Chapter 45
Chapter 45
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 45
Chapter Title: Reunions and Rivalries
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After leaving the military conference hall, I searched for a place to remove my helmet.
Wherever I went, eyes followed me, leaving nowhere suitable to take it off.
Even the townsfolk, hearing that Wade had appeared, stole glances at me like some celebrity had shown up.
‘Should I just head straight back to Pollack?’
Post-war cleanup was a hassle anyway, so I’d planned to stay a day to meet Ymir and rest, but the atmosphere made relaxing impossible.
Then, a familiar face appeared.
“Pleased to meet you, Sir Wade. I am Erina Salleon, granddaughter of Duke Salleon.”
Erina lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed politely. Meanwhile, Joan standing behind her glared at me with guarded suspicion.
“Oh! Lady Erina is talking to Wade!”
“Everyone, come over here!”
The townsfolk buzzed with excitement.
‘Come to think of it, this is Gransel territory.’
Duke Helian was subtly vicious too. Holding the military conference in Salleon lands was like advertising their incompetence.
“Pleased to meet you, Lady Salleon. What business do you have with me?”
“I came to express my gratitude. Truly… thank you so much. Thanks to your exploits, Sir Wade, my father should be safe now.”
Capturing Ysiss and Julian as prisoners had enabled high-level prisoner exchanges.
They’d likely release those two in return for Marquis Milias and Gilbert Salleon. Duke Helian would oppose it to squeeze the Salleon faction.
Still, it would happen alongside the ceasefire agreement.
“No need to thank me for that. I was just doing my assigned duty. If you must express gratitude, give it to the soldiers who fought with their lives on the line.”
“Of course we’ll thank the soldiers too. But first, it’s only proper to reward the man before us. If it’s not too rude, may I invite you to the Salleon estate?”
“I appreciate the kindness, but I must decline.”
Visiting the Salleon estate as Wade would stir up unnecessary trouble.
She seemed to have expected the refusal, showing no disappointment, though she pouted slightly in lingering regret.
Then her eyes suddenly sparkled.
“In that case, I’ll visit you personally later.”
“Personally?”
“Hee hee, yes. Look forward to it.”
Joan wondered aloud how she’d visit Wade personally, but I had a hunch.
After parting with Erina, I finally found a secluded spot and removed my helmet with a sigh.
“Wearing a helmet in this season is pure torture.”
Pollen trapped inside mixed with sweat, leaving my face a mess.
Eo, removing his helmet alongside me, looked just as bad.
Yet he pulled out a handkerchief to wipe my face first, not his own.
“I’m fine. I’ll do it myself. More importantly, when’s Ymir arriving?”
“She’s already here and resting at the inn.”
“We were a step late. I’ll go see her. Eo, arrange a carriage back to Pollack. We’re leaving this afternoon.”
“Didn’t you say you’d rest a day?”
“That’ll just invite hassle.”
“Understood! I’ll prepare the carriage.”
After parting with Eo, I headed to the inn on the city outskirts where Ymir waited. It was our usual spot in Gransel, and she sat quietly on the first floor.
Spotting me, she approached and gently brushed the remaining pollen from my face.
“Honestly. You and Eo both treat me like a kid.”
To Ymir, who’d been with me since infancy, it was probably natural.
“You’ve worked hard, young master. I haven’t heard details, but it was a splendid victory.”
“Just luck.”
No exaggeration. Luck favored me in this war.
Because Lutger, who knew enemy commander Julian Craig inside out, was under my command.
Hearing Julian’s tendencies from Lutger let me sketch the broad strategy early.
‘Without that, it might’ve been a tough fight.’
I wouldn’t have used cavalry as arrow fodder then, but anyway.
“What does Father say?”
“He’s skeptical about moving to Rainpole immediately. Libel is the Ilrain family’s ancestral home. He seemed to plan sending Master Max to Rainpole and leaving Libel’s management to Master Miller, but…”
“Yeah. This war burned Libel to the ground.”
It wasn’t an easy choice for me. Exposing my hometown to danger for victory, no matter the reason.
I’d hoped enemy raiders would loot supplies and spare the city, but they torched everything.
“No choice now. For the people’s sake, we need to hurry the move to Rainpole.”
“Yes, Lady Iliya is already conveying that.”
“As expected of my master.”
In this war, no one was more reliable than my master.
Appointing Lutger against Albad was nearly a gamble. Even Anton wasn’t fully trustworthy yet.
Eo was accident-prone, and Ymir lacked command skills.
Master Iliya was different.
She exceeded average in any role. As a mercenary, she lacked grand strategy or large-army command, but excelled in local skirmishes and guerrilla warfare.
“Assuming that’s settled… what’s Estelle up to?”
“Resting in her room. She’s not yet up for wandering freely.”
“Fair enough. Rainpole’s one thing, but out here it’s tough.”
“Still, she was thrilled visiting Libel. Learning it was your hometown, she toured everywhere herself. She even chatted with Madam by chance.”
“With Mother? That’s unexpected. How’d it go?”
“Madam, knowing Lady Estelle was your academy classmate, asked all about your school life. They talked for hours.”
“Ugh… I can guess. Anyway, Ymir, take Estelle back to Rainpole first. I’ll handle cleanup and follow.”
