Chapter 39

It was supposed to be a boring battle.

On the misty, smoky plain, the army of the East, to which Leontine belonged, outnumbered the other side by more than two to one.

Calling it an army was a bit of an exaggeration.

There were a little over two hundred mercenaries gathered by the lord's scattered coins. The Western army on the other side numbered a bit over a hundred.

In a clash between mercenaries, the side with the greater numbers would win, barring any extraordinary circumstances. That was a calculation even a child could understand.

The ground was muddy from the rain, soaking up to the ankles.

Originally, it was just a fight between peasants.

A minor dispute over whether a plot of farmland had encroached or not had escalated into a brawl, then a fight between employers, then a fight between lords, and finally a fight between the lords' backers.

Neither the commanding nobles nor the commanded mercenaries had any enthusiasm from the start.

A quick clash to settle the matter, and that would be the end of it. For the mercenaries, it was a war where they would be more than happy as long as they got paid.

To avoid unnecessary injuries, the mercenaries gathered in places where they were less likely to clash with the enemy.

Leontine had intended to stand there with her sword at the ready, just going through the motions.

But there was a <Demon> there.

Using the lackluster employer, <Horseface> Ferdinand, as a decoy, the <Demon>'s tactic was a surprise attack. Circling around the shrubbery, the <Demon> and his companions attacked the soft underbelly of the Eastern army like a pack of wolves.

When Leontine began her tale, the tavern patrons gathered around, holding their mugs, eager for a good story. The townsfolk were always hungry for new tales. Perhaps such a vivid account was surprisingly well-received.

Some even brought over drinks and snacks, as if to pay for the entertainment. Leontine didn't mind.

Now a mercenary, Leontine was originally a noblewoman, albeit of a lower rank. She was well-educated and enjoyed poetry.

Though not as skilled as a true bard, she could get quite passionate when the mood struck her.

Even the dishwashing girl came out from behind the counter, timidly listening to the story. It felt quite good to have such an audience.

After wetting her lips with a second Triazena draft, Leontine continued.

The <Demon> leading the charge was overwhelmingly strong. Before him, four became two, and two became one, as they were cut down.

The reason was his armor.

Despite the chaos of battle, the <Demon> wore only the bare minimum of armor.

Given the swampy conditions, armor was indeed a hindrance.

However, it took more than ordinary confidence to discard armor on a battlefield where a single blow could be fatal.

The <Demon>'s combat skills were indeed exceptional.

His target was one and only one: the enemy commander.

Like a hawk diving for its prey, the <Demon> cut deep into the Eastern army's ranks.

"Wow..."

Hermine sighed in admiration.

She stood still, holding her mug, completely engrossed in the story.

"Yeah. I've been on many battlefields since then, but the only time I ever got goosebumps was when I faced that <Demon>."

"Did you fight the <Demon>, Leontine?"

"Yes, I did."

Leontine, who had intended to position herself in a quiet spot where the enemy wouldn't come, found herself on the front lines.

The <Demon> had accurately read the situation and targeted the place thought to be the safest.

Resolving herself, Leontine raised her sword.

She wore the family's ancestral armor. The squid crest on her helmet symbolized the proud lineage of sea nobles who had long guarded the coastal lands.

"Hey, Leontine, is your helmet crest a squid?"

"Hermine, this is the good part. Yes, our family crest and helmet crest are both squids. Isn't that unique?"

A mercenary with a squid crest was probably unique even across the entire continent. Leontine tried to make a joke, but Hermine's face turned pale.

Worse, the other patrons openly turned away.

"Hey, what's wrong? I was about to start the duel between me, Leontine, and the <Demon>."

"Um, did the <Demon> flinch or hesitate when he saw you, Leontine?"

"Hermine, you're sharp. He must have instantly recognized I was a woman and held back."

Unaware that the seasoned warrior had held back, Leontine had her left arm slashed.

Her opponent had likely blocked with his gauntlet, preventing a serious injury, but there might have been some lasting damage.

"I've been searching for that <Demon> to thank him ever since."

"Do you know the <Demon>'s name, Leontine?"

"No, I don't. It was a chaotic battle. But I'd recognize him if I saw him. I'm confident of that."

"Is that so..."

"What's the matter? You look so serious all of a sudden."

The innkeeper, who had been silently preparing the food, finally spoke up.

"Ah, no, it's just that the <Demon> in your story reminds me of one of our regulars."

"Really? Are you serious?"

After searching aimlessly for so long, this was a significant breakthrough.

If the <Demon> was a regular at this inn, there was a chance he might be here tonight.

"Oh no, what should I do! I'm excited and nervous... But it's not confirmed yet... What should I do, Hermine!"

"Leontine, calm down. It's not confirmed yet."

"No, I have a feeling it is. I'll meet him here tonight. It must be fate. I have to thank him first. Then, then... Oh, what should I do!"

"Calm down. Your husband will be here soon."

At Hermine's words, the room fell silent as if frozen.

"Your husband? What does your husband have to do with this?"

Leontine's voice carried more force than she intended. Hermine, with a determined look, responded.

"I think the <Demon> you're talking about is my husband."