5. Storm and Thunder

Reinhardt's thoughts about Wilhelm were always the same.

A young boy, and a good kid who follows himself. He is quiet and doesn't talk much, but only for Reinhardt, he smiles brightly and meekly. Now that his body has grown, he can't be called a child, but Reinhardt still felt like Wilhelm was a little boy in my hands.

If Alzen Stugall had looked into Reinhardt's head, it would have been a startling thought. Or, risking an example, I will ask:

'I'm really sorry, my lord, are there two knights named Wilhelm in the Luden estate?'

The Margrave of Glencia was adept at handling the conscripts sent by the Empire in preparation for the barbarian raids every spring. To be precise, it meant driving the ragtags and driving them into the territory and sweeping out the savages by driving only their own soldiers.

Because of the conscription, the villagers who crawled all the way to the north to preserve their own lives.

The Marquis called the conscripts that. There were a lot of soldiers who thought that the fight in the north belonged to the north. There were no people willing to risk their lives in a fight that lasted at most two months.

But that year was different.

The name was Dietrich Ernst from Luden, and the Marquis of Glencia twitched her facial muscles and loved it. The second son of the Ernst family was a welcome name even for veterans who had spent their lives in the North. Dietrich, who went in front of the Marquis, asked for both of them to be sent to the front, along with Nathantine's knight who had come with him.

That was Wilhelm.

These were the words the Marquis of Glencia uttered when she saw a child who had only grown up. He's not a chick, he's not a chicken, he's like a chicken. At that, Dietrich replied with a smile.

Alzen Stutgall learned the meaning of the word on his second appearance.

In the first few battles, Wilhelm, who looked around and saved himself, showed a completely different appearance in the second battle. After he identified the enemy, his gestures as he wielded the sword and ax like a ghost were nimble and brutal. Even Dietrich, who taught him, was surprised.

The fight against the barbarians was close to a melee due to its nature. And Wilhelm was the one who specialized in that melee. Even if he wields a sword, he throws it down and wields an ax. It's not a fight between knights as you would normally think. But all the northern knights fought like that. Because if you cut your sword noblely, you would lose your sword and cut your throat to the barbarian's whip and ax.

After the second battle, the knights were busy praising the boy. I don't know where this crazy guy came from. However, Wilhelm did not respond to them and hid himself in the corner of the barracks where the young knights were sleeping. Enough to make even the knights who have gone through all kinds of madmen feel ashamed.

Wilhelm was the same. He only had a few words with Dietrich, and most of the time, after the battle, he fell asleep with his sword in his quarters. He said it was the sword given to him by the lord of Luden. It was clear that it was overwhelmingly better than the sword he was given, but he never used it in battle. It's just worn around the waist.

No wonder no one expected that the boy, who fought well but was normally docile, would kill the warchief's son. Upon learning that the warchief's son was dead, the imperial army cheered, but the Margrave of Glencia touched her forehead.

This is because the fight against the barbarians has been going on every year, as if following a set procedure. When the barbarians blew their horns and pushed them down, the Margrave handed over a couple of food warehouses closest to the barbarians' territory and retreated. Well, if you do this for 30 years, you will be able to do it.

The conscripts who were recruited every year could not follow Glencia's training, let alone properly follow the command. So, in the end, the only soldiers that the margrave could command satisfactorily were those in the north. There was no way they could completely wipe out the barbarians with those little soldiers. The situation was not good for the savages.

So, the food storage given by the Marquis was like a promise that had been kept tacitly for a long time. It meant that we should eat in moderation and get rid of each other rather than shed blood needlessly.

Of course, the savages couldn't be extinguished right away. They plundered a few villages in the north and tried to take everything they could from the northern army for a couple of months. Nevertheless, for the past 10 years, the fight has not dragged on for more than a month. Because the warchief was also senile. Therefore, the Marquis of Glencia predicted that the fight of that year would also be a 'good and bad' fight.

but

If the warchief's heir passed away, the matter would be different. The nature of the fight immediately changed. The savages who had been stealthily plundering and tearing up the barracks before turned on the lights in their eyes and rushed to die. The Marquis called the boy.

<Yes.>

The planting of the Marquis suddenly became uncomfortable.

It is basic to capture important people on the battlefield without killing them. This is because hostage negotiations become possible along with the exchange of prisoners. That is the first thing that every soldier who goes to war pays attention to. The boy couldn't have heard it either. But the boy responded sternly.

<… … What are you talking about? I heard you stabbed the warchief's son with a sword.>

Only then did the Marquis' eyes turn to the boy's waist. indeed. There was a rare-looking sword in the back. And somehow, it was also the sword that the margrave was familiar with. It was natural since it was the sword Rinke Hu always wore. The Marquis and Rinke Hu were the two greatest military commanders of the Empire, and met only once every few years. It goes without saying that the two veterans had feelings of admiration and respect for each other. However, the Marquess at this time couldn't even think of such a thing. Only he was angry.

<Anyway, if he could have been captured, he should have.>

And, surprisingly, the boy responded to the Marquis' anger.

<It's dirty.>

<… … what?>

<It's disgraceful to have your sword taken away on the battlefield, but that doesn't mean taking an important hostage... … .>

At that time, the boy's disrespectful attitude was talked about throughout the three-year war. The boy looked at the Marquis in front of him and said,

In the end, Dietrich Ernst, who could not stand it and ran out, bowed his head and apologized. Dietrich pressed the back of the boy's head with his large hand and demanded an apology from the Marquis. The boy finally <…> with eyes full of discontent. … I'm sorry.>, but it wasn't a sorry attitude to anyone.

Later, I found out that the boy's black linen was bestowed by the lord. Margrave wondered if Nathantine was such a highly trusted lord, but soon learned that the boy was a rental knight for Luden's estate, and everything was revealed. Reinhard Linke. The rumored princess and the daughter of Hu Rinke were the owners.

Pernaha Glencia said that and tilted her head.

Arzen said so at the time, but soon found out. That kid is just an asshole.

***

The war quickly escalated. It was foreseen when the warchief's son died. The conscripts who were only trained or guarded inside Glencia Castle eventually had to go to the battlefield. The Marquis of Glencia wrote a letter to the Emperor. It meant that the war would be prolonged because of this and that.

The emperor was excited to die.

Tax revenues immediately increased on the pretext of war. Some of the money was delivered to the Margrave as consolation money, but most of it belonged to the emperor. The crown prince, who just happened to get up from his illness, greeted the new crown prince with great grandeur. The Princess Canary who came as a hostage, she said, made and wore a dress several times more splendid than the one worn by her late queen. A huge wedding was held as if it had nothing to do with the war-torn North.

Margrave sent the boy to the front on purpose. It was half out of shame and half out of necessity. Even on the battlefield, the boy did not become dull, but rather became sharper and sharper. The dark-eyed boy did not associate with any soldier, but he cut the heads of the most barbarians.

Wilhelm rarely spoke to anyone first, but there were many cases in which numerous soldiers and knights scrambled to talk to Wilhelm. As time passed, Wilhelm became almost a hero to some soldiers. Having no words was immediately labeled as a taciturn person, and not covering meals or sleeping was easygoing.

However, the soldiers and knights close by knew roughly that it sometimes went crazy like a crazy bastard.

For example,

<Hey, did you hear that the prince was in a cage?>

<Shit. Someone is shivering and struggling in the North. A princess who came as a hostage?>

Autumn was slowly approaching, and the soldiers were spinning straw in preparation for setting up camp in the winter. Naturally, some soldiers among them started talking nonsense, and the story spread there. The prince's grand marriage was bound to be a hot topic. In the process, the story of Reinhard Rinke, who became a deposed person, came out. She stabbed the right leg of the prince and crippled him when he asked for a divorce.

<No, you can get married with a new map. Why are you poking your legs?>

The soldiers made low gestures. A certain amount of obscenity was common on the battlefield, so Alzen, who was sitting nearby and oiling the saddle, pretended not to hear. It wasn't that he was swearing at anyone present here, and since the story of the prince was the mainstream, he didn't think it was a big deal. But there were people who were serious about it.

Knock, fast.