“Yes, but don’t rush yourself, young master…”
Ymir trailed off suddenly, glancing at the stairs to the second floor.
“…Lady Estelle. Is something wrong?”
“Sorry, Remiu. Lunch didn’t agree with me. My stomach’s upset; mind if I step out for a walk?”
“Please wait in your room. I’ll prepare shortly.”
“Y-yes… By the way, who are you talking to?”
She hadn’t spotted me with my back turned, but I felt her stare piercing through.
No point hiding, so I turned first.
“Long time no see, Estelle. Two weeks?”
“It’s you, Als! Why are you here of all places…?”
Estelle hurried down the stairs. Forgetting her stomachache, her face lit up.
“Passing through on my way to Libel. Bumped into Remiu by chance.”
“You should’ve let me know.”
“Didn’t want to disturb your rest.”
“Disturb me?!”
Just two weeks apart, yet her condition had improved dramatically.
Aware of it, she smiled and doffed her hat.
“Als, take a look.”
“Whoa… your hair’s growing back.”
“I was shocked too. Thought I’d never see it again.”
Sparse red strands were sprouting.
“It’ll take time for long hair like before, but I’ll grow it out and show you.”
“Haha, looking forward to it.”
“More importantly… if you have time, care to walk with me? Remiu says Gransel after sunset is magical with fireflies from the river. I’ve fallen for this city.”
“I’d love to, but it’s tricky.”
I’d come to this out-of-way inn precisely to avoid wandering.
But my efforts were for naught. She appeared.
Bang! Erina burst through the inn door. This was her “personal visit”—after I ditched the helmet and became Als.
“There you are, Als Ilrain!”
“Who’s she…?”
Estelle frowned.
A storm was brewing.
*
*
*
Erina struggled to contain her swelling emotions. To her, it felt like Als had gone to war, won gloriously, all for her sake.
‘To grant my request…’
Joan once said boys act mean to girls they like to hide it.
That explained him pretending to forget her name.
“I looked everywhere. Why stay in this remote inn? Better ones abound in town.”
“Says the lady to the innkeeper’s face.”
“Oh, long time, Jason. Since the bear hunt?”
The innkeeper grinned broadly.
“Hahaha! For a nobody like me to be remembered—honored!”
“Mind if we talk here a bit?”
“Of course.”
Securing permission instantly, Erina tugged Als toward a table but paused, wrinkling her nose at a foul odor.
“What’s that stench…?”
Spotting the source, her eyes widened.
Als quickly explained before shock set in.
“This is Estelle. She’s been ill and struggling a bit.”
“Oh my… poor thing.”
Estelle bit her lip at Erina’s pitying gaze. She’d endured disgust, scorn, mockery, pity from countless people, but this felt the most humiliating, shameful.
“Ah, you’re here too. Als’s maid, Yu—mmph!?”
Als clamped Erina’s mouth and whispered.
“Pretending not to know right now. Play along.”
“…”
Nod. Nod. Erina bobbed her head.
Seeing them pressed close, light faded from Estelle’s eyes.
“Guess I misjudged you. Anyway, Als? Dinner yet? Come to our estate? We’ve prepared a feast to rival the palace.”
“Feast…”
After days of tasteless rations, it tempted Als sorely.
He nearly accepted on reflex. Erina sensed it, ready to seal the deal.
“Sorry, but we have prior plans.”
Estelle stated firmly, pulling Als to her side.
“Als, you promised to walk with me.”
“What? I didn’t say—”
Erina snapped.
“How rude, interrupting while I’m inviting him!”
“I suggested the walk first. You’re the interloper.”
“Eek…!?”
Erina flinched at Estelle’s intense gaze, then smiled leisurely, grasping the situation.
“Hmm… I see. Understood. Prior plans it is. Go walk with her, Als. Visit the estate after. Late night’s fine… you can even stay over?”
“…”
“Hee hee, what’s wrong? Lady Estelle?”
Sparks flew from their locked eyes. Ymir, unable to watch, proposed mediation.
“Why not have Lady Estelle dine at the estate too?”
A fine compromise, but Erina refused flatly.
“Can’t invite just anyone. Plus, with Lady Estelle there… the servants might cause a fuss. Sorry, Lady Estelle. You understand?”
“I don’t want to go. Don’t act like you’re doing me a favor.”
The air grew stifling.
With both refusing, Als chose words carefully—then.
Neigh! A horse whinnied outside. Eonia had brought the carriage. Als seized the moment.
“Oh right, I’m leaving today! Can’t keep my group waiting—gotta go!”
“Ah, Als…!”
Als bolted.
Snap, clack! Erina fidgeted irritably with her fan. Estelle glared at her.
“Hmph, I’ve got people waiting too. See you next time, Lady Estelle.”
“Likewise.”
Erina departed with her attendants waiting outside.
Estelle watched long after, then asked Ymir.
“Salleon… you mean the duke’s family ruling Gransel?”
“Yes. She’s Duke Salleon’s granddaughter.”
“I see.”
Estelle turned toward her room.
“Lady Estelle. Didn’t you want to walk?”
“No thanks. Let’s head to Rainpole soon. I… really hate this city now.”
Perhaps for the best. This encounter maxed her motivation to recover.