was tangled and pulled up messily, her skin blotchy and worn, and a faint, stubborn stench clung to her nose. The radiant beauty she once was had vanished completely, leaving only the weathered appearance of someone who had endured the ravages of war.

She sighed softly, scooped up some murky water, and rubbed her face. She had learned to be grateful for even the smallest chance to wash up.

“Since leaving Bariel, I haven’t had a single private audience with His Majesty.”

There had been so much going on. Right after deployment, they’d been caught in a massive ambush in the northern territories, and skirmishes had followed one after another. Ever since crossing the Burgos border, she hadn’t slept more than three hours a day—not even once. Her unit was in charge of supplies, after all.

Rubbing her tired eyes roughly, Chloe splashed cold water on her face to shake off the fatigue.

“While I’m stuck wasting time and struggling, Lady Kyla has already made her mark.”

Her unit mainly handled supplies sent from the Davion family, so all the soldiers she served with had ties to them. That meant information came in constantly, even without trying.

The latest news was…

“The Holin family is aiming for the throne of Burgos?”

Ridiculous! Chloe pinched her cheeks, silently screaming in disbelief.

The Holins were already second only to Bariel in power. If they succeeded in establishing a new dynasty in Burgos, the Davion family would have no way to counter them. She had followed the war all the way here, chasing nothing but the position of Empress, only to end up suffering for nothing.

“That absolutely cannot happen!”

Chloe needed to prove herself too. She wanted a war achievement as undeniable as Kyla’s—something that would firmly etch her existence into the Emperor’s mind.

She glared at a tree across from her, awkwardly raised her hand like a blade, and lunged.

Thwack!

“Ah!”

She had imagined it was an enemy and struck out, but the pain from her own hand felt like it was splitting in two. Chloe bit back a groan and collapsed, only managing to stand again after a long while.

Right. Who fights barehanded in war? It’s all about swordsmanship!

“Hmph!”

Grabbing a long wooden stick like a sword, Chloe swung it with all her might. Kyla did it, so maybe she could too! Probably! Damn it!

“Damn it! Damn it!”

But she quickly grew frustrated. Her ability to inflict damage was like a handful of ashes—barely there, and even that scattered away with the slightest breeze.

Lying face down, she tore at some grass in frustration. Why could Kyla do it, but not her? If only she had been chosen like the mages, she wouldn’t feel this miserable.

“…Waaah. Sniffle.”

Eventually, tears spilled out. She wanted nothing more than to give up and go home. But at the same time, she refused to surrender or lose.

As Chloe wiped her tears and tried to steady herself, a voice interrupted.

“Captain, please stop. I beg you.”

“What? What am I doing?”

“There have been all sorts of things coming out of the palace lab, and if you’re making potions in a carriage with poor materials and facilities, isn’t that enough said?”

“That’s right! Every single mage is precious right now. We can’t afford to lose anyone over this.”

“You didn’t get Ian’s permission, did you? This is serious.”

Mages. They seemed to have come to request supplies, but their steps were hurried, as if being chased. It was because of Akorella, who was pestering them with her hair tied up messily.

She blocked their path with a quick step and wagged a finger side to side.

“Oh, you fools who know only half the story!”

“No harm done. Just fools, then.”

“Research always demands sacrifice! And progress is the destination of all research. The spirit of experimentation will save Bariel!”

“Then drink it yourself. Seems like no problem.”

“I had something else yesterday. Today’s potion conflicts with that, so if I drink it, I’ll die.”

Sigh. Crazy boss.

The mages sighed and parted to let her pass, then handed Chloe the supply list with a greeting.

“Hello. Please issue personal supplies.”

“Ah, just a moment.”

Chloe hurriedly wiped her eyes, worried her crying might be noticed, but with her already disheveled appearance, no one seemed to care.

Meanwhile, Akorella flopped about, pressing her face against her subordinates’ shoulders.

“Come on, just one sip. Huh? Even if you ask for more, I won’t give it!”

“No thanks. And change your tactics. Last time you said if we didn’t drink more we’d die, so we drank until we were stuffed. Turns out that was a different experiment. Don’t you remember?”

“Oh, that was you? Then this time, it’s you!”

Akorella pointed at a mage beside her, who crossed his hands in an X.

“I still have side effects. Sometimes when I burp, I get a breath coming up. Not a dragon, but it’s quite the experience.”

“Ha, seriously. It’s tragic that there are so few talented people to join this great cause! I, Akorella, am so sad I might just die right here! Sob!”

Then, dramatically, she collapsed to the side. Chloe flinched in surprise, but the mages, used to this, didn’t even glance her way as they took the supply boxes.

“Yes, Captain. Please go ahead. We’ll pray for your soul.”

“Please hold back for now. What’s the rush in front of Kalamath? If Ian finds out, he’ll report you’re dead.”

“Oh, it’s heavier than I thought. Thanks for your hard work.”

The mages carefully avoided the fallen Akorella. She slyly grabbed at some of their pant legs, but they shook her off with practiced ease.

Chloe watched the scene, bewildered.

‘…How long is she going to lie there?’

“I’d like to request supplies too.”

