...The Trip...
Gilbert's face turned pale after hearing that his daughter wanted to enlist for the army.
- Did I hear you right? Y...You want to go to the army?
- Don't worry, father, I will just join the army in their training. I won't go to the war. Our empire is in a two-year truce after the last war.
- But, still, how can I send you to that place? There are only savage soldiers in that place.
- I know that soldiers are camping in tents and they are living in rough conditions. But I really want to spend some time with them. These days, a lot of nobles started sending their sons to fight along with the commander to be part of the empire's glory...I want to be a part too.
- Why are you pushing yourself to such an extent? You are a lady.
- I finally found something that I want to do it. I only have one year left before either I find a man and get married or you bring me, someone. So, I don't want to miss this chance. Please, Father, This will be my last request.
- I...I'm worried about you. Are you aware that you will be living with a bunch of strong men? Even the commander, I heard that he is extremely scary and rough. Who will take care of you?
- I will take Lucia with me to serve me. She will help me with daily chores.
Gilbert realized that his daughter was determined. Her eyes were full of confidence that he couldn't refuse her demand.
- Alright, you can go...But it will be just for one year.
- Yes. I understand that.
Agatha was kind of happy to hear that Anastasia will go to the army, such a thing will destroy what remain from her reputation.
" What a stupid girl! There is no way a noble will accept to marry her after what she intends to do. After one year, I will make sure to marry her off to that man and live the rest of her life in total misery. "
She pretended to support Anastasia:
- My, dear. I wish the best of luck for you in that place. Be careful to not get hurt, your groom won't like it.
Anastasia smiled as well then she leaned toward her while raising her sword:
- Don't worry...Mother. That groom must get worried about himself first.
Then she walked away while leaving Agatha biting on her lips out of frustration.
" That brat, I shouldn't let her learn Fencing at all. she became troublesome and hard to control. What should I do about her? "
Meanwhile, Count Gilbert sent a letter to the commander telling him about his daughter's arrival. The commander was sitting in the dark while putting his Iron leg on a table. No one dared to talk to him or enter his tent except his assistant.
- Commander, I brought you a letter from Count Gilbert.
- Put it on the table...
He took the letter and started reading it:
- I think the Count made a mistake.
- What is it?
- He said that he will send his daughter to train with our soldiers...I think he meant his son, right?
- Count Gilbert has only one daughter...
- This is interesting. Nobles are so greedy. He didn't have a son, so he will send a daughter instead, to this place!
Then he slammed his hand on the table and made it shatter:
- I GOT ENOUGH FROM BABYSITTING THOSE DAMN NOBLES CHILDREN. MAKE SURE TO SEND ALL OF THEM AWAY. THIS IS NOT A PLAYGROUND...
- But they will get angry if we kick their children out.
The commander smirked:
- We won't kick them out, we will make them surrender on their own...
Anastasia was very excited to meet the warrior after all those years.
" I can't wait to meet him again. The last time I saw him, he was dying because of the king and his surrounding schemes. It broke my heart to see such a strong and faithful warrior being in such a state. I will try my best to change his fate as I changed mine, but how am I going to do that? If he doesn't remember his past life, convincing him will be much harder. I will do my best to win him over for the sake of both of us. "
The Young lady spent two days in preparation. She will go to the army camp where The soldiers were camping on the borders to protect the empire from any sudden attack.
- Lucia, did you prepare everything?
- Yes, my lady, we are ready to go.
Lucia was the only trusted maid that Anastasia had. She helped her so much despite Agatha's instructions.
- Do you really want to go with me? You can stay.
- The madam will torture me if I stay, I suppose you don't want that to happen.
- Of course, not! Let's go...
Gilbert came to say goodbye. He was very worried.
- I...I sent a letter to the commander to take good care of you. Be careful and don't get hurt.
At that moment, and for the first time, Anastasia hugged her father to calm him down.
- I will, thank you, father.
Gilbert was very surprised, he couldn't imagine that his daughter would hug him.
He held her hand while smiling:
- If it is too hard for you, you can go back whenever you want.
Anastasia rode the carriage along with her maid and started her journey to the army camp. She didn't know what was waiting for her, but she was glad that she could finally change her fate.
She looked out the window and took a deep breath.
" This is the first time I leave the mansion on my own and without being threatened, I have never experienced such a thing in the past. I was busy running away and hiding. I hope this time I can enjoy this trip. "
Despite being a tiring trip, Anastasia was excited like a child.
- LUCIA, LOOK! THERE IS A BIG TOWN AHEAD OF US.
- Yeah, That will be our last stop before arriving at the camp.
- Are we already near the borders?
- Yeah, it will take only a half-day.
- What a shame!
- Aren't you tired? We spent two days on the road.
- No, I had so much fun.