A strange sound came to the soldier's ears as he twisted the straw, saying, "I can get married too." At the same time, something hot splashed on his face.

<Ai-san, what is this... … . Aww!>

The soldier who was reflexively wiping his face screamed at the flagship. There was blood on his hands and face. A sword was threaded around the neck of the soldier next to me, who was making obscene gestures and talking about being a pillar.

<It's an attack!>

The momentarily confused soldier thought it was an attack by barbarians and screamed. At once, the knights in the vicinity came out without even wearing armor. A sword and an ax were all I managed to bring out. However, instead of the enemy, they only witnessed the sight of an Imperial knight pulling out a sword from a soldier's neck.

<What's going on, this?>

The knight of the Imperial Army, Wilhelm, replied by twisting his sword indifferently and breaking the soldier's neck.

<It's not a big deal.>

The soldier who was talking next to him screamed again. As soon as Wilhelm removed the sword from the dead soldier's body, he swung it again, cutting off the screaming soldier's nose.

The soldier held his nose and groaned. Alzen, who brushed his horse after raising his saddle, witnessed it all. However, he was unable to stop Wilhelm as he calmed down the horses startled by the sudden scream. So, it was another knight who stopped Wilhelm from raising his sword again.

<Stop! What kind of cruelty is this? Explain, Sir!>

To that question, Wilhelm stared intently at her face and answered.

Eventually, a small hearing was held. The soldiers around them noticed, and rushed to tell the knights that the dead man and the man with the nose cut off had cursed the crown prince and the emperor. The dead soldier burned his body and sent only the bone powder back to his hometown, and the man with the cut nose was sent back without receiving a penny of consolation money. Dietrich scolded Wilhelm, but to no avail.

<Terrible. It wasn't like that in Youngji.>

Dietrich worried about the boy as he said that. Some knights lamented, saying that it was not too strange that the boy had changed since there were many people who changed after killing people in the war.

Even after that, Wilhelm often cut someone for lack of discipline. A certain savage tribe learned that he was a knight from Luden, and mocked the beggar woman's pillar assistant for having come this far. After the battle, Wilhelm cut the body of the savage into pieces and crushed it with his feet. Until the corpse is crushed into a lump of meat, and then into an unrecognizable clot of blood.

Alzen came to the conclusion after watching Wilhelm do it all night. That bastard didn't change on the battlefield, it's clear that he was originally an idiot who couldn't be with him.

But nonetheless, the idiot fought very well. Lord Glencia once admired Wilhelm's melee on the cliff.

At the voice of Pernaha Glencia behind her, the Marquis of Glencia chuckled. Hundreds of barbarians were already slaughtered at the bottom of the cliff.

It was a one-sided slaughter.

This was true even considering the geographical advantage. The savages who had been fighting with all their might for over two years had lost most of their leaders and had become ragtag. In the meantime, a black and slender knight with a head one head taller than the barbarians was active like a madman with a sword.

It was Wilhelm who had grown up over the past two years and now became more intimidating than most knights. The surroundings of Wilhelm were more like a market slaughterhouse than a battlefield. Blood and strewn corpses. The Marquis briefly commented on the sight, which was horrendous but also pleasing to his allies.

Dietrich, who was standing next to the Marquis, agreed. Around that time, Dietrich had become as reliable as a son to the Marquis of Glencia. It was in a slightly different sense from Wilhelm.

If Wilhelm slaughtered the savages at a rate of 100, Dietrich was the one who calmly operated his troops and finished a fight in which a hundred died, sacrificing only ten. So, I have no choice but to spare the change. The Marquis of Glencia looked at Dietrich in amazement.

What is perhaps? Alzen thought behind his back. The Marquis laughed.

Saying that, the Marquis swung the sword he was holding a couple of times. It was said that he was also one of those bastards. The nearby knights chuckled.

<Ah, yes.>

Glencia's fox grumbled. She just knew it was over anyway. No matter how well Wilhelm fought, he was just such a knight that the Marquis had no intention of taking him under.

However, as the war neared its end, the game changed a bit.

<Father. Aren't we practically fucked up?>

Pernaha asked her father carefully. The Marquis moaned loudly.

<That's right... … .>

It is normal to be happy when the war is over. But the Marquis of Glencia was not very pleased. Nathantine's, no, Luden's Wilhelm cut the warchief's head, and the barbarians scattered. It would be correct to say that it was almost extinct.

The emperor won the hearts of the people, but the Marquis of Glencia had a headache.

The Spring War has been virtually an annual event. That's why the Empire allowed the Margrave of Glencia nearly 10,000 enlisted men. But the barbarians were scattered. Who will the Marquis' 10,000 soldiers fight now?

A lord with an enormous army of 10,000 men was a tremendous threat to the empire. The emperor will surely try to reduce the size of the margrave's private army. It's rather fortunate that it ends with just a reduction. If it was at least three years ago, it would have been possible with a reduction. But now it was impossible.

Because Rinke Hu died. Two old generals who form the twin wall of the empire. That was after Marquis Glencia and Linke. However, Rinke Hu died while participating in a disturbance in Sarawak. And all that remains is the Marquis of Glencia.

The emperor did not have a hand that could hold the Marquis of Glencia in check. It was the same even from the perspective of the Marquis, and the Marquis became urgent.

The biggest problem is the disbandment of enlisted soldiers. It has been more than 20 years since Margrave Baek commanded 10,000 troops. Those soldiers are soldiers because of the profession they have brought all their lives. It would be nice to return to my hometown after the war. When I tried to calculate the possibility of them settling down in their hometown, there was no answer. What can those who have lived their lives killing people do instead?

farming? It is impossible to expect them to earn money by farming for a year. If they were released to go back, there was a very high possibility that the 10,000 people who were going home would be transformed into bandits.

Then, it is the territories below the northern frontier that are immediately dangerous. Lords under the command of the Margrave of Glencia. The funny thing is that the emperor wouldn't care about these problems.

Michel Alanquez's irresistible temper could have fallen from anyone. Even if the soldiers turned into bandits, the emperor was very likely to regard it as an issue to be dealt with in each territory.

Is that all? They will be aiming for veterans with fewer privates. The North is now solid, led by the Margrave of Glencia. Because there was a public enemy. And even if the public enemy, the savages, disappeared, the loyalty that had been shared for decades did not disappear easily.

So it was very obvious what the emperor was thinking. removing the focal point. So, the Marquis of Glencia started scouting talented knights.

Most of the knights happily swore allegiance to the Marquis. The knights around the north were especially like that. Since the war was over, the knights had nothing to do in the territory. Now that peace had come, there was a high possibility that the lords would be burdened with paying the knights' salaries and then expel them within a few years. Rather than being kicked out, there was no reason to refuse to work for a well-paid job under a well-known military commander.

Dietrich from Luden was number one among them. But he died just before the end of the war. So, the next first choice for the Marquis of Glencia was naturally Wilhelm. Because he had never fought so well.

***

Reinhardt opened his eyes. It was morning. He was about to rub his sleepy eyes when something strange caught his eye. He blinked a couple of times, focused, and saw white bread.

'… … bread?'

After a while, Reinhardt said “Ahaha,” and laughed out loud while lying down. Because it was obvious who had brought the bread on my bed. She got out of bed and took the white bread in her hand and kneaded it. The soft white bread had almost lost its warmth, as if it had just been baked.

“Yeah but. Even when they're all grown up, they secretly go in and out of the lord's room. cute.”

As she flipped the bread while remembering the knight's face, she grabbed it and got out of bed. As usual, Reinhardt often skipped breakfast. It was only natural that Wilhelm, who had woken up early and secretly left the bread for my breakfast on her bed, was gone.

'That little thing has already grown that much.'

Reinhardt laughed at the bitten piece of bread and then mumbled. I don't know when he entered and left my room, but I wanted to say something. But that thought soon disappeared. Didn't Dietrich teach me that a grown boy shouldn't go in and out of a girl's room?

With a gasp, she spat the bread in her mouth.

'Oh shit. It did.'

She bit her lip at the thought that Dietrich Ernst was no more.

