A Maiden’s Unwanted Heroic Epic
chapter-216

***Arc 9 One Who Sent Off, Chapter 216 Your Name is***

Krische also wanted to wear an apron dress even at the commendation ceremony, but as expected, she faced opposition from Selene and Kreschenta, so she reluctantly gave up.

It seems she really liked the apron dress.

Although Krische grew dissatisfied, when Selene agreed to let her wear it to the banquet, she seemed to be satisfied.

Naturally, the argument over the choice of dress resumed.

That Krische breakfast would be skipped that morning was inevitable.

In the end, they came to the agreement that Anne, blindfolded, would choose the dress, and the dress chosen was black and red――a rare victory for Selene, but there was no joy in her heart as the winner.

The victory made her realize that choosing a dress was just a pretext.

At some point, Selene had started to think that she wanted to defeat the woman named Bery head on.

Her sophism, that useless ability that she usually has.

Confronting the genius Bery Argan, making it a 50-50 match relying on the chaos, Anne, a strategy that entrusted everything to fate. Wasn't this a way of avoiding a direct confrontation with Berry?

Didn't she just run away from the fight?

Wasn’t this victory a result of her fearing a head-on battle.

Strict with herself and was extremely competitive――Selene Christian was truly a difficult woman.

The victory ceremony was a joyous affair.

The only one with a gloomy face was Krische, who was hungry.

Kreschenta, who also got involved in the battle, felt the same way, but unlike Krische, Kreschenta was the best in the world at putting on a mask.

She didn’t show her bad mood because of hunger.

In addition to some minor promotions and rewards, the central general, Elzard Gokhals, was installed as general of the north.

Generally, the role of the northern general did not involve directly confronting the enemy.

However, in case of an attack from the west and east, sending quick support to both sides to create opportunities to win was the historical duty of the north.

It was a crucial position that required flexible and advanced strategic thinking.

It was a reasonable conclusion that he should be placed in the central position, as he had the most experience and the ability to think strategically.

He did not chase too far in pursuit of military results, and was also able to deal with cavalry archers very well.

Other candidates were Tekrea Lemin and Kolkis Argand, but Tekrea was avoided due to her lack of experience and because she was unmarried and had no legitimate heir.

If she died on the battlefield, the Remin family itself might face a crisis.

Such ‘consideration’ was also important.

As for Kolkis, his tactical ability is very good, but his strategic intelligence was somewhat lacking.

He was also a person who has vowed to dedicate his life to Christand for personal reasons.

He had told Selene that he would like to stay as Alberinea army’s direct corps commander if possible.

Although he did not say it, Selene understood that he cared about Cliche in his own way and agreed.

Therefore, the conclusion was that Elzard Gokhals became the general of the north.

There was some consternation among those who did not know that Aleha, a former general of the Holy Empire of Elsren, had risen to the position of corps commander in the army under Alberinea's direct control, but he had been second-in-command of the Black Flag Special Force in the recent war, taking the heads of three corps commander.

He had also proved himself by killing his own elder brother, and because of his position under Alberinea's direct control, it ended without any major problems.

Thus, the victory celebration proceeded without major issues.

――The problem was the banquet.

After being invaded by three major powers, the loss ratio was 1:20.

She single-handedly dealt fatal blows to the elites of the three countries, taking five general heads.

A hero who saved the country with unprecedented success――Krische Alberinea Christand.

"Ehehe, it's been a while, General Verreich, Bald Glasses too."

“Y-yes...”

The girl with the beauty of a fairy has her long silver hair tied up in a bun and her slender body wrapped in a black-and-white apron dress, as if she were a little servant.

She spent her time hugging the arm of the redhead next to her, a baby-faced beauty in a black and indigo dress.

Why was she dressed as a servant?

Who was the person next to her?

For those who didn't know her, it was a mysterious scene.

Those who had attended the banquet several times were aware that the person next to her was the red-haired servant who always spent time with Krische, but they did not understand the situation.

Just like in the civil war before her, some people called out to greet her after her greatest military exploits, but ‘why was she wearing an apron dress?’ they couldn't even ask such questions.

She was wearing an apron dress all too naturally.

"...Um, why is Krische-sama wearing an apron dress?"

Therefore, Nozan was the first to ask that question.

The handsome young man in military uniform had a look of confusion on his face, and so did his wife, subordinates, and their wives.

“Fufun, Krische is serving as Bery attendant today.”

“K-Krische-sama...”

Bery cheeks turned red as if she was troubled, and she bowed her head apologetically.

She appeared like a girl, looking much younger than her age would suggest.

