“D-Disturbances?” Maxi asked.
“They keep challenging each other to duels,” the princess answered sourly, “and the Remdragon Knights are the most frequent recipients of these challenges. Winning a duel against any of them would earn one the title of greatest knight in the campaign, so all the men are hell-bent on provoking them into a fight.”
Maxi’s jaw fell open. “The men…f-fight with one another when we are at war?”
“Foolish creatures, aren’t they?” The princess snorted bitterly. “Though we have forbidden dueling, the mandate is difficult to enforce since the chain of command isn’t clear. If I’m honest, the coalition army is currently no different from a magical device that could explode at any moment. With headstrong men like Sejuleu Aren, Riftan Calypse, Kuahel Leon, and the vice commander of the Knights of Phil Aaron, the greatest knightly order in the north, all gathered in one place…let’s just say they are like oil and water.”
Agnes furrowed her brow. “Not to mention the knights under them. At present, the coalition army is merely a large mob of disorderly men.”
As if fighting the trolls was not enough. The color drained from Maxi’s face at the news. Seeing her reaction, Agnes quickly softened her expression.
“No need to look so concerned. I wasn’t trying to worry you,” the princess said hastily. “I’m telling you all this because some might try to use you to provoke Riftan if they find out that you are his wife. You must remember to be careful at all times.”
Maxi swallowed hard. “I…understand.”
With a gentle smile, the princess led Maxi out of the tent and showed her around the camp. After noting the location of the mages’ tents, the barracks of the Remdragon Knights, as well as the places she should avoid, Maxi made her way back to the infirmary.
When she reached the tent, however, she suddenly felt self-conscious. She was loitering in front of the entrance when Idsilla spotted her and came running out.
The girl quickly took her behind the infirmary. “Are you all right, Lady Calypse? Was he very angry with you?”
Maxi winced. “I-I am all right, but…I can no longer continue pretending to be a female cleric.”
Idsilla ran her eyes over Maxi’s dress, then let out a sigh of relief. “I thought as much when I saw how Sir Riftan reacted yesterday. He truly is frightening. His eyes were so cold, I was completely petrified.”
“I-It was because…he was shocked to find me here. He usually isn’t…so scary,” Maxi said, apparently forgetting that she, too, had once feared her husband as though he were a demon from hell.
Idsilla regarded Maxi’s defensive response with amusement. “Seeing that he has already forgiven you so soon, he must be more lenient than he appears. The mage was here earlier and explained to us that you’ll be working with us as a healer of Wedon from now on.”
Maxi fidgeted with her skirt. “Were the others…not surprised?”
Idsilla shrugged. “Most were quite shocked, but a few seemed to have guessed.”
When Maxi’s eyes grew wide, Idsilla smiled and added, “Sister Nora and Sister Karen said they knew who you were all along. They apparently saw you at the basilica.”
“Do they also know…who you are?”
Idsilla shook her head. “They seem to suspect something, but I managed to evade their questions.”
Maxi paused. “Why don’t you also reveal y-your identity, Idsilla?” she finally ventured to ask. “I am no longer able to stay…i-in the women’s tent, so if it is all right with you, I-I will ask Riftan to—”
“Thank you for the offer, but I must decline. I’d prefer it if you would continue to keep my secret,” Idsilla replied. “After joining the support unit, I have come to realize that I’m not as competent as I thought. And how sheltered my privileged life has been.” Her lips twisted into a bitter smile. “I don’t want to use my status as a noblewoman to receive preferential treatment. I intend to remain a female cleric until the end. That is the only thing I am capable of doing.”
“B-But…it makes me uneasy…to leave you here all alone,” Maxi said with a frown.
“Do not worry about me. I’ll have Selina with me. Could I ask you to inquire about my brother instead?” Idsilla’s expression suddenly grew dark. “Except for the fact that he is at the front, I have yet to learn anything else.”
“I-I understand. I will…try to find out what I can,” Maxi promised. She felt slightly guilty that she had been the only one reunited with her loved one.
Idsilla nodded gratefully. “We should get back to work now. Yesterday’s arrivals are in terrible condition.”
As if trying to lighten the mood, she cheerfully led Maxi into the tent. The others were awkward at first, but before long they began treating her as they always had. All of them were too busy to fuss over someone’s identity.
Needless to say, Maxi had no trouble looking after the wounded among the clerics. She even healed some of them with magic.
Princess Agnes had been right: War had no need for a noblewoman. What mattered the most was one’s ability to fight or to work, and nothing else. Maxi was capable of working, so everything else about her was secondary.
Maxi was busy mixing emergency herbal remedies when Ulyseon entered the infirmary tent.