“Damn it, Michel Alanquez. This is chewy. ”

Seeing the returned coffin, she fell on her knees and cried, thinking that Michel Alanquez had stolen not only my father but also another person from me. The hatred, which I thought had been diluted for a moment by clinging to the Luden estate for three years, flared up. She clenched her fists so hard that the marks of her fingernails were on her palms.

“How can I kill you?”

To be honest, there is no way right now. The reason she clung to her manor was to kill Michelle, but she had a long way to go.

It is only possible to have 3,000 enlisted men in a territory the size of Helka she raised in her previous life. It was also possible by doing it very slowly and stealthily.

But the Luden estate is different. Although the territory is large, there are only about 3,000 territories. Also, the population density was not high, so it might make a big difference if you culled the scattered territories. Immigrants are said to be coming in, but it is only the beginning. It was different in weight from the 3,000 enlisted soldiers.

Even if Wilhelm was there, it was the same.

Together with Bondi Dietrich, she wanted to properly raise Wilhelm and make him a worthy military commander. Even if there were only a small number of soldiers, if they were armed like Wilhelm, they believed that there would be a way if they planned well and approached the capital.

But Dietrich is no more. Wilhelm had grown up, but to Reinhardt he was still like the boy who blushed at me and was not trustworthy. He was thinking of going over to the back of the flagship if a fox somewhere and an adjutant heard it, but Reinhardt at least concluded that.

It was stifling.

She didn't know how Michelle Alanquez had raised the former Bill Colonna to be such a warlord. Who Bill Colonna studied with and how he was selected by Michelle were hidden information. She despaired that there was nothing she could do, even though she had the best cards in her hands: Bill Colonna and Wilhelm.

<… … There are no soldiers! What's the use of a knight without soldiers to command!>

I remembered the cry of Glencia's fox. Reinhardt looked at the bread in his hand.

'I wish there were drinking glasses instead of soft bread. Shit.'

she muttered to herself. There was nothing wrong with Pernaha Glencia's words. I refused because I couldn't let go of the hand, but she was suffering from ambivalence.

I know. I should have made a soldier to command.

What can you do with at most forty-two guards, Wilhelm? Would it be much better for you if I just sent you to Glencia?

At best, my father gave me a new life back, but Reinhardt was tormented by a sense of shame that he didn't know how to do anything.

“Shouldn’t have stabbed that bastard.”

Reinhardt murmured as he squeezed the leftover bread with his hand.

I still remember the moment when I came back to life. The 15 years of her previous life she chewed on so hard that she thought it was like dreaming for a moment. She took her father's sword and stabbed Michelle.

“If I was going to do it, I should have done it right.”

Should have stabbed the heart. If not... … . Reinhardt threw down the bread and grabbed my left breast. He was out of breath After returning to her life, she never once regretted crippling Michelle.

But now that Dietrich is dead, she regrets it.

If it was going to repeat itself, I should have stepped back and looked at the opportunity. Would you have found a clue if you retraced your past life step by step? Received Helka... … .

"again… … .”

The tips of her fingers turned white. It was because she was pressing hard as if scratching the edge of her desk.

'No, even if the third life were given to me, I would have been the same.'

The strength Reinhardt was able to generate at that moment was just that much, and the anger that he was able to express was that much. It was a waste of time for him to regret that when he went back he would do better. She clenched her fists again.

'There must be a way. the way... … .'

There was no way. Now that the war was over, the tide had turned, and there was a way Reinhardt could percussion. Her problem is that she doesn't have the strength to back it up.

Does it end up being the first in the end? Reinhardt punched him in the chest and violently opened and closed the drawer of his desk. After the [Closed Book of the Cold Land] showed the cover to the world for a while, he entered again.

“… … Again, after that?”

Reinhardt suddenly raised his head. A familiar young man stood in her overshadowed shadow, which she hadn't quite seen of her. Her heart immediately subsided in surprise at her moment.

“… … Wilhelm. what. Didn't you leave?"

“I was going to leave, but he opened his eyes.”

Wilhelm approached without a sound, knelt down in front of her sitting at the desk, took the back of her hand and kissed her gently. The movement was unstoppable like flowing water. Reinhardt looked down at the top of his black head with the gaze of a stranger, and then suddenly adjusted his gown. It was because of the overly flimsy clothing.

However, after kissing Wilhelm, he looked up and smiled as if he didn't care about her gown.

“Sir Glencia is back.”

“… … already? when?"

“Last night. Rather, there is something I would like to ask you. line."

No, did you go back angry because you were bruised over eating a horse? Did you notice that she thought I would poke a needle through every one of her freckles? While Reinhardt was curious, he tapped Wilhelm's cheek with his thumb.

“Why did you have to rush to the place where I sleep?”

Subtly, he scolded the woman for a grown-up man entering the woman's bedroom without permission, but Wilhelm, as if not understanding his meaning, rubbed her cheek against the back of her hand and shuddered.

“Do you like land?”

“… … earth?"

Isn't this something you should ask while giving away land? No, why is he asking such a nonsensical question? Arrogant thoughts passed through Reinhardt's head. She laughed mischievously.

"why. Will you give me the land?”

“Do you want it?”

“No one hates the land.”

“How much?”

"a lot."

Wilhelm laughed. Reinhardt also smiled. A lady-in-waiting who served me in my previous life once told me with a big smile that her offspring said, 'I'll make you rich later and make your mom happy!' She says he'll pamper me now. She thought nothing of it.

However, Wilhelm was not speaking in the future subjunctive. Reinhardt soon learned what that meant.

***

Time goes back to the night before.

After visiting Fernaha Glencia's room, Wilhelm asked only two things from him. Of course, he laid the groundwork before that.

“The reason why the Margrave of Glencia gathers knights is to strengthen the territories of the Marquis. Right?”

“… … .”

“And the life of the Marquis would be in danger.”

That much was roughly predicted by those who could roll their heads a little. But Pernaha Glencia was a little surprised. It was because she was always overshadowed by Dietrich Ernst and thought she was just a rookie knight who blindly slaughtered and was good at accidents.

But now that I see it, it seems that I know how to use my hair quite a bit. Besides, what is that oddly aged-looking attitude? Fernaha accepted it.

“So what do you want to say?”

“If I were the Marquess, I would roll my head. The first thing I thought of was Qingwang.”

“Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!”

Alzen was frightened and struggled with his arms. Qingwang, what kind of group is this the sound of being swept away and decapitated from the system? However, neither his superior nor Wilhelm blinked an eye. Fernaha nodded his chin with a funny face.

“Try more.”

“I thought it was worth a try with 10,000 soldiers, but I can't confront the Empire with the remnants of barbarians behind me. Even though the war is over, the territory above the Marquis is vast.”

“Did Sir Ernst teach you?”

"Nope."

A strange glance passed through Wilhelm's eyes. Fernaha remembered how Dietrich always wore this boy, even though he said he was an enemy. He studied under Sir Ernst. Even her eyes, which were dangerous, showed a bit of melancholy when she spoke of Dietrich. It seems that Sir Ernst's death did not completely affect this idiot.

“He’s a good person, so he doesn’t even think of things like Qing Wang.”

"Ah ah ah ah ah!"

Hearing the name Chingwang came out again, Alzen shouted in fright, afraid that no one would hear it. Per Naha waved her hand.

“Alzen, it looks funny, so stop it.”

“Both the young master and Sir Wilhelm look insane to me!”

Whether or not Alzen was floundering beside him, Fernaha slightly sympathized with Wilhelm's words. Dietrich Ernst seemed to be united by precision and sincerity. He has a bit of a touchy side, but that's it, sword wielders go crazy when they can't afford that.

And Sir Ernst was the kind of person who would dare to rebel against the empire and even mention the idea of admiring it. At best, how to be nice to the emperor... … . I'll come out with the same negotiation proposal. Especially like this... … .

'He's someone I'd never say to a nerd.'

If Dietrich Ernst had a serious conversation, it would be limited to those who could express opinions similar to Sir Ernst. For example Lord Luden.

"therefore?"

Pernaha then asked. Wilhelm was leaning against the wall with his arms folded. It was really absurd that he was only nineteen at most.

