Jeirutt and Beric were just inside the medical tent.

Jin noticed it was exceptionally rowdy within. Waving off the attendant who was about to announce his arrival, he personally pushed aside the tent flap and stepped inside.

Could the wounds be so severe they’re causing seizures? Or is this just the sound of anxious wailing from those watching over them? Jin held his breath, only to find his eyebrows twitching in response to the scene.

“Wow, he’s seriously ugly, now that I look again.”

“Beric, you hear that? She says you’re ugly.”

“Yeah. It’s fine. She tells me that all the time.”

“No, but seriously, what does this guy think his body is? It’s a miracle his intestines are still in one piece.”

“Maybe all the gorging he does is a defense mechanism? His stomach is probably like, ‘I can’t live like this,’ and just demands more food every time he gets a hole punched in him.”

“You’re being loud! Go chatter somewhere else!”

“Who wants to switch?”

“Already? You barely just started. Keep going.”

“Ah, I’m really out of power!”

Ziiiing! Zing!

A circle of mages was gathered around Beric, pouring mana into him. Nearby, Ian was tending to Jeirutt.

And the other magic swordsmen?

“More food, please.”

“Buurp. Yeah, still not nearly enough.”

They were also replenishing their energy with food after having taken Akorella’s mana recovery potions. Thankfully, aside from the two commanders, there seemed to be no other serious injuries. Jin let out a breath of relief he hadn’t even realized he was holding.

Barsabe was the first to notice the unfamiliar presence. She froze, a handful of meat halfway to her mouth.

“Your… Your Majesty!”

“What? Where?”

“Whaaaak!”

“Keoheok! I-I’m choking!”

“You idiot! Just swallow it!”

When did he get here?

Everyone scrambled, startled by Jin’s sudden appearance, not knowing what to do. Ian, one hand still resting on Jeirutt’s abdomen, was the first to greet him.

“You’ve arrived, Your Majesty.”

“I came to check on Commander Jeirutt and Beric. The rest of you, focus on your recovery.”

“O-Our apologies…” the magic swordsmen mumbled, their mouths still half-full. They had tried to swallow everything in a hurry, but it was hardly a dignified appearance to present to the Emperor.

Jin pulled a chair over next to Ian and sat down. “So, are they both safe?”

“Yes, their lives are not in danger.”

“And you?”

“I am also unharmed.”

“That is a relief. That everyone has returned safely.”

Jin’s gaze settled on Jeirutt, who was lying helplessly. It was… surprising. He supposed he had subconsciously believed the Commander was so strong and steadfast that he would never fall like this. Or perhaps, knowing full well the devastating consequences the defeat of the Three Great Commanders had brought upon the palace during his father’s reign, he was simply afraid.

As Jin looked down at Jeirutt, Ian added calmly, “Do not worry yourself too much. This outcome is a fortunate one for Bariel. It is the god’s blessing.”

If Jeirutt hadn’t broken free of the brainwashing, he wouldn’t have just been injured; he would have been killed. Ian’s golden eyes met Jin’s directly.

“And above all, we have plenty of talent to fill the void Jeirutt leaves, do we not?”

Bonita and Simon, the other two Great Commanders, were still there. And Beric, despite his current state, would no doubt display his monstrous recovery speed. The former Emperor had once faced the blades of the Three Great Commanders, as had Ian himself, but Jin never would. The god willed it, and Ian would prevent it.

“I also received the report concerning Idgal.”

“Yes. I managed to recall it, though unintentionally.”

It had been a faint memory, but the experience had cleared his mind as if he’d received a revelation. Ian smiled softly, recalling the warmth he had felt.

“You can set aside your worries about the Idgal supply. There seems to be no mana restriction, and it causes no strain on my body.”

At his words, the mages all flinched in unison. They wanted to tell him to pace himself, just in case, but how could they interrupt a conversation with the Emperor? They just fretted, anxiously twisting strands of Beric’s hair.

“…Your Majesty.”

