Chapter 32: Bonds (1)

Hernand opened a tent and began treating the wounded.

“Sir Hernand!”

“Ah, priest.”

Jermaine, the priest accompanying Briol’s army, entered the tent.

“Goodness, why didn’t you let me know? Why are you doing all this by yourself?”

“Hahaha, you need rest too, Priest Jermaine.”

“That’s not necessary.”

Jermaine placed a hand over his chest and said,

“As a messenger of divine will, I cannot use physical fatigue as an excuse. If my sacrifice brings peace to others, I will gladly offer my body.”

“Your faith runs deep, I see.”

“Of course.”

Jermaine pulled up a chair and sat next to Hernand.

“Come now, knights, gather around me.”

Inside the tent were not only knights but also soldiers. Yet Jermaine specifically addressed the knights.

“I will heal you. The will of God shall be passed onto you.”

But few stepped forward. Despite using holy arts, Hernand’s healing magic was simply superior.

“Don’t worry. Come closer. Hahaha…”

Then, a soldier from the back quickly sat in front of Jermaine.

Jermaine’s eyebrows twitched slightly, but he began treatment without complaint.

“Where does it hurt?”

“Here…”

A white light emanated from his hand. Soon, the pain began to subside. The soldier bowed his head in gratitude and left the tent. One by one, more began to line up in front of Jermaine.

Cory, who was assisting Hernand, served some water and placed it on Jermaine’s table.

“Priest, please drink some water while you work.”

“Hmm…?”

He looked a little surprised to see Cory but nodded.

“Yes.”

Cory could sense Jermaine’s rejection. The fact that he was a half-orc had already spread through the unit.

“If you need anything, just let me know.”

“Alright.”

Cory stepped back and watched Hernand and Jermaine as they treated people.

Each time a white light glowed from their hands, the groans of the wounded faded. Seeing the faces contorted in pain gradually ease was clearly visible to Cory.

“It hurts a lot here. Please, please…”

“Why did you come so late?”

“I thought it wasn’t serious…”

“This is going to get infected.”

Jermaine frowned.

“Cory.”

“Yes.”

“Bring me some water. Make sure it’s clean.”

“Understood.”

Cory ran out at once.

Due to a congenital difference in leg length and a twisted limb, he couldn’t run fast, but despite his limp, he brought the water as quickly as he could.

Jermaine cast a spell over the bucket Cory brought.

“This water is now holy water. It will disinfect the wound. It’ll sting, but bear with it.”

He poured the water over the wound. White bubbles formed.

The soldier let out a stifled groan.

“The holy water is reacting with the impurity in the wound.”

“It burns too much.”

“Endure it.”

“Ugh…”

“Cory, clean it.”

“Yes, sir.”

Cory took a clean towel and cleaned the wound. A glow emanated again from Jermaine’s hand. The soldier’s face gradually relaxed.

“Alright. Next.”

Jermaine wiped the sweat from his forehead.

Hernand and Jermaine continued healing. Unlike Hernand, who remained composed, Jermaine was clearly showing signs of fatigue.

Noticing Cory’s gaze, Jermaine spoke.

“Sir Hernand is an exceptional mage, that’s why he can handle all this. Don’t look at me like that.”

“Oh, no, it’s not that. If I can help, please let me know.”

“Bring me some more fresh water, please.”

Jermaine drank a glass of water and resumed his holy arts. Thanks to his quick intervention, there were no severe injuries.

Once things settled down, Jermaine stood up. His priestly robe was drenched.

“What a relief that it ended like this.”

“The war hasn’t even started yet.”

“It’ll be horrible. I’m already worried. May God watch over us with mercy…”

“Cory, what are you doing?”

“Just tidying up before leaving.”

“Do it tomorrow.”

The three stepped out of the tent.

“Oh…”

It was already night, but the camp was still lit. Soldiers were seated around a large bonfire.

An unfamiliar soldier began playing a lute and singing. His voice was impressive.

“Life is like this…”

Hernand smiled gently.

Cory looked at each person around the fire. He saw many of the injured he had helped in the tent. Those faces once distorted in pain now laughed as if carefree.

Seeing that scene stirred something in Cory.

“They’re people headed for the battlefield, but they can laugh like that now.”

Hernand extended his hands. From the tips of his ten fingers, bright lines like stars rose into the sky in waves.

“Wow…”

Cory’s eyes widened. The beam of light created by Hernand rose into the sky and rippled like waves.

Under the starlit night sky over the plains, an enchanting light show unfolded like never before.

It burst like fireworks, formed beasts that ran and played among themselves.

