Under the Oak Tree

394 Chapter 155

"I'm afraid that is beyond the scope of my authority, Lady Calypse," Sir Derek replied stiffly. "His Grace has only charged me with Midna's recapture. I do not have the power to command the other vassals any which way."

It was a rejection, albeit veiled in polite wording. But Maxi knew even lesser lords had a certain level of freedom in managing their estates. They would sometimes make decisions that went against their liege's wishes, but a sling as they did not cross any lines, minor insubordination was usually tolerated. After all, it was preferable to outright treachery.

Maxi soon realised that arguing this point was unlikely to sway Sir Derek. The knight saw no compelling reason to risk defying his lord.

Deciding to take a gentler approach, she said appeasingly, "I am well aware that this falls beyond the scope of your authority. I admit I have no right to make such demands of you. But are we not bound by a moral code? We possess the power to urge others to do the right thing, to persuade them to right wrongs. The eastern nobility is only set to lose face if it becomes known that they abandoned the soldiers who risked their lives for their land."

"Defying one's liege is just as dishonorable," Sir Derek replied woodenly.

It took a great deal of willpower for Maxi not to show anger. While the knight's many excuses grated her, she knew a high-handed approach would futile.

"The greatest dishonor, Sir Derek, lies in defying the king," she responded, keeping her voice steady.

"We have received no orders from His Majesty. Only from His Crace. Thus, it is our duty to follow His Grace's command." He paused to take a sip of wine, then added languidly, "I suggest you take your concerns to the duke himself."

"W-We do not have time to-" Maxi burst out before catching herself.

She knew her excuses were flimsy. The only reason she was trying to persuade her father's men to defy him was because convincing the duke himself was a dead end. Sir Derek likely saw through her intentions as well.

Biting her lip, Maxi accepted that mere appeals to conscience would not budge these self-interested nobles. They had all sorts of justifications for evading responsibility. For them, their immediate safety outweighed any moral concerns.

What she needed was a real threat.

"You said my father is gravely ill? Do you truly believe an old man on his deathbed capable of rational decisions?"

The knight looked momentarily startled, less by the bluntness of her statement than by the audacity of a young woman openly questioning his all-powerful liege.

There was a pause, after which he said cautiously, "In that case, I suggest your ladyship sends His Majesty a formal request. Even the duke cannot ignore a royal decree."

"H-His Majesty is in Balbourne! It took us weeks... just to get here!" Maxi cried, finally losing her patience. "The dragon will return if we delay any further. You yourself...surely must have some vested interest within the duchy."

"I currently oversee Karodia," he replied tersely.

Maxi searched her mental map of the area. Karodia was a commercial district in the duchy's northwestern reaches. Her confidence waned, realizing Sir Derek likely harbored grievances against Riftan as well. Despite this, she kept her poise.

"If the dragon is resurrected, all lands, including Karodia, will be in danger. Is that what you want, Sir Derek?"

"Lady Calypse. I, too, wish to support the coalition army. But even if I risk the duke's ire to meet your request, there's no guarantee the other nobles will send supplies. How many do you think would be willing to defy the duke and risk their positions?"

Maxi felt her cheeks flush with indignation. While the coalition army fought to protect these lands, the spineless nobles were more concerned about their status. Rage churned within her. She longed to lash out but knew that would likely put an end to any remaining negotiations.

Maxi frantically sifted through her thoughts. What these nobles desired was to maintain their status quo. She wondered how she could promise them that. While she had no way of knowing the seriousness of her father's illness, Sir Derek's passivity suggested the duke was not immediately at death's door.

She took a calculated risk.

"My father will not be around to guarantee your position indefinitely."

"And what, precisely, are you suggesting?"

Ignoring his terse question, Maxi continued icily, "As you know, my relationship with my father is fraught, and my husband harbors his own resentments against the duchy. Yet, any lingering animosity between Anatol and Croyso will naturally dissolve once my father passes. But if you shirk your responsibilities now.. know that we will remember your actions for years to come."

The knight fell silent and Maxi felt a surge of satisfaction. She had him cornered.

"However," she quickly added, "show a little courage with this... and I assure you there will be no repercussions. Anyone removed from their position over this... will be reinstated once my father is gone."

Sir Derek looked at her, and she could see him turning her words over in his mind.

Maxi decided to give his hesitation a push. "You may convey my promise to the other nobles in writing. The choice is yours."

Finally, Sir Derek sighed. "Understood. I shall send out letters immediately."

Though her heart felt close to bursting from triumph, Maxi simply gave the knight a nod as if he had done no more than his duty."

Hebaron followed her as she left the barracks. "You were magnificent, my lady," he said, patting her back. "A true force. One so formidable that I nearly wet myself from fear."

"D-Do not tease me!" Maxi hissed softly, quickening her strides away from the duchy's encampment.

"No teasing here, my lady, Only awe. Even that bullheaded fellow was intimidated."

Maxi shot the smirking knight a glare as they crossed a bustling square. The soldiers were already flocking to the cooking area for lunch.

As Maxi made her way to the back of the line, she cautiously asked, "Do you think the duchy's vassals...will send the supplies?"

"They would be fools not to," Hebaron answered with a shrug, "but I suggest you keep your expectations low. Your ladyship would be surprised how many fools exist."

Feeling deflated, Maxi looked at the army cooks handing out food.They would be down to water bean porridge and stale bread if additional supplies did not arrive soon. Riftan would then undoubtedly fund the shortfall himself.

Maxi's hands clenched into fists.

No. I will not let my father exploit him any further.

Suddenly, she had an eerie feeling that she was being watched. Glancing around, she spotted Richard Breston observing her from his seat.

Maxi furrowed her brow. Why was he here? Had the meeting concluded that quickly?

Breston idly spun a knife before rising and disappearing behind a tent. How long had he been sitting there? From that position, he could have easily seen her exit the duchy's barracks. With a pang of unease, she recalled how he cited dwindling supplies as a reason to withdraw from the coalition.

***

The next day, nearly five hundred evacuated residents of Midna filed back into the walled city. They were followed by wagons bearing fodder, kegs of liquor, bread, and cheese - all supplies from the southern regions. Though inadequate to sustain the vast army and their horses for an extended period, they could no longer afford to wait. The coalition army decided to push forward with plans to secure additional provisions in the next region.

As Maxi rode across the snowy fields, she was consumed by a mix of shame and rage. She had harbored few illusions about her father, but his outright refusal to help them had ignited her anger anew. If he were to die at this very moment, she would not shed a tear. Fuming, she snapped her reins.

"We will rest here for a while," she heard Riftan cry out from the head of the army.

Maxi had been moved from the rear of the Remdragon Knights' formation to the center, which gave her an unobstructed view of the imposing supreme commander atop his warhorse.

Riftan swiftly dismounted and strode over to her. "Let me help you down."

"That's all right. I can-"

Before she could finish her sentence, he grabbed her around the waist and effortlessly lifted her off her mare.