“I don't need a penny like 5,000 Alanke. I don't even have to pay that money to my lord. 500 enlisted men. Please lend me for six months.”

“… … Huh. And I go under the Lord?”

Wilhelm tilted his head arrogantly. Where did the youngster who Pernaha knew go, and she seemed to see a beast that had been ferocious since birth.

“You have to listen to what people say. In six months, Luden will become a great estate.”

“… … what?"

“And by that time, my master will be a great lord who will not even care about donkey food.”

So, what does that mean? Fernaha feigned composure and smiled.

“… … Are you going to bring Glencia's enlisted soldiers to the territory battle?”

“Anyway, Glencia doesn't need a private right now, right? On the day the imperial family gives an order to disband, they will be useless right away.”

Wilhelm's attitude in responding to Pernaha's words seemed to be discussing the obvious. It was so unfamiliar to me that you were repeating the facts that I knew and that I also knew, so I almost rubbed my eyes. Where did the madman who ran rampant in all directions go, and where did the negotiator who had spare time come? I pressed down on her stuffy chest for no reason and asked.

“What do you believe in?”

"If you don't get any results after six months, I'll be Glencia's dog for the rest of my life."

"aha?"

There was definitely a leftover business. The budget to feed, clothe, and sleep 500 enlisted soldiers for six months is less than 100,000 Alanke. And maybe six months before that, the Emperor will give an order to disband the enlisted in Glencia.

In that case, it would be better to send the enlisted soldiers to another territory in advance. In fact, the Marquess was also a part that was being considered a bit.

Around 5,000 enlisted soldiers would normally be maintained in Marginal Baekryeong. The remaining 5,000 was a plan to sell the remaining 5,000 to another manor, with a long-term lease, and then scrape it together in case of an emergency. However, in this case, if the other territory betrays you, it will be difficult to recover your military power.

“Aren’t you overconfident in yourself? If you devour 500 of Glencia's enlisted men and run away after six months, then Glencia will become a total dog's hair.”

In fact, I definitely thought it wouldn't happen. Fernaha saw Wilhelm at Ernst's funeral and at the deal with Lord Luden. Pernaha Glencia saw human nature very well. Sir Ernst has a slightly different meaning.

At the end of Wilhelm's gaze was always Lord Luden. And it was after Fernaha had already seen through the meaning of that gaze. To make a rough estimate, he tried to throw his sister as bait, but after he refused, he was convinced from the glance he glanced at Lord Luden.

'Even a child is a man.'

“I see why your nickname is Glencia's fox. I can't be a criminal, I don't have that much guts.”

Glencia's freckles twitched. this kid but

“So, what if I become the great lord?”

“Glencia will get a strong ally. The lord of a vast domain in the east. Orient is located under Luden.”

Orient. The richest manor in the East. Iron grows in the mountains above, and grain grows below. But it was such a powerful manor. Pernaha almost laughed at the ambition to obtain such an Orient. A nineteen-year-old kid has a lot of guts.

“And we will receive double checks from the Emperor?”

"yes."

Wilhelm said calmly. Per Naha narrowed her eyes. Wilhelm slowly opened his mouth.

"It's okay. At that time, the restraints will be gone. And you will come under me even if I don't ask.”

"what… … . Sir Wilhelm. Words that are too absurd now... … .”

“Pernaha Glencia.”

Wilhelm chinned Alzen. Pernaha, who realized that that meant asking to inherit Alzen, also winked. Alzen contorted her face. No, Bocchan can't understand me at all, so why do I have to understand and go away?

But it didn't matter. He grumbled and left the room. How long must he stand outside? Shall we go around Luden Castle? It only takes a cup of tea to go around this fucking castle.

Rolling my head like that, I slowly walked away from the room and admired the shabby tapestry of Luden Castle near the corridor, but not long after, I heard Pernaha's loud shouting from the other side of the hallway.

“Alzen Stgall! Pack your things!”

Alzen answered in a bewildered voice.

“… … Yes?"

“Go back to Glencia right now!”

“No, why?!”

Pernaha Glencia did not answer the adjutant's questions. The saddled horses snorted at the sight of their masters entering the stable in the middle of the night. Among them, Thunder resisted the most. But as soon as she climbed onto the saddle, Pernaha kicked her steed in the ass. Alzen hurriedly followed behind him. “Ah, explain why!” On a pitch-black night, Glencia's party went back without saying goodbye to Lord Luden.

And a month later, about a thousand privates of the Margrave of Glencia arrived in Luden.

It was exactly twice the number of soldiers Wilhelm requested.

***

Luden Castle was small enough to fill up with at most 200 people. It was only natural that there were few territories. Thus, about a thousand soldiers naturally set up camp in front of Luden Castle. The young people were buzzing. Everyone panicked that there was going to be a war, and Mrs. Sarah almost fainted.

“I don’t have money to feed this many soldiers! Wilhelm, what have you done?”

The blue-faced lord of Luden looked down at the troops from the top of the castle, then grabbed Wilhelm and expressed his embarrassment. Wilhelm smiled and kissed her hand.

“Because you like the land.”

“Is that land? You are a person!”

"line."

Ignoring Reinhardt's embarrassment, Wilhelm called her name in a low voice. Reinhardt hesitated.

The Margrave of Glencia lent private soldiers to the Luden estate without taking a single penny. That's twice as much as required. As for the reason, Wilhelm claimed that it was an operation to recruit him, but Reinhardt didn't believe it. Nothing is free in this world.

So Reinhardt urged Wilhelm to give a reason, but he said, “Reinhard, did you get wind?” and led her to the castle.

The wind blew. Autumn in Luden comes earlier than in other places, and even summer is not very hot. This is Luden's Autumn. A pleasantly cool breeze was blowing over the castle. Thousands of soldiers camped out and lit fires for meals, and the sound of their chatter could be heard from the top of the fortress. In short, the surroundings were very noisy.

But for some reason, at this moment, when Wilhelm called her name, Reinhardt felt that the noise was far away. It was probably because of Wilhelm's dark eyes looking into her. Black and hot eyes, as if all the late heat that the land of Luden had lost forever sat inside and swirled.

He smiled softly and took a step closer to Reinhardt. Originally not too far apart, the two stood close to each other.

It was strange. It was because the young man who had been friendly and affectionate just a short time ago was now surprisingly unfamiliar. Reinhardt felt his body tense up involuntarily. It was the person who asked him for a reason, but seeing him face to face like this somehow seemed to put him in the position of being interrogated. Reinhardt glared at the man a head taller than himself.

“Tell me, Wilhelm.”

“I know you don’t trust me like Dietrich.”

If Dietrich Ernst had been here, he would have clicked his tongue at the young man's face. The sorrow was for a woman who was suspicious of her rather than happy to see the soldiers she had brought.

However, the young man covered Dietrich's name over the sorrow, and Reinhardt naturally thought that he felt ashamed of himself for not being trusted as much as the man at the same time he drew Dietrich. the young man spoke.

“If he had brought a private like this, you wouldn't have been as surprised as you are now. No, he would have screamed, but it must have been a scream of joy. Isn't it?”

Reinhardt hesitated at the words that fell from the young man's mouth.

“No, Wilhelm. No way… … .”

“I know that it is useless to talk about my absent teacher. Just, I... … .”

“… … .”

“I grew a lot more than I thought while I was away from you. Just look at my height.”

Wilhelm raised the corners of his mouth and measured the top of her head with the palm of his hand. Reinhardt's crown was located just below Wilhelm's chin. She was originally half a span shorter than her. Suddenly, the difference was palpable. Looking straight into Reinhardt's trembling eyes, Wilhelm whispered softly.

“We've been apart for quite some time. Yes?"

It was the first time Reinhardt knew that Wilhelm had words like this. Her knight had a knack for saying long and painfully that the child you knew was no more. The young man gave Reinhardt the guilt of abandoning him on a lonely battlefield while he was growing up this much.

“I can’t say I know all your sorrows. The same goes for your anger. But I know the feeling of deprivation. Very clear and detailed. Reinhardt. Ever since you couldn't speak properly, I've seen you gnashing your teeth in your dreams, calling out the name of Michel Alanquez.”

