1,057Authors note: life hates me. Moving twice in two and a half months, my laptop motherboard dying, it has been a weird few months, so i do apologize for the delay being longer than it was supposed to be.
This chapter is a bit different, taking a different angle than previous as things have been a bit too one sided, so i hope everyone enjoys it.
Oh, because i have a new comp, and new word processor program, I'm still working out the kinks, so i do apologize if there are mistakes I've missed. I'm needing to give the story a full review on it's grammar and some other things ive missed in past, so I'll be doing that before i put out the next chapter. So look forward to Ainz and Prim meeting in the next one!
And thank you to my Patron and Kofi givers!
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Prim Fiorire, Princess knight of the Historic Fortress City of UR, Let out a big yawn as she sat up on her bed and stretched her arms. She could smell the scents from outside entering her room from the small open window, and the light that came in as well told her that it was time to get up. Though considering it was a rarity for her to wake up before her attendants came to do so she deigned to sit there for a moment and simply bask in the silence of her room.
It did not last though, as shortly a sharp knock could be heard from the large doors to her room.
"I am awake Annie, lease come in," Prim said as she shifted herself over to the side of her bed and slid off as the door opened and her attendant came in.
"Good morning my Lady, did you sleep well?" Annie asked as she entered the room, bowed, and then gentry closed the door behind her. Annie was a young girl of fifteen, just truly entering into her budding body of a young lady. She still was quiet small in most places and looked younger than he was, but her sharp grey eyes were full of intelligence that few noticed.
"Yes, I slept quiet well actually," Prim said as she stood up and shook her nightdress a bit so it sat on her body properly. Few would ever think it, but she was quiet a restless sleeper normally. "And yourself?"
"I slept fine, thank you milady," Annie said as she walked across the room toward a dressing mirror, pulling out the seat with a smile. "I believe the bath that you insisted I join you in may have contributed to both of our rests. But it appears to have made a mess of your hair."
Prim raised a hand to her hair, her long pink and naturally curly locks, to find that was far, far curlier than it ever should be. More like a rats nest than long flowing hair. "Then it appears I shall be in your care as always, Annie," Prim said as she walked over and sat down on the chair by Annie. "It would be easier to deal with if I just cut it."
"While I do agree it would be easier to handle, My Lady, your hair is beautiful thing and many would be remiss at it's absence," Annie said as she took a large brush and began carefully parting the hair, gently working the knots out of it in sections.
Prim let out a slight sigh. "The Nobility only cares because it reminds them of my mother, and Alicia only likes my hair long because she believes it will keep me here and 'safe',"
"Well Ur is the most fortified city in the lands milady, within it's walls there is no way you could come to harm."
"Perhaps not physical harm," Prim countered in a slightly annoyed tone. "The Nobility may just drive me to insanity if they have it their way."
"That could be a possibility, though I would hope not," Annie said as she continued to brush Prim's hair, about halfway done the job. "That does remind me though, that a number of missives arrived for you last night after we used the baths."
"And who were they sent from?"
"Lady Alicia,"
"Probably just Alicia telling me she wants Ur's knights for something again," Prim sighed.
"The Merchant Association's local manager,"
"Likely requesting taxes be lowered."
"Lady Pamelo,"
"Likely a request to schedule another pointless Ball to flaunt her wealth,"
"And Lord Mortadella."
Prim shivered at the mans name. "Have the ministers found a legal loophole to be rid of his . . . .sons?" Prim asked carefully.
"Other than you utilizing your rank as Princess knight to make such a rule or commandment, no, not as yet."
"I will not abuse my authority for personal gain, no matter how uncomfortable the situation may make me," Prim proclaimed before sighing. "I do not understand how the others just make up laws of convenience to suit them like they do."
"It is not my place to consider such things, milady."
"I suppose not. Do you know what any of the missives were for?"
"No milady, I would not read your mail for you."
