***

Her previous life was her sixth. Disguised as a man, Rishe rose as a warrior of an island country she came upon in her travels. It was a conventional yet charming kingdom formed of red brick. After striking up a friendship with a group of knights who didn’t realize she was a woman, Rishe followed their advice and joined them.

The training was grueling enough to make her wish she were dead. Back when she had lived as a noble, she’d learned how to wield a sword for basic self-defense, but training as a noble lady had in no way prepared her forthis. She drilled relentlessly, barely taking the time to sleep. Just as she became a full-fledged knight, Emperor Arnold’s forces lay siege to the castle.