Chapter 113
Haksha. For me, it is an unforgettable place.
We are standing here again after a long absence.
Across the river, on the Golbel side at the foot of the mountains, I can faintly see something white. The area near where that white patch ends is where General Naisol's helmet was placed.
Without a word, we all stare across the river. Our white breath drifts away into the sky.
After staring for a while, we turn our horses toward the far bank to take the long way around, prompted by Wickhart's words: "Let's go."
"...But still, it's amazing that we won."
Frein, who had ridden up beside me, says this. Looking back, even I wonder how we managed to win—or rather, how we managed to make it back alive.
We fled downstream through the pitch-black night from a place we had barely scouted. If there had been any kind of obstacle, our horses could have stumbled and thrown us, ending everything.
And then there was Raimar-san, who had desperately served as our rearguard through it all.
Today, we came to pray for Raimar-san and the others who fell here.
Wickhart had apparently decided that he would always stop here whenever he returned home.
From Wickhart's family home in Hogbeck Territory, it was an easy day's journey back to Haksha on horseback. Apparently, one of the main reasons Wickhart originally joined the Sixth Knight Order was because it was close to home.
We cross the river at the upstream bridge where Ryuzel and I once crossed during our detour for a surprise attack, and arrive at that place.
After the Golbel army left, Raimar-san and the others had been laid down around the tent where General Naisol's helmet had been placed.
At that place, we each offer the Mariute branches we brought with us.
If it were flower season, I would have liked to offer flowers, but it is winter now. Mariute stays green even in winter, with the tips of its leaves turning orange. Since it looks as though small flowers are blooming, it is often used as a substitute for flowers during this season.
Everyone is here except Drew. He declined to come himself, saying he would stay in his room. Raiz-sama is probably worried that Drew might starve to death before anyone notices, so there is no need to force him to come along.
Finally, the twins solemnly offer their branches, and we continue praying for a while.
...Shall we get going soon? We're getting cold."
At Wickhart's words, we each begin preparing to leave when...
"Hey, stay on guard, just in case."
"Someone's coming."
The twins take their morning stars in hand and glare downstream. I turn my gaze that way as well. Sure enough, I can see three people on horseback approaching us.
It seems they have noticed us too, as they gradually slow down and begin watching us warily.
"What do we do?"
"Shall we take them out?"
"No, no, that would be downright lawless... I mean, that hair color..."
Red hair stands out against the dull sky. Could that be the commander of the Seventh Knight Order?
"Isn't that Thor-sama?!" I call out loudly, just to be sure. He waves back at me.
"Thor?"
"That one?"
"I don't know which one you mean, but he's Thor Di Solrugia-sama, commander of the Seventh Knight Order. You know him, don't you?"
"Huh."
"Huh."
The twins wear sly smiles as they say this. They look like they are plotting something.
"Huh...? Well, whatever. Anyway, let's join up."
Before we can head over to them, Thor-sama comes toward us.
"What a surprise... Roa-dono, was it? And Lapilia-dono, Wickhart, and the members of the Tenth Knight Order, I presume?"
"No, we're not."
"We're with the Fourth Knight Order."
The twins immediately deny it, making Thor-sama tilt his head. This is only going to get complicated, so I wish they would keep quiet.
"The twins over there are with the Fourth Knight Order, but the rest of us are indeed with the Tenth," I briefly explain the situation.
"I see. I received word that Lapilia-dono would soon be coming to Riese for an inspection. So... are you here to lay flowers?" Thor-sama shifts his gaze to Wickhart.
"Yes. Also, Thor-dono, I had intended to say this when I visited the fortress later, but I apologize for the trouble I caused." Wickhart bows deeply.
"There is no need to apologize. When I heard about your punishment, I was surprised by how severe it was... But I am glad to see you doing well."
"...I'm relieved to hear you say that. I chose of my own will to serve under Roa-dono, so I have no complaints about this punishment."
"...I see. In that case, I have nothing more to say."
"By the way, Thor-sama, what brings you here?" At Lapilia-sama's question, Thor-sama shows us the Mariute branch in his hand.
"The same reason. I thought I would offer a prayer before the year changed. And..."
"And?"
"There is no point standing around chatting here. You said you would be coming to Riese in three days, correct? Then let us talk when you do. Until then, you are on leave, are you not? Get some proper rest."
"I see. Then we will be in your care three days from now." With Lapilia's reply, the conversation comes to an end. Thor-sama and the others offer their Mariute branches at the same spot where we offered ours and pray for a while.
After that, we travel together to the bridge downstream, where we part ways with Thor-sama after promising to meet again.
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We make it back to Wickhart's family home before sunset.
"Roa-sama! Welcome home! Now, I have some warm tea waiting for you!" Cecilia's enthusiastic welcome leaves me flustered.
According to Wickhart, Miss Cecilia loves tales of war, which was why she admired Lapilia-sama so much. This time, the twins and Frein had spoken of me as though I were the central figure in a story, and she had taken quite a liking to me.
"My little sister is beautiful, isn't she? I wouldn't object if it were you, Roa-dono." Wickhart shows his doting older-brother side.
Cecilia certainly has the same refined features as Wickhart.
Still... well...
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That night, after the conversation following dinner had ended, I quietly went outside because I wanted to get some fresh air.
I sit on a bench in the corner of the well-tended garden, breathe the night air deep into my lungs, and exhale. The air is cold, but refreshing.
"Oh, looks like you beat me to it."
I turn at the voice from behind me and see Lapilia-sama slowly approaching. She sits down beside me.
A brief silence.
"...Cecilia is a good girl."
"Yes, she is. But..."
"Oh? Is there something you don't like about her? A lovely girl like that has taken a fancy to you."
"I think she's a lovely young lady, but I'm really not in that sort of mood right now."
"Oh? And why is that?"
Right now, I am desperately striving to forge the future—the future of this country.
"...It's a secret."
"...Cheeky."
"What about you, Lapilia-sama?"
"I'm really not in that sort of mood right now either."
"...Isn't that the same as me?"
"...I suppose it is."
After that, we silently gaze at the stars twinkling in the winter sky.