Bernard's march on the city of Philos.

　Surprisingly, the majority of the thousand or so soldiers present followed this march. Almost all of them, except for those who stayed behind to make sure Salainio's remains were not devoured by birds and beasts.

　Everyone wanted a purpose, wanted what they had to do to drown out the uncertainty. Bernard's words pierced the void left by the loss of his commander, Salainio.

　Bernard leads the way, his blade rippling at his hip. The shadow of the city of Philos was now in his line of sight.

　The city that had been the tactical target of Salainio's expedition. If this city, which connects the east and west sides of the current heraldry base, falls, the saints will have no choice but to negotiate with this side.

　It's a good idea to have a good idea of what you're looking for. Negotiations with the saints would only go well with his influence.

　But that didn't stop Bernard from feeling that it would be a betrayal to Salainio to give up and kneel down so easily. The soldiers also had the same feelings.

　That's why he couldn't stop. At the very least, they did not want to betray the people they trusted. Such feelings of faith and willfulness clung to the bottom of their guts like mud.

　A cold wind swept across Bernard's cheeks. I'm not sure if you've seen this before, but I've seen it before.

　It was the first time that I had ever seen a man with a gun. You could say that it was not solid. Bernard had seen many cities like this when he was a mercenary.

　He stepped through the gates, his heart beating strongly. The gate creaked open in front of Bernard's eyes.

　Why? Bernard looked at it with questioning eyes. They must still have a small army, and no general to lead them at the moment. There was no way they could open the gates to battle.

　But the next moment, Bernard's eyes twitched, brushing aside such doubts. He drew his sword from his waist and quickened his pace. He knew why the enemy had opened the gates. He could feel the rustle of soldiers behind his back.

　From the front of the gate, it came on horseback. Its green uniform shone in the dead snow.

...... You're the enemy that attacked us, right? You can't tell who's friend or foe when you're a heraldic cult.

　The man said with a somewhat aloof look. A silver-haired woman with a blade in her hand was standing beside him.

　He is the main reason why Salainio raised his troops. He was the driving force behind the expansion of the heraldry. A hero or a great evil.

　I'm not sure what to make of that. Bernard's eyes widened.

　So, that's it. Bernard's eyes narrowed as if he had understood everything.

　It was this great evil after all. Largud-En was behind this. Yes, our Lord died because of him.

　And now that hateful opponent was right in front of him. Bernard felt a surge of emotion in his chest.


　◇ ◇◇◆


　A few breaths escaped from his mouth. A little breath escaped from his mouth and flew into the air as a white mist. The lungs were still pumping from the horse's gallop just a moment ago.

　I stared at the group of soldiers approaching before me. They were alert, but they didn't seem to be coming at me with or without a fight. A tall man who seemed to be the leader of the group stepped forward with dignity.

　You can see that Kalia's gaze tightened at his side.

"Indeed. Our commander, Lord Salainio, has called you an enemy. Then I guess we're enemies!

　I rolled my eyes at those words. It was a response I hadn't really expected.

　After all, if they were enemies, they could have taken us by surprise by saying that we were on their side. Whether I believe that or not is a different story, but it's still worth the deception.

　Apparently, he was a completely honest person, unlike people like me. I don't want to make enemies with this kind of people.

　After all, this is a fight within the heraldry community. The more honest your opponent is, the less strength your allies will have in their fingers. The more honest the opponent is, the harder it will be for the soldiers on our side to keep their fingers crossed. Besides, it would be easier on our conscience if the enemy were vile and vicious.

　Kalia opens her mouth, pulling on the reins at her side. Her silver hair swayed and showed a sheen.

Where is Salainio, then? If you are the commander, why don't you step forward and say a few words!

　I'm not sure what to make of that. I'm not sure what to make of it. I'm not sure what to make of that.

What do you mean?　I'm not sure what to make of this.　How dare you speak with your mouth!

　He said as he batted away Kalia's glare. A long arm swung and he took a step forward. I could see his eyes flaring and rippling. The men he led also had the same eyes as the man.



　I knew the emotion in those eyes well. After all, I must have been familiar with them myself.

　And most people who have those feelings can't back down anymore. Even if the head understands that it is irrational, the heart does not understand it. The emotion of hatred does not let people off the hook easily.

　The soldiers said that Anne had left the city to negotiate with Salainio. And she took Bruder and Vess with her. Well, yeah, apparently Anne was too good for him. That's a good point.

　In most rebellions and revolutions, if the ringleader loses his life, all momentum dies with him. I'm sure that's what Anne was aiming for. Her brilliance may have done just that.

　But that doesn't mean everyone can be stopped. Some people have to put their fangs into something before they can go any other way.

　Just as I was, so are they. He took a small breath.

　The tall man opened his mouth, keeping his blade pointed at me. His gaze pierced my cheek. There was so much pressure in it.

"The great evil Rougis. I want you to cross blades with me!　If you have the pride of a warrior!

　The voice ran well through the air. The man's dark skin was well-honed. In other words, an invitation to fight, a duel.

　It was a much more elegant invitation than the one that had been thrown at him before by the Great Storm Valerie-Brightness. Perhaps the person who raised him was a more refined person than I thought.

　Kalia called out my name and lightly neighed her horse. I gave a small nod as if to say I understood, and opened my mouth.

"All right!　I don't care about pride, but if that's the only way we can understand each other, then so be it.

　In fact, we have fewer soldiers than you, including the ones I brought with me. Even if you want to siege, your army is not well-equipped in this situation. We don't want to eat each other head-on.

　Besides, I didn't want to kill too many soldiers if I could help it. This is a war within the heraldry. If too many soldiers die, there's always a grudge.

　And those things usually sprout back up at the worst possible time.

"Hey, wait. There's no need for you to answer. I'll take care of this in one breath. This time, you stay where you are.

　Kalia said with a slight annoyance in her voice. Her silver eyes flickered as she looked at me.

　Well, I knew that was probably not what Kalia had in mind, but... Still, I didn't expect her to say she was leaving.

　He looks at Kalia as if to restrain her, and opens his mouth. He dismounted and looked up slightly at Caria on the horse.

No, he hates me. I'm the only one he can vent his emotions to. ...... No matter how you put it, I'm the reason for all this infighting.

　Vengeance is a demon that lives in the heart, and it's comforting. Retaliation is only a natural right that everyone has. How can I reject him when I've done so many times?

　This is no longer a story to be told with reason. The rage that lies within him sees no other solution than to turn on me.

　He asks Kalia if she's worried about me. Hearing this, Kalia's lips twitched slightly and she said.

"...... No, I understand. That's fine if that's what you mean. But sometimes you need to rely on your shield.

I can always count on it.

　He pulled the sword from his waist and let the purple light crawl over it. He gripped it tightly, and the sword clanged its tip in response. I'm not sure if it's because we've known each other for so long, but I feel as if we're having a conversation. He didn't seem to be in the mood today.

　As he walks forward, he looks at the man and says.

I'm sorry, but I'm not good enough to know your name. What's your name?

　What's your name?" The man opened his mouth, sword at the ready. The sunlight reflects off the wavy blade, giving it an Akaneiro hue.

It's Bernard. It is the will of Lord Salainio that I kill you. As long as you live, I will have no peace.

　That was the last time he spoke. The time for words was over. The time for only blades and blood was here.

　The iron was clanging strongly.