Chapter 20: A Queen’s Gambit: Promises and Purpose

Chris Hino produced a handkerchief, meticulously wiping the beads of sweat from his brow.

“With all due respect, the cardinals would never initiate a war against the Elder Council and Saint Fros merely for Lady Alena’s sake.”

Alice nodded, remarking, “Rather, those opportunists are practically salivating at the prospect of Alena’s demise, seeing it as their only chance to ascend to the Papacy.”

Chloe was left speechless. Just when she thought she had found a glimmer of hope for an alliance, she was reminded that Chris Hino and Una, after all, could not speak for the entire Central Curia. While their desire to avenge Alena was clear, their individual efforts would prove futile. A strategy was needed to sway the Central Curia’s collective interests towards their cause.

‘Wait, interests?’ A small fist lightly struck her palm as a sudden idea sparked in Chloe’s mind. She turned her gaze to Chris Hino.

“In fact, we’ve struck a wager with a conservative Elder named Angelica,” Chloe explained. “Should I manage to ascend to the throne within a year, she will recognize my capabilities.”

Chris Hino regarded Chloe with a puzzled expression. “Lady Chloe,” he interjected, “I confess I don’t follow your meaning.”

“Do not interrupt Lady Alena when she is speaking,” Una snapped, fixing Chris Hino with a venomous glare. He promptly fell silent, hushed as a cicada in the chill of winter.

“Do you still not grasp it, you blockhead? Or do you truly believe a mere handful of us can triumph over the Elder Council?” Alice fumed. “Angelica is a formidable force among the conservatives; if we can draw her into our ranks, our prospects for victory will be significantly enhanced.”

Chloe waved a dismissive hand, signaling Una to retreat, then continued, “To secure the throne within a mere year, I require the Central Curia’s aid. In return, I pledge that within my future domains, the Holy Church shall be the sole legal religion. Moreover, I will specifically designate several territories to the Central Curia, ensuring their independence from secular encroachment and allowing them to evangelize without disturbance.”

History recorded a similar “Donation of Pepin,” and she envisioned her own “Donation of Chloe.”

“One Queen, One Religion!” Una cheered.

“Indeed, the Holy Church is currently in decline, and its former protector, Saint Fros, has plunged into turmoil. Securing a new patron would undoubtedly prove an astute move for the cardinals,” Chris Hino mused, a thoughtful hand supporting his chin.

“However, the vision you’ve painted is rather grand,” Alice remarked, shaking her head. “I fear those decrepit old fogeys might not be able to stomach it.”

“Yet, I still fail to grasp why Elder Angelica would enter into such a wager with you,” Chris Hino pressed on.

“That brings us to an even grander wager,” Alice swiftly interjected, clearly eager to keep the matter of the Divine Chosen from their ears. “That particular bet doesn’t concern you. Suffice it to say, at least half of the Elders are now fervent adherents of Chloe. The moment she claims the crown, they will all flock to her banner.”

“Someone wishes to snatch Lady Alena from me? That simply won’t do!” Una declared, a green glint sparking in her azure eyes as her arms tightened around Chloe. Chloe, in turn, merely pouted, a picture of utter resignation.

“In that case, we shall return to make our report,” Chris Hino stated. With a sharp whistle, he summoned his steed. The magnificent animal galloped forth instantly, halting gracefully at the church’s entrance. Its entire form shimmered with a silvery luminescence, as beautiful as an angel alighted upon the earth. Tossing its black mane, it surveyed the mortals below with an air of lofty disdain.

“Truly, what a magnificent steed,” Chloe murmured, a sense of awe washing over her. She stepped forward to gently caress its flank, surprised to find its coat as soft as a sponge.

Chris Hino slowly approached, patting the horse’s flank. “This is Ximinu,” he introduced with a proud lilt in his voice. “Lady Alena gifted her to me. She can cover a thousand *li* in a single day. However, her temperament is quite proud; she’s known to kick away strangers who dare to touch her without permission. It seems, though, that she rather fancies you.”