"Then . . . . .do you have an inkling from, other means?" Prim asked gently.
Annie was silent for many moment before she leaned a bit closer to Prim's head, still brushing her hair. "Lady Pomela and Lord Mortadella are the same as per usual. I believe Lady Alicia is coming to Ur, likely later today, to request Knights to instigate rumors of monsters to the east, a rumor that does not match other from the past. As for the merchants, I believe they are requesting an investigation actually that may be related to other news of many caravans of trade goods from the south not reaching us over the last weeks."
"What do we believe it is?"
"Knight captain Mala believes that it may be bandits from the south attacking our trade routes, while Sir Anthony believes it may be sabotage from the alliance to the west. Though he admits that Mala's concerns are more likely."
"He does seem a bit paranoid of them as of late," Prim said with a light shake of her head. "What of these bandits? Do we know anything for certain?"
"Only that we have not received any caravans or traders from the southern badlands route in many weeks."
"Why are we just learning this now?"
"Most trade from the badlands route is long distance from the far south, or from the various badlands villages. Ore's and the like. I believe the merchant guild is now bringing it up because, till now, their stocks were not low."
"So people may have been in danger, and we only now find out because it effects some few peoples bottom line," Prim said in a tone that clearly upset and disgusted all at once.
"Many do not care to worry over what they cannot see."
"True. Perhaps it is time to suggest that stonework highway again," Prim said, more to herself than Annie.
"The Guild will just argue as they have before about it being a waste of resources and money," Annie said as she stepped back from Prim and then nodded to herself. "I have finished addressing your hair Milady. Shall we move onto dressing you for the day?"
"Please," Prim said as she got up from the chair and walked across the room to the dressing area, merely a folding wooden divider beside her wardrobe and closet. "Aside from the Missives are there any major things to be dealt with that you now of?"
"No, surprisingly things are relatively calm right now," Annie said as she helped Prim disrobe out of her nightwear before taking her undergarments out of the closet. "Aside from the rumors going around, the city is preparing for the turn of the season festival, and many nobles are preparing for ball's and such to showcase their children."
"Ah, coming of age Balls for the nobility to make deals with each other by using their children as mere tools," Prim said, understanding the situation, but hating it. The only reason she hadn't been forcibly wed to some man she barely knew for political favors was that her mothers will had made her take over as Princess knight of the city. "How many are happening this year?"
"Four it appears," Annie replied as she fastened Prim's Brassiere before going to the wardrobe to take out a dress. The Pomela, Mortadella, Caspa, and Zorta Families are the ones hosting balls this year. Each with only days between them."
"And I will be expected to attend each one," Prim stated in annoyance as her dress was pulled over her head and around her heavy breasts, almost slipping her brassiere off. "Annie, can you remember for me to have some dressed made in such a way that my chest is not put on such a full view?"
"You know that I cannot unless you dictate a rule as such milady. The alliance requires the Princess Knights to be beacons of beauty, and many would complain if your assets were not displayed in some way. They already complain about the length of dresses you choose to wear as too modest."
Prim let out a low noise of Resignation as Annie helped tighten the waist of her dress before fitting its barely sufficient cups round her breasts, hiding her brassiere. "All because Celestine wants to show off her body, the rest of us have to suffer."
"Not to be mean milady, but I believe you are the only Princess knight to have misgivings about such a thing," Annie said a she knelt down by Prim's legs and tapped her one ankle, letting Prim know to lift her leg so her shoes could be slipped on.
"Yes, I am such a poor girl for not liking my body stared at by the nobles like it is a piece of meat," Prim said as her shoes were slipped on. "I am jealous of you Annie, a body like yours would be so much easier to deal with."
"Perhaps, however not having any real feminine curves is its own problem," Annie said as she stood up and began helping Prim with her gloves. "I get no attention from anyone, and it is likely I will never be able to find a husband despite being of age."