If it weren't for the deep cleavage peeking out of her black-indigo dress, the mannerisms and voice of a mature lady, she would look just like someone of Krische’s age.

The way she seemed embarrassed by the unfamiliar dress made her expression even more abundant than usual, and just by looking at her, it seemed as if this was her first party, which she had attended due to her parents' circumstances.

Her hair, which is usually tied around her shoulders, was stretched out and tied up, and she wore light make-up on her well-groomed beauty.

She looked like a young lady who was unaccustomed to banquets, and no matter where you looked, she was a beautiful girl that aroused one desire to protect her.

Nozan, who had known her since her arrival in Christand, felt a distortion of time and space as he pictured in his mind the image of Bery dressing as a servant in his memory from nearly 20 years ago.

Magic possessors were less likely to age past their physical prime.

Northern was not an exception, and he understood that.

However, her figure, which had stopped aging so early, had an indescribable bewitching charm.

She should be around thirty now, and yet she looked even younger than Selene.

Usually, her appearance as a servant kept her image as an adult, but that was not the case in her current appearance.

At first glance, their impression was that of a young lady and a servant.

“I-I see… However, you really look good in a dress. In fact, both Bogan-sama and Lazura-sama had been wanting to see Bery-sama in a dress. The two of them must be really happy right now."

"Thank you...but please stop with the ‘-sama’, Margrave Verreich. I'm a servant..."

Nozan had always called Bery that way.

Lazura’s little sister――his master's sister-in-law.

Nozan was nothing but polite when it comes to Bogan, and the same goes for Bogan's people.

As for Bery, it was quite unsettling to her.

She had somewhat gotten used to being called that by Anne and Elvena, but being called that by Nozan, who was clearly of a higher rank didn’t feel right.

"Um...Does Bery know anyone other than General Verreich and Woof Woof too?"

“Um..Woof Woof...is...?”

She knew about Bald Eagle, Skeleton, and Nyan Nyan, but Krische doesn't talk about the battlefield after returning to the mansion.

If she did, it was usually with Selene.

She also knew that there was a person called Woof Woof, but he had no idea who it was.

"It's me, Bery-sama."

Hearing those words, Bery looked up at the huge man who had stepped forward as if he had given up, and was confused.

She had met him several times, but she couldn't connect the name Woof Woof to him.

“Cou-Count Varkas...”

"Well, I got that nickname from Krische-sama during the civil war..."

A man with a fierce look and a scar on his cheek.

Woof Woof, the cry of dogs――the complete opposite of its cute sound, he was a muscular warrior.

The man scratched his cheek and looked down at Bery and nodded.

"Indeed, as the General said. Bery-sama looks great in a dress. I would certainly really like Bery-sama to visit my place..."

“No Woof Woof,, Bery will always be with...ah.”

As if coming up with an idea, Krische clapped her hands, grabbed Bery's arm, and said, ‘Bery-sama’.

Nozan and Grunmeld tilted their heads, and only Bery chuckled as if she understood it.

It was her mimicking a servant, a call to end the greeting.

Usually, Bery did this to Krische, but now Krische was playing the role of a servant. Of course, there was nothing natural in how she did it.

"It's time to head over there."

Krische said in a whisper as she bowed to Grunmeld.

The others finally seemed to understand, and laughter echoed.

"Geez, Krische-sama. It's only as a costume, Krische-sama is the main character. Everyone took the time to come and talk with Krische-sama."

“Krische can’t become Bery’s attendant?”

"Fufu, I appreciate it, but I'm fine with the thoughts alone. That consideration alone is enough to enjoy."

She happily brought her face closer and stroked Krische cheek.

As usual, the distance between the two was quite close.

Even the wives, who are well versed in gossip, also knew the gossip about Alberinea and her servants.

It was a fairly widespread rumor that Alberinea had no interest in gentlemen.

Seeing this scene makes sense, and they looked at each other.

The overall impression was that she was a child whose ability didn’t match her appearance, but the intimate relationship between the fairy-like princess and her servant.

The somewhat aesthetic atmosphere was as if it was a painting, and they were convinced that it was inevitable that such rumors would spread.

However, nowadays, the rumors were not entirely untrue.

"Ehehe, then that's fine. This one is Bald Glasses..."

“Bald Glasses...”

Bery's expression stiffened slightly as she looked over at him.

The bald and bespectacled man, who seemed difficult to approach, also stiffened and bowed his head.

His wife next to him burst into laughter, her head down and her shoulders shaking.

"I’m Sardan Linnea Garcalon. The other day, Krische-sama gave me that nickname..."

"I-I see...that..."

Bery asked with her eyes ‘should I do something about it’, Sardan shook his head as if giving up.

