Chapter 32

"Rihult-sama"

That’s what I said.

As a noble, I could call Rihult by his name without any honorifics. However, since I wasn’t using the Lumineus family name, I was in the position of a commoner. According to the common sense of this world, commoners had to use honorifics when addressing nobles.

Rihult shook his head, looking a bit embarrassed.

"It’s fine, you can use my name! You’re older than me, and you saved my life! The Strum family name might sound impressive, but I’m just a poor baron!"

Rihult smiled with a kind face.

...It seems Filbus’s reading of the situation was correct.

"Is there nothing else you need to do, Mr. Albert?"

"Yeah. All that’s left is to sleep."

"Then, how about this? Would you come with me?"

"Where to?"

"To the commander of this army!"

The commander of this army?

The one the soldiers were praising all over the place just now.

"You can meet such an important person?"

"Yes. When I reported earlier, I was told to bring the captain of the special detachment that returned safely—"

Rihult laughed, looking a bit embarrassed.

"He’s going to praise me directly. It was worth the effort!"

"That’s good to hear."

I tilted my head.

"Why us, then?"

"Because you all saved my life! I can’t monopolize such an honor! I think meeting you here is fate. Let me introduce you!"

"...I see."

Rihult really is a good person.

Although I wasn’t particularly enthusiastic about the idea, I felt bad about ignoring his kindness.

"Alright. I’ll go. What about Lora?"

"Hmm... I see..."

Lora hesitated.

She was probably still thinking about what Filbus said earlier.

Namely, that the commander was "a great guy, but a cold-hearted one."

"You must be tired. Don’t worry about it."

"I’m sorry, I’ll pass."

Lora bowed and went back ahead.

So, Rihult and I started walking alone.

On the way, I asked Rihult about something that had been on my mind.

"Rihult, about this battle—"

"Yes?"

"Your special detachment—wasn’t it a tough role?"

"Yes... I heard the first special detachment was completely wiped out... I understand. We’re expendable pawns."

"Aren’t you bothered by that?"

"Of course I don’t want to die. But it’s for the sake of the family name! There’s nothing else to do but try my best. Some people have risen through the ranks this way. I want to be like that too! Just watch. I’ll be a duke someday, hahaha!"

Rihult laughed heartily.

As if to encourage himself, who might tremble at the shadow of death. As if to numb his nerves with an impossible dream.

I felt a heavy sensation in my chest.

Rihult’s words were exactly what Filbus had described.

I’m not very smart.

I can’t judge whether the current strategy is a good one from a military perspective.

But I didn’t like the idea that a pure and kind person like Rihult was being used.

I can’t stand people who treat others like trash.

"Rihult"

"Yes?"

"Don’t die. I don’t want you to die."

"Leave it to me. I have a strong streak of bad luck, you know!"

With that, Rihult clenched his fist tightly.

◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆◇

"Sir Arranjia, Baron Rihult Strum, the captain of the Fourth Special Detachment, has arrived."

"Understood. Let him in."

"...But, it was agreed that only the captain would come. He seems to have brought someone else. What should I do?"

"It doesn’t matter."

While processing a large amount of documents, Arranjia said this without even looking up.

As a general, Arranjia had a lot of work to do.

His goal wasn’t just victory, but a decisive victory.

There was no time to waste on insignificant lives that he had deemed expendable.

Still, Arranjia decided to spare some time.

(If I say a simple "Well done" and praise them, they’ll be overjoyed, almost to the point of tears. And they’ll fight to the death tomorrow.)

It was a good cost-benefit ratio—

That was his judgment.

In fact, the special detachments were crucial to this operation. If they didn’t perform well, the main force would suffer more damage. However, there weren’t many volunteers for the special detachments.

The attrition rate was high, and there was no way to replenish the ranks.

So, he had to make the current personnel work to the death.

(They’re meeting me, someone they shouldn’t even be able to speak to. They can boast about it to their descendants. Die honorably.)

An ugly smile appeared on Arranjia’s face.

But—

It was immediately replaced by his usual friendly smile when he heard the knock.

He smoothly put down the documents and looked straight ahead, opening his mouth.

"Come in."

The door opened with a creak.

"Fourth Special Detachment, Rihult Strum, reporting!"

He was a young man in his early twenties. His face was tense.

That tension tickled Arranjia’s heart, making him feel superior.

It would make his words weightier and boost the young man’s morale.

(...Well... let’s get this over with...)

That’s what Arranjia thought—

But the moment he saw what happened next, all his thoughts flew out of his head.

A figure appeared behind Rihult.

The face, the eyes, turned forward.

Arranjia’s eyes met the man’s.

For an instant, Arranjia felt as if time had stopped.

W—!?

He swallowed the voice that was about to escape, instantly composing his face.

Still, a slow breath escaped his lips.

The man’s eyes, looking at Arranjia, were also filled with confusion and surprise.

Arranjia knew.

The man’s name.

The man’s name was Albert Lumineus.

The eldest son, deemed foolish, who had been expelled from the family over ten years ago. The brother Arranjia despised the most in the world—

The man he never thought he’d see again was standing right in front of him.