"I am sure you will if you wish to, and I am sure they would be attracted to you for your mind and personality," Prim said with a smile, before glancing down at her barely covered breasts. "I however, would only taken for my rank as Princess Knight, my breasts, or my ability to bear a child for some noble family."
"Then it is good you can simply say no because of your position milady," Annie sad as she stepped back and picked up a jewelry box, holding it open in front of Prim.
Prim looked at it, the box full of immaculately crafted necklaces and rings, fine chains, and shining earrings. Each was a gift from some noble family, and some were from families not even in Ur or Feoh. Each was, in essence, a request to show favor as each time she wore a piece it would make the ones who gave it feel better about themselves. Some families even had gotten into the habit of trying to ask for favors from her when they found her wearing their gift.
It made choosing what to wear a hassle.
"Actually Annie, I think I will not wear anything today,"
Annie looked shocked. "Milady, the Nobility may see that as you trying to make a claim of some form against them."
"Then let them, I will simply say that age has tarnished some of them and they are being cleaned," Prim said as she took a step back from Annie, and the box.
"Very well milady," Annie said with a small, barely noticeable smirk upon the corners of her lips, understanding her ladies intent and desire. She closed the box and placed it back in the wardrobe before closing it. "Then I believe you are ready milady. Unless something feels amiss?"
"No, let us depart," Prim said as the two of them walked to the door to her room and then left with Annie getting and then closing the door behind them.
The hallways of the Castle of Ur were like much of the castle itself, dull grey stone walls, with accents and columns of an almost sandy color. There was not much wood in the construction of the castle, only used in doors and tables, and many windows lines the hallways providing ample fresh breezes and natural light. Even during the night the only places that needed lamps were individual rooms or central locations without windows, as the weather around Ur was mild and very clear skied regularly due to its location and the landscapes around it.
The pair of women headed down the halls and down the stars to the dining room, but not the official dining room where grand dinners were held off of the main hall, but a smaller one near the back of the castle. In contrast to the grand dining room, this dining room was simpler, without excess adornment or fanciness about it. It was also frequented by many of the castle staff who had gotten used to Prim's desire to not be an obstinate or overbearing lady, and currently had a single man and woman sitting in it.
"Knight captain Mala, Sir Anthony, Good morning to you both. I hope you are not waiting here to ambush me with an attack of parchment and ink?" Prim asked with a smile as she sat down at the table across from the two of them.
Knight Captain Mala was an older woman, older than Princess Knight Claudia even, who had served under Prim's mother. Her short Grey hair and weary face oddly accented her still very physically capable body, and she had many attached pieces of loose cloth to her knights Armour, giving her an en-robed appearance that also covered much of the skin that most knights saw no reason to cover.
Sir Anthony was not quiet as old, but as a Butler to the castle he oversaw much of the day to day operation and wore a very appealing suit that made him look taller than he was. He had no facial hair, or hair at all really, and wore a small but nice looking cap to cover his bald scalp. It did not detract however from his sharp features, or the fact that Prim knew he kept a knife up both of his sleeves.
"Good evening my Lady," Anthony responded first, not getting up as he had been told to in the past, though he did give a nod toward her and to Annie. "Alas, I have not been in wait for you. Miss Mala and I were simply conversing about current events while enjoying a cup of morning tea."
"And by that you mean the nuisances that we are having to deal with," Mala added in exasperation before turning her smile to Prim and Annie. "Did the two of you sleep well last night?"
"Yes I . . . the two of us?" Prim asked in surprise at the question.
"Yes, the Nobility would throw a fit if they knew you had bathed with another," Mala said with a knowing smile.
It made Annie blush as she moved about to make tea, But Prim merely smiled. "Well I certainly wouldn't bathe with any of those Nobles now would I?"
"No, I suppose you would not,"
"Anyway, Annie has informed me of the latest rumors that were gathered. I take it you wish to have my permission to send some people south?"
