Baran stood watching over the increasingly chaotic village.
Countless refugees and various non-human races filled the streets.
Even the estate’s residents, influenced by the atmosphere, wore uneasy expressions.
The tense mood stirred up by Krund left no one calm.
On top of that, since Berg had issued no clear orders, the worries only deepened.
At least the members of the Red Flames group, veterans all, managed to maintain their composure.
Even Shawn and Theodore, who had survived the plague, stood by Baran’s side with solemn expressions.
“...It finally feels like the old days again,” Shawn said with a grin, attempting a joke.
“Being a farmer was a bit dull, honestly. Life needs a bit of excitement to feel real.”
Theodore responded to Shawn’s quip with a sharp retort.
“Is that why you caught the plague too?”
“Let’s just say it was part of the experience,” Shawn replied with a shrug.
Baran allowed himself a small smile at Shawn’s jest.
He knew, however, that Shawn’s joking was a habit that emerged when he was tense.
Though the squad seemed calmer than the villagers, they were far from completely at ease.
“Baran.”
Hearing his name, Baran turned around.
Gale was standing there. The recent string of troubles had deepened the lines on his face.
“Gale-nim.”
“...Baran, are you prepared?”
Baran was secretly aiding Gale with a request.
It was a precaution Gale had taken, worried that Berg might hesitate too long in making a decision.
They were preparing for the possibility of escape.
Supplies and gear were loaded onto wagons, ready for a long journey to safety.
It was a choice made purely for survival.
It wasn’t meant to go against Berg’s will.
“...”
Baran nodded but couldn’t hide his concerns.
“...But I’m not sure if it’s the right choice. We haven’t received orders from the captain...”
“We’re only preparing,” Gale reassured him. “No matter what, I intend to respect Berg’s decision.”
“...”
“...But what other choice do we have? Staying to defend Stockpin would be reckless. Berg wouldn’t make such a foolish decision.”
“...”
Baran frowned slightly.
He didn’t see staying as reckless either.
Leaving this land felt even harder to accept.
Beneath this soil lay countless comrades who had found their eternal rest here.
This was land won with their lives.
It was also where Captain Adam rested.
How could he abandon it?
“...”
Baran glanced around at his companions, wondering if he was the only one feeling this way.
One by one, his eyes met theirs.
“...”
“...”
For some reason, Gale’s suggestion didn’t seem to sit well with anyone.
Baran wondered if it was perhaps a difference in race.
Who was to say whose decision was the right one?
Perhaps, as the non-human races claimed, humans were foolish beings.
But it was a sentiment he couldn’t express openly.
“...Ha.”
Yet, Baran thought, these concerns might come easily only because he wasn’t in a leader’s position.
For those who simply follow orders, such thoughts are natural.
Without the weight of thousands of lives on their shoulders, it’s easier to feel at ease.
But for someone standing at the top, the view would be different.
Even if Berg decided to flee, Baran would understand.
That was why he was secretly helping Gale prepare without Berg’s knowledge.
At that moment, Baran noticed a commotion erupting in the center of the village.
“We really need to flee now!”
Shawn muttered under his breath at the sight.
“...What’s going on?”
Realizing the conflict was about to escalate, Baran started moving toward it.
.
.
.
.
“Troops are gathering in the capital...! Of course, running there immediately is the safest choice!”
A lizardman was shouting at a human.
Baran recognized their faces.
It was Reton, who had arrived as a refugee, and Emer, a human who had settled in Stockpin.
Over the past few days, Emer had cared for Reton’s family, and a bond of friendship had formed between them.
Now, a fight had broken out between the two.
Many onlookers had gathered to watch their confrontation.
Emer spoke to the lizardman, Reton.
“Re
“...But I need people who are prepared to die.”
—Drip... drip...
Arwin began to cry silently beside him.
Yet, even as her tears fell, she kept her gaze steady on Berg. She quietly watched a man who had accepted death.
“I’ll stay with you, Captain!”
A voice suddenly rang out from the crowd.
Berg turned in the direction of the voice, smiling faintly.
Then, one by one, voices burst out from the gathering.
“This is who we are!”
“When have we ever backed down from a fight?”
“Let’s avenge Captain Adam!”
Shawn shouted too.
“Captain...! I’ve been waiting to hear you say that!”
Theodore responded as well.
“We’re not leaving Stockpin.”
Cheers erupted from all around.
The non-human races, including Reton, were utterly dumbfounded by the scene.
It was as though they couldn’t comprehend what was happening.
Every single human was following Berg’s words.
Amid the overwhelming cheers, Berg looked at Baran with a relieved expression.
“Baran.”
Baran met Berg’s gaze and smiled back.
At last, the familiar atmosphere of the mercenary group had returned.
“Yes, Captain.”
Berg asked,
“...What will you do?”
Baran looked at Berg, who had given him a choice, and replied,
“...I’ll run with you until the very end.”
Berg let out a faint chuckle.
Then, reaching to his belt, he tossed a familiar horn to Baran.
—Thud.
“...Let’s go.”
Baran nodded briefly, then, gripping the horn tightly, blew it with all his might for the first time in a long while.
—Bwoooooo! Bwooooooo!
****
I rode my horse beyond the borders of the estate.
Leading a modest group, we were greeted by the dwarves clan waiting for us.
Borz, who stood at the forefront, approached and spoke.
“You’ve made your decision, then. I’ll begin preparations for departure as well. Once the Red Flames group members are ready, we can leave toge—”
I interrupted him before he could finish.
“You’ll leave alone.”
Borz froze at my words.
“...What?”
Seeing his shock, I answered.
“We’re not leaving.”
“...”
Borz glanced at his retainers before turning back to me with a question.
“...Are you saying you intend to stand against Krund?”
Without hesitation, I replied,
“Yes.”
A sense of relief washed over me like never before.
I felt no fear of death.
Instead, a refreshing breeze seemed to fill my chest.
Choosing to protect Stockpin.
Choosing to defend the village residents.
If this was my destiny, then it was a choice to fulfill my duty.
It was a choice to avenge my brother, Adam.
Now that the decision was made, no other path seemed more correct.
“...Lord Reiker, I urge you to reconsider—”
“—Leave. The war will come soon.”
My unwavering answer silenced Borz.
After staring into my eyes for a long time, he murmured under his breath,
“...You’ll die here too.”
Then, he turned his horse and rode away.
I watched Borz as he departed, then turned back to Baran.
I spoke to him.
“Let’s get ready.”
Baran responded.
“Yes, Captain.”
– – – The End of The Chapter – – –
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