Chapter Text
Ogier wiped the sweat from his forehead, stabbing his sword into the soft dirt. The bandits were finally routed from the village, and no one from the village suffered any more casualties. As far as he was aware, it was a job well done.
After the war had ended, it seemed like peace was still far from Elibe’s grasp. Bandits continued to cause havoc and political unrest was at an all-time high. King Zephiel may be dead, but many across Elibe still believe him to be in the right. Despite being unaware of his true intentions, he garnered quite the support from others within Bern and even all across Lycia. At least that is what Ogier dealt with in his travels, helping minor lords against sympathizers and bandits aiming for weakened territories. Given the whole ordeal with the Ostian rebellion and Lycia falling apart during the war, it almost didn’t surprise him.
The young mercenary had spent a little over two years traveling and using his skills to help the people. Thanks to his earnings during the war and the Marquess’ assistance, his brothers could survive at home without him. Ogier had nothing to tie him down anywhere. Nothing to fight for, no one to protect… It was because of this feeling that led him down this solitary road—a road to improve himself so he could stand alongside the friends who got him here.
“Thank you so much for protecting our village,” An elderly man approached Ogier on his way back. “It’s not often that we get sellswords willing to protect our home.”
“Think nothing of it,” Ogier waved his hand. “I was just in the area and couldn’t let them do as they please.”
“A noble one, aren’t you? I wish we could repay you, but our village has struggled since the war.”
“Don’t worry about it, sir. I wouldn’t want to intrude,” The mercenary pulled his sword from the grass, slipping it back into its sheath. “I know what it’s like to deal with money issues.”
“You’re too kind, young hero.” The village head bowed his head to the swordsman. “You’re welcome to stay here anytime, free of charge. It’s the least we could do!”
Ogier glanced up at the sky, noticing that the sun was close to setting. He likely wouldn’t reach Ostia before nightfall. It is best to take care of loose ends before finally returning home.
“Thank you, I might take you on that offer. I should stay for a while to make sure those bandits don’t return.”
It was time to fulfill that promise he made.
His hands still trembled at the memory of grasping Durandal. The power to slay dragons with ease… He failed to use that power two years ago and now he has returned to the city where its wielder has rested.
The rest of the day ended on a peaceful note with the village feeling at ease knowing that the bandits wouldn’t try anything after today’s battle. They offered to throw a banquet for the young savior, but Ogier politely declined. He wanted to spend the night alone, reflecting on his journey so far. At least that was the intention and yet… Ogier couldn’t help but feel anxious about returning to Ostia. Would his friends be happy to see him? Would his brother be okay? Would… Lady Lilina remember the promise he made?
It was silly to think about such things, but Ogier couldn’t help but feel conflicted. Was he truly strong enough to stand beside them? At the very least, he had to see them all again. He had to see Lady Lilina and remind her that he hadn’t forgotten.
So much about Ostia had changed in the past two years. That much was apparent when Ogier walked through the city streets. Guards were placed in every corner of the city, patrolling the area and helping citizens. Many of the buildings that were destroyed during the rebellion were already repaired. One would be surprised that there was ever a rebellion, to begin with.
“Halt! The Marquess isn’t accepting visitors!”
One of the soldiers held a hand up as he noticed Ogier approaching the castle.
“P-Pardon me, I’m here to see Captain Gwendolyn. We’re friends and we fought to protect the Marquess…”
“You’d need a better story than that, friend. We’re not going to believe everyone who says they’re friends with Lady Gwendolyn.”
“Ah… but…”
Ogier frowned and crossed his arms, feeling trapped in this predicament. He could just return at a later time, but Gwendolyn’s letter said that he could stop by anytime. He turned around, prepared to leave until he heard a familiar voice.
“Ogier? By Saint Elimine, is that you?!”
He turned back to see a young woman with long pink hair waving at him. Despite wearing more regal armor, he recognized that headband and eager smile from anywhere.
“Wendy!”
The knight ran up to Ogier, wrapping her arms around him for a tight hug. Despite being crushed by the armor, the young man couldn’t help but feel happy seeing an old friend.
“It’s been so long, my friend! I’ve missed you!”
“Y-Yeah, I missed you and your really… tight hugs!”
He let out a wheeze before patting his friend on the back. While he has gotten strong enough to handle her armor, he still could get a broken bone or two if he wasn’t careful. Fortunately, Gwendolyn got the message, letting go of the poor boy.
“Ah! My apologies, Ogier!” She smiled sheepishly. “I was just so happy that I couldn’t help myself! I apologize on behalf of my guards. I told these fools to expect you ”
After the heartfelt reunion, Ogier witnessed his old friend chastising the guards for nearly turning him away. It was rather surprising to see just how much the knight has changed since their last meeting. The two had managed to survive the Ostian revolt and the war against Bern. Despite the sacrifices and losses, Ogier cherished the time he spent with Gwendolyn as they did their part to support Lilina.
As the two walked through the castle doors and the seemingly endless corridors, Ogier decided to break the silence.
“I’ve heard the news from my brothers. Congratulations on becoming captain of the Knights.”