Jeirutt’s voice rasped. The Imperial Guard members, forgetting all propriety, rushed to his side and held him.

“Commander! Are you conscious?”

“How are you? Do you recognize us?”

“If you have a problem anywhere, tell us immediately, yes?”

“…All of you… how irreverent.”

“Ah, our apologies!”

The magic swordsmen backed away as Jeirutt grimaced and muttered. He turned his head toward Jin and let out a small sigh.

“I apologize for showing you such a state, Your Majesty.”

“No, it’s fine. You’ve returned alive. That is all that matters.”

“I suppose I’ve grown old. To think I’d be taken down by the likes of Beric… Haha.”

Jeirutt’s gaze lingered on the empty air for a moment. He seemed to be thinking of something, his lips parting and closing without a sound. He said nothing, but both Ian and Jin recognized the emotions coloring his thoughts.

“Later, Jeirutt.”

Jin took his hand and spoke softly.

Later. I will listen after the war is over. I can give you my blessing to step down from your command and embrace a new life, but not now. Right now, everyone needs you.

“Yes, I understand, Your Majesty.”

Jin conveyed this with his eyes, and Jeirutt nodded.

Nearby, Ian glanced at Beric, who was fast asleep with his mouth hanging wide open. I guess a new era will dawn for the Imperial Guard once the war ends, too. He knew it would happen eventually, but seeing the prelude to it with his own eyes felt strange.

“Don’t mention any of this to Beric.”

Ian looked at the mages and magic swordsmen, giving them a clear warning. He might get so excited he loses all sense of propriety and starts acting up.

“O-Of course, sir. Yes, yes. If he gets any cockier, he’ll be unstoppable. We’ll be careful.”

“Hah, our only chance is now. Let’s all train while Beric is laid up. We have to surpass him. I’d rather it be me than him.”

“Better me than you.”

“No, me…”

The magic swordsmen, mouths full of meat, glared at each other. The hierarchy between seniors and juniors was important, but skill was valued even more highly. As if by a silent pact, they all began to devour the meat with manic intensity.

“Your Majesty.”

Minister Maxim Tweller’s voice came from outside the tent. It was the signal that the detachment, organized around the spearmen, was ready. Jin acknowledged him and rose from his seat, stopping the mages and magic swordsmen who had started to follow with a gesture.

“All of you, rest and recover. It won’t be long until we cross the border.”

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Jin offered them a small smile and exited the tent. The moment he was gone, the mages and magic swordsmen let out a simultaneous, tense sigh and collapsed. He just showed up out of nowhere! That was so stressful!

Ian thought they had all acted remarkably casually for being so stressed, but he didn’t scold them. He just gestured for Akorella to bring more mana recovery potions.

“Akorella, a potion for Commander Jeirutt.”

“Yes. Right away.”

She wore a bright smile. Even as she retrieved the potion, Akorella’s adoring gaze remained fixed on Ian. She had been in this state ever since she saw him create the Idgal.

Seeing this, the other mages moved to subtly block her path to Ian, their expressions wary.

“Commander, your eyes look… gone.”

“What? Why? I’m perfectly normal right now. I feel great. So, would you mind moving? I can’t see Lord Ian’s face.”

“Just because your tone is sweet doesn’t mean your words are.”

“Mhm. Yes, yes. Lord Ian, once Commander Jeirutt drinks that, he won’t need any more mana infusions, right? Would you like to come to the temporary lab with me? There’s something I’m curious about. Hoho.”

“You can’t! Lord Ian! Captain Akorella, this is the strangest I’ve ever seen you!”

“Mhm. Shut up, shut up. All of you, shut your traps. Hup!”

Hong, hong, hong. Akorella was in such a good mood that she was humming as she collected the empty potion bottles.

Ian checked his pocket watch briefly and then rose from his seat as well.

“Commander Jeirutt and Beric are stable. The rest of you, return to your tents and continue resting. You must fully recover your mana within the next few days. Understood?”

“Yes, sir!”

“No problem!”

“Lord Ian! Where are you going!”

“Hey, grab her! Grab the Captain!”

