The smell of sandstone and dead grass mingled in the air and hit my nostrils on the breeze.

　It was a nostalgic smell, one that I had tasted so much of in the past. I had thought I was tired of it, but now I wondered if it was human nature to feel nostalgia for it.

　These smells will soon be crushed by the dead snow that pours down lavishly. Even now, the dead snow is licking up the earth and spreading itself around the world in order to expand its dominion.

　My eyelids fluttered, and I cast my gaze downward from the top of a small hill.

　The Augustus River, the boundary that separates the Garlist Kingdom from the eastern city-states. The river, which originally facilitated circulation, is now completely frozen over and piled high with dead snow. Now, it would be possible to cross to the other side of the river without using a bridge.

　Of course, the influence of the Garlist Kingdom itself extends to the eastern city-states, and only later historians will be able to tell where the clear border is.

　For the time being, it is a fact that the Garlist Kingdom has been exerting its sovereignty within the boundaries of this great river.

　Now, covering the edge of the river, the border of the great river, the heraldic soldiers are standing in a row.

　They were dressed in the gray armor of the deadly snow, and their white breaths were clearly visible even from a distance.

　They numbered about three thousand. Considering the size of the heraldry force, it could not be more than that. How could they have gotten this far?

　It's true that I asked you to arrange your troops along the Augustus River, but I never imagined that you would send so many troops in the deadly snow.

　Although it would be enough to draw the attention of the Garlist Kingdom to the eastern border.

　When I muttered such a thing lightly, I was immediately met with a sigh. The cold skies often let the sound reach them.

'It was really a big deal, Mister Lugis. We're mercenaries, and we've been overheard.

　The Steel Princess Vestalinu-Gerua let a white mist drift around her mouth as she said this.

　I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but it's a good idea. In the event that you have any questions regarding where and how to use the internet, you can call us at the web site.

　In addition to that, it is also important to know that you should be aware of the fact that there is a lot of information available on the internet. In addition, we need to secure supply routes so that we don't starve and freeze in the expedition area.

　All of this had to be done from scratch, and without any preparation. I see. I can't even imagine how much time and effort that would take. I don't even want to imagine.

　Anne was whispering your name like a grudge," Vestalines said, tilting her head.

　The edges of her lips twisted involuntarily. He stroked his fingers over his throat, which was running with a dull ache from thirst.

You're too kind. I'm afraid I'll never see you again... So, Steel Princess, are you ready for the Belle Fane mercenaries?

　She asked, a white mist forming around her mouth. I'm sure the same is true of the Belfain mercenaries as well as the heraldic soldiers.

　Vestalinu's lips quirked up as she wrapped herself in her furry armor.

"Yes, of course. We're all set, no matter what. The mercenaries of Belfain are always on the battlefield in their dreams, even when their bodies are in their soft beds.

　Vestalinu's dignified atmosphere clung to her words. The flawless tone of her voice showed that she had nothing to hide behind.

　Great, that's a very dependable word. You're the one who's in charge of all the roughnecks in Belle Fain.

　I'll let them work to their fullest this time. After all, the people who wield their bodies the most in the deadly snow are not the national army or merchants, but mercenaries who trade for their lives.

　At the same time as I put a chewed tobacco in my mouth, I heard a kind of cheer from the area where the Belle Fain mercenaries had set up their camp.

　They were probably having a drink in the name of making themselves as comfortable as possible in this cold wind. I'm glad to see that they are as usual.

　Suddenly, I thought of Bruder and mentioned him. Vestaline's sister and my friend, she is working with the Belle Fain mercenaries.

　She's currently settling down in Garou Amalia to heal from the injuries she sustained in the city of Philos, but I'm still a little concerned about her.

　Apparently, losing her once upon a time had left more than a little hole in my heart.

　Vestalinu's gaze intensified quietly when she heard my words.

　She seems to be saying that my casual question has touched the emotional engine that exists in her body. No, I don't remember hearing anything disturbing like that.

I don't remember hearing anything so disturbing. ...... His condition has calmed down considerably. I'm sure you'll be back on your feet in no time.

　Vestalinu closed her lips with a few firm words. The expression on her face also became somewhat resentful.

　I'm not sure what to make of this, but I'm sure it's a good idea. There is something about Bruder that even makes him feel good about boldly jumping into danger.

　It is a little difficult to decide whether to call such a tendency a virtue or a vice. Judging from Vestaline's attitude, there may have been some conflict between the sisters in this regard. If that's the case, it's probably not a topic that should be mentioned too much.

　I nodded lightly in reply to Vesterine's words. Well, I'm glad you're okay. I'll see if I can get you a drink or something.

"So, tell us what we should do, Lord Lugis. If I don't give these mercenaries a job, I'll be disqualified from leading them.

　Vestalinu's voice bounced lightly, "Are you going to shake the nearby cold villages? I hadn't told them that part yet.

　It's not that I don't trust them, it's just that I've been wondering how to tell them.

　I let the chewed tobacco rise to my lips and let its unique aroma roll across my nose. I let the words form in my thoughts a few times, but then I felt stupid and stopped.

　There was only one thing to do, no matter how I tried to fix it. He threw a glance at Vestalines and said with a bite.

Vestalines, what a mercenary does has always been a given. Just do it.

　He opens his eyes and purposely raises the edges of his lips.



　Mercenaries have changed drastically with time and region. Sometimes they were treated like the private armies of noblemen, and at other times they were no different from bandits.

　In the days when there was no concept of a national army, I heard that mercenaries scattered throughout the land were the very soldiers of the nation.

　But from that time to the present, there is a tradition of mercenaries that has not changed.

　--Raiding and pillaging. To fight and to plunder.

"In the kingdom of Garliest, there is a prison called the Burial Ground. An old man who's been working there a long time. I think it's time for him to finish his work.

　I could see Vestalynn's eyelashes fluttering upward. I wonder if she was thinking about it a little too much. Her lips, which don't usually appear so lost for words, wavered a few times as she searched for something to say.

　After a few seconds of hesitation, she said.

"Can I take that to mean rescuing someone from prison?

　Vestalinu's breathing became slightly ragged. A white haze swirled around her and she was thrown into the air.

　The question was phrased as if she wanted to confirm something rather than grasp the true meaning.

　He looked at the eyes that were looking straight at him and said.

"Of course. But that's not all. I told you, we have to end this.

　With wavy lips, he continued. I was struck by the way Vesterine was looking at me. She clenched her fingers lightly.

The burial chamber is now a symbol of persecution against heraldry. As long as it exists, the position of the heralds and the Great Saints will never change. They will remain the persecutors and the persecuted.

　No amount of biting on my part can change what is deeply rooted in my head. The relationship between the strong and the weak is often like that.

　If the relationship continues forever, then the heraldry and the Great Saints will have no choice but to fight each other until one of them disappears from the earth.

　After all, people are not willing to give up the benefits and advantages they have once gained. So they will always kick the heraldry, persecute the heraldry, and prove their superiority.

　And Jail Bella is the very symbol of that.

So we have to destroy it. That's all you have to do, Vestalinu. It's simple, just wipe one prison off the map.