Chloe pressed her cheek against Ximinu’s warm flank, and the horse, in turn, lowered its head to gently lick Chloe’s face.

“Ugh, you wretched horse, how dare you lick Lady Chloe’s face! I haven’t even had the chance!” Una fumed, lunging towards the steed. Ximinu promptly kicked her aside. Una stumbled but managed to regain her footing, a palpable aura of indignation rising around her, swirling into a dark vortex.

Una, too, let out a prolonged whistle, and a massive black horse thundered towards her. This steed dwarfed Ximinu, appearing to be twice Chloe’s height in sheer bulk. Una pointed a commanding finger at Ximinu. “Alena,” she ordered, “kick that wretched thing to death!”

“Enough, enough! Are you still a child?” Alice had been about to intervene, but the black horse’s name made her halt abruptly. “Wait, what did you say this horse’s name was? Alena?”

“My water flask is Alena, the cat I keep is Alena—Lady Alena permeates every aspect of my life!” Una declared, chin held high.

‘Right then…’ Chloe felt a bead of sweat trickle down her temple.

Chris Hino and Una both swung into their saddles. Dusk was approaching, the setting sun painting the sky in a rich, crimson cloak. Flocks of birds sang their homeward melodies, carving elegant arcs through the air.

“Lady Alena, aren’t you joining us?” Una asked, casting a reluctant glance at Chloe, who simply shook her head with a weary sigh.

“My name is Chloe, not your Lady Alena.”

“I don’t care! Lady Alena is Lady Alena, and though your appearance has changed, Una’s nose never makes a mistake!” Una insisted, sniffing the air. “You carry her fragrant scent.”

‘Ugh.’ Chloe raised her arm to her nose. There was no trace of fragrance, only the unmistakable odor of horse. Since her return from the royal capital, she hadn’t managed a proper bath—a torment akin to hell for Xia Ni, who typically indulged in two baths a day.

‘In this medieval world, one simply had to adapt to local customs. Still, no. I absolutely must bathe as soon as I return.’

“The sooner you return, the sooner you’ll reunite with your Lady Alena,” Alice offered, stifling a yawn. “Farewell, and I eagerly await your good tidings.”

Una waved goodbye to Chloe, then galloped away on her horse. Chris Hino had initially intended to follow Una, but instead, he circled back, returning to Chloe’s side.

Chloe was just about to turn for home when a flash of silver lightning materialized before her, startling her so profoundly that she nearly stumbled. Thankfully, Alice caught her just in time. Falling to the ground would have been a minor inconvenience, but today she was wearing a short skirt. To make matters worse, Ximinu suddenly kicked up an updraft.

“W-w-w-what are you doing?” Chloe hastily clutched her skirt.

“Lady Chloe,” Chris Hino began, his tone serious, “I have one final question. We are taking a stand against the Elder Council to avenge Lady Alena, but what drives you? Be aware that those individuals within the Elder Council can eliminate someone without a trace, merely by lifting a finger.”

‘Opposing the Elder Council? Chloe had never once entertained the thought of becoming their adversary. Whether it was Wuxu, Angelica, or even Alice, not one of them was to be underestimated.’

‘And her objective? To become a lord? Perhaps that held some appeal—to live a life of endless indulgence, feasting and reveling, lost in a haven of beauty? Despite her current female form, Chloe still harbored a fondness for close companionship with beautiful maidens. As queen, a harem of three thousand beauties would no longer be a mere fantasy.’

‘To conquer the world, perhaps, and amass such an extensive list of titles that even envoys would require half a day to recite them? In games, Chloe’s greatest joy had always been acquiring titles until her hands grew numb. In this new, unfamiliar world, she could deploy every military strategy and cunning ploy to achieve her ambitions. As an immortal vampire, she was freed from concerns about succession. She could embody the spirit of Genghis Khan or Napoleon, completely fulfilling her insatiable hunger for conquest.’

Yet, her most fundamental purpose, she realized, remained singular. She smiled, then uttered the words.

“To go home.”

The lingering afterglow of the setting sun was mirrored in her crimson eyes.