A Victory We Cannot Celebrate and a Warm Palm

Rays-sama listened to our report with a stern expression.

Franklurt had already begun his retreat, and several units of the Tenth Knight Order had moved on to assess the situation on the far bank and pursue the fleeing enemy.

Captain Ryuzel and I had not joined the pursuit, as we had to explain the situation to Rays-sama at the command post that had been set up.

The Sixth Knight Order’s envoy had also been sent away with word that their side of the story would be heard later.

He’s angry, isn’t he...

The Sixth Knight Order’s camp had been gloomy even after everyone returned safely, but the pressure Rays-sama gave off was on an entirely different level. It was terrifying.

“So how many failed to return?”

Captain Ryuzel straightened his back and answered.

“Sir! Our unit has only a few wounded. As for the Sixth Knight Order, around fifty of those who took part in the surprise attack and ten of those who joined the rescue operation have not returned.”

The fact that one of them was Laimar-san weighed heavily on my heart...