"I would like to, yes, but that may prove difficult," Mala said with a sigh as she produced a small folded letter from under her armors draped cloth. "Care to take a guess?"
Prim looked at the letter and sighed. "Sister Alicia?"
"Yes. This missive is stating she expects to arrive in the morning, rather soon really, and is stating to speak to you about a coalition of forces to investigate a situation of concern," Mala said before she unceremoniously dropped the letter to the table. "As per usual, even her minor missives read as if you have no autonomy over your own city, and that she can just do as she pleases."
"You disagree with lending her our knights," Prim said, understanding what was not said.
Mala nodded.
"May I ask why when our cities have always had good relations?" Prim asked as Annie set down a tea set in the middle of the table with four cups.
"I will be frank, the last time our knights were lent to Feoh, two of them did not return while all of Feoh's knights did with nary an injury. And that was not the first time such a thing has occurred. Furthermore, we cannot simply keep allowing our own security to be drained so that Lady Alicia can go Gallivanting off to fight monsters to gain renown."
"And, you would not be able to investigate the issues south of us," Anthony added with a nod, earning a slight glare from Mala.
"That is a problem," Prim said, understanding where Mala was coming from. If their own knights were gone, they would have less defenses to protect the populace fro whatever problems might arise. "Do you think she-"
"She mentioned a coalition of forces in the missive, so yes, I believe she intends to come here, greet you and then simply state that she is taking a portion of our forces to look into whatever situation has taken her fancy this time."
Prim felt uncomfortable. "Alicia . . .she isn't doing it for renown. She just wants to help people."
"She may wish that and believe it, but the way she goes about it is all wrong," Mala said with an annoyed shake of her head.
"She does good work as a Princess knight, she-"
"Milady, I fear I must agree with Mala," Anthony said as Annie came back with a tray of breakfast food and set it on the table to Prim's side before beginning to prepare it for her. "Lady Arcturus only goes out to fight, and pushes all of her other work upon this city, upon yourself, and us. Nearly twice a month that frog Beasly has to come by to deliver work that he, and she, should be doing themselves."
"W-well, I am sure there is much that Alicia has to have done and she only has so much time –"
"Milady, I ask for your forgiveness for interrupting you, but I am sure you have realized from those very papers and documents just how dire the situation in Feoh is."
Prim looked down at the table solemnly. It was true. She didn't know the full situation in Feoh, but the documents and papers she had worked on for Alicia repeatedly over the last couple years had been starting to paint a concerning picture.
"I . . . do not wish to put Alicia on the spot, nor do I wish to make it sound like I am blaming her for anything. I am sure she is merely just having some trouble," Prim admitted as Annie placed her food in front of her, then sat down beside her with her own plate.
"Then, will you be letting her take our knights, my girls, while I have need of them?" Mala asked. "While our territory has need of them?"
Prim silently ate the food in front of her as she tired to think up a way to deal with the situation. She didn't like arguing with Alicia, she didn't like making others have differing expectation of her, yet she still had all these feelings she could barely act upon. Yet, Mala was right. They needed their knights, and finding out if the people she was supposed to protect were in danger was more important. But Alicia was very direct and difficult to argue with, simply ignoring what she didn't like to hear sometimes. She would need a way to keep the knights out of her hands that even Alicia couldn't say anything against. But what? How could she make sure her territory was safe and her relation with . . . . . . . wait.
"Mala, My Mother, she used to join you on tours around the territory, correct?"
"Yes, she claimed it was to get a better understanding of her subjects but-" Mala stopped, her expression shifting slightly. "Prim, no."
"Then I believe that I should continue such a tradition. Anthony, when we are done here, please have the preparations completed for my departure. We shall be heading to the south. Annie, please have some more rugged clothes prepared for travel for me. Mala, please have your most trusted knights be prepared as well, we shall leave as soon as all preparations are done."
