I put on a pair of thermal gloves and let out a breath through the tips of my fingers. Even though I was still inside the prison building, my breath was already white. It must be pretty bad out there at this point.

　Still, I can't just stay cooped up until the deadly snow ends. After all, in the past, I haven't seen the end of the dead snow.

　If I'm not careful, I may even say that the snow will continue to die until the majority of human beings finish building their own coffins.

　It's beyond ridiculous. I was almost wondering if the spirit of the gods was involved in all of this.

　He threw a fur-lined cloak over his shoulders over his military uniform. It's an oddly fine cloak. In the past, I would never have even worn such a cloak.

　I thanked Vestalynne for the preparations, and she blurted out, eyelids downcast.

You are returning to Philos, my Lord Commander. Then I'll be with you, of course.

　Vestalynn's words had a hint of urgency in them. There was something in her eyes that seemed to pierce me. I'm sure it's just a way of accusing me.

　I suppose it's natural.

　After all, I'm the one who brought her and her mercenary to the edge of hostile territory. I'm the one who put them in mortal danger, and I'm the one who rendered some mercenaries useless.

　It's only natural that the person who did that is going to leave them behind and go to the puppet city of Philos next.

　Originally, Vestalinu and the mercenaries were supposed to leave with him when he went to Philos. They were needed to transport the prisoners and escort them.

　But that plan was changed. The reason for the change was the information brought by Largd-Anne, a major figure in the heraldry.

　--A messenger was sent to heraldry from the kingdom of Garlist.

　That's not how it should be. The Kingdom of Garlist originally did not recognize the heraldry as a force, a negotiating partner if you will.

　They were treated as mere night thieves and rebels. The state does not negotiate with such people. They just glare at them and trample them down. That's the only option the state is allowed.

　The state speaks only to those who are worthy. Sending a messenger means that the Garlist Kingdom has accepted the heraldry as a negotiating partner in some small way.

　Considering the relationship between the Kingdom of Garleist and the Great Patriarchate, this was something that should have been impossible.

　The fact that it happened at all means that they are in a tight spot.

　I don't need to think about the cause. After all, neither heraldry nor any other nation is a threat to the Garlist Kingdom.

　There's only one thing that could push them over the edge. It's got to be a hexenbiest disaster from the northwest. Fort Suzif, the shield of the Garleist Kingdom, has fallen in the absence of Valerie the Watcher.

　Seeing this situation, there were people in the Garlist Kingdom who felt a sense of crisis. There were those who thought that perhaps this was not just a disaster.

　That's why they chose heraldry as one of their negotiation partners, if you can imagine it.

　Excellent. So far, this is the result we've been waiting for. Now, in no small part, the Garlist Kingdom must begin to cooperate with other nations.

　Then we should be able to deal with the catastrophe much faster than in the past. It will be much, much better than the horrible state of affairs before.

　Normally, this would be a win-win situation. There is one problem. There's the worst problem of all.

　This hexenbiest disaster is not a natural occurrence but the work of an evil spirit.

　No matter how you try, no matter how things turn out, he's gonna move his finger. That's why we have to cut off his arm.

　For that reason, I couldn't easily give up Jail Bella, my foothold in the Garleist Kingdom. I can't even predict how things will turn out. I could be knocked to the bottom of the earth if I took my eyes off her.

　For that reason, I can't take her with me.

　In response to Vestalinu's words, I turn my thoughts and say.

"I'm sorry. Stay here, Vesterine. You're the only one I can ask.

　She kept her gaze locked with Vestalynu's and continued speaking. I could see her lips pucker up a little. I saw her lips pucker up a little, as if to say she was displeased.

Without you, the mercenaries will be nothing more than a bunch of people. You're the reason they're mercenaries, Vestalinu. You're the reason they can protect this place.

　That's what I understood when I spent time with her in prison. I felt the difference between her and me firsthand.

　Vestalinu-Gerua is definitely a gifted frontline commander. A talent far greater than my own.

　She can make snap judgments, she can be a little stubborn, but she can still choose what she needs to do. He has the charisma to lead his troops and a resonant voice.

　And most of all, he is a man of action. Soldiers respect a man who stands firm and does not flatter them. They want to follow the one who stands in front of everyone and waves the battle flag.

　That's what Vestalinu has.

　What? There's nothing wrong with this feeling. After all, I used to be an adventurer and a mercenary myself.



　If I were a soldier, I'm sure I'd try to follow a commander named Vestalinu. She might refuse me, though.

　Vestaline takes in my words and shakes her head slightly. I thought she was going to spit out a harsh rebuttal, but her lips rippled and she spoke quietly.

...... If that's what the commander says, then I'll follow. Yes, I know it's selfish, but...

　Don't say that, I'm aware of that. I'm sure I lack the depth of thought or consideration for others. I understand that this has caused me a lot of trouble.

　I'll pay for it in my own way. He said, moving his mouth lightly. Perhaps in response to that. Vestalynne took my hand and kneeled down as if she was serving me.

　The way she acted was that of a squire in front of his master.

"Well, commander. You're leaving me here now. Then I can assume that you will eventually come for me with my sister.

　The steel princess, thin fingers to be called that, was in my palm. I'm a commander, so I guess I'm supposed to be one.

　He's got a beautiful face. When I look at him from the front, I envy him. People like me, who were born in the gutter, are far away from such etiquette and manners.

　I'm sure I'll never be able to behave like her. When I think about it, I feel a little bit of darkness welling up in my heart.

　But hey, I'll at least try.

　I put my other hand on Vesterine's shoulder and said.

"Of course. I'll be glad to come get you. I'm sure Bruder would like to see your face, Vestalinu.

　With a smile, or as much as she could say it, a lift of her lips, she continued.

"Then you may call me Vess. You can call me Vess if you like. I do not like to be called by my name for too long.

　Vess. That's her nickname, though as far as I know only her sister Bruder calls her that. She lets those close to her call her that.

　Fair enough. Then it seems she approves of me, too, in some small way. It's an honor to be called that by someone who once couldn't even reach my fingertips. I felt a warmth deep in my gut.

"Then I'll leave you in charge while I go to Philos. Vess, do everything the way you think is best. I'll trust you.

"- Yes, sir. I'll do whatever you wish, Lord Commander.

　I felt a strange tightening of my hand.