A Glimmer in Fumia

On the continent of Virmia, Esbelle has witnessed far too many tragedies, including her own.

At the age of ten, her family was convicted after the church framed her mother, and she was stripped of her title. To take revenge, she helped a deposed princess kill her father and seize the throne, then traveled across the country collecting evidence to bring down the church.

She thought the church was her only enemy, never realizing she had already walked into a trap someone else had laid for her.

"Women, please help me. Let me live, and let me clear your names."

-

Charlotte is a duke's daughter, beautiful, virtuous, gentle, and charming.

But in Esbelle's eyes, she will always be that sniveling crybaby who loses to her at everything, whether arguing or sword fighting, then turns red-eyed and is too scared to complain.

"I can't be the only one to lose face, can I? If I'm going to get close to the moon, of course I'll make the moon come closer to me, too."

-

When Charlotte doesn't want to lie:

"Oh, kind lady, if I were a little younger, would you adopt me?"

"Miss Laven, this is no time for jokes."

When Charlotte stands in front of Esbelle:

"I saw some bows and arrows on display over there. Maybe I can borrow them."

"But you're not very good with a bow, either."

"Miss Laven, I don't think stating the obvious will help our current situation."

When Charlotte finally confesses her feelings:

"Miss Laven, whatever the case, I think I love you."

"..."

Charlotte was overjoyed, because for once Esbelle had no cutting remark to make.

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Plot-focused

A strong-willed, tsundere knight who takes on the world x a by-the-book, secretly scheming tax official

Happy ending

Theme: Never give up