Combat Maid Harem

"Yes! The neighboring Trunden Empire invaded the Blumin Empire. They are waging a bloody war at the western side of the Star Gazing Mountain."

The Star Gazing Mountain naturally protected the Undrasil Kingdom from threats coming from the west. The only region that enemies could enter was the southwest.

It made it significantly easier for the kingdom to defend itself. It was also why it stood strong for 10,000 years. It was in an ideal spot where it was an impregnable fortress.

"Why did the war start?" Lawrend asked Aleshia.

"I heard that the Trunden Emperor was emboldened after getting a new magical artifact. He claimed that he was now stronger than the Blumin Emperor."

"And so he wanted to eat the empire's territory?"

"Yes! The empire wanted the Undrasil Kingdom to help, but Mr. Verkoli reminded the empire that they threatened you out of the kingdom."

Aleshia nodded her head. She was very excited at the moment. This was an opportunity for them.

"Ahahahaha! Good! The empire couldn't bother with the kingdom at the moment. Let's return to the capital boldly then," Lawrend replied.

He was highly spirited at the moment. He clenched his fists tightly.

"Maybe we should contact the Trunden Empire. They can help us get rid of the Blumin Empire."

"Hm… Master, I think that's not a good idea," Humility replied.

"How so?"

"I heard that the Trunden Emperor is highly ambitious. He had always wanted to take the Blumin Empire. And that includes us. If we aren't careful, they might stab us in the back."

Humility's explanation was like a bucket of cold water. Lawrend bit his lips in disappointment.

"Why does he want to invade us? Can't he invade the north?" Lawrend asked.

"The Trunden Empire is situated in a massive desert. There are seldom places that were habitable. It's much more beneficial for them to invade the south as the empires at the center of the continent were much stronger. Not to mention, they would have access to the empire's numerous seaports."

"I see… Where have you heard this?"

"I heard it from my father and siblings discussing it before. At that time, I could only listen in as I was not capable of keeping up with them."

"But now?"

"Now, I can understand what they meant. It's similar to running a business, Master," Humility answered with a gentle smile on her face.

"That's my Humility. I will assign you as the Minister of Finance back home."

"Mhm. I will do my best, Master."

Humility humbly bowed to him while she carried Courage.

They stayed the night and then departed the next day.

"Clova? Clova..?"

Lawrend walked through the small forest area surrounding Sorba Port City. He left his maids and his children at the gate to find Clova.

He shook his head, and the flute appeared in his hand. He played it. The relaxing melody spread through the air and traveled far.

A few seconds later, a giant white bird appeared on the horizon. It was none other than Clova.

"Human!"

Clova's voice was one of excitement and happiness.

"I'm back."

Lawrend smiled at her.

"Indeed. Your talent is resplendent as the sun in the sky. I can't see through you anymore," Clova said.

She landed on the ground and stared at him in amazement.

Now that he saw her again, he could see the powerful mana of the different elements flowing through her body. They were crashing and interfering with each other.

It led to her being unable to use any elemental magic. Her body indiscriminately uses all of the mana as its source of power and energy.

"Can you feel the different elements inside your body?" Lawrend asked.

"What's with the sudden question? Did you learn something about my race at the Altro Continent?"

"No. I'm just curious." Lawrend shook his head.

"You got my hopes up for nothing. Human, are you doing this on purpose?"

Clova squinted her eyes and stared at him intently.

"I'm telling the truth."

Lawrend didn't want to reveal to her that his eyes became special after practicing magic. After all, it was something rare and fate-defying.

"*Sigh* Forgive me. I was just riled up recently. I can't feel the elements inside my body to answer your question. Though, I can differentiate them outside of my body."

She wearily sighed. It seemed like there was something weighing on her mind.

"What happened?" Lawrend asked worriedly.

Although she was merely his mount, she was still someone he knew. If there was something he could do, he would help her.

"I finally made a breakthrough with the book. I found some clues regarding my parents. Maybe, they existed long ago…"

As Clova said that, she looked up to the endless sky. She yearned to meet her parents after being alone for 10,000 years.

"..."

Lawrend could faintly guess what happened to her parents. When the angels descended and eradicated the prosperous era of the ancient civilization, they might have been included.

"I know… I used to trust the Goddess, but I lost all my trust in her after reading that ancient book. For what reason did she clean up the whole continent…"

Even Clova was not willing to use the word 'eradicate'. It was a word not meant to be used against life beyond diseases.

"Do you want to be my servant? I will not restrict you, but I want you to fully support me. And then I will help you get your revenge," Lawrend said.

Lawrend knew that he could not keep her as his mount forever. Their initial deal was based on him helping her get the ancient book. Sooner or later, she would find an excuse to leave.

"Revenge?"

Clova's tone sounded amused.

"Let's not talk about that. Lest we attract disaster upon ourselves."

"Your proposal… I can feel your fate and destiny. It's shrouded in mist, but I can see a bright light through that mist. I'm sure that you can help me find my answers."

Clova stared at his eyes. They understood what each other meant at the moment.

"Alright. Do you want to sign a soul contract? I won't force you if you don't want to," Lawrend offered.

"For what reason should I refuse? So be it," Clova replied confidently.