Chapter 79 : Black Cloud Knight Order (5)
Black Cloud Knight Order (5)
"Yes. In fact, I am indeed a member of the knight order sent from the Black Cloud Knight Order."
With Gregory's words, a brief silence filled the room. Bram then looked at Gregory with a sympathetic gaze.
"As I thought... Then, does that mean everything you said so far was a lie?"
Bram spoke candidly, and Gregory behaved as if he had expected such a reaction.
"That is not the case. I can assure you that nothing I have said thus far was a lie. The kingdom is currently in grave danger. I have done my utmost so far to save my comrades. I assure you that feeling is in no way a lie."
Bram, who was tempted by Gregory's words, looked at him with narrowed eyes for a moment.
Unwavering pupils. An upright gaze, and even a confident stance—Bram could immediately read Gregory's true intent.
Having joined the Black Cloud Knight Order decades ago, Gregory was in no way a match for him in psychological warfare.
Given the nature of the Dark Knight Order, which needs to hunt down the kingdom's traitors, bram could tell exactly whether Gregory was lying or not.
He was certain that if Gregory were lying, he wouldn't be able to carry himself in such a manner.
Yet, bram still seemed to harbor some negativity.
"Hm... Even if you've only told the truth, it doesn't change much. Rather, I find it quite galling that you tried to deceive me."
Bram continued.
"However, I do think the heart and courage you show for your comrades are truly admirable. It seems you are displaying the qualities that I, myself, could never truly realize."
Gregory felt a sense of doubt at Bram's words and asked him once more.
"Then are you saying you will give me a chance?"
"Your methods were misguided, but your motivation pleases me. Can you tell me why the Black Cloud Knight Order sent you to me? I, too, wish to reconcile with the Black Cloud Knight Order."
'If he were to rejoin, rooting out all the traitors would probably be as easy as eating porridge.'
Seeing Bram's response, Gregory became certain he could persuade him. If Bram had truly wanted to hold on to old grudges, he would have dismissed Gregory coldly.
Moreover, Gregory, who was aware of all the circumstances, could roughly guess what Bram was thinking.
"In that case, I will tell you."
For that reason, Gregory explained the peril now facing Arme. He told him that war could break out in the kingdom at any moment and that traitors were festering inside the kingdom.
The more he dug into the details, the more Bram's expression twisted, his inner turmoil becoming visible in his eyes.
"So you want me to return to the Black Cloud Knight Order? And to eliminate those traitors? Are you saying they sent you for that single reason?"
Bram seemed lost in thought for a moment. He figured that his comrades likely harbored feelings of betrayal since he had not returned for so long.
Therefore, the reason he hadn't returned until now was due to his guilt toward his comrades and an utter lack of confidence in being able to face them first.
"In fact, there is something more I should say. From my perspective, the reason Sir Bram hasn't rejoined the Black Cloud Knight Order is because you are avoiding it out of fear your comrades would be wrongly accused of saving a traitor."
"......"
Gregory's words struck Bram's heart, and silence fell again.
"If that is the case, there is no need for concern."
Bram raised one eyebrow and asked back.
"What do you mean by that?"
"I know because I have heard both sides. The Black Cloud Knight Order sincerely needs you, sir Bram."
Bram waved his hand dismissively and rejected Gregory's offer. But the truth was, he had another reason for refusing. He was the sort of man who, if he could take the fall for others to benefit, would willingly do so.
"I told you, I cannot return... And who will protect this mine?"
The moment Gregory saw Bram's denial, he fired back.
"No. I believe that is nothing but a cowardly excuse. There are plenty of people who could be entrusted with the mine. And besides, the notion that sacrificing yourself will bring better results for others truly helps no one."
Bram paused for a moment, then opened his eyes wide. Gregory continued to speak. He hadn't met Bram in his previous life and didn't know his character in detail, but according to the information obtained from the Black Cloud Knight Order, it was very similar to Bram's true nature.
If Bram truly had the same disposition as he did, then Gregory believed that heartfelt words and insight could awaken something in him.
So, with an even more impassioned voice, he admonished Bram.
"If you keep running from your duties, clinging to the notion that sacrificing yourself will bring happiness to all... then that is not the conduct befitting a true knight."
Gregory spoke, catching his breath.
"Have you ever once considered how it must feel for your comrades, who had to let a precious comrade go? At first, they may deny it, but eventually, they will end up setting you free, sir Bram. But I do not believe you are that kind of person."
Gregory's unwavering gaze, his voice solid even in passion, left Bram at a loss for words.
In that instant, something inside Bram began to crumble away. No one had ever said such words to him. Some may have consoled, scolded, or coaxed him—but with a heart so sincere, none had ever moved him like Gregory did.
Bram closed his eyes. Regrets, anger, isolation, and self-blame that had entangled within him began to sink away like ripples in a tranquil lake.
"... You are nobler a knight than I."
He muttered quietly. And when he opened his eyes again, they had already regained their former decisiveness.
"Very well. I shall return to the Black Cloud Knight Order... and once more take up my sword for the kingdom."
In the end, bram resolved to return to the Black Cloud Knight Order. He decided he would no longer run away and would share his true feelings with his comrades.
A gentle smile played on Gregory's lips, but he bowed his head in respect and kept his emotions in check.
"Thank you, sir Bram."
Bram gazed calmly at the entrance to the mine. For a long time, it had been a path he'd avoided. But now, it was time to take that first step.
"One day is enough to tidy up here. Let's depart together at dawn tomorrow."
"Understood. I will wait until then."
As Gregory nodded, bram took one last look at the deepest part of the mine. He was no longer someone shackled by the past. Within the tense prelude to the coming war, this was the beginning of an advance with new comrades by his side.
This incident also proved to be a time for Gregory to reflect on his own inner conflicts.
He, too, had once been willing to give up his life for others, if only it would improve things for his comrades.
Gregory now resolved that he would not simply keep running away any longer.
'From now on, rather than always deciding for myself, I should consider my comrades' hearts and value their opinions.'
***
The next day. As soon as the sun rose, Gregory headed for the Dawn Knight Order. Persuading Bram, who no one had thought could be swayed in any way, with such heartfelt appeal was a tremendous achievement.
The moment he opened the doors to the meeting hall, everyone wore startled expressions.
"W-what? Y-you're already back?"
Upon seeing Gregory, darkreon thought he had failed to win over Bram. After all, it was nearly impossible to imagine Bram joining the group again so soon.
So he hung his head in self-reproach.
"I should have stopped him back then... This is my fault. But it's fine. Even without him, we can still take care of all the traitors."
Just as Darkreon looked up at the door, the other comrades had already been struck dumb, jaws agape, upon seeing Bram.
Before long, Walter spoke.
"Gregory... You've done the impossible again, haven't you?"
At his words, darkreon pinched his own cheek. Bram, who had not shown his face in years, now stood before him.
"You say you can manage everything without me? Now that I'm here, I've only given myself a pointless trip. Maybe I should turn around and leave."
Darkreon stood up abruptly and walked over to him.
"N-no, I misspoke."
Even though it had been a long time, they quickly found themselves getting along naturally, without any awkwardness. And just as that moving reunion unfolded, another person rushed in.
"Sir Walter, the enemy is advancing. You must check this message at once!"