Chapter 53

"Can you tell me? How do you become someone who can move for others like that?"

In the warehouse, Volk once asked Louis something similar.

But he still couldn't understand how a boy around the same age could put himself on the line for others.

Louis, asked seriously, scratched his nose and answered with a shy smile.

"…I used to have nothing. I've become strong enough to fight normally now, but the old me was really useless."

Louis began to speak, recalling the past.

"One day, I got a master. This master gave me many things. How to use magic, wisdom to survive… and kindness and love. I received everything from my masters."

Even now, thinking about it makes him want to cry.

Those days living with the three of them were such a precious treasure for Louis.

"Before I knew it, I was filled with all the things I received from them. So I decided—"

Louis looked at Volk with eyes that were no longer empty and said,

"I decided to become someone who gives."

"Someone who gives…?"

"Yeah. I received so many things from my masters that I can't possibly repay them. That's why I decided to become someone who gives, just like my masters. So I teach my classmates what I learned from my master. I also learn a lot from them, though."

Louis laughed awkwardly and spoke from the heart.

Hearing Louis's sincere words, Volk thought, "I can't match him."

He had only thought about not being taken by others.

He had never even considered giving something to someone.

This difference was what set him apart from the boy, Volk realized.

And with that, he made up his mind, knelt before Louis, and placed both fists on the ground.

"Eh, what? What's wrong, Volk!?"

"This posture means 'complete submission' for beastmen. Could you please make me one of your subordinates?"

"Subordinate!?"

Louis was confused by the sudden request.

Naturally, he tried to refuse, but Volk's resolve was firm.

"No, no, just being friends is fine! I'm not looking for subordinates!"

"Ah, but I'm sure you'll need strength in the future. You're not just any ordinary student."

"But… but…"

"It's fine if you treat me as a regular friend. But could you at least make me a subordinate in your heart?"

"Volk…"

At first, Louis was reluctant, but he sensed Volk's determination in his passionate words.

Feeling that rejecting him would be a betrayal of Volk's resolve, Louis decided to accept the request.

"…Alright. But I'll treat you as a regular friend."

Hearing this, Volk's face lit up, and he firmly shook Louis's hand.

"…Really!? Great! Nice to meet you, Commander!"

"Yep, nice to meet you, Volk."

While his hand was shaken, Louis shook hands with Volk.

And so, Volk, who would become Louis's first subordinate and lifelong loyal follower, joined his ranks.