“O-Oh, thanks!” Gwendolyn rubbed the back of her head. “It still feels so unreal. It was only a few years ago that we were both newcomers…”
“You’ve done so much in such a short time,” Ogier smiled. “The Marquess is lucky to have you here.”
“I still have a long way to go… but enough about me,” Gwendolyn elbowed him, grinning. “I’ve noticed that you’ve changed as well. You’re no longer that scrawny kid who could barely handle armor.”
Gwendolyn’s comment reminded Ogier of just how much time has passed since the war and its end. He became a mercenary as a young teenager and barely had the build to even wear regular armor. Even during the war's end, he couldn’t help but feel weak compared to the rest of the soldiers. Now, he managed to gain more muscle from the countless hours he spent training and helping the people of Elibe in his travels. He’s nowhere close to being as strong as Barth, but at least he could see himself wearing better armor and wielding heavier blades.
“I couldn’t let myself fall behind,” He explained. “Even if I’m no longer a soldier for Ostia, I still want to do my part in these times of peace.”
The two continued their small talk until they arrived at the doors leading to the throne hall. Ogier thought back to the battle that took place in this castle. His first taste of war was a mission to save the last remaining heir of Ostia.
Gwendolyn opened the door and walked up with Ogier following behind. Inside, there were two familiar faces. The mercenary’s expression lit up as he saw her. The last two years had been kind to the Marquess of Ostia, Lilina. Ogier almost struggled to see this beautiful young as the little heir he helped save years ago. It was fitting that she was a student of General Cecilia of Eturia as she now rivaled her in being a mature beauty. The young man would have been content staring if Gwendolyn didn’t bring him back to reality.
“What’s the matter, Ogier? Getting cold feet, already?”
“Huh…? No… I… I’m fine.”
Ogier continued to follow Gwendolyn through the throne room, noticing that Lilina was likely finishing a conversation with a few unfamiliar faces. Gwendolyn signaled Ogier to step aside, making way for the people.
“That is all for today. We will continue this later,” she bowed to the crowd of people before they dispersed.
“Those are the minor lords from Ostia and nearby,” Gwendolyn explained to Ogier. “You came right on time. Looks like they’ve finished their meeting.”
As soon as the nobility left the room, Lilina noticed the two. Her smile widened considerably as she broke any sense of etiquette in running towards Ogier. He had no time to react as his Lord slammed into him, nearly bringing him to the ground with a tight hug.
“Ogier! Oh, it’s so good to see again!” She tightened her grasp on the young mercenary. “It’s been so long.”
It was difficult to put into words how he felt at this moment. It was Lilina’s faith in Ogier that pushed him to improve himself after the war had ended. He wanted nothing but to feel strong enough to stand by everyone’s side. All those years of working as a mercenary has amounted to this moment. He should feel accomplished and yet… why does he feel like he doesn’t deserve it?
“It’s… a pleasure to see you again, Lady Lilina,” Ogier responded while debating where to put his hands.
Lilina held on to the hug for a few more moments before letting go. Even in her twenties, she still managed to maintain that positivity she had during the war. It was difficult to linger in his negative thoughts after seeing the smile of his lord again.
“It seems like everyone has returned… If only Astolfo was here,” She giggled softly before pushing aside her bang. “It feels like old times.”
“You should take the chance to meet with Bors and Barth,” Gwendolyn suggested to Ogier. “Barth has been busy training recruits and Bors is leading his division.”
“Yes, I wanted to see everyone. It’s been so long…”
He wanted to thank Barth and Bors for their advice during the war. It was thanks to them that he managed to survive.
“We heard rumors of a blue-haired mercenary doing their part in helping the smaller territories of Elibe,” Lilina commented. “It’s amazing how your name is being spread across the lands… On behalf of Ostia, I thank you for your efforts in helping the people.”
It was likely that Lilina heard of the bandit attack near Ostia that Ogier put a stop to. There was also dealing with unruly lords all over the continent and those who would continue pushing Zephiel’s vision. Still, it was a bit embarrassing to hear his exploits make their way back to her.
“It’s nothing, Lady Lilina. I’m just doing my part to make sure that the peace we fought for continues to stay,” He bowed his head. “I’m sure that anyone else would have done the same…”
“Please, raise your head, Ogier.” Lilina softly spoke. “You’ve done so much over the past two years and asked for nothing in return. You’re a shining example to not only Ostia but to all of Elibe.”
“I only want to get stronger and make enough to survive,” he responded. “Status and fame mean little to me, milady.”
That’s right. He only wanted to become stronger to make up for his failures during the war. He couldn’t go back to the weak self he used to be.
“Oh, Ogier… You’re too humble,” Lilina sighed. “Still, I feel that your efforts should be rewarded. That is why I was looking forward to this day.”
Ogier raised an eyebrow. He turned to face Gwendolyn who seemed to have understood Lilina’s words.
“I don’t understand…” Ogier murmured. “What reward?”
Lilina cleared her throat before turning to face Ogier, speaking with a tone befitting the leader of Ostia.
“Ogier, you have done more than you realize for Lycia. My father may have just hired you as a temporary solider, but I wish to make things official.”
He realized what her next words would be but the weight of them was still felt at the moment.
“Ogier, I want you to join the Knights of Ostia formally.”