"Of course," Anthony aid as he got up from his chair in a brisk, but still somehow perfectly elegant manner. "I shall begin immediately."
"Wait, Prim, you cant be seriously suggesting this!" Mala said in what sounded like worry.
"This will keep our knights, and allow you to check south," Prim said confidently. "Besides, Mother used to-"
"Your mother was skilled with the blade and had been a knight for a time," Mala stated tersely. "You, do not have any such training."
"Only because Alicia would not give me any and used her rank to order you not to teach me," Prim said with a pout.
"You could have ignored or rescinded that order."
"I would have gotten into an argument with Alicia," Prim said as she finished her plate of food and tuned to Annie. "Thank you, the tea was excellent."
"Of course milady," Annie responded as she got up and began cleaning up.
Mala could only let out a sigh. "You are intent on doing this?"
"It is the best way for us to look into the problem," Prim said simply, avoiding Mala's gaze as she spoke.
"Okay, and what is the real reason?"
"I, do not know what you mean," Prim said awkwardly as she looked to the side.
Mala let out a sigh. "If you are hoping this little check to take longer than a few weeks so you can miss the Ball's, it wont likely take more than six days for a round trip."
"I, was not hoping for such a thing," Prim said awkwardly as she stood up and stepped away from the table. "How long will it take you to choose the knights that shall accompany us and have the rest prepared for our absence?"
"It should only take a few hours and will not be difficult," Mala said before smiling directly at Prim. "You will have the hardest job though."
"What job are you speaking of?"
Mala grinned. "Why, Telling Princess knight Alicia that you wont be handing over our knights, of course."
Prim blinked at Mala before her expressions fell." Oh. . . . r-right."
"Since you are so adamant about do int this, make sure to tell her in such a way that she cannot try to overrule you with senseless arguments," Mala said as she got up and headed to leave the room. "Good luck."
"Y-yes, of course" Prim said with a nod. "I will see you soon."
As Mala left the room, it became awkwardly silent, prompting Annie to speak up. " My Lady, if you need, I could be present to assist you and prepare your clothing after Lady Alicia has departed?"
"I thank you for the offer, Annie, But no," Prim said with a sigh. "It would be better if I do it alone, and if you could time your informing me that my clothes for the expedition are ready, it would make it more believable."
"Very well, then I shall take my leave and begin preparations," Annie said with a light bow.
"Thank you," Prim said as Annie left, leaving her alone with her thoughts, and an upset stomach that was not looking forward to what she had to do.
But she had to do it if she wanted to protect her own people she needed to, so she finally pulled herself out of her chair and began making her way to the main hall.
The main hall of the Castle of Ur was much like the main halls of the castles of the other Shield cities, though with some slight difference. The main halls were where a Princess knight met with people of importance and reigned over their city. It was both a throne room and a meeting hall, and as such each main hall had a throne for the Princess knight, as well as tables ans benches that could be set up or moved the side as necessary. In cities like Thorn and Ansur the floors were made of marble, polished to a shine with grand tapestries hanging on their walls. Ur however, was an old city, the oldest city in Eostia, and a fortress city from before even the time of the dark queen. It's main hall hearkened to those times, being made of sandy stone slabs and grey columns that went to the ceiling to support the second floor. There were no banners of the kingdom or alliance, no busts or carvings of supposedly important people from the past, only the throne, and doors that left and entered into the hall.
And Alicia who was standing in the middle of the hall impatiently with a half dozen of her own knights who also looked impatient.
Alicia's impatience vanished within a second of seeing prim though, it being replaced with a vibrant smile. "Prim! Good morning, how are you today?" She asked as she began walking toward Prim before she could even attempt to move toward her throne.
"I am fine, Alicia, Though I was a bit surprised to hear you were coming today for some reason," Prim replied just as Alicia reached and brought her into a big hug.
"That is strange, where you not told? Are your servants not doing their jobs?" Alicia asked, her tone becoming stony.
