103. There Is No Such Thing as a Natural Sacrifice
The Empire's history has been a continuous cycle of war and peace. No generation has gone without experiencing war, whether it was dangerous or not, close or like a distant fairy tale.
In the outskirts of the Empire. Today, Eric, a 40-year-old family man, begins his day in the most ordinary way.
A man no different from others. His wife, his children, the house he built with his own hands, the small plot of land he's cultivated for over 20 years, and memories of fighting in the Empire's army.
If I had to single out one thing that sets him apart from the rest, it would be his left leg. He limps slightly.
“Eric, you bastard! Why did the one who was supposed to be injured come back! He should have gone to the rear!”
“You’ve gone crazy. If he really went to the rear, what would those idiots say about him just getting grazed by a bullet? Say it, you bastards. No way.”
“Hmph. Anyway, glad you made it back. You damn kid.”
“Yeah. Thanks from the bottom of my heart. You bastards!”
At the time, there was nothing to see. He had been shot in the leg, but thought it was nothing. The military doctor had said that with proper treatment, it would be fine.
And up until that moment, that was correct. Wandering the battlefield, finally returning home victorious, and before a bit of time passed.
The problem started after that. The left leg, which had seemed fine, was actually damaged. It was just that youth and the belief that it would be okay were covering it up.
But as he aged, the body developed gaps, and the leg that had been the problem first got worse.
“Ugh.”
And that continued until today. A man no different from others, but limping.
If I had to reason why, war would be the biggest factor. No matter how I think about it, the bullet that hit him back then must be the cause.
So, does he regret it? No. Not really. Eric shook his head.
It's uncomfortable. Sometimes he clicks his tongue. But that's it. It wasn't his choice.
Even if he was conscripted, by moving that leg and shooting one more bullet, and fighting with one more comrade, that would be enough.
“In any case, as a disabled veteran, the Empire's welfare wouldn't have supported him anyway.”
Considering that this is how he has a way to live, it's because the Empire's welfare gives maximum convenience and benefits to those who have served in the military.
Even in this situation, he's not resentful enough to blame the past or anyone. Sometimes he feels sorry, but he lives each day with pride in everything he did.
“Well, let's get through today too. For the family I have to feed and clothe.”
Still a pretty wife, and a big daughter about to become an adult, two sons, and the youngest daughter. Remembering them, Eric sweats profusely today. In the evening, when he returns home—
“...Eh?”
He was startled to see a group of officers sitting in his house.
Although it's 20 years ago, the memories are so strong that he knows well. That uniform isn't for low-ranking officers; it's something upper-ranking officers would wear.
He doesn't know the ranks in detail, but they are important people. But why are such people in this house?
Did he do something wrong? Did he offend some noble? No way?
Originally, if that were the case, officers wouldn't come, right? He can't understand this situation at all!
“Mr. Eric, is that you?”
“Eh? Ah, yes. I'm Eric.”
It was the moment Eric was about to sit down, reading the atmosphere.
“First of all. I express my respect for your efforts for the Empire in the past. Sergeant Eric.”
They are nobles. They are clearly people in positions far above him.
Yet, they suddenly bow their heads. And say thank you.
Eric was dumbfounded, his wife was surprised, and the children, though surprised, looked at their father with sparkling eyes.
It was as if someone had come to praise the hero tales he heard when he was very young.
“We heard the news. That there is discomfort due to the injury sustained during military service.”
“Upon checking, it seems you are already recorded as a disabled veteran.”
“Eh? Ah, yes. That's right. I've already received compensation for it, and it wasn't such a severe injury.”
“Is that so.”
The officer looked around the house for a moment, then continued.
“By the way, the introduction was late. These are the staff members belonging to the Karl Adelheit Disabled Veterans Pension Foundation.”
“The pension foundation...?”
“Yes. A place where, like Mr. Eric, those who received rewards from the Empire side, but still want to help the Empire's soldiers who must never be forgotten.”