He had a lot to say, but he didn't know what to say, so Reinhardt opened his mouth. Wilhelm held her hand gently.

“And Michel Alanquez even took Dietrich away from us. Hate is no longer yours alone. But I want to remind you that my actions are not solely for personal revenge.”

“Wilhelm.”

Only then did Reinhardt calmly call out his opponent's name. Her eyes were stained with bewilderment and some remorse. But Wilhelm finished what I was about to say. It was one-sided.

“This is what I did to give you back. And that's just the beginning.”

“I never asked you to give me back. And if I get it back, that's for me—"

“But you wanted it through me. No?"

I was speechless again. Something she'd been wanting to do ever since she met Wilhelm. revenge. Reinhardt swears that it never occurred to her that Wilhelm knew it. Every time she saw Wilhelm, she was enveloped in meaningless tenderness and could not become cold towards him.

But this kid knew it all. Even so, she smiled with a benign face in front of her.

Seeing her unable to say anything, Wilhelm smiled brightly. It was the unmistakable smile of a boy that Reinhardt liked.

“You were going to use me as a tool anyway. Then whatever I do, it's your power and your anger. I will be the thunder and lightning of the storm that is you. The storm has a way, but thunder and lightning follow the storm and have no will.”

Thunder and lightning attack people one step ahead of the storm and arouse fear. But that's just part of the storm coming soon. Wilhelm was willing to become her tool.

“I’m just paving the way for you to go first.”

“… … .”

“I hope you like the path I have paved.”

The young man said so and looked down at the castle. 1,000 soldiers were there. Looking at the young man's back, Reinhardt felt that he was far away.

In the wind that raged relentlessly over the castle, the child who had saved her life suddenly grew and stood in front of her as a huge wall. The wall would also block another rainstorm from hitting her.

However, Reinhardt could not have thought that the wall should be his. The man knew too well what she wanted, but Reinhardt was nonetheless more than happy to accept what her man gave me.

because it was unfamiliar.

Could this be the child I cherished and loved? I could have praised him for growing up wonderfully in the blink of an eye, but I really didn't want to. When a puppy becomes an adult, it can be said that it has grown well. But how would a person who sees a puppy grow into a lion feel? Can you praise me for becoming a beast enough to bite and kill others?

"Oh yeah."

“… … ?”

The man turned to her.

“If you like it, then… … .”

“… … .”

“Then, I will tell you what I want.”

Reinhardt didn't answer. It was because I instinctively felt that I wasn't asking for an answer.

If the young man says what he wants, she will have to give it. That wasn't a choice for her. She was more of a duty and a debt. However, Reinhardt doubted whether he had anything to offer the young man.

***

Even when the lord of Luden declared a territory war by putting up a commoner knight without saints, the people of the empire all laughed at the dethroned woman as crazy. When Nathantine was the first to be quickly incorporated into Luden, everyone pointed their fingers at Nathantine for standing in the wrong line. However, right after Luden, as vast as Luden but far richer, Delmaril lost the Territory Battle, and everyone felt that things were going strangely.

The emperor did not get involved in territorial warfare between territories as long as the amount of tax he could collect was guaranteed. Instead, it was a rule to announce the Gyeonggijeon in advance. Thus, Luden obtained six territories before the winter passed.

Other territories were overwhelmingly warmer than Luden in winter. The soldiers, who rode the momentum, marched east without hesitation. 1,000 soldiers quickly became 1,500 and then 2,000. It was only a matter of seconds before rumors spread that the Marquis of Glencia was in touch. It was only then that the famous territories expressed their disapproval.

But it's already too late.

East Orient, Delmaril and Pala. Those who ruled as powerful lords in the area all knelt at the feet of thunder. Luden's knight was soon called Luden's mad dog, and then changed his nickname to Luden's thunder. The territories that generated the most tax revenue in the empire were about to become Reinhardt's.

At that point, even the imperial family was in trouble. Since the founding of the Empire, the only great lord of this size was Rembo, who had vast territories, including the Margrave of Glencia and the southern desert and jungle. At least, since more than half of the territory in Rembau is desert, people cannot live in it, so the only thing that can compare is Glencia.

The emperor suffered from a headache. He swears that he had never thought that a woman who had once been my daughter-in-law and who was now the enemy who had crippled my son was capable of this.

Reinhardt in his days as Crown Princess did not have a great presence. She was just an ordinary royal lady. Except for the fact that she is worried about not having children.

“If there was Rinke Hu… … . no If there was Rinke Hu, the reason why Reinhard Rinke was in Luden in the first place... … .”

It had only been a day since the news that even the wealthy and powerful Orient had entered Luden's command was transmitted through the Crystal Gate. The emperor hurriedly gathered his vassals and discussed how to prepare, but none of them gave a proper opinion. Even the prince.

“Cancel the order to disband the enlisted men given to the Margrave of Glencia. And I'm going to have Margrave keep the Luden estate in check.”

I was talking like this. The emperor barely held back the urge to throw anything at Michel Alanquez. How could my son be so stupid?

“Half of Lord Luden's enlisted men are from the Margrave of Glencia. What do you mean?”

“… … Aren't they the people who will run and be loyal when the Margrave of Glencia calls? Even though… … .”

A nearby vassal touched his forehead. The emperor was moved to tears as it seemed to represent his feelings.

“It means that it is more likely that the Marquis of Glencia and her thief colluded!”

"That's why I'm asking you to cancel the order to disband the enlisted. Then she can take her privates away from that woman, and she can tickle her... … .”

I pull that baby. If it weren't for my son, the emperor would have said that. He writhed instead.

“You fool! If we now cancel the dismissal of the privates given to the Margrave of Glencia, will Luden's privates be brought in? The Marquis will recruit new soldiers and raise the bar even more!”

“… … ah."

The emperor had never given Michel an overly generous evaluation. But he's never been so sad. The Empire itself has always been peaceful. There are some disturbances on the border and there are pirates, but it's not enough to harm or weaken the national power.

The Empire has never been through a major war. The Alanquez Empire, created by the first emperor of Amaryllis Alanquez, was a country in which money circulated steadily under a moderately strong structure. The reason why they expanded their territory with Hu Rinke at the forefront was because they were equipped with overflowing wealth and a general capable of commanding the continent.

Even so, in order to maintain the proper, the monarch had to have more brains, thoughts, and learning than the proper. The emperor had that moderation, and I thought my son, Michelle, too. He is greedy, has bad manners with women, and ignores others a little, but that's what all those who have been above the ground since birth have in common.

But now, the emperor was mad with regret. How could my only son be such a short-tempered bastard?

And he hated even creating a situation like this by expelling a woman with that level of skill, saying that he would replace him with another woman.

No, it wouldn't have happened if Michelle had been to the riots in Sarawak a few years ago in the first place!

A child who is cowardly and sees only what is in front of his eyes.

Seeing the crown prince sitting in front of him with a sullen expression, the emperor became angry. Doing it like you're looking at other people's work like that. I heard that after he injured his leg, he became depressed and had occasional nervous seizures. From then on, Michelle said that she could not sympathize with others, she just stared blankly at people getting hurt, crying, and bleeding in front of her.

'But this is the country you have to rule, you son of a bitch!'

The emperor gently pressed his thumb against the inside of his brow bone. I have been in pain since yesterday. It was then. Among the Emperor's vassals, Earl Mulray, who was the only prudent one, opened his mouth cautiously.

“I hear that the lord of Luden has won a series of victories in battle after winning an excellent knight. It is said that the knight studied under the second son of the Ernst family.”

"By the way?"

Earl Mulray flinched at the words that meant, “Why do you bother repeating a story you already know?” Even so, he answered in a daunted tone.

“However, that knight was only briefly appointed. He was originally a soldier, but he went to war as a rental knight for Baron Nathantin, who was in charge of a joint venture to reduce the number of conscripts. So, it is not an official article.”

“… … So?"

“Even if a person who is not a knight pretends to be a knight and goes to war, he is not normally charged. That's because you die before being buried. But it's not a sin. So please call me to the capital.”

The Emperor closed his eyes in annoyance.

“Can you use that as an excuse that Lord Luden is crazy?”

