After Remesis unexpectedly discovered this find, she definitely could no longer maintain her previous calm. From now on, there was no room for hesitation or doubt. Remesis decided that she truly needed to discuss this with the princess once she returned.
Looking at the meister's diary that Remesis had taken from his room and now kept in the drawer of her desk, she bit her lip.
"When will Asil return...?"
It had been just over a week since her departure, but there was still no word from the princess. It was a bit strange. Usually, even if Asil left the castle for any reason, she always found a way to contact Remesis no matter what.
Of course, even during long military campaigns, the princess persistently sent Remesis letters almost every day, most of which Remesis barely read... But this time, there was an unusual silence from the woman. Could she really be that busy now?
Just as Remesis was absorbed in these troubling thoughts, her peace was suddenly broken. All because Hannes Wrightly burst into her office. He hadn't even knocked first, which was highly unusual. This led her to conclude that the situation must be urgent.
The door slammed open, and the knight stood at the threshold, gasping for breath. Remesis looked at him in surprise.
"Your Highness!"
Hearing the noise outside, Remesis quickly hid the diary and put it in her desk drawer.
"Your Highness," the fortress commander said, still out of breath, "I have an urgent report for you!"
"What happened? Speak slower..."
"The barbarians from the northern mountains, the Askuld tribe," he paused to catch his breath, "have risen in rebellion."
At that moment, hearing this, Remesis abruptly stood up from behind her desk.
"What? What are you talking about?" she asked, stunned.
Taking a deep breath, the knight continued without hesitation:
"They attacked the settlement of Morka, located near the mountain, and took hostages. Their leader demands an immediate meeting with the Lord of the North. He said that if the princess does not arrive soon, they will begin killing the villagers one by one."
As this news suddenly overwhelmed her, the girl hesitated for a moment, as if gathering her thoughts, then licked her dry lips and said:
"But why... why have they suddenly risen up?"
About a dozen barbarian tribes lived in the northern region, which had previously sown chaos across these lands and kept all inhabitants in fear. After she and Asil took on the task of bringing order here, the princess went on a lengthy military campaign that lasted several years. During that time, Asil managed to defeat and subdue all the barbarian tribes, so they no longer dared to spread lawlessness here and were completely loyal to their lord.
In other words, everything was exactly as it had been in their past life. So why... suddenly one of these tribes decided to revolt? Remesis was certain that nothing like this had happened in her past life.
To clarify her confusion, Hannes replied:
"Not long ago, their tribe elected a new leader who turned out to be hostile toward our lord. He calls the lord and the entire Nord fortress usurpers who have deprived them of their freedom. So... now, together with their new leader, they demand the restoration of the old order in the north and refuse to recognize the authority of the Lord of the North."
As soon as Remesis heard this, her anxiety only grew. After all, she could not have foreseen that one of the barbarian tribes would dare to challenge the Nord fortress. But why did this happen?
Perhaps it was because under Remesis's influence, she and the princess adhered to a more peaceful governance policy in this life, and some of these savages might have perceived this as weakness? At least that was the only explanation the girl could come up with.
"But Asil..." Remesis murmured quietly. "She still hasn't returned."
At that moment, this became the biggest problem. As if confirming her thoughts, the knight nodded seriously.
"That's exactly why the situation is so critical. And if we don't respond immediately..." Hannes fell silent. Words were unnecessary.
Remesis remained silent for some time. All this time, the knight cautiously watched her, waiting to hear her final decision. Then the northern castle princess raised her head, and her gaze was free of doubt.
"Prepare a detachment. We leave in an hour."
This sudden order stunned the knight.
"What? Are you really going there personally?" he asked in surprise.
"You said it yourself: there is no other way. If I don't go, they will really start killing the villagers, and I can't allow that. While Her Highness is away, I am responsible for the northern lands and order here."
"But, Your Highness," Hannes stepped forward, his voice more insistent. "You don't have to go personally. We can send a detachment of our best warriors to suppress the rebellion..."
"No. This is not just a rebellion," Remesis objected, shaking her head. "The reputation of the Nord Fortress and the Lord of the North depends on how this conflict is resolved. We can't just send soldiers there in this situation."
The fortress commander hesitated, as his lady's words made sense.
"But then..." he murmured, then fell silent.
"That's why I'm ready to take this responsibility upon myself," the girl concluded. "I will go there myself."
"But, Princess, the road is dangerous!" Hannes protested. "And what if they set an ambush..."
"It's all right. As mistress of the Nord Fortress and the North, I must face this with dignity and set an example for everyone else."
The tone of the girl was unwavering, which unconsciously sparked admiration in the knight's eyes. After all, instead of simply sending a group of soldiers, the princess decided to go meet the barbarians herself, which was a rather bold decision.
Since it was useless to try to dissuade Remesis from her decision — Hannes knew her too well — he finally just sighed.
"Then I will order the best warriors to be assembled as soon as possible," he said seriously, "If we hurry, we can reach the Morka settlement in one day."
Remesis nodded. At that moment, the knight bowed and quickly left the office, intending to immediately begin preparations for the upcoming departure. Remesis slowly stood and approached the window. Thoughtfully crossing her arms over her chest, she looked outside.
Despite the approaching storm, the girl remained unshaken. After all, this was merely her duty, which she had to conscientiously fulfill as the current mistress of these lands. She would never run away or hide in the castle.
"Your Highness, do not worry. I will do everything in my power to maintain order in the North during your absence," she said quietly, gazing at the snowy plain stretching far beyond the fortress and fading into the distance.
At that moment, Remesis was more determined than ever.