Swish.

Ian pushed aside the tent flap and stepped outside.

Far below the hill, at the entrance to the encampment, two severed heads were mounted side-by-side: the thick, curly-haired Efdiram and her subordinate, Beno. It was a message to all the soldiers, showing them what happened to those who harmed the vanguard and tried to stand in Bariel’s way. You will not escape death. Furthermore, you will meet a disgraceful end.

Clomp! Clomp!

“Form rank!”

In front of the display, a reconnaissance detachment of five hundred spearmen was preparing to move out. They were tasked with checking if any monsters had slipped past the Imperial Guard in the northern region.

“Forward, march!”

Clomp, clomp! Their footsteps were grim but confident. Ian watched them go, and then sensed someone approaching. It was Chloe.

“Ah, my lady.”

“I heard you accomplished a great feat in the north.”

She was in a simple dress, wearing no jewelry. However, her clothes and hair seemed meticulously cared for.

Ian merely inclined his head before turning his gaze forward again. There was nothing quite as magnificent or beautiful as the sight of Bariel’s soldiers marching into the sunset.

“It was nothing remarkable.”

“Everyone is saying it was an attack by the Great Monster.”

Hearing the term from history pass her lips, Ian smiled briefly. He suddenly realized that all of this already existed in history.

“What is it you need?”

“I will be sending a letter to my family. If you require anything, I will request further support. Please, tell me freely. It would be even better if you could arrange a private audience for me with His Majesty.”

Her authority was limited to the personal supplies provided by House Davion. Ian thought for a moment before speaking quietly.

“Lady Chloe.”

“Yes, Sir Ian.”

“Do you hold His Majesty in your heart?”

It was an abrupt question, but Chloe immediately composed her expression and answered.

“Of course. I admire him deeply.”

“I see. Understood. When the next meeting is held, we will discuss the matter of supplies. However, my lady, do not try too hard.”

“…What do you mean by that?”

Ian recalled what Roel had whispered to him before he’d left.

‘His Majesty’s destined connection will appear. On the battlefield.’

Chloe was, in her own way, participating in the war, so she was qualified. But… who knows. Ian gave a polite smile and added, “It is just a small piece of advice that connections are often made naturally, so there is no need to force it. Well then.”

Ian turned and walked away, leaving Chloe standing there, anxiously brushing back her red hair with a vexed expression.

Connections are made naturally? No. The god may connect the hearts, but one must extend their own hand.

Chloe lightly patted her cheeks, steeling her resolve. Coincidentally, Xiaoshi, who was passing nearby, took in the entire scene.

****

A scorched world.

The green grass was burned dead, and the air was thick with the indescribable stench of corpses. This was the mark of Bariel’s first victory.

The soldiers marched slowly, climbing the northern hill. Soon, they planted the tall Imperial flag, piercing the sky.

“L-Look at that.”

“Wow, goodness. Is that all… gemstone?”

“The mages made that?”

And there, filling the massive rift, was the hardened, colossal amber jewel. The soldiers couldn’t take their eyes off it as they marched, staring in wonder at the monsters preserved alive within it.

Further back, a commotion arose.

“Kyaaaaaa!”

“Captain Akorella! Captain! Wait!”

“Please, let’s maintain some dignity!”

The loud voices snapped Beric awake. Bolt! He shot upright, forgetting all about the hole in his torso.

Inside the carriage, Ian, who had been reviewing documents across from him, glanced up.

“You’re awake.”

“Ian! What the hell!”

“What do you mean? We were transported to the vicinity of Mount Raza and are now heading back up.”

“The old man?”

“The carriage behind us.”

Thank god. He didn’t die.

Beric flopped back down, staring at the slowly swaying ceiling. Maybe because I slept so long… everything feels hazy, like a dream.

Just then, a soldier’s cry came from outside.

“We’re crossing the border!”

“We’ve left Bariel! Stay sharp!”

Oh, awesome. Beric whistled, rubbing his stomach. As expected, the wound was healing nicely.