What? Is this a new scam? It seems so. The country already paid compensation, so why another compensation?
Should I believe this or not. Eric's bewilderment started to creep in.
“This is too sudden...?”
“Everyone we saw had that reaction. To cut to the chase, there's nothing to worry about. Actually, it's because the name of this foundation is taken from the name of a great person.”
“If it's the name...”
“It's the Karl Adelheit Disabled Veterans Pension Foundation.”
Karl Adelheit? Wait a minute. I've heard of it somewhere. Definitely heard it.
“...Ah! No way!?”
At this moment, the big daughter behind him exclaimed.
“Is it that person? A Medal of Honor recipient! And it was given twice!”
“You know. Yes. This is the foundation personally requested by that person to be established. No one else but a Medal of Honor recipient would dare to do something foolish in the Empire.”
They smiled and placed several documents in front of Eric.
“First, in proportion to the welfare side compensation so far, the foundation will immediately pay the pension.”
“This much money?”
“And in the future, when Eric Sergeant turns 55, more basic pension will be paid. Ah, and here, you have quite a few children. Let's see. If there are four, here, there is another support part for households with three or more children.”
What? What is this? They're giving this much money just like that? Really? And money is left over?
There are countless people in the Empire's land who are in similar, or worse, situations than him. If that much money goes to them, the cost would be enormous, right?
“Um, this is rude, but can I ask one thing?”
“Anything.”
“Everything is good. All good, but... I feel worried that when the time comes for the money to be paid at the necessary moment to the necessary comrade, it might not be paid.”
In Eric's view, it was a reasonable concern. But they didn't seem to think so.
“Eh? Ah. Ahaha.”
The officers, blinking their eyes, burst into laughter. Then, waving their hands, they say there's nothing to worry about.
“I understand what you're saying. But, there's no need to worry.”
“Originally, we wouldn't have said this far... um. Actually, this foundation receives support from several high-ranking people. From dukes to various marquises, counts, counts... and along with the Bright Light Church.”
One officer gestured, and Eric took a sharp breath. The word after the church. If he doesn't notice that, it's strange.
“Am I... committing treason...?”
“How could that be. You are someone who sacrificed for the Empire. Anyway, there's no need to worry. I can give you a definite answer.”
Hearing their words, Eric nodded. But still, more hesitation than joy showed on his face.
One officer quickly noticed it and tilted his head.
“Is there something wrong?”
“U, um.”
Eric glanced at his wife's and children's eyes. His expression was troubled. But soon, he closed his eyes tightly and said what he had to say.
“I appreciate the heart you have for me. But I can't accept this.”
“Sergeant Eric?”
“Although my leg is a bit uncomfortable, my limbs are all there. Not very prosperous, but there's no problem eating and living. My house, my land, my family. Everything is there. I'm truly a lucky person.”
Honestly, inside, something was screaming why. But Eric took steps as his heart directed.
“There are more comrades who are harder than me. Losing an arm, losing a leg. Or losing both. Maybe some friends today will have to worry about the day. Even if I didn't fight with them, if they faced the same enemy as me, they are all comrades. They haven't received help yet, so I can't receive it first.”
At first, the wife who was trying to read the atmosphere, and the children who were surprised, now reacted calmly.
As per the husband and father's words. They can just live. There are those who can't, so it seems not right to receive help first.
“...Actually...”
And the officers said with smiles that didn't seem to mean anything.
“We have seen many people who said the same thing as Sergeant Eric. They all said that. They didn't do any remarkable feats, nor did they make any great sacrifices.”
“We were told to go to those who are more excellent, who have made more sacrifices.”
“Then hurry...”
“And. Please tell those people this. What Sergeant Karl Adelheit left behind is this.”
There are no such things as unremarkable achievements. There are no sacrifices that come naturally.
Yet, because you can say such things, you are heroes.