Last Will

The battlefield was chaotic. They had to fight Yebersol while also fighting monsters. As such, after all the monsters were eliminated, both sides called for a cease-fire to recuperate and re-gather.

But Yebersol did not keep their words. Hordes of demon beasts suddenly appeared in the Evymeria and Varondel encampment.

Those who excel at healing magic had to exhaust themselves by deploying wide-area healing spells so the wounded and tired knights could fight again.

Seeing the situation, Duke Cedric had to regret not bringing even one of his daughters who were the best healers in the Kingdom of Zhastraia.

However, the duke was sure that he did not want his daughters to witness the carnage of war and the clean-up that comes after.

He already felt bad letting some of the daughters of his siblings join this war. Even if they had volunteered, the gory sight was a first-time experience for his nieces.

Even if they were knights, he still hated the idea that they had to be a part of this. He wanted to blame the Evymeria line for only giving the blessing of strong healing magic to the female side.

Frederick had put up a defensive barrier around the whole encampment so the demon beasts could not attack them. It at least gave them some time.

The encampment was fully surrounded by demon beasts, but everyone was safe as long as they were inside the barrier.

He was rather impressed at the summoners who had just summoned thousands of monsters before noon and now summoned strong demon beasts before the sun even set.

While the leaders were discussing their next action, Frederick's uncle, the current Grand Commander of Zhastraia's Knight Order suddenly appeared through the use of a teleportation magic tool that he had given to Frederick's father in case of emergencies.

"What's going on dear brother?" Duke Varondel was wide-eyed.

Frederick and the rest knew that it must have been an emergency since the Grand Knight Commander Elbrus himself had come despite knowing they were in a war. He should have been with the King. Further, he even used the teleportation magic tool which could only be used once.

"It's urgent. I need to speak with Duke Cedric immediately," Elbrus showed them the edict he was holding. Everyone was even more alarmed.

"Uncle, I will lead you to Duke Evymeria's tent. I am sure they will understand," Frederick volunteered.

Under normal conditions, they could not just go to another duke's tent and ask for time to talk. However, there was an edict so time was of the essence.

"No. All of you have to come as well since this also concerns Varondel's ducal family," Elbrus put a hand on Frederick's shoulder like he was trying to steady himself.

Frederick noticed that his uncle seemed exhausted and tense. The Varondel family present instantly nodded in understanding and went to Duke Cedric's tent.

Frederick's eyes narrowed when he noticed that the Evymeria ducal family with them, all looked deathly pale and anxious. His instincts told him something was wrong. Everyone probably noticed as well.

The tent was cleared with only the ducal family of Evymeria and Varondel remaining inside to hear what the Grand Commander Elbrus had to say.

A soundproofing magic barrier was used to prevent eavesdropping.

"It is a difficult situation. I regret to inform everyone that Her Majesty, Queen Isabella, and Her Grace, the Duchess Evelyn of Evymeria had passed on to the Afterlife," Elbrus informed them in a pained voice.

"What?!" Everyone from the Varondel family was shocked.

Frederick and the others noticed that the Evymeria ducal family had sorrowful and furious looks on their faces but did not utter a word like they already knew it was going to happen.

Everyone felt the mana of the three were surging rapidly but they were holding it in.

"They were poisoned and not even healing magic and potions made from Evymeria could cure it. Her Majesty and Her Grace desperately tried to heal each other but failed. Even healers in the palace and the Grand Mage could not do anything," Elbrus sadly explained.

"I feel deeply saddened by this but I need to return to the palace immediately since His Majesty, the King was furious and sorrowful. I am afraid of what he might do. I have come to deliver an edict from His Majesty." Elbrus opened the edict and read it.

Both Evymeria and Varondel ducal families gawked at the edict and its contents. It was an edict instructing Duke Cedric to marry his daughters off to Duke Clovis' sons.

"Have we offended His Majesty so greatly that he no longer wishes for an Evymeria daughter in the Royal Family? I believe we of Evymeria had always done our best to assist His Majesty, the King, and make the Kingdom prosperous and keep the Royal Family safe and of good health."

Duke Cedric looked confused and saddened. He obviously felt betrayed by the King that he loyally served.

"No, Your Grace. Evymeria had done nothing of that sort," Elbrus quickly denied.

"Her Majesty, the late Queen Isabella had implored the King to pass this edict before her last breath. It was Her Majesty's last wish for His Majesty not to let her sisters into the Royal Family," the Knight Commander further explained.

"Her Grace, Duchess Evelyn sadly stamped her approval as well before she passed away," Elbrus added and brought out a magic communication crystal.

"His Majesty was reluctant but since it was Her Majesty, the Queen's last request, he could not say no and made the edict. This is a message from Her Majesty and Her Grace."

