Thanks to the swift actions of the temple and the kingdom, a makeshift subjugation force was formed in just one day.
It was, as the term implied, hastily assembled and sorely lacking in personnel.
Still, the basic framework was in place, and filling the ranks was all that remained.
With over a hundred elite members secured, the hurriedly organized force moved to Bielina Sanctuary at dawn.
“It’s quiet,” Elder Torgo muttered uneasily upon arriving.
Having experienced the fierce battle with the beasts there the previous day, he found the place unsettling.
Rita, too, gazed warily at the eerily silent forest.
Not even the rustle of wildlife could be heard—likely devoured by the beasts that had swept through.
After confirming no signs of life nearby, the subjugation force moved slightly south to Yare Plains.
The open terrain, bordered by a river and close to the port city of Omen, offered strategic advantages.
If the situation turned against them, they could retreat to Omen or escape to the capital via teleportation circles.
Additionally, the southwestern highway led to fortified cities, ensuring supply lines and escape routes.
Thus, the force established its main camp at Yare Plains.
Conversely, the northwest, home to the Kuyan tribe’s villages, was riddled with unexplored, rugged mountains.
Narrow gorges favored beasts, not human troops.
On the flip side, it’s an ideal breeding ground for the beasts, Rita thought.
If left unchecked, the area would soon become dangerous, though the regions below were barren wasteland near the Sevieth Sanctuary.
Its sturdy walls ensured ironclad defense, so there was little worry.
A breach there would be akin to the capital falling, and Pope Anacleo was preparing for a defensive siege just in case.
***
“Defensive orders have been issued to major cities near the northern border,” a strategist announced.
“In case of emergencies, memorize the evacuation routes.”
If the northern beasts were eradicated, the creatures would naturally target humans next.
***
Their rapid breeding would hasten that timeline.
Knowing humans were part of their diet, their southward advance was inevitable.
While strategists spread word of evacuation routes, Rita planned to target the fragments first.
‘If I eliminate the fragments capable of breeding, their numbers will naturally dwindle.
Ideally, I’d take out Iskis first, but…’
It was a hypothesis, but some believed that killing Iskis, the source of all beasts, might destroy its subordinates.
However, unless Iskis appeared first, as it did in her past life, searching for it in the vast north was too risky.
Rita estimated they had about a week before the north was fully overrun.
Using fragments as hostages?
No, that won’t work.
Iskis didn’t seem attached to them, which is probably why it never showed itself despite their deaths.
Sighing at the troublesome existence of Iskis, Rita turned her attention elsewhere.
Yare Plains buzzed with activity as the subjugation force set up camp.
A passing soldier mentioned that the central command tent was already complete.
Today will be busy with camp setup, and the kingdom’s army is handling patrols.
‘The beasts are more active at night, so I should rest now.’
Nodding to herself, Rita headed to her tent.
This must be it.
Located in the central area with tents for supreme and high-rank personnel, hers was marked by a large red flag bearing the royal crest, far more luxurious than the standard tents.
In her past life, she’d stayed in a small tent next to Talos’s, so the grand appearance and size of this one made her feel awkward.
The interior, however, was familiar from her past life and didn’t impress her much.
She lifted the tent flap with a neutral expression.
“Sir Rita!”
An unexpected guest awaited inside: Princess Sercia, the water-blue warrior, accompanied by a single knight.
“Sorry for entering your tent uninvited. The camp’s so large, I figured it’d be easier to wait here,” Sercia said with a warm smile.
Her knight, Bailey, bowed respectfully.
There was no need for introductions; Rita knew him.
Bailey, the Princess’s escort knight, nearly as strong as the supreme-rank Sercia.
His imposing presence matched his reputation.
“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting, Your Highness,” Rita said, bowing politely.
Though it was uncomfortable to find someone in her tent unannounced, Sercia was a princess—and an unconventional one at that.
“Sorry for startling you!” Sercia said.
“I came because I have something for you.”
At her gesture, Bailey lifted a box from the table.
Rita, unaware of it until now, widened her eyes.
A gift from the Princess?
Caught off guard, she watched as Bailey strode forward and handed her the box.
“Open it,” Sercia urged.
Though it was abrupt, Rita couldn’t refuse the Princess’s eager anticipation.
With a hesitant nod, she untied the ribbon on the ivory box and lifted the lid.
“Clothes…?”
Inside was a neatly folded garment of deep blue fabric with gold embroidery—a high-quality cloak, light and elegant, reaching her thighs.
