Book 3: Chapter Ep
When Prince Wein had first visited the fortress, it was on a cold winter’s day.
Someone had welcomed him warmly out of politeness, even though the figure harbored anxiety. This person was already past their prime. It wouldn’t be strange at all to consider retirement, said the whispers after this banquet. Thinking about it made the commander’s old bones grow cold.
Oh, why couldn’t Wein have been born twenty or even ten years earlier? If he had, the soldier could have rushed around the battlefield by Wein’s side—
“I bet that’s what you’re thinking.”
The person in question jolted, agitated. Wein turned to make eye contact and spoke as if reading an open book.
“Screw age. Whether you’re one or one hundred, utility is the most important. And I’ve never once thought of you as useless.”
“……”
“Or are you already giving up on yourself? You think you can’t do anything more?”
“No!” came the shout with more force than intended. Surprised by this unexpected response, the old soldier began to speak with an unbudgeable determination. “No, I would never think any such thing.”