Royal Road of the Extra Scribe

96

As I finished the military conference and stepped outside, Bannings approached me.

He sighed with relief, his face showing exhaustion.

“Dorothy was right. Welcome back, Alts.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

Bainings and other cadets from the Central Army engaged in combat.

Compared to the Left and Right Armies, the Central Army’s battles were not as intense, yet the casualties exceeded a thousand.

Among the casualties were some of our fellow cadets.

“Although many are injured, thankfully, no one died. It’s truly fortunate.”

Bainings, after rambling about the Central Army’s battle, cautiously spoke to me.

“By the way, did you know? One of those who excelled in this round of specialization could become a general.”

“I heard from Dorothy. It’s an unbelievable rumor.”

“It’s not something to dismiss lightly.”

Currently, with the position of Commander-in-Chief vacant in the Calipher military, even the Second-in-Command, Delvadova, has fallen.

Two significant holes have emerged. A need arises to fill those voids.

“And… there’s talk that it might be you. Rumor has it that high-ranking officers like General Ironheart and others in the military are highly appreciative of you.”

“Ugh. I hate it.”

“Huh? Hate what? Becoming a general?”

“Just… it’s complicated.”

In my mind, I pictured the Duke of Helian smiling with satisfaction.

If he heard of my achievements, he would likely demand my appointment as a general, even going as far as to petition the king.

“I need to take some action.”

Even with a sudden promotion, there’s a limit.

Moreover, since I might establish my own nation in the future, holding too high a position in the Kingdom of Calipher wouldn’t be ideal.

“Oh, come on, me? Bainings, I’m just a noble’s fourth son. I’m at the bottom of the bottom.”

I tried to change the subject, but Bainings persistently clung to the topic.

“That may be so, but in the military, skill takes precedence. In other countries, even commoner-born generals exist. Being a noble’s son should be more than enough. Besides, you’re exceptionally good-looking; you might attract the attention of high-ranking noble families. Marrying into such a family could open up a path to success!”

“Are you trying to unnecessarily raise my hopes?”

“Ugh… caught on? Well, that’s the truth.”

Bainings discussed the power games within the factions that had changed due to this war.

“It seems something happened with the Casper group, who went to the left battlefield. Joshua and Denian seem to be pushing Casper aside to take the center stage in the faction. Meanwhile, Ru’an seems to be distancing himself entirely from the faction.”

“Ugh, are you all politicians now, lining up and scheming?”

“Anyway, listen. Rumors are circulating among others that if Casper isn’t the leader, there’s no need to follow him. Some even wish you would take the lead.”

“Hah! They act tough when we’re on the same side, but when things get tough, they’ll stick to me, pretending to be innocent? I know well how I’d respond.”

“Indeed? Well, it’s hard to imagine you leading such a group.”

Bainings seemed to secretly wish I would lead the faction. It would benefit him too if he became a key figure.

“Phew! Dorothy also seems indifferent to leading a faction. For now, there will be chaos over who’s on whose side.”

“If I may offer one piece of advice, it’s best to stop such antics as soon as possible.”

“It’s unavoidable for those like me, with no skills or family influence, to get by this way.”

“You’ve been through a lot.”

One good thing about Bainings was that, despite all this, he remained loyal.

‘There was a similar guy like him.’

One figure came to mind.

It was the rogue character Ash Dranvalt from the game.

In terms of heteros*xual relationships, he was irreparably frivolous, but as definite as loyalty among same-s*x individuals. He maintained an intimate relationship with Alse.

When Alse was falsely accused and imprisoned, he strongly criticized the protagonist’s group and returned to his hometown.

If Ash hadn’t returned to his hometown, he might have become the eighth god instead of the seventh.

“His hometown was likely Tonkai.”

The Tonkai Army, which participated in the past Chimera War, was a force led by the bandit king Kraus Forkner and his subordinates, making the possibility of Ash appearing slim, but this time was uncertain.

If he were on this battlefield, I would have wanted to see his face at least once.

—

Our army, now relocated to Arandal, began preparations for a full retreat.

General Ironheart focused on treating the wounded soldiers, preparing carriages for those who acquired physical disabilities and aspiring cadets to return home first.

Thanks to this, I had some free time and decided to take care of myself before resuming activity as Wade.

Still struggling with anemia, I planned to rest for about two days.

“Please, enjoy.”

As requested, Eo kept bringing out greasy food until I was full.

I only put down my utensils once my hunger was satisfied.

“Did it taste good?”

“As always.”

“hehehe…”

Eo chuckled cheerfully.

I just couldn’t understand.

“…”

“…?”

“…”

“Is there something on my face?”

“No, it’s not that.”

The monster I had faced with all sorts of hardships.

No matter how much I thought about it, I couldn’t accept that Eo was on par with that Fischer Partin.

Click! I poked Eo’s forehead with my finger. She cutely blinked as if asking what signal that was.

“I have a favor to ask. Would you mind getting mad at me?”

“Huh? What’s this all of a sudden…?”

“Just try it once. Imagine I stole your snack.”

“I wouldn’t get mad to that extent.”

“Anyway.”

“Well then… You, you naughty guy…!”

It wasn’t scary at all. Instead, it felt awkward.

“Eo, you’re not really that strong.”

“What!?”

“It feels like you lack intimidation. The guy I faced last time, when he yelled once, everyone was trembling. Even my heart sank.”

“I can do that too!”

“Then show me.”

“T-That… I can’t do that to Lord Alse.”

“Hmm, I guess it depends on the situation whether you can do it or not. That kid called Fisher Partin looked like he could do it anytime.”

“I can do it too if I set my mind to it!”

“Then show me.”