"No, uh, I merely just got up and have only heard a bit of the reports for the day," Prim said, hoping that acting like she was tired would help her avoid revealing to much too early. "It's been busy these last few days."
"Oh, I'm sorry to hear that," Alicia said as she finally let go of prim and took a few steps back. "It must be hard to prepare for those ball's that Ur is known for. It's almost time for them, right?"
"Yes, but that isn't what has me so busy," Prim said with a forced smile. "So, what brings you here today, Alicia?"
"I can't just come and visit my favorite sister?" Alicia asked with a smile.
"Alicia, Feoh is over three days away from Ur," Prim stated as she glanced over and noticed that Alicia's knights still looked impatient, but also did not look very tired.
"Well . . .yes," Alicia said before sighing. "Alright, this is more than a social visit. There's a problem I need to investigate to the east so I need to borrow some of your knights to look into it."
"Oh, um, that will be a problem,"
"It will be fine, it's probably bandits, and I'll only have them for a week or so," Alicia said, clearly ignoring Prim's words.
"No, Alicia, I mean it will be a problem because I can't lend you any of Ur's knights," Prim said awkwardly, her voice a bit low, but still heard by Alicia, and her knights. Both of which looked at her in surprise.
"What? Are they sick or something?" Alicia asked, seeming confused.
"No, they are not sick but-"
"Then what is the problem? "Alicia asked in clear confusion. "They are needed to defend people so they can come with my knights and do so."
"Alicia, you can't take them because a portion of Ur's knights are leaving on an expedition to investigate problems of our own."
"Oh, bandits?"
"No, missing trade caravans of-"
"Then they simply got lost, you shouldn't waste them on something so minor," Alicia said before turning look back at her knights. "Go and get the two dozen we need for the-"
"Alicia!" Prim suddenly exclaimed loudly, surprising Alicia and her knights by raising her voice. "I am sorry, but I just told you, you can not take any of Ur's knights. We need them here to protect Ur while some of them are away."
Alicia stared at Prim for a second before her expression shifted to looking annoyed. "Prim, you are being unreasonable. Ur's knights need to be used properly defeating dangers, not jumping at shadows."
"Alicia, they are being used properly as they will be investigating potential dangers to Ur," Prim pressed. "I'm sorry Alicia, but they cannot go with you."
Alicia looked at Prim in shock before scowling. "Is that old bitch Mala putting ideas in your head again? I told you to make her retire and hire someone better suited to be the captain of your knights."
"Mala does a wonderful job, Alicia."
"Clearly not if she think running to the south to hunt for ghosts is more important than Feoh dealing with actual problems," Alicia said with a sigh. "Prim, I need your knights to come with mine. I cannot take too many with me due to Feoh being the most northern of all of the Shield cities. Please understand and do not make this difficult."
"I'm sorry Alicia, but I cannot let Ur's knights go with you, not when-" Prim stopped as she heard footsteps behind her and looked to see Annie step into the hall.
"My Lady Prim, your clothes and equipment are ready for whenever you would like to meet with Mala to depart."
"Thank you Annie, I'll be along momentarily," Prim replied, only to turn back to see Alicia looking Furious.
"You are not going outside of the city to hunt for bandits!"
"You are correct, I'm accompanying the knights partway to speak to the leaders of one of the towns south of here about issues their mine is having to hopefully find a resolution that benefits everyone," Prim lied.
"You are not leaving Ur!" Alicia stated strongly. "It's too dangerous!"
"Which is why I am traveling with Ur's knights," Prim said simply.
"No, its too dangerous, you are not going!"
"I'm going with knights, and this has been planned for over a week Alicia, it is not being canceled."
"Yes, it is," Alicia said as she tried to storm past Prim, only for her to step in the way. "Move Prim, I'm giving that captain of yours a piece of my mind!"
"No, I'm the one that decided this, Alicia,"
"Why?!"