From red to green, green to blue, the colors shifted dizzyingly. The singing soldier’s voice grew even more joyful. All eyes watching the sky danced with color.

Cory took a step back and watched the entire scene.

Magic.

The magic had reached Cory. Suddenly, he felt that if he didn’t act now, he never would.

So, without realizing it, he opened his mouth. It didn’t feel like something he would say himself.

“Sir Hernand.”

“Hmm?”

“Please teach me magic.”

Saying that, Cory looked up at him from under his hood. Though the words were his, they didn’t feel like his own.

It didn’t seem real. Hernand’s face above him tilted slightly.

Aside from Yuri, Hernand was the only person who didn’t frown at him.

Would he be offended by the bold request to learn magic? Would his attitude suddenly change too? But even that no longer scared him.

Behind Hernand’s face, the brilliance of the lights shone even brighter.

“This…”

Hernand spoke.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve seen it.”

“Pardon?”

“Not you.”

Hernand’s face wore an unusually gentle expression. He reached inside the hood.

Cory flinched. Hernand was caressing the cheek that no one else dared to touch.

“Each person is given a destiny.”

“Destiny?”

“Yes. But I can no longer see it. Because of someone.”

He didn’t understand what that meant.

“But with you, I can see it. Even though he’s right there.”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“A fate that wasn’t originally yours has come to you as if it were a lie. Then, should we still call it fate?”

Hernand smiled and asked,

“Cory, why do you suddenly want to learn magic?”

“Well…”

He could’ve mentioned Yuri’s name but didn’t want to. Cory turned and looked at the people sitting around the fire.

“Because people are smiling.”

Those who were in pain were now at ease. People headed for battle were laughing. That magical power, able to create brilliance more beautiful than the stars, felt too admirable.

“I see.”

Hernand nodded. Just in case, Cory added,

“Well, the prince also suggested it.”

“Of course, that makes sense.”

Hernand burst out laughing. Though he often joked, Cory had never seen him laugh so heartily.

Once he calmed down, he murmured,

“A half-orc who uses magic…”

Cory flinched. But Hernand placed a hand on his shoulder.

“That would be truly impressive.”

It was the first time he’d ever heard something like that. Cory pulled his hood down low.

The corner of his lips twitched. He didn’t know why his facial muscles moved that way, and as he tilted his head in confusion, seeing the soldiers’ faces, he realized—it was a smile.

It was the first time in his life he’d made that expression.

***

The army of Briol was marching diligently toward Valshard.

From time to time, orc shadows could be seen in the distance, but they didn’t launch a direct attack.

As they moved further from the border, unfamiliar landscapes began to appear.

“What’s that?”

“Are they riding something?”

Orcs mounted on unknown beasts appeared.

“That’s a komodo-drake.”

A voice suddenly answered, making a soldier turn around. A black-haired young man stood with his arms crossed.

“Prince?”

This peculiar prince often showed up suddenly among the soldiers. If it were any other noble, they would have been startled, but he wasn’t authoritarian, so they felt comfortable around him.

“It’s a creature that orcs ride instead of horses.”

“It’s huge.”

“There aren’t many of them, which is why they don’t show up often. But if you run into one, run. Its bite causes wounds to fester, and its skin is so tough you can’t cut it without sword aura.”

“I see. You sure know a lot, Prince.”

“It’s all in books.”

“I’ve never seen you with a book though…”

“I prefer reading in secret.”

The komodo-drake was two or three times the size of an orc, and looked like a lizard that walked on all fours.

Despite its bulky body, it ran so fast its legs were nearly invisible.

The orc cavalry spying on Briol’s army quickly vanished beyond the horizon.

“I’ll shoot one down next time.”

“They’re too far to hit.”

“Still, it’s annoying.”

Yuri whistled. The black horse walking behind him trotted up.

He mounted and rode to the vanguard, where Raymond and the knights were waiting.

“I looked into it.”

“Huh?”

Jared tilted his head. Yuri continued.

“Today’s lunch will be beef soup seasoned with jerky.”

“Ah… I see.”

“I made a deal with the supply unit to open a cart.”

“That’s great.”

“It was thanks to me predicting the surprise orc attack.”

“Yeah… the Prince is amazing.”

“Every time you take a bite, bow in my direction.”

The army steadily advanced toward Valshard. They would likely arrive by nightfall.

“Several countries have already arrived in Valshard.”

“Already?”

“They say they encountered no obstacles on the way.”

“Lucky them.”

The countries summoned by the alliance were gathering in Valshard from various routes.

Briol, being adjacent to the plains, was relatively close, but had been delayed by several incidents.

