Chapter 89 : First Victory
First Victory
Recruitment, execution, liberation.
When you defeat a knight of an enemy nation, there are three main choices you can make. Recruitment is just as it sounds; the enemy knight is brought into your side as a prisoner or directly as a knight.
But in cases like this, where their demeanor is so authoritative, it is judged that they are full of loyalty to their country and so recruitment is avoided...
That leaves only execution and liberation.
'But... it's a real shame to kill this guy.'
Gregory very much wished to recruit Trace. He was one of those talented individuals who would undoubtedly thrive if given proper guidance.
"Return. I will spare your life."
That was the conclusion Gregory reached after much deliberation. In the end, he decided to let Trace return to his homeland. Originally, since the two kingdoms were allied, and with occasional joint operations due to third-party invasions or coalition maneuvers, persuasion like this was not uncommon.
However, at present, the Blandi Kingdom and the Arme Kingdom were filled with deep resentment toward each other.
So realistically, only recruitment or execution would have been considered.
Thanks to this, trace felt a curious mixture of emotions and glared at Gregory with eyes full of resentment.
"Do you want to mock me until the end? Just kill me. I suppose you intend to sweet-talk me and make me serve under you. I have not the slightest desire for that, so cut me down right here."
Gregory fully understood Trace's reaction. Sometimes, liberation would be used to lower an enemy's loyalty.
After all, witnessing the mercy of an adversary could cause a change of heart.
But Gregory didn't care about such things. Having this man, trace, return to his homeland and report the hidden strength of the Arme Kingdom—thereby deterring them from invading thoughtlessly—was enough.
He thought that alone would fulfill his duty. After all, a knight would have far more direct impact than an ordinary soldier.
"Go home. No one should question spending your utmost devotion and sincerity for your country. And make this known: that there are many monsters hiding in the Arme Kingdom, so never underestimate or take us lightly."
He placed both hands on his hips and fixed Trace with a fierce gaze. On the other hand, trace thought Gregory a strange person. After pushing him into a corner like this, he wondered if there could be any further benefit to be gained from him, his judgment clouding.
"You fool... You'll surely regret letting me live."
Trace stood up, turned away, and, after one last solemn look at Gregory, went on his way. He also made up his mind to become stronger and someday deliver humiliation to Gregory.
It was only natural to feel a sense of loss from the overwhelming difference in power, but this outcome served as a foundation for his new resolve—to become even stronger.
'Let's see who the real fool is...'
Of course, Gregory was not someone to be cowed by such bravado. Trace might be a powerful individual, but to Gregory, who possessed memories of his previous life, he posed no threat.
No matter how much Trace grew stronger, it was unthinkable for him to catch up with Gregory's rate of improvement.
He resolved to show Trace an even more humiliating outcome next time.
Other comrades approached and patted Gregory on the body.
"G-Gregory. Are you alright? Was it wise to just let that guy go after such a hard-fought victory?"
"No worries... I consider it fortunate just to be alive and well. The enemy was undoubtedly impressive. Gregory, you showed us an excellent duel. Now, get some good rest."
Gregory suppressed a laugh as he watched them. The fact that he had worked with Trace for such a long time to irritate him now looked to his comrades like a hard-fought victory.
But he chose not to deny it. They probably knew how strong he already was, but would surely be curious about how much he had grown in such a short period.
Hiding this much growth could one day become a powerful weapon.
"Ugh... I'm exhausted from having used too much strength..."
So Gregory pretended as if he had just survived a fierce battle and collapsed to the ground. Walter gazed upon him with pride and admiration.
"We'd best return soon and rest. Well done, Gregory."
***
That night, they hosted a festival to celebrate their victory and everyone's efforts. Of course, since they had just achieved victory in a major battle, there was some worry about an enemy surprise attack, but the risk seemed low so they allowed themselves to enjoy a lighthearted day.
It would take considerable time to regroup and retrain such a large army, and besides, the siege equipment had been retrieved by the Dawn Knight Order after the enemy retreated.
Although the wall at the front lines had proved a tough challenge and it was hard to say they had achieved an outright victory, it was undeniably their first great triumph.
Moreover, the intention was to wash away the loss and hold the festival to honor fallen comrades.
As such, everyone threw themselves into the spirit of celebration.
"Eat! Eat like there's no tomorrow!"
"Drink and live! Let's blow away all the exhaustion of today!"
"Oh, hey James, are you going to show us your dancing again after so long?"
Maybe that's why—they did not mention the fallen soldiers, and no one looked sad.
Alessandro looked around at his comrades and spoke.
"Is it really all right for things to be this... chaotic?"
Adrian placed a hand on Alessandro's shoulder and replied.
"Alessandro, sometimes you have to just let things go. We're at war, so we can't afford to be weighed down by every emotion."
Alessandro recoiled slightly at Adrian's words and asked again.
"What do you mean, just an emotion? People died—how is that insignificant?"
"That's not what I meant... They're hiding their sadness. Honestly, in a war where no one knows who might die next, everyone's doing their all."
As Adrian continued, Alessandro was curious, so he listened closely.
"Right...?"
"But if you let fear control you, you can't fight properly. Only by putting aside the fact that comrades have died can you fight with all your heart."
"Still, isn't that a little too cold?"
"If you want to become a truly great knight, you must learn to take even the deaths of comrades in stride. Even if everyone looks like they're enjoying the festival, deep inside, they're grieving."
Alessandro nodded in agreement.
"... You're right. I've decided I will become an outstanding knight."
Adrian wished for Alessandro to harden his resolve. Such situations would be inevitable going forward, so this mindset was essential. Satisfied, he nodded with a gentle smile.
"Good. That's the right attitude. Let's stop thinking and just enjoy the festival!"
"Alright. Still, didn't I look rather dignified in this battle?"
"I don't know, you idiot, just eat this."
Only now did Alessandro begin to eat with gusto, finally looking at ease. The other comrades also laughed at the banter between Alessandro and Adrian.
Brea usually had a rebellious streak, but after experiencing war firsthand and spending time with the Dawn Knight Order, she seemed to be gradually influenced by them.
She tried to hide her smile as she quietly watched them, but the corners of her lips visibly lifted.
Elisabeth noticed this and, perhaps feeling apologetic for having been harsh to Brea, approached her first and offered food.
"Would you like to try some of this?"
Though unaccustomed to such sudden kindness, Brea did not refuse, thinking maybe she was starting to feel a sense of belonging.
Stammering, she accepted the plate Elisabeth offered. The fragrant, savory meat looked delicious at a glance.
"Uh, th-thank you."
Elisabeth stared at Brea, and Brea, unused to the situation, watched Elisabeth nervously for a while before finally taking a bite.
"It's good..."
After much bickering, Adrian and Alessandro finally calmed down and watched Brea's reaction. Since they had never seen her so shy, it came as a surprise.
With a shudder in his voice, Adrian remarked at her odd behavior.
"What the...? I could've sworn she'd have snapped and refused it..."
Alessandro agreed with him.
"They say people change before they die. She's not gonna die, right?"
They, too, felt that Brea was coming to her senses and wanted to become closer to her. After all, comradery and loyalty are absolute necessities among those you must truly trust.