Episode 150 side story: To the east - The Saga of Lioncourt

After Varian's departure, a scene unfolds in the royal capital. Poncello, who ranked 20th in the popularity poll, and Belle, who ranked 3rd, make their appearance. This was supposed to be Belle's main story, so the situation is quite unexpected... At the Lioncourt residence in the capital. "Poncello, the cohort is assembled," reported one of the members of the brotherhood. "Alright, I'll go fetch the Lady and the Young Master. Please standby until departure," Poncello replied. The cohort member nodded and bowed respectfully, akin to a subordinate addressing a superior, eliciting a wry smile from Poncello. During the uproar when their liege, Varian, had struck Baron Menge in the royal palace, Poncello had supported the old retainers guarding the manor and had led the cohort in defending the estate. Seemingly, he had been recognized as the de facto leader of the cohort. Though a serious conflict did not erupt in Varian’s absence, skirmishes and spats occurred frequently. Having been the Chief of Guards in the fortress city of Port, Poncello was well-versed in the situations that warranted the deployment of guards and vigilantes, known as the "borderline." Each time a dispute arose, Poncello had to sweat and resolve the issues on-site. Already prepared, a noble lady was waiting inside the manor, holding an infant. He might have kept her waiting a bit too long. "My apologies, my lady, for keeping you waiting. The carriage is ready," Poncello addressed Belle, the lady in question, with utmost respect, acknowledging her noble status and her position as the mother of Varian's child. "My lady, I must ask for your forbearance and request you to board this carriage," he indicated not a luxurious carriage fit for nobility, but rather a modest cart draped with a simple canopy. Despite having opulent carriages available, Poncello explained to Belle that their journey might encounter enemy attacks, and if they were to be targeted by Menge’s troops, their small cohort alone might not suffice. The opulent carriage would serve as a decoy to facilitate their escape. His genuine and sincere demeanor seemed to have fully convinced Belle. "Thank you, Poncello. However, please do not refer to me as 'my lady.' I am merely a concubine," Belle corrected him without changing her expression. Although Poncello reluctantly replied, "I apologize for my mistake," he found himself at a loss, unable to casually call her by her given name, Belle. This beautiful lady handed the infant, whose neck had just begun to stabilize, to her slave caretaker and boarded the cart with dignified poise, embodying nobility itself. She exhibited courage unfazed by the thought of battle and displayed wisdom in not interfering with his plans. In Poncello’s eyes, Belle, as Varian’s consort and the mother of his firstborn, appeared more fitting as the rightful wife compared to his other consort, Sumina. However, his honest and stern character prevented him from ever voicing such thoughts. "Anselm, we’re ready to depart," Poncello called out to Anselm, the skilled blacksmith personally recruited by Varian, and confirmed with the fellow craftsmen that everything was in order. The cohort, the craftsmen, and the slave tending to Belle, Poncello, despite being somewhat new to the cohort, found himself incredulously in charge of such a significant assignment—normally a task for the senior retainers of a count's household. ...They trust me not to betray their expectations, both the cohort and the lady do, Poncello mused with a puzzling sense of wonder at the trust placed in him. Born as the second son of a stableman, Poncello had become a guard simply due to his physical strength. Unlike vigilantes, guards received salaries, but it was thinly paid and not a very respected job. Though he did marry, the constant financial struggles led to endless disputes, and they soon divorced with the aid of a clergy. He even defaulted on more than half the debt from that time. He had been a good-for-nothing. He had been employed by the city as a guard, bored and on the brink of moral decay, until his tedious life was shattered and filled with new joy by his liege, Varian. Varian's presence was akin to a faith for Poncello. Not only Poncello felt that way; everyone in the cohort admired Varian for his superb valor, impartial dealings with subordinates, and generosity in sharing the spoils of war. He was a provider of honor and riches from victories—desires everyone cherishes. Entrusted with defending his beloved liege's wife and child as they headed for Lioncourt, Poncello was struck by the gravity of his responsibility, trembled, and braced himself. Everything must come through safely; nothing less was acceptable. "Alright, let's move out!" Poncello commanded, and the group proceeded. Their destination lay far to the east, at Lioncourt.