“I can’t do it to someone who’s not an enemy. It depends on who I do it to and why I do it. Can Alss truly set his mind on wanting to kill me?”

“That’s unlikely.”

“I feel the same way.”

“Hmm…?”

As they conversed, Yumir returned from buying ingredients.

Yumir’s arms were filled with medicinal herbs and healthy ingredients.

She glanced at the already finished meal on the table and raised an eyebrow. Eo, who felt a prickling sensation, quietly excused himself and left.

“…Eonia. What’s this?”

Yumir’s tone started to grow colder.

Eonia stammered in response.

“Oh, that’s… Alss asked me to make him some delicious food…”

“Didn’t I say I would handle today’s meal? Besides, what is this? These seem like foods that wouldn’t be good for the body. Don’t you realize the lord’s current condition is not well!”

“I-I’m sorry.”

“If apologies could solve everything, we wouldn’t have wars!”

Eo stood there, unsure of what to do, feeling pressured as if facing intimidating soldiers.

Just then.

“The lord is still the lord. Are you asking Eonia for help as if you’ve been waiting for me to be absent?”

An arrow directed at me. Yet, I didn’t sense the same pressure Eo was feeling.

Yumir spoke soothingly.

“This time, I tried to make as delicious a dish as possible.”

“With these seemingly poisonous herbs?”

“As delicious a dish as possible, yes. You should consider your health.”

“Alright… We’ll have that for dinner. But Yumir, are you mad at me for this?”

“Yes. I am mad.”

“I see.”

Depending on who it’s done to, for what reason, and how the recipient perceives it, things can vary. Eo’s words suddenly made more sense.

After lunch, Yumir and I went out for a stroll.

Since Arandal was a city renowned even across the continent, we decided to broaden our horizons.

Eo wanted to come along, but one of the purposes of the sightseeing was to buy gifts for the imperial family, so I left Eo behind.

“It’s better not to know what the gift is in advance.”

While buying gifts for my parents and sister Yulia, we came across a scene that furrowed our brows.

“Come, come! Buy one quickly! From field work to domestic chores. Even night work! Everything is possible!”

A slave trader was showcasing ten slaves, engaging in a sales pitch.

The slaves looked miserable. They seemed devoid of vitality, as if they hadn’t eaten or slept properly, on the brink of collapsing without respite.

“It’s clear how well Crossing’s slave system is functioning.”

In Crossing, such things never happen. If mistreatment or denial of meals to slaves is discovered, the state imposes sanctions.

Therefore, the rate of escape among the slaves of Crossing was low.

At least they provide minimal consciousness.

In fact, to the extent that slaves from other countries escape voluntarily and become Crossing’s slaves.

The system of slavery in Crossing also functions as a basic welfare system.

“….”

Yumir was watching that scene faintly.

I said, “I’ll tell you in advance, I won’t buy them. I think it’s an insult to you.”

If you feel sorry for them just because they’re subhumans, that’s discrimination. Humans can end up in the same situation.

I thought that if you sympathize just because they are subhumans, you would think the same way about Yumir.

“I understand. I just thought that if I hadn’t been picked up by Lady Lysna…. I wouldn’t have ended up like that.”

“About that. Even if Mother said that, it would be the same. If you sympathize because they are subhumans, I will deny it.”

“Lady Lysna was not like that. She was just as dignified as the current Lord.”

“Am I dignified? Not really.”

“hahahaha, the way you say that is so similar.”

Yumir gazed at the subhuman slaves as if transfixed for a while.

Seeing her sensitively react to the unhappiness of the subhumans, I asked unintentionally.

“Yumir, are you happy now?”

“….”

Yumir remained silent for a moment.

“When I went to Lady Lysna’s memorial service last time, the Lord said something. He wanted to find his own happiness. I thought about it then too.”

“So?”

“The Lord’s happiness is my happiness.”

It was a response I somewhat expected.

‘Is someone else’s happiness one’s own happiness….’

No matter how unique Yumir’s relationship with me was, could that be possible? Is that the true form of happiness?

At that moment,

“I’ll take all those subhumans.”

It was Olaf.

He glared at the slave trader without hiding his irritation.

The slave trader, as if saying he didn’t care as long as he got the money, cowardly smiled and accepted the money.

After entrusting the purchased slaves to Dilas, Olaf suddenly noticed me and approached.

“Was this a date?”

“It was kind of like that. But more importantly, what was that just now? Quite a hefty sum you paid. Can I ask where the money came from?”

“You’re right in thinking that. I used Rainfall’s security budget. It was allocated for recruiting labor.”

“I see. What kind of mischief is this?”

“Using the security budget? Or saving them?”

“The latter. Saving them? Your actions are a disgrace to the subhumans.”

“There’s definitely room to think that way. But I didn’t save them with that intention. I just thought there was a better path for them than enduring such miserable slave life. We provide welfare for them and get labor in return. Fortunately, Crossing’s system is well set up in that regard. No need to hesitate, right?”

“If you had treated slaves of other races the same way, I wouldn’t say anything. Have you only bought subhuman slaves so far? That’s hypocrisy.”

“Usually, sea people slaves receive harsher treatment. Shouldn’t we save the more vulnerable ones first?”

Olaf countered like that, chuckled, and shook his head.

“No, no. Such excuses are pathetic. Clearly, it’s as you said. But even so, I have no intention of changing my course of action. Isn’t it true that everyone lives with their own hypocrisy? I’m no saint, Alse.”

“I know. I was hoping you’d say that.”

“Testing me, are you?”

Everyone lives with hypocrisy.

That statement is not wrong. I am no exception.

Not denying Yumir’s words that my happiness is tied to her own was more about my inability to do so. Whatever I say, relying on her dedication would be hypocrisy.