"your majesty."

Earl Murray shook his head.

“We all know how Lord Luden was kicked out of the capital.”

"By the way?"

“Lord Luden, no, Reinhard Delfina Rinke will definitely come to the capital. The Rinke family is now in ruins and their titles have been confiscated, so there is not even a trace of them. Knights are incorporated into the Imperial Army. No one could have imagined that the dethroned woman who was banished to Luden in that state would become the great lord.”

The emperor knew at once what the count was talking about.

“Would it be as a condition of restoring the Rinke family?”

“Without asking for guilt, I have to make a claim that the knight will be formally appointed. Please do not clarify the lottery. Instead of betting on a lottery ticket, tell them to return the body of Rinke Hu, who was buried in a public cemetery outside the capital because the dethrones became criminals. I heard that the knight marches with Rinke Hu's sword.”

“… … And?"

“Once you get it, do as you please.”

Only then did the emperor nod his head in satisfaction.

Calling in a deposed woman who was kicked out a few years ago and appointing her as the great lord itself can be a sign of reinstatement for the deposed woman. Honor is the most important thing for nobles. If that oblivious waste was interested in honor, he could coax him into coming under his command.

And if the article about how powerful it is is going to get in the way... … .

“But Your Majesty.”

At that time, it was the crown prince who intervened while shouting rudeness. Michelle said, patting the table lightly with a sullen face.

“Then what will be my face?”

“… … face?"

"That's right. That woman is a sinner who dared to stab me... … .”

“Prince.”

Anger welled up in the emperor's throat.

'That, that is my son who will succeed me.'

Since the empress was the woman who helped him rise to the throne, he thought that there would be nothing he could do about it even if she killed the women who had given birth to her child or who had the potential to do so. She must have shed more blood as she ascended the throne.

But he hated even the empress now. If he was going to leave it, he shouldn't have left that stuff alone. At least if there were more than one. However, neither the empress nor herself were old enough to give birth to any more children. So it was only Michelle.

“There are many things in the empire that are more important than the face of the crown prince.”

“… … but,"

“Will the crown prince save face and show off even when the Margrave of Glencia and Lord Luden colluded and brought over 10,000 soldiers to the island!”

Only then did Michelle sting and shut her mouth. Her face was shiny, and everything she said made her angry. The emperor saw an attendant waiting behind the table where the prince was sitting. Other attendants could not enter the place where state affairs were being discussed. The chief chamberlain who serves the emperor is no exception. However, only the prince's attendants were always here. The reason was simple. The prince, who only injured one of his legs, couldn't walk on his own feet properly after that.

Even if you can't use your right foot properly, there is a cane. However, the prince always moved in the arms of the attendants and treated the attendants as if they were his own hands and feet. It seemed that he expected too much from the guy who had one leg left but acted as if he didn't have one.

'There's no way that the quiet Crown Princess stabbed him right away just because her father died.'

The emperor thought so without even realizing it. Michelle lived with Rinke Hu's daughter as a couple for over five years. There must have been something I didn't know during those five years. The one who earned the rod with words was my son. The emperor was vaguely convinced that there must have been other reasons besides Michel's demand for divorce and Hu Rinke's death.

The next morning, Earl Murray passed through the Crystal Gate carrying a letter to the lord of Luden. The contents included the elevation to the rank of great lord and the return of Rinke Hu's body. It was only natural that he indirectly hinted at the possibility of restoring the authority of the Rinke family.

Instead, the emperor requested only one thing. Come to Jedo, have an audience with the emperor in person, and be officially ordained a knight.

It was an offer that Reinhardt could not refuse. He didn't even have the heart to say no.

***

The Crystal Gate is a symbol of the Alanques Empire.

This crystal gate installed at each strategic point in the empire is made of crystals from Alanques, and it takes those who pass through the gate to the desired place with the resonant power of the crystal itself.

Before the Alanques Empire was created, it was this crystal that was used as currency on the continent. This is because, in addition to the resonance power, it possesses a small amount of magic power.

However, after Amaryllis Alanques, who is said to have lived nine lives, established an empire, an alternative currency, Alanques, was created.

Daejeo currency is difficult to circulate without public confidence. No matter how much money is circulated, if the place that guarantees it disappears, the money becomes garbage. However, Amaryllis Alanques achieved monetary guarantees through various institutional arrangements.

The decline of magic also played a role. No matter how magical the crystal was, no one would use it, so the crystal gradually lost its value. Thus, it was about 170 years ago that Alanque became the most representative currency of the empire.

Then, what happened to the crystals used as currency?

Amaryllis Alanques bought all the crystals that were circulating on the market. And the area where fertilization occurred was made an institution. Besides stabilizing the currency, it had other purposes. She was also called the last sorceress of hers, as she made this crystal and her own bloodline resonate with each other. This was so that the members of the imperial family could escape through the crystal gate in an emergency.

Numerous crystal gates installed at the strategic points of the empire could be used only if they had resonance crystals in addition to complex formulas, but those who succeeded Alankes' lineage did not need any formulas or modifications thanks to Amaryllis Alankes.

Thus, the crystal became the symbol of Alances.

"It's an imperial supply."

Reinhardt looked down while holding the crystal that Count Mulray's attendant had given him. The crystal, the size of a 1 Alanque coin, the smallest of the Alanque currencies, was transparent and had a metal chip embedded in the center. Pink skin was visible behind the crystal. After using it once, the crystal resonates and shatters.

This was also the work of the first emperor. It made it impossible for anyone to use the revision door. The crystals were circulated only to those who absolutely needed to use the crystal gates under the strict control of the imperial family. It may be seen as a strange egotism. But Reinhardt knew.

That is how those in power emphasize their privileges and strengthen their power.

Reinhardt also felt that he had become a special person when he became the crown princess in his previous life and passed through the crystal gate holding this crystal. The fact that there was no crystal in the hand of the prince who escorted her by holding her hand raised her even more when she was young.

'What is this crystal?'

Reinhardt tightly gripped the crystal. His nails dug into his palms. Before her eyes, Earl Mulray was being fussy with her servants and knights.

“When passing through the Crystal Gate, no weapons are permitted. you! What is the pointy thing on that waist?”

The knights grumbled and put down their weapons. The attendant explained that what was worn around his waist was a tobacco pipe developed in the East, but Earl Murray did not allow it. The attendant became weepy. Reinhardt sighed.

“Count Murray. These are the ones I command.”

“But these are the rules for those who pass through the Crystal Gates.”

"count. I have passed through the Crystal Gates before. If you go through the crystal gate and get down, it won't be safe there either."

Earl Mulray put on a sullen expression. After passing through the crystal gate, what Reinhardt encounters is not the emperor, but about 20 knights guarding the crystal gate. The crystal gate of the imperial capital is located at the foot of the mountain where the imperial castle is located, next to a small villa, and it is very difficult for even a large number of people to recklessly push into the imperial castle surrounded by double and triple walls from there.

"but… … .”

"count."

Reinhardt showed an expression of blatant boredom.

“I should follow the command of His Majesty the Supreme Emperor, but if the process of passing through the crystal gate is cumbersome, I'd rather go to Jedo on horseback.”

Literally translated, it means that the one who rides the shit line is the emperor, so don't be picky and go roughly. Earl Mulray scratched his head and backed off. Only then did her knights and attendants who followed her breathe a sigh.

"But Sir Wilhelm's longsword is not acceptable."

Nonetheless, Earl Mulray eventually started fighting again. Wilhelm, the man who had been standing behind Reinhardt the whole time, raised his eyebrows. Earl Mulray flinched at Wilhelm's glare at him, but he continued as if he mustered up courage.

“The Imperial Capital cannot be traveled by anyone without a longsword permit, wielding a sword longer than one lilith. The same goes for His Highness the Crown Prince. You should know.”

It was shaky, but it sounded right.

“… … Wilhelm.”

Reinhardt called out Wilhelm's name. It was the sound of releasing the sword. Wilhelm immediately released his sword and dropped it to the floor without any objection. There was a whooshing sound. Earl Murray mustered even more courage.

“The sword you wore behind it… … .”