‘Thank you for your concern’, his eyes said.

She had heard Selene complaining about how she wanted to do something about that child's nickname, but it was truly scary.

It was just a mere verbal abuse.

It was good to see that Eluga was happy with Skeleton, but it was hard to say anything considering that the number of victims would probably increase in the future.

The greetings continued.

Bery wondered why she, a servant, was receiving the greetings, but the atmosphere in the room had created such an atmosphere.

The adorable creatures called Krische could not read the atmosphere, but she was good at creating such mysterious atmospheres.

Meanwhile, Eluga and Kolkis also came, and Bery, along with Krische, suddenly found themselves in the center of the circle.

This was probably because the purpose was to entertain Berry.

Normally, the two of them would have already gone out to the balcony to eat, but for some reason, Krische was acting more enthusiastic and was standing in a position more appropriate to her position than usual.

Alberinea was second only to the marshal, and it was only natural that she was in this circle as the queen's little sister.

――Except for the fact that she is dressed like a servant, wearing an apron dress.

"Hmm...When we gather together like this, General Verreich seems to be the only one left out."

‘Ah, Krische forgot,’ said Krische, looking up at the ceiling and tracing her lips with her index finger.

The atmosphere of the place suddenly becomes stiff.

"Oh, that's true. I also thought it was pitiful that Verreich was the only one who didn't have a nickname."

"That's right. Umm..."

Kolkis seemed to be really enjoying himself.

Laughing as if to say, ‘Give me a terrible nickname’, Nozan looked at Kolkis exasperated.

"You look like you're having fun, Meow Meow-kun."

"Bastard……"

"I don't care what you call me. It's an honor to be given a nickname by Krische-sama."

Smiling with his beautiful beauty, Nozan had a relaxed attitude.

Kolkis glared at him, looking frustrated, but Nozan showed no concern.

He looked calm and collected.

He pretended that there was no point in worrying about what Krische did.

However, Grunmeld knew that this man was very curious about his nickname, he looked down, his shoulder shaking.

As expected, Nozan couldn't ignore that, and glared sideways at him.

Bery, who felt the strange atmosphere, looked at Krische with a troubled expression.

――It's an honor to be given a nickname by Krische-sama.

The sound satisfied Krische’s heart (Quite a little girl), and she looked at Nozan full of emotion.

Starting with Bald Eagle, at first Krische wasn't so confident in her nicknames.

But everyone was unanimous in their praise of her nickname, calling it an honor.

The joy of being recognized for one's efforts was the same for Krische.

She was especially pleased to receive praise in areas where she lacked confidence and where she had been weak, and the accumulation of such praise gave her great confidence.

The only person that had ever been negative about it was Selene.

Selene was probably the one who had no sense.

Although she respects and loves Selene, she did not directly ridicule or deny it, but Krische was convinced that Selene was the one who was ‘stupid’ regarding this.

“…Be quiet for a moment.”

Krische said one word, and the people around them looked at each other and fell silent.

The girl in the apron clasped the fingers of her hands together, looked at Nozan in a prayerful gesture, then closed her eyes and looked down.

The voices suddenly stopped, and those who were not connected to this mysterious circle also hushed their voices in the silence, looking at Krische and Bery from a distance, who were probably in the center of the circle.

The orchestra that was playing the music looked at each other and stopped playing at the command of the conductor who sensed the atmosphere.

From the platform, they could see the Queen's little sister closing her eyes as if praying in the center of the circle.

They thought this must be something important.

At the very least, music didn't suit the atmosphere of this place――Silence enveloped the large hall where the evening light filtered in.

Selene and Crescenta, who were chatting happily, looked around at the situation, wondering what was going on when the sound suddenly stopped, and frowned when they saw Krische in the center of the room.

――Krische was trying to do something weird again.

Kreschenta was exasperated, and Selene excused herself, and quietly headed over there.

It was a fantastical sight.

The girl in the apron dress, like a saint praying to God, quietly closed her eyes in front of Nozan.

It was as if she was about to give a solemn revelation.

"...It's decided."

"..."

Everyone gasped in nervousness.

The voice that echoed through the hall was sweet in the silence, a beautiful voice like a bell.

The people who did not know what they were talking about in this circle looked at each other and swallowed hard, wondering what it was that she had decided.

"...Chirp Chirp"

“Ch-chirp...”

"That's right, from now on, it'll be Chirp Chirp instead of General Verreich."

A clear, bright voice.

Krische smiled broadly and let her voice echo through the hall.

“Ehehe, it’s amazing right, it’s a good nickn――ny!?”

“What are you doing so stupidly, you idiot?”

Her step sister, Selene, pinched her loose cheek.