“Let’s rest here.”

As the army halted to prepare lunch, two horsemen approached from a distance.

When they got close enough, everyone in the army could see them.

While stirring his meat soup, Yuri watched their attire.

The shape of their dark armor suggested they were from the Imperial army.

“Hey.”

Yuri tapped the soldier next to him.

“Y-Yes?”

He stood up with a jolt, startled. A nervous soldier, uneasy about eating so close to the prince.

“Why so scared?”

“I-it’s nothing!”

“Are you new? Just enlisted?”

“Yes…”

“Perfect. See those two knights over there?”

“Y-yes.”

“Go ask what they want.”

“M-me?”

“Yes.”

“H-how could I handle such an important task…?”

“It’s not important.”

“But still…”

Yuri’s gaze shifted to the veteran soldier beside him. As soon as he did, the veteran scolded him.

“How dare you hesitate when the prince is speaking?”

“N-no, sir!”

“You’re too soft. So, will you go or not?”

“I-I’ll go.”

The rookie’s eyes darted nervously. Yuri patted his shoulder with a smile.

“You just have to ask what they’re here for. Why so scared?”

“It’s nothing.”

“Good. Go on, then.”

“Y-Yes…”

The boy got up hesitantly, looked around nervously, and under the stern gazes of Yuri and the veteran, ran off.

Yuri watched the scene while taking a spoonful of soup. The soldier ran for a while, then stopped in front of the riders and exchanged a few words. From time to time, the knights glanced in Yuri’s direction.

“The soup’s salty.”

Yuri finished eating and handed his tray to the soldier beside him.

“Take it back.”

“Yes, sir.”

The soldier soon returned. Yuri slightly unsheathed his sword and stepped forward to meet him. Laurent and Jared quickly followed.

“Which country are they from?”

“Most likely the Empire.”

Yuri was familiar with the style of Imperial armor. He had fought them countless times in his past life. He even knew their weak spots.

Finally, the soldier returned, panting.

“They said they’re knights of the Empire. They came to warn us about orcs lurking near Valshard.”

“How kind.”

Yuri nodded.

“Riding as a pair must be dangerous. They must be confident in their skills.”

“But since they came all this way, we should welcome them properly, right?”

“Of course.”

All three knights turned to look at the panting soldier, who asked with a pleading face:

“D-Do I have to go again?”

Yuri just waved him off.

“No need. Good work.”

Instead of sending the soldier again, Yuri waved to the knights.

“You guys wave too. Call them over.”

“What…?”

Jared hesitated, but Laurent immediately followed.

“Why do you always act so fast, Laurent?”

“Jared, do it too.”

“Geez…”

In the end, all three waved enthusiastically to the Imperial knights.

Luckily, the message got through, and the two riders headed toward the camp. When they dismounted, one of them removed his helmet and revealed his face.

“A pleasure. I’m Leifio Artem, second son of Count Zenon and a knight of the Empire.”

He looked toward Laurent and bowed. Surprised, Laurent stepped back.

“Ah, no. I’m not…”

Then Leifio turned to Yuri, who introduced himself.

“I’m Yuri Briol, commander of Briol’s army and third prince.”

“Ah, my apologies.”

Leifio’s eyes widened in surprise and he respectfully greeted Yuri.

“I didn’t expect Your Highness to receive us personally.”

“Since you came to us, it’s the least I can do.”

“Thank you for the hospitality.”

“Did you arrive at Valshard before us?”

“Yes. The Empire divided its forces into multiple groups. We are the vanguard.”

Leifio explained what had recently happened. Near Valshard, orc groups had started appearing, and some allied troops that arrived early were attacked.

“That’s why we’re patrolling and warning allied armies.”

“A commendable effort.”

Yuri acknowledged their work. Even if the Empire was an enemy, the emperor hadn’t shown hostile intent yet. There was no reason to be antagonistic toward mere knights.

“And that person over there…”

“Ah…”

Leifio turned his head. The knight who had kept his distance removed his helmet.

He had graying hair and a wrinkled face—a middle-aged knight.

Yuri’s eyes widened.

“Sorry for not introducing myself earlier. I’m not in a position to do so proudly.”

It was a face he could never forget. In the past or present, it hadn’t changed at all.

The voice of that man echoed in the memories of Yuri’s past life.

Yuri, concealing his agitation, nodded.

“Graham Hartfall, a knight who lost his title, bows before the third prince of Briol.”

If the imperial princess Yekaterina was Yuri’s sin, then the knight before him was his shame.

Graham Hartfall.

A man more just and chivalrous than any other, now marching as a common soldier.