Rhodon Aftermath (Hard)

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## Summary

Lord of Avillon deals with the aftermath of the war with Rhodon and Zaira joins the knights.

## Character List

### Major

* Lord of Avillon
* Zaira (Fire)

### Minor

* Fram Berge (Water)
* Rouin
* Johan Talede (Light)

### Mentioned

* Mei Ling Qiao (Light)
* Krom Ledios (Water)

## Content

Fram: I can’t believe we actually conquered Rhodon! Just goes to show we can do anything with Highness by our side!

Rouin: Congratulations once again, Your Highness. You’ve defeated the strongest nation in the West. However, the is now a great amount of organizational work that must be done. Thinking about it gives me a headache…

"Lord": Hm… I’ve got some ideas. Let’s discuss them later.

Rouin: Yes, Your Highness. Immediately abolishing slavery and the serfdom ordinances may bring instability to the country’s core. To counteract this, I will formulate a pan to liberate the weak and underprivileged, implement the bureaucratic changes you have suggested, and enact annual outside audits. I will report once I am done.

"Lord": Thanks. If you could, please take care of the woodlands’ development, as well. We can enter into a free trade agreement and share our farming technology, which will help their production greatly improve.

Rouin: How would you like to handle the inevitable backlash from Rhodon’s nobles?

"Lord": They won’t give us trouble for a while, now that we’ve freed the personal armies they were amassing. They’ll oppose the bureaucratic changes we’re making, but once the sift of power is settled, they’ll have to come around, It’ll be in their best interest, which is what they’re concerned about. Speaking of which, I plan on enacting some strict laws against bribery.

Rouin: Understood. Something about Your Highness seems… different.

"Lord": Hm?

Rouin: You used to simply give all of this sort of administration work to me. Seeing you help with it is… well, if I’m being honest, I’m still getting used to it.

"Lord": I-I just thought that deciding on the general direction of things together would make your job a little easier…

Rouin: Ha ha… Thank you. I am touched by your consideration.

Johan: Zaira, the former vice-captain from Rhodon, has requested an audience alone with Your Highness.

"Lord": Show her in.

Johan: Are you sure you’ll be okay alone with her?

"Lord": Don’t worry. She won’t do anything.

Johan: Understood.

"Lord": …

Zaira: Greetings, monarch of Avillon.

"Lord": Were you able to get some rest?

Zaira: Yes, thanks to your generous accommodations…

"Lord": Everything for you is probably still chaotic, but I hope your body and mind have at least been refreshed.

Zaira: … …I’m certain you and I had never met before this. So how can you speak as though you know me so well?

"Lord": …

Zaira: And why did you show me kindness? It’s not exactly something I’m used to… Certainly not from some other country’s monarch whom I’ve never met… It’s confusing.

"Lord": We knew each other in a previous life. …is something even I wouldn’t believe if I were you, so I won’t bother saying it.

Zaira: … From the first time we met in the woodlands, I felt an indescribable closeness to you. And it’s not because you were kind to me, nor am I saying this in some hope of saving myself.

"Lord": Maybe this is the bond that Mei Ling spoke of…

Zaira: I don’t really know what you’re referring to… What I do know is ,as someone who’s had to fight hard her entire life, the feeling I felt was… strange and unfamiliar.

"Lord": As a monarch, I rely heavily on reason and good judgment when interacting with others. But I’m still a person, and there’s a part of me that feels more complete when I interact with certain people. You’re one of them. … I understand if none of this makes sense or is confusing. But I made a decision to help you live the life you want. To help you break free of your shackles and take control of your life.

Zaira: You mean, you’re going to give me a second chance…?

"Lord": Yes.

Zaira: Is it because I’m… useful?

"Lord": Useful…? I suppose the role of a monarch is to use the right people in the right places to bring about the best results possible. But that’s just a role and I’m not one to judge people by their efficiency.

Zaira: By which you mean…

"Lord": I’m giving you a second chance because you have the ability to choose for yourself. You can become a knight of Avillon, or you can leave this behind and live somewhere in peace. If you do leave, you’ll be able to figure out whatever it is you want to do. You’re now allowed and able to do that.

Zaira: … I was born into the lowest class of society, and al that I really received growing up was persecution. Even after I became a knight, there were a lot of people who belittled me, who hated me for no real reason. I always thought I just had to deal with it. It was all I’d known. I knew it was wrong, but never thought it could change. …I assumed I’d have to live with it forever.

"Lord": When it’s something that ingrained, it’s hard to even picture a better world, let alone hope for now.

Zaira: You said there was a different world out there… Avillon is completely different from where I lived my whole life. How is it so different?

"Lord": A lot of people came together and worked hard to make it that way. It took a long time for people to realize that every person is different, and that it’s a good thing.

Zaira: Do you think I can become like that too…?

"Lord": Change doesn’t happen in an instant. It requires patience, and the tenacity to keep going when things get tough or discouraging. Everything will feel awkward, uncomfortable, and confusing. You’ll question yourself a thousand times. That’s just what happens when you try to change something you’ve lived with your entire life. But don’t give up. Never give up. Just move in the right direction a little bit at a time. Soon enough, you’ll look back and realize you’re a much different person.

Zaira: … Your Highness… You said I’m allowed to choose for myself, right? Can I make the first decision of my new life right now?

"Lord": Of course. You don’t need anyone’s permission but your own.

Zaira: I want to serve as one of your knights. I want to stand by your side and protect you. And… I want to change.

"Lord": Decisions determine destiny. Yours have already begun to be fulfilled. Lady Zaira, I hereby declare you a knight of Avillon.

Zaira: Thank you… From this moment forward, I pledge my life to you. My loyalty will never waiver.

"Lord": …In case you’re wondering about Krom, he will need more time to make his own decision. I wouldn’t worry about what will happen to him, though.

Zaira: Th-thank you…!

"Lord": I have a feeling he’s blaming himself right now for not seeing you more fully for who you are.

Zaira: …

"Lord": You might want to have a talk with him when you can. It is up to you, Lady Zaira.

Zaira: I understand. Thank you, Your Highness.

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