Sonea's Heart

While Romelia and the others were pointing south from the foot of the Gaela Mountains, a carriage arrived at the castle in Mikara Territory, in the Roberk region.

"Who goes there?"

The soldiers guarding the castle pointed their spears at the carriage and demanded to know who was inside.

"That's quite a welcome."

Sonea climbed down from the carriage, addressing the guards as she did so. She had flaxen hair and wore her usual, well-worn green dress, while carrying a small bag in her right hand.

"Th-this is Sonea-sama. My apologies."

The soldier paled at having pointed a weapon at Kara's eldest daughter, who governed Mikara Territory as its lady.

"It's all right. More importantly, are troops from the other lords still here?"

Sonea looked around the castle and saw several tents set up nearby, with soldiers from the Northern Roberk Alliance loitering around them. The alliance soldiers had set aside their weapons and helmets to amuse themselves, drinking in broad daylight. Some were even brawling.

"Please say something to them too, Sonea-sama. Those men have terrible manners. They say they're here to protect this place from the demons, but all they do is make a racket."...