It was the sword after Rinke. Wilhelm faintly squinted his eyes.

“This doesn’t work.”

“That sword, no matter how you look at it, exceeds one release… … .”

“Earl Murray.”

Reinhardt called him again. why why why why Her Count Mulray glared at her with her eyes wide open. Reinhardt spoke again as if preaching to an immature child.

“That sword is the one left by my deceased father.”

“… … .”

"If you knew what today's deed meant, you wouldn't be able to take that sword away from my knight."

Earl Murray made a shit-chewed expression. Wilhelm, expressionless, kicked his sword forward as if showing off.

"Thank you."

“I didn’t mean to be nice to you.”

Reinhardt looked back while fiddling with the crystal in his hand. Five knights, two attendants. And Mrs Sarah and Marc.

"wife. Take good care of Yeongji.”

“… … Yes."

The old lady replied with a complicated face. The last six months had been too disturbing for Mrs. Sarah. There is no one who dislikes seeing the estates he manages grow. However, the size of the manor, which had grown exponentially in the last six months, was not a size that the average person could handle.

Wilhelm started fighting the Territory before he could even come to his senses.

With a thousand privates, he won the first and second territory battles, and made his name known in the third and fourth. Lords who did not surrender were beheaded, and those who did surrender were placed under Lady Sara's command.

Lady Sara became plenipotentiary of Delmaril instead of the lord of Delmaril who did not surrender. is he the only one Instead of Reinhardt going to the islands, Luden's Territory was now—that's right. Luden was no longer a territory, but a name representing the spirit of the territory!

So, the wife just had a headache.

The management of the territory, size, soldiers, and budget. The fact that the lord left for Jedo Island before he even grasped all of that. However, there was no one other than his wife who could handle the household. Reinhardt smiled and squeezed the old lady's hand.

“Why do you look like that? Without me, your wife would be excited too.”

“My mother said she was suffocating and couldn’t sleep last night either.”

Sarah's third daughter, Marc, jumped out and replied. Mrs. Sarah bruised as Reinhardt opened her eyes.

"Hey!"

"Really. She even called her married sisters and asked if we should mobilize them to keep the books.”

“Ahahaha. Was it?”

Reinhardt smiled. She said warmly, holding Mrs. Sara's hand.

"wife. I'm sorry. It was not my intention to keep you awake.”

“No, my lord.”

Sarah shook her head.

“I much prefer counting the number of orchards than counting the price of a bag of dried apples.”

Delmaril was a region famous for its apple harvest. Reinhardt laughed.

"yes. Me too. But it's not too sudden. I fully understand, so I will come back as soon as possible.”

“… … Lord.”

Mrs. Sarah's wrinkled, hard face was unusually hardened.

Most of Sarah's facial expressions lately have been one of surprise, bewilderment, or a frown, so Reinhardt naturally stiffened. However, the words that came out of Sarah's mouth were unexpected.

“I remember when the lord just came to our estate five years ago.”

“… … .”

“I will not dare to lie that the lord was happy at that time. The person who was the most precious member of the imperial family was the owner that even I didn't know how to treat. But I have never hated the lord.”

“Madam, all of a sudden… … .”

“There were times when the lord looked down on his knees with eyes full of blue anger.”

Reinhardt almost touched my knee without realizing it. The wound from stabbing Michelle and putting her in prison was now dark brown and adorned the side of her right knee. Sara spoke slowly, straight, and forcefully.

“If that anger goes away, I'd be fine with the Lord spending a few years on the island. So, slowly and leisurely as possible, do all you need to do and return with honor.”

“… … wife."

To be honest, I never thought that Mrs. Sarah would say something like this to me. After she came to Luden Manor, the old lady hadn't shown me any great favors. Moreover, since Reinhardt had thought of himself as an idiot who had to be forcibly hugged by the Luden estate, his wife's words were all the more thrilling.

“… … Thank you.”

So Reinhardt could only say that one word aloud. Mark smiled broadly. For a while, good words came and went. Mrs. Sara soon left, and Marc stayed. This is because she also decided to accompany Reinhardt, who did not have a maidservant worthy of her, as her maidservant and bodyguard. Mark, who was taking his steps to say goodbye to his mother again, opened his mouth as if thinking of something when he saw Wilhelm.

"Oh right. Come to think of it, are you still wearing it?”

"it?"

Reinhardt also had something to receive from Wilhelm, so it was a car that stood together. She looked down in the direction Mark was pointing. The sword of Rinkefu wielded by Wilhelm. A familiar dark blue jacquard cloth was tied to the handle.

'That's... … .'

Upon recognizing this, Reinhardt's hardened expression relaxed a little involuntarily. But before Reinhardt could say anything, Wilhelm was faster. The man responded coldly to Mark.

“Don't worry about your baby, why don't you take your wife. You are staggering over there.”

"oh!"

Marc looked back in surprise. The old lady, who had been having a hard time getting up from dawn to get ready to see off the lord, was slowly sitting in a chair with her forehead on her forehead. After Marc ran away, only Reinhardt and Wilhelm remained. Reinhardt looked up at his article. A clear, meaningless voice came out after a long time.

“Is that what I gave you?”

To be honest, she was the car Wilhelm had been keeping his distance from lately. She has been that way ever since the castle.

It was because the back of Wilhelm standing in front of a thousand privates seemed not to be the Wilhelm she had known before. Besides, Wilhelm left Reinhardt on an expedition. And Reinhardt sat on the manor and continued to receive news of victory.

How ecstatic to hear it at first glance. Just sitting on the territory, six successive messages of victory flew in. News without defeat. But those times suffocated Reinhardt. She had to stop by and pretend to be her lord wherever Wilhelm won and left. It was a real act.

One day, when you suddenly get rich, there are those who just enjoy it and those who feel anxious.

Reinhardt was closer to the latter. She used to be close to her lover, but she suffered from anxiety as she went through a series of things. Her father, whom she lost to the crown prince, and her childhood friend, whom she lost after sending her to war due to her hasty judgment.

So, while Reinhardt was happy with the news of the victory, he was also anxious. In addition to that, the distant feelings he felt for Wilhelm also played a role.

She hadn't touched Wilhelm's cheek since the day he brought a thousand soldiers with him. Countless times she held Wilhelm, caressed his cheek, leaned on him, and felt relieved, but she couldn't do that anymore.

The shame of realizing that the boy who knew nothing and kept repeating "no" was actually piercing his own heart. Despite this, the bitterness that he may not be able to reciprocate the heart of the boy who blindly follows him. And… … .

Even though you didn't intend it, revenge that proceeds steadily in a place you don't know.

The young man took Dietrich's name and named it 'our' revenge, but Reinhardt couldn't quite feel that it was his own. He rather only had layer upon layer of her doubts that bothered her.

Is this fair?

Is it okay for everything to flow like this just because I'm living a new life again, and just because I have Bill Colonna in my hands?

Wouldn't that which was obtained too easily crumble like sand?

But surprisingly, Reinhardt's anxiety melted a little the moment he saw the cloth wrapped around the handle.

On the other hand, Wilhelm hardened his face at her words and kicked the sword back. She could see her fingertips trembling little by little, as if embarrassed. It was so different from the movement he had been carrying around in front of Count Mulray that he laughed. She took a step closer to Wilhelm.

"That's what I gave you. Show me.”

“… … It's dirty.”

Wilhelm closed his mouth for a moment as if he was choking, then tried to hide his sword as if he was ashamed.

However, a single-release sword could not be easily hidden, no matter how big Wilhelm was. Reinhardt smiled brightly for the first time in a long time.

"It's my sleeve, what could be dirty?"

Wilhelm, who was staring at that smile as if he was bewildered, belatedly lowered his head and stammered.

“There was blood, too… … .”

"It's okay."

she said again.

“It’s okay, Wilhelm.”

At those words, Wilhelm looked at her in disbelief for a moment.

It had been a very long time since Reinhardt had called Wilhelm's name so affectionately. Ever since that day's campaign, Reinhardt had only called Wilhelm's name when absolutely necessary. They didn't even give me a chance to be alone. It was because of Reinhardt's own shame and suffering, but it was clear that it was a puzzling and painful time for Wilhelm as well.

