(I never thought she'd defeat Gustavo as easily as twisting a baby's arm...)
Vittoria had expected the DLC character to be strong, but she hadn't anticipated overwhelming and consistently defeating Gustavo, who was among the top in physical combat. Apparently, even when he uses magic, it's only for self-enhancement (buffs), making him a physical-specialized character. His potential to serve as both a tank and an attacker is incredibly appealing.
When the Grand Duke's [spy] investigated, they found that a mercenary who had risen to prominence during the war was ennobled as a knight, owning two villages near the coast, further south of the Tyria Peninsula. Such a self-made knight wouldn't attract noble suitors, so he married the daughter of a wealthy local farmer, solidifying his ties to the land.
Their first child, Eleonora di Kamitafira, was born. Though not physically gifted, her tall stature and muscular build, combined with rigorous training, allowed her to raise the knight's banner at just 13. She now publicly declares she'll act as a proxy for the knight until her younger brother, Amerigo di Kamitafira, comes of age. Last year, she made waves by defeating the invading Suno people in a duel and placing them under her control.
The Suno people were, in the original game, what's known as an [obstacle character]. In the war segments, they'd attack regions with low troop counts, reducing military funds, so players had to defeat them before they could escape by sea to reclaim the funds. About 100 Suno warriors now form the standing army of the Kamitafira family, with around 20 being professional soldiers.
For a small village with only three settlements, this is a considerable force. A knight of similar standing would typically have about 5 retainers and 20-30 conscripted peasant soldiers. Soldiers mobilized in place of taxes during the off-season and those who make a living by looting have vastly different stamina when clashing head-on.
(I don't know yet since they haven't been deployed, but at this rate, she seems strong even leading an army...)
Vittoria's impression was that Eleonora di Kamitafira was an exceptional unit, skilled in both individual combat and army leadership. The only drawback was her limited use of magic, but if someone could compensate for that, the battle against the empire would surely proceed more smoothly.
(Now, how should I go about drawing her in...)
Vittoria, smiling as she wiped Clarissa's tears with a handkerchief, pondered how to broach the subject. For now, it was a conversation to have after finishing Clarissa's business.
"Ms. Eleonora, I heard you plan to retire to the countryside after your brother inherits. Is that true?"
"Yes, Lady Vittoria. Once the succession is complete, I'll become a commoner and... perhaps become an adventurer."
"An adventurer? With your background and strength, isn't there a more suitable place for you?"
After Clarissa left, Vittoria, who remained behind, decided to approach the subject directly. She felt Eleonora would be more receptive to a straightforward conversation rather than an indirect one.
"That sounds fine. I envy you, being able to go wherever you like, whenever you like, searching for interesting things and making them your own—whether to keep or sell. It sounds enjoyable, doesn't it?"
"It's too fleeting. You'll leave your name, but for a better life, wouldn't it be better to serve as an official in the nobility?"
"Absolutely not. The friction would be too severe—it would lead to killing each other."
"Huh?"
Eleonora continued speaking to Vittoria.
"If a woman is taken in as a vassal, especially as a knight, there will be a gap with the original commanders. If she loses a duel, soldiers won't follow her. Soldiers won't listen to a knight who loses to a woman."
"So... when you say 'killing each other'..."
"If you can't win a duel, it's fine to be good at poison too. I must cut down that person to protect myself, you see. Yes, if such a thing were to happen in your house, the master would have to deal with both of them."
"So, you're stepping down? It's not like such a thing is bound to happen, is it?"
"However, it's possible. Men don't have to worry about such troublesome things, after all."
Will she ever be obtainable? It's too unfortunate, as she's right in front of Vittoria, almost within reach. Perhaps she should just use the full power of the Grand Duke...