"Because, I am a Princess knight, and it is my duty to protect and serve my city and it's people," Prim stated, hoping that her words would reach Alicia in some way.
"And you can do that from inside the safety of Ur's walls!" Alicia very nearly yelled, making Prim flinch. "Sorry. I just want you to be safe, Prim."
"If I was to be truly safe I would need to be far from the south, and not a Princess Knight tasked with the command of a Shield City," Prim said with a sigh before looking up at Alicia and slowlydrawing in a breath. "I am the Princess Knight of Ur, and I will do what I feel is best for Ur. I'm sorry Alicia, but you will not be taking any of our knights today."
Alicia looked angry, then annoyed, and then concerned. "I see. Very well. If you think you are too good to assist me, then perhaps it is time things changed. Goodbye."
"Alicia, it's nothing you did we just-" Prim began to say as Alicia turned and began walking away.
"Save it. If you cannot support others, perhaps it is time another took up your mantle," Alicia said as she stopped just as she reached her own knights and looked back at prim. "I will speak to Lady Celestine about replacing you when I return from my investigation. Goodbye."
Prim watched as Alicia led her knights out of the hall, the knights loudly talking about how wrong it was to not be given assistance from their sister city, and how Prim clearly was being manipulated into not caring about others. She simply stood there as they left, until they were out of sight, and their voices gone from the hall.
"Well done my lady, it seems you have shown the Princess knight of Feoh that you will no longer be pushed around by her," Came Mala's voice from down the hall behind Prim.
"Yes, but she was so angry with me. She said-"
"I heard what she said, it was likely just her trying to make you do what she wanted through fear," Mala said as she walked up behind Prim and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "And even if she tried, it won't do anything. Princess knights are decided by Lady Celestine and the church, and so long as you have not abused your position, there is no way she would remove you. Especially not with what you have done for Ur already."
"I suppose but . . . she looked so angry," Prim said with a downcast expression.
"Lady prim, forgive me, but you have nothing to feel sorry for," Mala said seriously as she turned Prim around to face her, and then went so far as to use a hand to lift her face up by her chin. "Princess Knight Alicia has been using you for far to long to get out of work she either doesn't want, or has not learned, how to do despite it being part of her position. Honestly, she takes after lady Levantine in that regard, and it is not something that should be admired or respected."
"But Claudia is the greatest warrior in the land and Alicia is very skilled as well," Prim said with a sigh. "And I'm just public servant with a fancy title forced to wear revealing dresses."
"Prim, the skill of delegation, and of knowing who is best for a given task, is still a skill, and it is different than one who simply thrusts the work on others," Mala said with a sigh. "As a knight myself it will likely be strange for you to hear me say this, but a blade is not the answer to every problem."
Prim said nothing for a moment before letting out a sigh. "How are the preparations?"
"We can leave whenever you are ready," Mala said with with a smile. "Our knights that will be accompanying us are looking forward to leaving the city and making sure some of the southern towns and trade routes are safe."
"They are looking forward to potentially having to fight?" Prim asked, her expressions shifting slightly.
"Not to fight, to protect," Mala said as she gestured for Prim to follow her, the two of them then heading down the hallway as she spoke. "Despite the safety of Ur, our knights know that people outside may not be safe. They want to protect others and make sure everyone can live good lives, and I've made sure as few of our knights as possible get it in their head that only killing demons is worthwhile."
"I understand."
"Even if you don't yet, it's fine," Mala said with a smile. "Come, lets have Annie get you ready and depart, with luck Princess knight Alicia will see our entourage as we leave."
"That sounds like a terrible idea, Mala."
"No, its the only real idea, as I would not put it past Lady Alicia to watch and wait to see if you were telling the truth or not with how angry she was. Come, if we leave in the next hour we can make good enough time to reach a well known camping area."
"Very well, let me change and I shall be along shortly. Hopefully we can find those traders without issue."
"That would be convenient, yes."