Rebirth in a Ruined Nation! The Life of a New Strategist Starting From Now - Chapter 108

The Hogbeck Territory (3) – Flower Offering

 

Hakusha. A place I would never be able to forget.

 

After a long time, we finally visited it again.

 

Across the river, at the foot of the mountain on the Gorber territory, I could faintly see the place where the Gorber army used to place General Nisol’s helmet.

 

(T/N: At that time, Nisol’s helmet was placed across the river, on the Gorber’s territory, to provoke the people of the 6th Division to attack them)

 

Everyone silently just stared across the river. Our white breath quietly disappeared into the sky.

 

“Let’s go,”

 

Wickharlt said after some time passed. We then turned to the other side of the river.

 

“Still, it’s a wonder that we won back then.”

 

Frein, who was standing beside me, said. Looking back, our win or even the fact that we returned from that battle alive was close to a miracle.

 

At that time, in the pitch darkness, we used the road that we hadn’t even properly inspected yet to escape to the direction of downstream. If there had been any obstacle along that road, there was a good chance the horse’s leg would trip and we would fall from our horses.

 

Raimaru-san was the person who worked desperately to cover our retreat.

 

Today, we came here to pray for Raimaru-san and the others who have fallen in that battle.

 

Wickharlt has decided that he would stop by Hakusha whenever he returns home.

 

The distance between Wickharlt’s home in Hogbeck in Hakusha could be covered in one day using a horse. Originally, Wickharlt decided to enlist in the 6th Division because the 6th Division’s barrack, in Hakusha, was close to his home.

 

We crossed the river using the bridge upstream, the place where Luzel and I once used for the surprise attack and we finally reached that place.

 

After the Gorber army retreated, the body of Raimaru-san and the others rested around the camp where General Nisol’s helmet had been placed.

 

(T/N: This was the place where the 6th Division’s small veteran army discovered Nisol’s helmet and also the place where the Gorber army trapped them)

 

At that place, we each offer a branch of malute that we have brought with us.

 

If it was currently spring, then we would have offered flowers but it was currently winter. Malute was lush and green even in winter and the tips of its leaves were orange, as if little orange flowers were blooming so malute was often used as flowers’ substitute in the winter.

 

Drew was the only person who stayed at Wickharlt’s home. When we offered her to come with us, she refused. Well, one of the reasons she went with us was because Rays-sama was worried that she would skip meals and end up fainting without anyone noticing. But since Wickharlt’s family was taking care of her, there was no need to worry about that.

 

The twins offered their branch the last, and we all prayed together.

 

“It’s about time we return. It would be bad if we catch a cold, after all.”

 

At Wickharlt’s words, everyone prepared to return.

 

“Hey, get ready, just in case.”

 

“Someone is coming.”

 

The twin glared downstream with morningstars in their hands and I turned my head. I saw three people coming toward us on horseback.

 

The other side also seemed to have noticed us and gradually slowed down.

 

“What should we do?”

 

“Should we attack them?”

 

“Don’t just attack anyone you meet…. But wait that hair color….”

 

Red hair. Don’t tell me…the 7th Division Commander?

 

“Thor-sama?” I called him out loud and he waved his hand in response.

 

“Thor?”

 

“That Thor?”

 

“I don’t know if there’s another Thor but he’s definitely the 7th Division Commander, Thor di Solgia. You two know him, right?”

 

“Hmmm…”

 

“Hmmm…”

 

The twins smiled fearlessly as they said this. They weren’t planning something bad, right?

 

“What’s with that reaction? Well, whatever. Let’s go and greet him.”

 

When we were about to approach him, Thor-sama approached us first.

 

“I was surprised to see you here…Roa-dono, right? Also Lapilia-dono, Wickarlt, and the two of you are… the members of the 10th Division?”

 

“Wrong.”

 

“We belong to the 4th Division.”

 

The twins immediately denied it and Thor-sama tilted his head in confusion. I hope they shut up so they won’t complicate things.

 

“Yes, the twins over there are members of the 4th Division,” I explained.

 

“I see. I’ve been informed that Lapilia-dono will be coming to the fortress for an inspection. So, today, you are all here to offer flowers?” Thor-sama turned his gaze toward Wickharlt.

 

“That is correct. I’ve also planned to visit you after. I apologize for the inconvenience I have caused by my action,” Wickhalrt bowed his head deeply.

“There’s no need to apologize. When I heard about your punishment, I thought it was too severe…but I’m glad you are doing well now.”

 

“Thank you for your concern. It was my own decision to serve Roa-dono so I am not dissatisfied with my punishment.”

 

“…I see. Then, I will no longer say anything.”

 

“Speaking of which, why are you here, Thor-sama?”

Lapilia-sama asked.

 

Thor-sama showed us a branch of malute.

 

“I’m here for the same reason as all of you. I was going to offer prayer to the deceased before the new year. In addition…”

 

“In addition?”

 

“No, it’s not something that I should talk about in this kind of place. You will visit the Lieze Fortress in 3 days, right? Let’s talk about it there. It’s currently your vacation, isn’t it? Make sure to take a proper rest.”

 

“I understand, in three days, I’ll be in your care,” Lapilia-sama replied and the conversation ended.

 

Thor-sama offered malute in the same place as us and prayed.

 

After that, we went together to the bridge at the downstream, then we parted ways with Thor-sama.

 

***

 

When we returned to Wickharlt’s home, the sun was already setting.

 

“Roa-sama! Welcome back! I’ve prepared a hot tea for you!” 

 

I was greeted by Miss Cecilia’s passionate words.

 

According to Wickharlt, Miss Cecilia loved war stories and that was why she greatly admired Lapilia-sama. It seemed like because of Frein and the twins’ enthusiastic storytelling about the Zetta War last time, she ended up taking a liking to me.

 

“My sister is beautiful, isn’t she? I don’t mind if it’s you, Roa-dono,” Wickharlt said, showing his doting brother’s side.

 

True, Cecilia was as good-looking as Wickharlt.

 

But…

 

***

 

That night, after dinner, I wanted to get some fresh air so I went outside.

 

I sat on the bench in the corner of the garden while inhaling and exhaling the night’s air. Though the air was cold, it did feel great.

 

“My, you beat me to it.”

 

I turned back and saw Lapilia-sama slowly walking toward me. Then, she sat beside me.

 

We both didn’t speak for a moment.

 

“Cecilia is a good woman.”

 

“I know, but…”

 

“Oh? Are you feeling nervous because such a wonderful person is approaching you?”

 

“That’s not it. I know she’s a great person but I’m not really in the mood for a relationship.”

 

“Why?”

 

Why? I had my hands full with just trying to secure a good future for this country.

 

“That’s a secret.”

 

“Cheeky.”

 

“What about you, Lapilia-sama?”

“For now, I don’t have any intention to get into a relationship.”

 

“…Same as me then.”

 

“True.”

 

After that, we just quietly admired the stars that decorated the night sky.