Breakfast and a Campaign

Gwynevere immediately averted her gaze, straightening up as if nothing had happened. She absentmindedly tore a piece of rye bread from her plate and spread fish paste on the cross-section with a wooden knife.

Daphne, embarrassed to expose Gwynevere in front of Edith, also pretended nothing was amiss and began preparing her own breakfast.

The atmosphere turned subtly awkward.

Edith, looking like someone who enjoyed stirring the pot, covered her mouth to stifle a laugh. After finishing the bread in her hand, she spoke again. “Sister, are you planning to teach those beastmen a lesson soon?”

“Yes, I have an expedition planned.” Gwynevere paused. “How did you know?” But she quickly realized Daphne was sitting beside her. “Ah, I see. Miss Ellenore informed you.”

“So you’re all going, right? I want to come along too.” Edith volunteered eagerly.

“Aren’t you staying in town?” Gwynevere asked.

“Things are a bit better lately. The nuns here have learned some basic treatment methods from me, so leaving for a few days won’t be an issue,” Edith said proudly. “Besides, I’m a reliable combatant. I won’t hold you back, Sister.”

“Alright, as long as you can protect yourself.” Gwynevere thought it over and found no problem, so she agreed.

But Daphne, who knew Edith’s true nature, saw right through the girl’s little scheme.

This beast pack was too close to the town and had harmed many innocent civilians. Successfully subduing it would surely earn everyone’s remembrance and praise. Edith, wanting to be a hero, wouldn’t miss this chance.

Moreover, she could freely toy with Daphne during the journey…

Thinking about what might happen in the coming days, Daphne shuddered.

In this uncomfortable atmosphere, the three young ladies finished breakfast. Edith and Daphne saw Gwynevere to the church door.

“I’m going to propose my plan to the knights, but not all paladins may agree.” Gwynevere expressed her concern to Edith before parting.

“You don’t need everyone’s approval, do you? As long as more than ten paladins are willing to deal with this small pack…”

Mid-sentence, Edith felt her words were inappropriate and stopped.

“You know, Edith,” Gwynevere shook her head. “Father said the Order of Knights is a whole; we can have disagreements, but not divisions.”

“Then follow the old rule: vote.” Edith took Gwynevere’s hand. “That’s how Father did it, right? When opinions differ, vote first, and the majority rules.”

“I’ll try.” Gwynevere looked uncertain. She was never confident in this area.

“Should we bring Miss Ellenore today? She’s from St. Mary’s Religious Territory and isn’t familiar with our Blazing Sun Knights of the Salentz Religious Territory. Since she’ll be joining the expedition, shouldn’t she get acquainted first?” Edith pulled Daphne forward and pushed her toward Gwynevere.

“Edith, you should ask Miss Ellenore’s opinion first.” Gwynevere felt Edith was being somewhat rude.

“I don’t mind.” Daphne dared not let Edith down. She didn’t want the girl’s nimble middle and ring fingers to retaliate fiercely at night, so she quickly clarified her fence-sitting stance.

“See? Miss Ellenore is also looking forward to seeing the paladins’ elegance.” Edith smiled slightly.

“If that’s the case, of course. Miss Ellenore, come with me. I’ll take you to the garrison for a walk first.” Seeing Daphne had no objection, Gwynevere breathed a sigh of relief and nodded gladly.

“But please wait a moment, Saintess.” Daphne stepped back with an awkward smile. “I have something to discuss with Miss Edith first.”

“As you wish, Miss Ellenore.” Gwynevere gave a knight’s salute.

Speaking of Gwynevere, besides being a Saintess, she was also a young female paladin. However, whether within the church or in public opinion, her identity as Saintess overshadowed her paladin status, so she always wore the Saintess’s gown and presented herself primarily as the Saintess.

Perhaps due to spending time with men who revered chivalry and knightly spirit in the military, Gwynevere displayed a certain masculine vigor when saluting.

That vigor might enchant many naive girls with originally normal orientations, Daphne thought, sighing inwardly that she had indeed cultivated a female commander from scratch.

Composing herself, Daphne pulled Edith aside. “Why suddenly push me to be alone with the Saintess? Don’t you…”

Before she could finish complaining, Edith reached under the hem of her robe and pinched the bell inside. “Mind your address, little cutie. You don’t want Sister to hear an untimely sound, do you?”

“Ugh… I’m sorry, Sister Edith…” Daphne’s voice turned weak.

In the blind spot of Gwynevere’s view, Edith rubbed the bell with one hand and pulled the porcelain bead chain with the other. Daphne, with her weak point easily controlled, dared not move and could only tremble in fear.

“Even though it pains me to share you with Sister, if I kept you all to myself, Sister would be heartbroken, right? I promised to support her love affair, so I won’t break my word.” Edith pursed her lips.

“What do you mean?” Daphne didn’t understand.

“I won’t interfere with whatever happens between you and Sister; that’s your freedom.” Edith seemed reluctant to explain further. She lowered her head coldly. “If she ever confesses to you, whether you refuse or accept, it’s none of my business.”

“Huh?” Daphne still didn’t get it.

“Annoying. How many times do you need me to explain?” Edith frowned. “If you don’t go soon, Sister will get suspicious.”

Daphne saw only a bundle of contradictions in this girl.

Wanting to monopolize her beloved, yet willing to give way for sisterly affection. Envious and jealous of her sister, yet genuinely helping her through confusion and hesitation.

She worried that Edith might be suffering from a split personality from playing the good girl for so long, but Edith wasn’t really a bad person…

Feeling that any further delay would make Edith angry, Daphne slunk back to Gwynevere.

“See you later. Take care on the road.” Edith turned around, her smile warm again as she softly bid farewell to Daphne and Gwynevere.

“Goodbye, Edith.” Gwynevere nodded and led Daphne toward the garrison on the west side of town.

“Silly sister, I just don’t want to see you end up with regrets.” Watching the two young ladies’ retreating figures under the bright morning glow, Edith, left outside the church, sighed. “Sharing a little with you isn’t so bad.”