“Ah, yes.”

Still lying down, Akorella pulled out a list from her bosom and handed it to Chloe. Watching her carefully pack the items, she asked quietly.

“Are you the head of the research department?”

“I’m with the Mana Stone Management Division.”

“Then why…?”

“Because mana stones and potions are inseparable.”

“Eek!” Akorella suddenly jumped up and shouted, startling Chloe.

“A true mage always seeks truth and yearns to advance into new worlds! My heart breaks because of these unambitious fools. Oh, and put in two packs of cigarettes, please.”

…She’s quite the character. Chloe nodded and grabbed the cigarettes without replying. Then a thought struck her.

“Um, mage?”

“Akorella.”

“Do you have any potions that let ordinary people use magic? Or maybe ones that make you really strong?”

“A mage is chosen by the gods. Magic is impossible for others, but getting stronger? That’s definitely possible.”

“Oh! Then what about swordsmanship?”

“…What exactly do you want?”

Akorella propped her chin on her hand, raising an eyebrow as if sensing something interesting.

Chloe pushed the supplies aside and leaned in to whisper.

“I want to make a name for myself in the war.”

“Oh? A patriot, huh? But?”

“Right now, there’s nothing I can do.”

“Why not? You’re working hard even now.”

“I need a remarkable achievement. If you could help me, I’d be very grateful. I can pay you back however you want.”

“Got any money?”

“I’m Chloe Davion.”

“Ah! Davion! Oh, you must have been through a lot. I didn’t recognize you.”

Akorella slapped her palm in surprise, but her eyes sparkled and a smile crept onto her lips. Then, frowning, she shook her head.

“My creations are designed for mages. I can’t guarantee what side effects might happen if an ordinary person drinks them. Everyone’s worst-case scenario is different, but you might have to be prepared to die.”

“D-Die?”

“Besides, you’re the daughter of the Davion family. If anything happens, I’m really screwed. I have a social life to maintain, you know. Well then.”

“Wait!”

Chloe desperately grabbed Akorella’s arm.

“Isn’t there something I can do within reason? I’ve been through so much here. Sniff, sniff.”

“Why are you crying? Someone might think I made you cry.”

“I don’t know! I don’t know either! Akorella, you’re a genius who made the real healing potions. Please help me. I beg you. Waaah.”

A genius?

Akorella flared her nostrils and looked at Chloe. One was crying, the other smiling—their expressions strangely alike. Akorella patted Chloe’s shoulder and whispered,

“My lady, seeing you cry like this breaks my heart. Ahem. Actually, I do have a masterpiece I want to test on ordinary people… but as I said, I can’t guarantee the side effects. If you’re willing to accept that risk to gain power—”

“Yes! I want it!”

“Don’t decide so quickly. Think it over carefully, then come find me. You’ll get what you want. But when you come, you’ll have to sign a waiver. Understood?”

With tears welling up in her eyes, Chloe nodded firmly. Satisfied, Akorella swept her robe dramatically and vanished like the wind.

“I’ve got a chance!”

Wiping tears and sniffles with the back of her hand, Chloe clenched her fist with determination—

“Nyah! Subject secured!”

Akorella, humming cheerfully, turned her limp into a dance and dashed off excitedly.

*    *    *

“Okay! I always admire someone with a spirit of challenge. Come this way.”

At Akorella’s beckoning, Chloe slipped deeper into the shadows. Then, from between her crossed arms, she discreetly handed over a waiver. It stated that Chloe Davion would not hold anyone responsible for any side effects or consequences—this was entirely her own choice.

Akorella nodded approvingly and tapped the paper with a satisfied smile.

“I usually don’t accept these, but since you’re such a precious young lady… you understand, right?”

“Yes. So please, hurry.”

“You’re quite impatient! Here, here you go.”

Akorella pulled a small vial from her robes. Inside was a thick liquid shimmering with pink pearls.

Is this safe for humans? Chloe eyed Akorella suspiciously, prompting her to whisper in her ear.

“Just one dose, and you’ll be unstoppable.”

“And the expected effect is…?”

“Right—”

“Hey, what are you two doing?”

Before Akorella could answer, Xiaoshi appeared. Startled, both women instinctively hid whatever they were holding behind their backs and took a step back.

“Ah! Wh-what’s going on here, Lady Xiaoshi?”

“That’s exactly what I want to know. What are you two doing here?”

“Nothing! Right? Young lady?”

“Yes, yes. Absolutely nothing.”

“Then what are you hiding back there?”

…This is bad. As Xiaoshi approached, Akorella froze with a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. This was definitely going to be reported to Lord Ian. They were truly in trouble!

Chloe’s mind went blank for a moment, but it was fleeting.

Pop!

Fearing they’d be stopped if caught, Chloe acted first. She unscrewed the vial’s cap and quickly swallowed the liquid.

“…!”

Xiaoshi hesitated, taken aback, while Akorella clenched her fists, eagerly awaiting Chloe’s transformation. Her heart pounded—what would happen next?

Chloe, tense, scanned her body. Then—

“Ah.”

She felt her heartbeat quicken.

Hot and pounding, as if it might burst at any moment!