"We're here, Reminia."
Hashiry gently tapped the shoulder of the girl beside him. Reminia, who'd been sleeping against the window, rubbed her eyes. After a big stretch, she stuck her head out the window. Her red hair whipped up. The scent was different from Nikaras—it smelled like the plains.
"Whoa..."
She couldn't help but gasp.
Sheer, towering walls. Beyond them, a castle with countless soaring spires. The Royal Palace Rudorum—pride of the Lexenil Kingdom.
And she was about to go there.
Even Reminia, who normally paid no attention to anything but her father, found her heart racing. Her face, bright with curiosity, was like a fresh-faced new researcher. Hashiry smiled. "Great Hero (Legend)" or not, Reminia was still just a fifteen-year-old girl. She might have the rank of Chief Researcher, but she was still a rookie.
The carriage passed through the palace's massive iron gates. From the towering castle to the iron gates wide enough for a giant to pass through—everything spoke of Lexenil's advanced architectural prowess. It was as if the two-hundred-year-old kingdom was showing off its status as the third-ranking power in Straval.
Even once they entered the castle town, Reminia didn't close the window. The main streets—wide enough to fit five houses side by side—were crowded with people. Vendors hawking their wares, lovers chatting, children playing noisily, lively music. She loved quiet Nikaras too, but the royal capital, alive with the heartbeat of the nation, wasn't bad either.
"Is this your first time in the capital?" Hashiry asked.
At his question, Reminia finally stopped leaning out the window. She sat up properly, composing herself.
"No. This is my second time. But last time... I wasn't really in a position to enjoy it."
"Last time—you mean during the investigation?"
"Yeah... I never imagined the paper I'd written would end up involving the secrets of this world."
"Coming from a twelve-year-old girl, at that. I'm sure our director was quite stunned. I was in a different department at the time, so I didn't get to witness it... a great regret."
Hashiry slumped with genuine disappointment. Reminia just gave a wry smile beside him.
"Let me confirm something, though. I am being welcomed here, right? They're not dragging me in for something?"
"I've heard you're to meet personally with King Selzebia—so it's certainly a welcome."
"That's a relief."
She settled back into the carriage seat she'd occupied for the past three days.
"Wait... What is this?"
"You don't know? It's called a dress."
At the moment, Reminia was in the middle of changing. Before her hung a pink dress, which she was apparently going to be forced to wear. The dress, adorned with large floral patterns, was certainly beautiful—but to Reminia, it looked a bit flashy. She'd never worn a dress before in her life. This was also her first time having servants do her hair and makeup. For the Great Hero (Legend), the experience was nothing short of bewildering.
"Visiting the king, this much is only proper," the servant said.
"Ugh..."
Reminia was nearly in tears.
No sooner had they arrived at the palace than they'd stripped off the leather jacket and thin blouse she'd worn since leaving the village. Next she was led to the bathhouse, scrubbed like a plate by the bath attendant, and ordered to soak in the tub. She nearly dozed off, but then they doused her with cold water and scrubbed her again. Just when she thought she was finally out of the bath, the attendant carefully dried her off—and here they were.
Not only had nearly twenty people seen her naked in one go, they'd handled her everywhere. It wasn't surprising she felt like crying.
"Don't be so down about it," the attendant said. "It's not like you've got a figure to be ashamed of."
"Nearly twenty people have seen me naked just today. My village doesn't even have a hundred people. You get it? In the span of one day, a quarter of a village's worth of people have seen me completely naked. Ugh... will I ever be able to get married?"
She slumped dejectedly. The Great Hero was already running on fumes.
Then one of the servants leaned in close.
"Hero-sama, I'm going to tighten your corset now. Please breathe out as much as you can."
"Huh...?"
Before she knew it, they'd wrapped a leather corset around her waist.
"Ready—PULL!"
The next instant, what sounded like a dragon's roar echoed from the dressing room.
Footsteps, slightly off-beat, echoed through the palace. The corridor leading from the dressing room to the royal chamber. Hashiry, in formal attire, walked alongside a transformed Reminia Midres. Since Hashiry was naturally masculine, the two looked almost like a bride and groom.
Reminia had complained the entire time, but she'd been made up so beautifully that passing guards turned to stare. Even the somewhat childish pink dress looked vibrant against her beauty. Her red hair, carefully brushed, gleamed like rubies.