Examining it with interest, Rita’s eyes widened again.
Beyond its fine material, the cloak bore advanced protective magic.
Detecting mana traces in the collar’s small gem, she was stunned, but there was more.
Below her gaze, a golden emblem caught her eye: two eagles with roses in their beaks, the royal crest near the left chest.
Her shoulders trembled as she recognized it.
“Your Highness, why…?”
“Oh, it’s no big deal,” Sercia said, grinning.
“This belonged to the royal mages of Lagos Palace, passed down for generations. About thirty years ago, the last court mage died of old age, and it’s been ownerless since.”
Rita’s eyes trembled, confused.
‘Why give me something so precious?’
She stared at Sercia, who continued,
“The Mage Tower is the paradise for mages, so there’s no need for them to join the palace anymore. Those who do are usually after the kingdom’s wealth. Plus, the palace now handles things through the Mage Tower.”
“That’s true, but…”
“So, it’s a shame to let this fine cloak gather dust, don’t you think? It suits you perfectly, Sir Rita, the great mage!”
Rita felt dizzy.
Wearing this would invite accusations from the elders that she’d become the palace’s lapdog, reviving their influence after she’d just suppressed them.
It’s likely just Sercia’s pure goodwill, but this is burdensome.
Noticing her hesitation, Sercia waved it off.
“Don’t feel pressured. If the crest bothers you, you can remove it. I confirmed it won’t affect the protective magic. I have a skilled maid who can handle it right away.”
Rita’s eyes lit up at the bold suggestion.
Without the royal crest, she could wear it freely, and the advanced protective magic would aid her in battle.
While the Mage Tower had similar enchanted garments, this cloak’s magic was exceptionally high-quality.
‘I heard the court mages were skilled, but this is beyond expectation…’
Still, she hesitated to accept it outright.
Sercia spoke confidently,
“Don’t worry about trivial concerns. The king approved this. I visited the palace at dawn, and he was delighted to hear about you. He even said he hopes you’ll improve relations with the Mage Tower. But that’s irrelevant to us. The point is, as a great mage, your safety increases everyone else’s survival odds. So, consider it for practical reasons.”
She wasn’t wrong, but the sudden visit puzzled Rita.
Did she hear something from Mikael?
It wasn’t unlikely, given their close friendship.
Sercia might be acting on something Mikael shared, prompting her to support Rita.
That’s the only explanation.
Sighing softly, Rita realized Sercia was far removed from political scheming and ill-suited for it.
Ultimately, she accepted the Princess’s goodwill.
“I’m glad you’re taking it!” Sercia exclaimed, overjoyed as if she were a child.
She insisted on seeing Rita wear it before leaving, a small ordeal for the socially reserved Rita.
“I’ll head out now. Rest well,” Sercia said.
Relieved, Rita saw her off.
As she did, her eyes met Bailey’s.
The stoic knight gave a brief nod before hurrying after the Princess.
His fleeting gaze felt like staring into the sun, reminding Rita of how others looked at her in her past life.
She swallowed a bitter smile.
***
As dusk fell and the chaotic camp settled, people gathered outside for a simple dinner.
A temporary teleportation circle below began to glow.
“Looks like reinforcements are arriving,”
Someone said, brightening the group’s mood.
Moments later, mages from the Mage Tower emerged from the circle.
Amid the bustling crowd, a figure in a white cloak dashed forward.
“Rita!” Brena shouted, her eyes wide with excitement.
Participation in the subjugation was voluntary, and Rita nodded, pleased that Brena had eagerly joined.
She brought her staff and vital-point armor properly.
Mentally giving Brena a perfect score, Rita was startled when Brena rushed up, peering into her eyes.
“Wow… golden eyes for real?”
The last time Brena saw Rita, her eyes were a cold, ashen gray.
Now, they sparkled with radiant gold.
“I heard about golden eyes, but you, Rita… you’re supreme-rank! My friend’s supreme-rank!
This is amazing! That blue cloak—what’s that? It’s new, but it suits you! You look like a true great mage.”
Brena’s excitement was like that of someone celebrating a friend’s promotion, as if she herself had achieved supreme rank.
Her genuine joy and natural enthusiasm overwhelmed Rita, who wasn’t used to such unrestrained reactions.
After gaining her golden eyes, others had congratulated her with respect, but none had been this heartfelt, celebrating as if it were their own triumph.
Realizing this, a faint smile spread across Rita’s lips.