The Human Saint is Bored, so I was Summoned to Another World

The Marquise's Ambitions (Part 1)

The Marquise of Monfort carefully selected who among her paladins would come and who would remain to guard the refugees. There was an overwhelming response for volunteers for our planned course of action; however, if we all went to attack the enemy, the lives of those whom we were supposed to protect could end up in jeopardy.

So, we had to be careful with our words. The Marquise of Monfort was their commander, and I specifically recommended to her to use the word 'protect' rather than 'be left behind to guard' so that it would appeal to those who'd remain.

At least they won't think that they are in for some garrison duties. They are paladins, and paladins should always be in the thick of the battle, upholding their values and oaths.

I also elected to be with the Marquise. My decision was highly influenced by my desire to avenge those children whom I treated earlier, but also partly because of my desire to witness a 'real battle' and also so that I could plan our attack. After leaving instructions to those who would be left behind, we set out for the direction of the town of Cullen.

Cullen was a small town located several miles southwest of our secondary camp's position. As we were in relative haste to run after the rampaging mercenaries, my companions galloped with their horses. Of course, for me, who hadn't even touched a horse in all the 25 years of his life, I had to make some arrangements so that I could accompany the attacking party led by the Marquise of Monfort.

For that, she took me for a back ride on her mount.

And so, armed with my trusty matchlock and dagger, we rode westward to rush to Cullen's aid.

Personally, the Marquise of Monfort and I were opposed to moving at the soonest possible time. The paladin captain preferred to wait for the Duke of Braunhauer's men. Though I wanted to act, I'd like to plan our attack first before making a move.

But the impetuosity of the paladins forced us to attack without preparations.

I can only hope that nothing adverse would happen.

----------

Fortunately, the Marquise of Monfort knew about the region, since her father's fief was relatively close to the town, yet it fell on the jurisdiction of another lord, so she rarely visited the place.

"Besides, why would I visit that town when our fief could provide more than enough for its people?" she proudly declared.

Well, I've been wanting to ask about her title though. It's been a curiosity for me ever since I met her. I mean, she was the Marquise of Monfort when her father was the Duke of Braunhauer. I mean, yes, I know that she's an illegitimate child, but, if she's a titled member of the nobility, then she must've been holding a fief of her own, right?

"About that, well, the March of Monfort is actually a border region to the south under the authority of the Duke of Braunhauer, my father." she explained to me, "My mother, who died unmarried to the Duke, was the lord of that land. When she departed to the afterlife, I succeeded in her title, and so I became the marquise."

"I see..." So that's how she became the Marquise of Monfort, "You mean, your father didn't recognize you as his daughter, that's why you remained the Marquise?" It's the only logical explanation for me since Maddie and Lily were telling me about the multiple marriages in this world. I couldn't find any other reason that she'd be an 'illegitimate' daughter, if that's the case.

Since it's technically allowed to marry here multiple times, infidelity and adultery are non-existent.

"Nope, it doesn't work that way." she explained, "It's more like, I never intended to join the main house on my accord."