She was clearly not used to heels. All that effort on her makeup was wasted by her clumsy walk.
"I'm already exhausted before meeting the king," Reminia groaned.
As advertised, her face looked haggard. Hashiry shrugged.
"Can't be helped. You're about to meet the king. You have to be presentable. If you carried in some disease and His Majesty passed away, your entire village would be wiped out."
"The king is THAT powerful!?" Reminia exclaimed.
"Just joking. King Selzebia wouldn't do such a thing. But he certainly could if he wanted to—that's what it means to be at the top of the nation."
Reminia suddenly straightened her posture—and nearly lost her balance.
"I'd rather have a proper outfit like yours," she muttered.
"This is just my work uniform." Hashiry tugged at his white jacket with gold embroidery.
"You're not telling me I'm going to work in this dress, are you?"
"Now that's an interesting idea. It would certainly brighten up the office. We could even tease you every day."
"When I take office, the first thing I'll do is have you fired."
"I'll look forward to it. ...We're here. The royal chamber."
Reminia composed herself. Hashiry straightened his back as well.
Just how many years had gone into its creation? The iron doors to the royal chamber were carved with two lions—and not cast, but clearly hand-carved, with such power that it seemed to bleed the sculptor's blood and sweat.
The doors swung open. At the same time, wind instruments sounded. With Hashiry guiding her hand, she walked down the red carpet. Drums joined in, martial and stirring. A little carnival.
Along the edges of the carpet, rows of men in luxurious clothing stood in formation. The lords and retainers who supported Lexenil. One man stood out—taller than the rest. A soldier, maybe? His build was unlike anyone else's. For a moment, their eyes met, and she felt like he snorted dismissively at her.
Hashiry stopped. Reminia stopped. The music stopped.
Silence fell.
From the back, what appeared to be a chamberlain appeared and announced in a high voice:
"His Majesty, Mlad Selzebia Lexenil, the 25th king of Lexenil! Enter—His Majesty!"
In unison, everyone knelt on one knee and bowed their heads. Reminia followed suit, a beat behind. The rustle of fabric told her someone was approaching from the back. After hearing the throne creak, a calm voice spoke:
"Be at ease."
At his words, everyone rose in unison. Again, Reminia was a beat behind.
A figure sat on the throne. No—not a figure. That was the king. She caught her breath. Even the girl bestowed with the title of "Great Hero (Legend)"—effectively recognized as humanity's strongest—couldn't help but be awed by his dignified presence.
His white hair was smoothed back. His sharp green eyes gleamed. His beard, powerful as a white flame, spread down to his chest. He was sixty-two this year, Reminia had heard. He looked vigorous, far more energetic than the elders of her village.
"So you are Reminia Midres," the king said.
"An honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Reminia, daughter of the Wolf of Nikaras Village."
"The Wolf of Nikaras... Forgive me, I haven't heard of it. What of you, General Tschehes?"
"Never heard of it," the general boomed. "Nor do I know of this Nikaras."
The booming voice came from the stocky man from earlier. A soldier, just as she'd thought. His skin was dark, and unlike Reminia's, his red hair had a wild, fierce tint. He wore makeup around his eyes like some kind of warpaint—perhaps from a religion or ethnic group.
"Don't take offense, Reminia. The man who raised you must be a brave one," the king said.
"I certainly—"
"Your Majesty, don't trouble yourself. ...Most likely, she was whelped by some mountain ape, anyway. GAHAHAHAHAHA!" Tschehes interrupted Reminia with a hearty laugh.
Many of the others followed, wearing sneers.
"Here I was, hearing about the world's second 'Great Hero (Legend),' so I came all the way from the battlefield to have a look... and it's a tiny little girl!"
"(What! My height has nothing to do with it, you giant!!)"
Reminia barely restrained herself from lunging. The fact that he was so tall just made her angrier.
Despite the hero's rage, Tschehes' insults didn't stop.
"Could it be that the 'Wolf of Nikaras' is nothing but a fraud?" he sneered.
"...!"
"With respect, General Tschehes. She is a true 'Great Hero (Legend),' certified by the Guild. I believe your words are excessive," Hashiry said, turning to caution him.
But Tschehes didn't relent. In fact, it only added fuel to the fire.
