Chapter 60

Chapter 60

The Baroque Kingdom had a total of six legions.

Among them, the 6th Legion guarded the northern border and managed the western Kaldeson Mountain range.

Unlike other legions, the 6th was frequently exposed to battle, making it a place most soldiers preferred to avoid.

The 6th Legion’s commander, Kiaran.

Her hair was the color of burning flames.

She often tied her long hair, which reached down to her waist, in a rough bun, and wore form-fitting clothes to facilitate movement.

Despite her rugged attire, her large chest, slim waist, and long legs always made her the object of admiration among the soldiers of the 6th Legion.

Of course, any soldier who dared to ogle her in her presence could lose his head.

“...Is that so?”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Kiaran pulled out a cigarette and placed it in her mouth as she listened to her lieutenant relay the grim news.

She cut the end of a cigar, as thick as a grown man’s finger, and took a drag, releasing smoke.

“So where are the captured ones now?”

“They’re being held at the 3rd division.”

“Hmm....”

To think the Empire would dare to pull off something so absurd.

How should she handle this matter?

‘It’s complicated.’

This wasn’t just a matter of killing a few and having a skirmish.

If handled poorly...

‘It could lead to war with the Empire.’

Or maybe, given their provocation, it’s already begun.

Kiaran let out a long, irritated puff of smoke.

But then—

“By the way, Commander Kiaran, do you remember the subjugation operation against the monster corrupted by dark magic in the Bronselian Forest?”

“The one led by Baron Wilkis?”

“Yes.”

“I remember. But why bring that up?”

Her lieutenant answered.

“Back then... a soldier who destroyed the abomination tainted by dark magic was heavily involved in repelling this border attack.”

“...What’s his name?”

“Private Damian.”

“A private?”

A private meant he had only been in the army for about one or two years—a rookie.

Yet, this rookie had destroyed an abomination in the Bronselian Forest and now made significant contributions at the border?

“What did he do this time?”

“He led a small special forces team, maneuvered behind enemy lines, and beheaded the enemy commander.”

“...What? Were the enemies just weaklings?”

“According to reports, the enemy commander was named Falcon, a figure capable of wielding magic.”

“Huh?”

Kiaran didn’t know the name Falcon.

But the mere fact that he could use magic made him valuable.

They wouldn’t have placed someone who could wield magic as a commander unless he was competent.

‘Who the hell is this guy?’

A private beheading a magic-wielding enemy commander...

It was as baffling as the current situation.

After pondering for a moment, Kiaran rose from her seat.

Her lieutenant tilted his head.

“I’m heading to the 3rd division border guard base. Prepare immediately.”

“Are you going personally, ma’am?”

“Yes, personally.”

Kiaran, who rarely left her post, decided to move.

The lieutenant, surprised by her words, quickly recovered.

“I will prepare immediately.”

He hurried out, knowing that if preparations were delayed, they would bear the brunt of Kiaran’s fiery temper.

After her lieutenant left, Kiaran murmured to herself.

“...What a mess this is.”

Caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, she walked towards the prepared carriage.

Though the situation was complex...

“I’ll know more once I get there.”

Soon, the carriage carrying Kiaran set off for the 3rd division border guard base.

* * *

“Thank you so much. We managed to resolve everything thanks to you.”

“I’m glad I could be of help.”

The situation at the 3rd division had been successfully resolved.

Nearly a hundred were taken as prisoners, and the reports were completed without issues.

“I believe you’re referring to Private Damian. He’s a deputy commander from the Caion unit that supported our forces. He led a small special forces team behind enemy lines, causing disruption and beheading the enemy commander.”

Pereron conveyed the facts as they were. Kiaran nodded.

“So, that’s why Vincent was here.”

Vincent was the temporary commander of the newly established Caion unit, personally sent by Kiaran.

When she saw Vincent upon getting out of the carriage, she had been a little puzzled.

‘The Caion unit, huh.’

It was a unit formed by gathering the best soldiers from the 6th Legion after rigorous testing.

It seemed that effort hadn’t been in vain.

“Bring that soldier to me. Ah, bring Vincent too.”

“Yes, ma’am!”

Pereron promptly sent a subordinate to fetch Damian to the reception room.

“Captain Vincent, Private Damian. The Legion Commander has summoned you.”

“Let’s go.”

“Yes, sir.”

Vincent spoke to Damian as though he had been expecting the call.

Given Kiaran’s personality, Vincent anticipated that they would be summoned right away.

As they followed the soldier to the reception room, Vincent advised Damian.

“If she asks you anything, just answer honestly. Keep your responses brief; if you drag on, she might not take it well.”

“Understood.”

Damian entered the reception room with Vincent.

Sitting on the sofa was a red-haired woman.

At first glance, she was strikingly beautiful.

‘...Those eyes.’

Damian felt a chill at the sight of her cold, piercing gaze.

It felt like being transported back in time.

The eyes of someone who had truly experienced war.

That cold familiarity made Damian stare at her.

Kiaran glanced at Vincent and spoke.

“It’s been a while, Captain Vincent.”

“Yes, it’s been a while, Commander.”

“You must be Damian.”

Kiaran addressed Damian.

Damian answered.

“Yes, I am!”

“Hmm... you look young. But age doesn’t matter. You beheaded the enemy commander, correct?”

“Yes.”

Kiaran fell silent at Damian’s response.

A straightforward, unwavering answer.

And the subtle aura emanating from him.

‘He’s not an ordinary one.’

It was clear at a glance.

It made sense how this young man managed to behead the enemy commander.

Kiaran nodded.

“Very well. You’ll be rewarded for your contributions. You did a great job.”

“I was just doing my duty.”

“Heh, is that so? I see. You may go.”

With that, the conversation ended.

She still had to meet the prisoners and discuss the upcoming situation.

But just then—

“Commander Kiaran. I, Captain Vincent, request a one-on-one meeting.”

Vincent suddenly spoke up.

Kiaran raised an eyebrow.

“...Everyone except Captain Vincent, leave the room.”

A sudden request for a private meeting.

Given his serious expression, she couldn’t refuse.

Once everyone except Vincent had left the reception room, Kiaran smiled faintly.

“How are you holding up?”

“...Thanks to you, I’m barely managing.”

Vincent sighed.

Kiaran shrugged and chuckled.

“Hehehe, still, it seems like you’re doing quite well. That guy I just saw, Damian, he seems quite capable. So, what’s this about?”

“It’s regarding Private Damian.”

“That guy? Speak.”

Kiaran listened.

Vincent gathered his thoughts, organizing the issues he had been contemplating since arriving.

“It’s about...”

As Vincent continued, Kiaran’s expression began to harden.