Chapter 55: Fratina’s Connections

“Lady Lucia, I didn’t expect you to be so…”

Christine caught herself, about to compliment Lucia’s appearance, but was cut off.

“Your Highness, let’s watch their spar first.”

Christine was puzzled, not understanding why Lucia changed the topic.

But recalling her effort to hide her appearance, Christine seemed to grasp something.

Lucia’s face, hidden in the cloak’s shadow, was already flushed.

She was grateful Fratina hadn’t noticed, too focused on her fight with Emmeline.

To Fratina’s surprise, Emmeline’s skill far exceeded the guild’s veteran adventurer rating. Though close in age—maybe two years apart—her combat ability was near Fratina’s.

Of course, “near” was based on Fratina’s past opponents.

Emmeline was stronger than anyone she’d faced, but still a step below her.

Even holding back, Fratina handled Emmeline’s near-full effort with ease.

After nearly a hundred exchanges, Emmeline dropped her weapon.

“I yield. The Hero lives up to her name. I’ve fought many since I was fourteen, but none had your overwhelming dominance.”

Fratina smiled at the praise, glancing at Lucia.

‘I didn’t disgrace her, did I?’

But to her surprise, Lucia wasn’t watching. She was deep in conversation with Christine.

A flicker of displeasure stirred in Fratina.

She wasn’t alone. Emmeline felt a twinge of jealousy too.

If they didn’t care about the spar, why come out?

Emmeline had resolved to give her all, yet halfway through, they were chatting.

What was that about?

The mood between Lucia and Christine wasn’t as friendly—or ambiguous—as they assumed.

“Lady Lucia, so your real name is Lucia?”

Christine, like a curious child, kept probing, leaving Lucia scrambling to respond.

*

Realizing Lucia was hiding her identity, Christine glanced at the sparring duo and understood.

Fratina didn’t know Lucia was female.

Leaning close, Christine whispered, “Lady Lucia, I’ll keep your secret. Since I know you’re hiding your identity, why not share more to avoid me slipping up?”

In this moment, Christine was like a gossip-hungry girl her age.

Lucia sighed. Christine had guessed much already. To avoid misunderstandings, she revealed her identity.

As for hiding it from Fratina, she explained it was due to the world’s stereotypes, avoiding complications.

Christine gave a wry smile. “But a powerhouse like you shouldn’t care about others’ opinions, right?”

“Who knows…”

Lucia brushed it off.

If she were truly powerful, she wouldn’t care, proudly showing her true self.

But her strength was lacking, so she clung to mystery.

“Your Highness, please keep this secret.”

“Don’t worry. I promised, so I won’t break my word. Besides, we’re partners. Why would I upset you?”

Whether for morals or mutual benefit, Christine had no reason to cross Lucia.

The spar ended, and Fratina and Emmeline approached.

Christine turned to them. “As expected of the Hero. Even Emmeline, so skilled, couldn’t keep up.”

Fratina, hearing the praise, felt no joy and walked to Lucia’s side.

“Lord Lucius, did you watch our spar?”

Hearing Fratina still call her “Lucius,” Christine’s lips twitched.

She hadn’t thought much of it before, but now she found Fratina—oblivious to Lucia’s true identity—somewhat pitiful. Or perhaps… cute?

Fratina, by Lucia’s side so long, hadn’t noticed anything amiss.

Christine stayed out of their affairs, remaining silent.

“Oh, I saw. You did well.”

Lucia’s half-hearted reply didn’t satisfy Fratina.

As a subordinate, she could only express her displeasure with silence.

Seeing Fratina stand quietly behind her, neither thanking nor speaking, Lucia felt puzzled.

‘Did I say something wrong to upset her?’

But the priority was their cooperation with Christine. Lunch was ready, and Christine invited them back to the hall.

Over the meal, they discussed terms.

“With our current strength, we can take Notting City. But after that, we’d face Londe’s counterattack. External support would be crucial.”

Christine analyzed.

“Emmeline and I planned to lie low, rally allies next year, then revolt. But with you here, we could strike after the autumn harvest.”

Lucia nodded. “Besides offering immediate combat support…”

She looked at Fratina. “Fratina, can you convince the Church to back Christine?”

She knew Fratina was close to Dorothy. If Christine’s restoration gained the Pope’s support, things would go smoother.

“I’m not sure…”

Fratina shook her head. “Dorothy and I are close, but she’s just the Saintess, not the Pope. Plus, the Papal State just signed a deal with Londe. Openly backing rebels would damage their credibility with other nations.”

Christine and Emmeline’s faces showed slight disappointment.

They’d hoped Fratina’s ties to the Saintess meant Church support, but it seemed the Church would likely stay neutral.

Still, neutrality wasn’t bad news—at least the Church wouldn’t move against them.