Chapter 17
While fleeing Femas, Sakri seemed to spend the entire time silently thinking about something.
Most likely, it had something to do with Sholtz's final words.
―― This war was started by you, your elder brother, and the members of the True Guidance Church who pander to you and your elder brother. Now that you have been defeated, you must take responsibility and bring it to an end to protect His Holiness the Pope and the people of Lifrea. ――
―― This is not a matter of whether you listen or not! You must do it! That is the responsibility of those who started a war. If you mean to throw your life away so readily here, then stake your life if necessary and carve out a path to surrender! ――
Sholtz's heartfelt words moved even Munar's heart a little. Sakri must have taken them to heart even more.
True to Sholtz's vow to put his body on the line, no pursuers seemed to be closing in.
After checking behind them several times, Munar called out to the silent Sakri and seized the reins of Sakri's horse.
"The horse will collapse if you keep this up. Slow down a little."
"..."
Ignoring Sakri's silence, Munar reined in Sakri's horse.
It was nearly midnight. Should they rest here for a while? Or should they continue through the night and change horses in whatever town they came across?
...Well, the latter, I suppose. Even if Sholtz is holding them off, there has to be a limit. Then we should ride to some town and... No, wait, wasn't there a small fortress nearby? It would be safer to head there.
Having come to that conclusion, Munar turned his horse toward the fortress. Then, seeing Sakri in a daze, he gave a bitter chuckle inwardly.
...Why am I being so dutiful about taking care of this guy?
Even though Sholtz had humbled himself before me, I had no obligation to do this. The outcome had already been decided. Lifrea was doomed. Since Nero would no longer provide me with food, I had no reason to stick with these people.
I could simply leave Sakri here and flee alone to Rubral.
But I wanted to see how things turned out for these brothers.
In the end, Munar did not abandon Sakri and instead headed for the fortress.
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"What a mess."
Munar laughed at the sight of the fortress.
The fortress held only a handful of inexperienced soldiers with poor judgment and old soldiers who had already resigned themselves to their fate.
The soldiers who had fled must have reached the fortress before Munar and the others did. After hearing their reports, the defenders had become certain they had lost the war.
Had they moved to a larger fortress to engage the enemy? No, judging by the confusion, most of them had fled.
It couldn't be helped. There was no food. They could do nothing by barricading themselves inside, and with no hope of reinforcements, a siege was pointless.
"Hey, are there any horses left?"
In response to Munar's question, an old soldier answered, "There are a few..."
"Then prepare the two healthiest ones. We'll leave after resting for about an hour."
The old soldier asked Munar, who had made that declaration, "What should we do...?" Apparently, he had mistaken Munar for a commander because of his imperious manner. There couldn't possibly be a red-haired commander in Lifrea. Perhaps he was in no state to think that through.
I wasn't part of the knight order, but correcting him would only make borrowing horses a hassle. Besides, Sakri was still silent.
"...In any case, we can't defend this place. If Rudek's soldiers approach, surrender."
When Munar gave that order, the old soldier bowed his head in relief.
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On the way, they passed through several fortresses like that one while heading for the Holy Capital.
―― I see. This country really is finished. ――
Every fortress they stopped at was much like the first: only a scattering of soldiers with no will to fight remained.
He also heard that some had withdrawn to the Holy Capital to prepare for the final battle, but it did not sound as though there were many of them. At some fortresses, fires had already broken out, perhaps because the factions calling for battle and surrender had quarreled.
As they passed through scenes that spoke of a nation's end, Sakri and Munar continued onward.
"We're here. The Holy Capital."
"Ah. I see."
At last, Sakri spoke.
Then,
"Munar, I have one last favor to ask. I need your help preparing something."
Sakri met Munar's gaze, his face set with resolve.