Frederick watched as Duke Cedric accepted the magic crystal with a trembling hand and they all watched as the message was played.

Everyone bowed their heads in respect as a recorded version of the Queen of Zhastraia appeared. She was ghastly pale and looked like she was straining herself.

. . .

"Respected Father and my dear brothers, I pray that you are well. By the time you hear this, I may no longer be of this world.

"You all know how I always looked forward to my marriage with His Majesty and I love him with all my heart. Please do not blame him for my death. He tried to protect me as best he could.

"I was proud to be the Queen even in this short time. However, I have experienced a lot of dreadful things as I was here. Thus, I implore you to listen to my last wish.

"If you want my sisters to continue living peacefully, please do not let any of them marry into the Royal Family. I have already asked His Majesty to make this possible.

"I believe Evymeria trusts Varondel the most and Duke Clovis' sons would be a good match for my sisters.

"Dear brothers, I believe you love our younger sisters as much as I, if not more. Please hurry back home and protect our beloved sisters. I fear that there may be moles in our estate or assassins who might have been sent for their life.

"Beloved sisters, all I wish is for your safety and happiness.

"I know this might seem like I am taking away your future, but I believe that you will understand that I am doing this for your sake. You need not suffer what I had experienced here.

"The Royal Princes and His Majesty were all kind, but the people around them are different. I do not wish you to have an early death like myself.

"You know I treasure you all. Live. Be happy, for my sake as well. I implore all the gods to keep you safe and I will keep praying even in my journey to the next life.

"I pray that you will all be safe and my fears would not come true. You are all most precious to me.

"I will go ahead first. It saddens me but I shall not be lonely since Mother shall be with me," the Queen said and tears streamed down her cheeks at the mention of the Duchess of Evymeria. But the Queen still gave her last smile to the family.

. . .

Nicholas and Anthony were holding back tears. They were gritting their teeth and their hands were tightly balled into fists.

Frederick noticed that they were furious but what bothered him was that their fury seemed to be directed at themselves and not at whoever did the poisoning.

The Duchess of Evymeria's message played next.

. . .

"Dear husband, I wish for your victory and good health. Please do take care of our sons and daughters as I will go ahead first.

"Nicholas, Anthony, look after your younger sisters. Listen to what your elder sister had asked of you and let your sisters marry the sons of Duke Clovis.

"When you marry, choose a steadfast woman from a trustworthy duchy that will cherish you and get along well with your sisters.

"My most adorable daughters Lumina, Francesca, and Diana Rose; do not be disappointed as this is for your safety.

"I believe the sons of Duke Clovis whom your Father trusts the most are reliable and trustworthy men. They are also outstanding so marry them instead.

"Lumina and Francesca you two guide your youngest sister. I trust I can leave her education in your care.

"My dearest Diana Rose, I wished I could have been there for you until at least you also come of age. I wanted to watch you grow into a wonderful woman but it seems my time is over. Listen to your sisters and grow up well.

"Take care of each other, my beloved sons and daughters since I would not be there for you anymore.

"Look after your Father for me. Your eldest sister and I will go ahead first. I earnestly wish for your safety and happiness."

Her Majesty, the Queen, and Duchess Evelyn said their final words.

. . .

The Evymeria Ducal family all kneeled on one knee and bowed their heads with a hand on their chests and closed their eyes.

Frederick and his brothers, Duke Clovis, and Elbrus also followed suit and paid respects to the dead.

"I regret that we would not be able to fulfill all your wishes but we would do our best to do as you had wished," Duke Cedric stamped his approval at the edict. Nicholas and Anthony did as well.

Frederick watched as his father also stamped his approval without any second thoughts.

"I am honored to accept your daughters into my family. We shall honor the last wishes of Her Majesty and Her Grace," he said with a resolute look.

Raphael and Herbert also used their stamp. There were three unmarried daughters and there were three of them right there. It meant he would also be marrying one of Duke Cedric's daughters.

Frederick also stamped his approval. It was a great honor to be able to marry one of the daughters of the Duke of Evymeria.

It would have been celebrated widely in their territory. However, it was not a joyous occasion due to the death of the Queen and the Duchess.

The marriage might also cause a lot of problems such as opposition from other duchies.

The King might also gain disfavor from the Royal Princes who were supposed to wed the Evymeria daughters in the future.

And Evymeria and Varondel might be suspected of planning to overthrow the King so they were strengthening their relationship through marriage.

Since the King was the one who issued the edict, Evymeria might also be suspected of gaining the disfavor of the King.

Frederick felt like the marriage between the two families were a bigger issue that would cause a lot of headaches in the future. And he was right in more ways than one.

A/N: Once again, please feel free to leave your thoughts in the comment section.

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