Chapter 285: Kiens Sickbed

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“I have brought His Excellency Yuri Hou with me.” (??)

When the attendant knocked on the door and entered the room, Kien was in the middle of a medical examination. When I entered, the doctor stepped away from Kien and exited the room in exchange.

“Yuri-dono, thank you for coming. Apologies for my appearance like this.” (Kien)

Kien was sitting on the bed. He was wearing a loose gown, with his injured right shoulder covered by bandages. The bleeding seemed to have stopped, as the bandages were clean.

From outside, the sound of rain hitting the stone pavement could be heard. The gloomy sound echoed in the room, which was warmed by the fireplace.

“A wound of honor, Kien.” (Yuri)

“Indeed… I was careless. However, I won the battle.” (Kien)

“I heard the general flow of things from Carnot.” (Yuri)

I sat down on the round chair that the doctor had been using earlier.

“As expected of a veteran general. If it were an average commander, the center might have been broken through, and we could have lost because of it. Sometimes, desperate elite soldiers create such miracles.” (Yuri)

I spoke as if I understood, even though I hadn’t seen the battlefield myself. Even if I was a little off the mark, I wanted to praise Kien, who had been wounded after winning the battle.

“The enemy was indeed impressive. Their charge was so fierce, it made me want to praise them despite being foes. It reminded me of what cavalry should be.” (Kien)

Knowing the strength of the army he had carefully cultivated, Kien seemed to have been impressed by the enemy army that nearly broke through it.

“But you are the one who won.” (Yuri)

“Heh, it was a victory of many against the few, but I was able to end my carrier as a general with a victory.” (Kien)

“Are you planning to retire?” (Yuri)

“It seems the hit was bad. My right arm doesn’t move.” (Kien)

Apparently, the nerves had been severed.

“According to the doctor, there’s no hope for recovery. If I can’t move my dominant hand to wield the command, I can’t stand on the front lines as a general to inspire the troops. It’s time to step back.” (Kien)

“I see…” (Yuri)

Given his age, it can’t be helped, but losing Kien here is painful. That said, Kien has done more than enough. On the battlefield, anyone can face the danger of death. Such sudden retirements can always happen.

“Yuri-dono, I am grateful to you.” (Kien)

Kien suddenly said this.

“What’s this all of a sudden?” (Yuri)

“I have fought only losing battles. You must have witnessed it yourself. In the battle at Kilghina, I became a defeated general. Gouk-dono, who once fought alongside me, had long since passed away, and the head of the Hou Household was Rook-dono, who didn’t have the title of knight. Naturally, I thought I would be the one to lead the fight to defend Shaalta… However, I couldn’t find any way to win. The royal capital was under the control of Witches, and half of the General households were cowards.” (Kien)

“I… faced a large enemy army, with the common people who were about to be trampled on at my back, fighting a miserable losing battle… and eventually, I thought I would die licking the dust as a defeated general. Yuri-dono, do you know what I consider the greatest achievement of my life?” (Kien)

Suddenly, a question.

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“This victory?” (Yuri)

“No, in the capital… When you, Yuri-dono, told me to abandon Mital, I complied. I think that decision is my greatest achievement, one I can proudly leave to history.” (Kien)

“Ah… yes, that’s true. Without your cooperation, Kien, the victory at Sibyaku would have been much more uncertain.” (Yuri)

“That grand and glorious victory… On top of that, to be able to witness Shantinion while still alive… The current situation is something I could never have even dreamed of. Yuri-dono, you’ve given me a truly wonderful dream. I am grateful.” (Kien)

“It’s not a dream. This country will get even better from here.” (Yuri)

“Heh, it’s a regret that I won’t be able to see the bright future of Shaalta, but it can’t be helped. As a general, there are times when such things happen.” (Kien)

Kien had a resigned expression on his face.

“Are you going to die, Kien?” (Yuri)

“It seems so. Fortunately, I can still speak, but even moving my fingers has become tiresome.” (Kien)

“—That’s a shame. Truly, a shame.” (Yuri)

I gripped Kien’s left hand tightly. It was a strong, yet ungreased hand, unbefitting of his age.

“Then, become a heroic spirit and watch over us from the shadows. I’ll create a country that won’t be threatened by anyone for the next thousand years. It’ll be quite the spectacle.” (Yuri)

“…Ah, I’ll look forward to that.” (Kien)

Kien smiled with an utterly refreshing expression.

“I’ll give you a grand state funeral. If you die, that is.” (Yuri)

“That won’t be necessary. The balance has already been broken. It’s just the hunch of a mediocre general, but… the borders will become unstable soon. Right now, there’s no need to bring the generals back to the peninsula for a state funeral.” (Kien)

“…I see. Indeed, you’re right. I’ll take the advice of this country’s oldest general.” (Yuri)

I let go of Kien’s hand and stood up from the round chair.

“I don’t want to aggravate your wound. I’ll take my leave.” (Yuri)

“Ah. I wish you success.” (Kien)

“Well then. Goodbye, Kien-dono.” (Yuri)

Waving my hand lightly to appear casual, I left the sickroom.

—

Outside the building, Carnot stood with a large umbrella.

“How was it, Your Excellency?” (Carnot)

“I’m not sure. He seemed weak, though.” (Yuri)

Carnot, unconcerned about getting wet, held the umbrella over me. Without stopping my steps, I continued talking. I had no more business in this town. I needed to hurry back to Sibyaku for a strategy meeting.

“He didn’t look like he was going to die immediately, but that’s the kind of man he is. He must’ve been holding himself together in front of me.” (Yuri)

“I see…” (Carnot)

“Compile a report on the battle, and then keep me updated on Kien’s condition. If he dies, we’ll have to recall and reorganize the Rube Household’s army.” (Yuri)

“Understood. I’ll compile the battle report and observe Kien-dono’s condition carefully.” (Carnot)

“Good. I’m counting on you.” (Yuri)

There’s a mountain of things to think about.

“…If Kien-dono were to pass away, what would happen to the army in this region?” (Carnot)

Since we still had time before reaching Eagle’s anchorage, Carnot asked the question.

“Do you mean we need someone to replace the Rube Household?” (Yuri)

“Yes. The border with Tyrellme has been relatively peaceful, but we can’t leave it unguarded.” (Carnot)

“We won’t send in a replacement. We won’t rebuild the regional army, and we won’t leave the border unguarded either.” (Yuri)

“…Meaning?” (Carnot)

Carnot seemed to half-guess the meaning of my words as he spoke.

“We’ll organize an expeditionary force and attack Tyrellme. Since we’ll be the ones on the offensive, there’s no need to worry about local defense.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Carnot nodded with a faint smile.

“I’ve been waiting for those words.” (Carnot)

“It’s not good for you to be treated as a guest forever in the Rube Household. You probably won’t make it for this battle, but I’ll arrange a transfer for you soon. Submit a request for the department you wish to be transferred to.” (Yuri)

“Yes, I’ll do that.” (Carnot)

While we were talking, we arrived at the place.

It would be bad to borrow the Rube Household’s eagle. I’ll use this eagle a little longer.

“May you have a safe journey, Your Excellency.” (Carnot)

“Ah. Farewell.” (Yuri)

I fastened the harness and took off into the sky.

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