“… … here… … .”

So, Wilhelm seemed embarrassed and hinted at the sword. When Reinhardt tried to touch the handle of her sword, as if she was reluctant to let something dirty touch her hand, she tried to put her sword back, but Reinhardt snatched it away. The handle of the sword was wrapped in cloth.

The jacquard was a thick cloth, and the handle was wrapped so tightly that it felt a little cushiony. Was the worn and worn cloth so long and thick? He felt as if it had been so long ago that he ripped off his sleeve. Reinhardt whispered as he pressed the cloth with his fingertips.

“You valued it.”

“… … You asked for it back, but I'm greedy... … .”

Wilhelm barely excused himself. yes. It was. She held the sword, then held it out to Wilhelm again.

“No, Wilhelm. You don't have to give it back. take it back.”

“… … line."

“It’s not giving. but… … .”

Reinhardt bit his lip, then looked up at Wilhelm. Her hand touched Wilhelm's chest, and Wilhelm flinched. Both of them were now dressed in black. Reinhardt was wearing mourning clothes on purpose.

Unable to attend Rinke Hu's funeral, she wore a black dress. She intends to show off to the emperor. As she puts on her black clothes, Wilhelm also puts a black cloak around her armor. The top was upholstered in black velvet. She admired the contrast between her black velvet and her own white hand on it. She then opened her mouth.

“The capital is probably dangerous.”

“… … .”

“I have something to tell you.”

She found Wilhelm's hand and squeezed it. Wilhelm, who was holding her crystal as well as her, gave it to her without much resistance from her, despite her bewilderment. Reinhardt held the two crystals in his hands and cluttered as he figured out how I should respond.

But having time did not mean knowing the answer. Reinhardt pulled Wilhelm's hand and entangled it. Wilhelm was taken aback, but she didn't care, and after returning the crystal, she whispered quietly. so that no one would hear her.

“… … that I didn't tell you I don't know how to say it... … You'll probably be able to get through the Crystal Gate without it.”

“… … line."

She deliberately did not look at Wilhelm's expression. Wilhelm called her name, but Reinhardt shook her head.

“How I knew it is difficult for me to explain. And I am afraid to see your face now.”

“… … .”

“When you asked me to use you as a tool, I was embarrassed and scared. Because I really wanted to take you and get my revenge... … .”

I was out of breath. Reinhardt paused for a moment. As if telling Wilhelm to continue, he gently squeezed her hand. Dizzy, she leaned lightly against Wilhelm's chest.

In the eyes of others, I hope that the tired lord will only be seen as leaning on the knight.

Rumors had already spread outside the estate about the waste woman and the young knight warming her bed. Reinhardt couldn't have known that. Even here, someone might look at them and click their tongue inwardly saying that was the case too. However, Reinhardt felt that he could not express his feelings unless it was at this moment. So, just a little bit.

“… … Dietrich did that to me. You are a cold-blooded person.”

Unexpectedly, it was Wilhelm who spoke first.

“So even if you were driven by recognition and raised me like a puppy in your bosom, I was going to be a bastard.”

“… … Did you?”

A longing voice seemed clear to his ears. Wilhelm continued quietly.

“But the line. Even before Dietrich said that, I… … .”

“Wilhelm. Come back."

“… … line?"

Reinhardt finally raised his head and looked up at Wilhelm. In those eyes, there was trust and kindness that had been hidden until now. He looked down at himself as a puzzled young man with trembling eyes. she said forcefully again.

“I don’t need any other words. I need you So always come back to me.”

“… … .”

“It doesn't matter what you want to be in the system or what you do. I don't care if you leave me But as long as the sword is there, you should always come back to me. I am giving it to you.”

“Line, I… … .”

"If you don't like that, give me back this sword."

Wilhelm pursed his lips, then smiled lightly. Then he lowered her head and whispered in her ear.

“I will definitely come back.”

“… … Wilhelm.”

“So give this to me.”

The man's hard, rough hand snatched Rinke Hu's sword from Reinhardt's hand. After groping for the thick, rolled jacquard cloth, Wilhelm placed Reinhardt's hand on top of his holding the sword and gripped it. The warm man's body temperature warmed Reinhardt's hands up and down.

"thanks."

Wilhelm laughed softly in her ear. Reinhardt involuntarily noticed that his ears were getting hot. Wilhelm whispered calmly.

“I have something to tell you too.”

"What?"

“A revision.”

Reinhardt's golden gaze stared at Wilhelm. Wilhelm narrowed his eyes and smiled.

“… … I knew.”

"Since when?"

Wilhelm's smile grew thicker.

"that's… … I can't tell you yet.”

“… … but!"

Reinhardt was perplexed. Could it be that this child knew that he was the emperor's illegitimate son?

But since when? Could it be that you knew from the beginning? However, Reinhard immediately recalled the first time he met Wilhelm, and he thought that couldn't be the case. For by the time the young man in front of her had just met her, she could barely speak. It was more like a beast than a human.

When did you find out? Maybe someone who knew him told him about his lineage. Reinhardt involuntarily looked up at Wilhelm with a ferocious yet confused gaze. Is it because of my mood? Wilhelm had a strangely complacent expression. As if he knew Reinhardt would be so embarrassed.

At that time, the surroundings became noisy. Reinhardt was startled and looked at the noisy side. A familiar knight was running.

"Forgive me for being late!"

Alzen Stogall. He was Pernaha Glencia's lieutenant, but was now serving as Wilhelm's lieutenant knight. It was possible because he was less known than Pernaha Glencia. Wilhelm looked that way and whispered to Reinhardt.

“It seems difficult to say now.”

“… … Let's talk later.”

"Yes."

And at that moment, Reinhardt got an answer to a question he had had throughout Wilhelm's expedition to the Territory. When he placed the crystal in his hand and the Algenstugal side by side, the answer was simpler than he thought.

The reason why the Marquis of Glencia lent private soldiers to him at no cost right after Pernaha Glencia suddenly returned to his territory. The card Wilhelm gave to the Margrave of Glencia, who wanted to avoid confrontation with the emperor, was probably his own bloodline.

Even if Luden grew into a great lord, even if he joined hands with the Margrave of Glencia, the emperor would not be anxious.

When he finds out that there is another bloodline of his own here.

Being human is such a thing. The moment he finds out that the person he thought was a stranger carries his bloodline, he has a blind faith that the bloodline will follow him. The emperor was the perfect being to believe that. He had an empire and power. How many people will not follow it?

Reinhardt's mind went blank. How far did this kid think and act? It was then. Wilhelm, who was trying to get her body away from Reinhardt, whispered to her again as if he had just remembered.

“Yes, line.”

“… … yes."

“I haven’t told you about the award I want to receive yet, have I?”

“… … ah."

She pondered for a moment what Wilhelm was saying, then realized. It was because I remembered the image of a young man sitting in front of me shyly after the war, twisting his body and talking. Although his height grew beyond recognition, the image of him saying that was the same as the boy Reinhardt knew, so his doubts were removed and the memory of what he had said came back together. It was so strange. He wasn't even a year old, but it felt like 10 years had passed.

“As you said… … I came back, and I will always come back alive, so give me a prize.”

Reinhardt had a premonition of this. That if this young man asked anything of her, she had to give it. A person who has debts she cannot afford is bound to have to give anything to her counterpart. But what could Wilhelm ask of me? Is there anything good and great left in him that the one who gave me the great estate demanded?

I don't know what Wilhelm would ask of me, but Reinhardt naturally felt the pressure. She unconsciously stuttered her words.

“What, Son Sang?”

The boy's, no man's, laugh grew thicker. The answer that came out was unexpected. No, I can't say it was unexpected.

“You.”

“… … me?"

“Yes, Line.”

A low voice settled in Reinhardt's ears, which had become hotter than before.

“I love you, Line.”

There was something I vaguely felt, but had never specifically thought about. The anxiety, fear, or warmth that Reinhardt felt whenever he met Wilhelm's gaze at me.

They had just been thrown at her in the name of love. Reinhardt felt like he wanted to choke himself.

5. Storm and Thunder

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