"Shut up, Hashiry. Just because we were in the same class, don't get full of yourself."
"I'm not getting—"
"Your Majesty..."
A clear voice cut through the heated royal chamber.
In an instant, silence returned. The voice was as cold as a sword dipped in water. All eyes turned to its source: Reminia.
"If you would allow me, Your Majesty, I'd like to create an opportunity for you to witness my abilities. It seems some here doubt my skill."
Reminia turned. Her amethyst eyes burned like an enchanting flame. For a moment, Tschehes nearly flinched.
"And if I approve this demonstration," the king finally spoke, "how will you prove your might?"
"I would like a sparring match with General Tschehes. Assuming, of course, the general hasn't been struck by a sudden wind of cowardice."
"What did you say, girl! Fine! I'll take that match! I accept!" Tschehes roared.
Hearing his shout, Reminia smirked. King Mlad also nodded.
"Very well. I look forward to it."
With that, the king departed. When the audience ended, the assembled retainers trickled out of the royal chamber—and among them was Tschehes, laughing with his arms raised.
Only Reminia and Hashiry remained. Reminia gripped the hem of her dress tightly.
"I'll make him regret ever calling Papa a fraud," she whispered.
She bared her teeth. The expression was fiercer than any beast's.
Summary:
Remia arrives at the royal capital with Hashiry, experiencing wonder at the grand palace before being subjected to an elaborate and humiliating dressing and bathing ritual. During the formal audience with King Mlad, General Tschehes openly insults her and her father, provoking Reminia to challenge him to a sparring match. The chapter ends with Reminia's cold fury and determination to make Tschehes regret his words, setting up the impending duel.
Trivia:
Reminia is only 15 years old but holds the rank of Chief Researcher and the title of Great Hero (Legend).
The Wolf of Nikaras is Reminia's father, and she is fiercely protective of his reputation.
Nikaras is a small village with fewer than 100 people, highlighting Reminia's rural origins.
Lexenil Kingdom is a 200-year-old nation and the third-ranking power in Straval.
Reminia previously visited the capital at age 12 during an investigation related to her research paper.
Hashiry and General Tschehes were in the same class at some point, suggesting a shared history.
The dressing scene involves nearly 20 people seeing Reminia naked, which she finds deeply humiliating.
King Mlad Selzebia is 62 years old but appears vigorous and energetic.
Tschehes wears warpaint-like makeup around his eyes, possibly indicating a religious or ethnic affiliation.
Reminia's use of "Papa" in the final line reveals her childlike vulnerability beneath her heroic facade.
Notes:
• Reminia - Fifteen-year-old Great Hero of Straval and researcher of her late mother’s Double World Theory. With striking red hair, amethyst eyes, and a slender, youthful build, she balances a playful, tomboyish exterior with immense power, wielding mythic-tier magic alongside a wooden sword. Fiercely protective and deeply devoted to her father, Wolf, she maintains a strong emotional bond with him.
• Hashiry - A 24-year-old A-class mage and researcher at the Royal Magical Research Institute, she serves as Reminia’s professional yet warm advisor, secretary, and escort. Standing tall and slender with short white hair, narrow pale blue eyes, and boyish features, she often wears a white and gold embroidered jacket. Though practical and concerned for Reminia, she maintains a playful, teasing, and friendly dynamic.
• Mlad - Job: 25th King of Lexenil; Relationship: Ruler of Leycenil; ; Appearance: White hair smoothed back, sharp green eyes, powerful white beard spreading to chest, age 62; Note: ignified and regal, speaks with restrained elegance. Witnesses the exhibition match between Reminia and Tschehes.
• Wolf - A 42-year-old former D-rank adventurer turned Nicalas Village farmer and craftsman. Following his wife's death to a Beywulf, this humble, soot-stained, curly-haired father shed his old bulk to raise his daughter, Reminia, alone. He balances his [Smithing] Level 2 and daily training with deep, quiet devotion, serving as a hardworking role model who teaches his daughter through his own actions.
• Tschehes - Job: General in the Lexenil military (Graf), A-Class warrior; ppearance: Stocky build, dark skin, wild fierce red hair, warpaint-like makeup around eyes; Relationship: Rival to Reminia in combat; Note: Fierce general with Level 6 unique skill Absolute Death-Link Spear; proud and military-minded.