Chapter 28
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Chapter 28
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Five days later, a notice for a monster subjugation operation was posted on the bulletin board of the Military Academy's Main Building. This year's target region was the White Raven Gorge in the northern part of the continent.
The Changtian Knights mobilize to subjugate monsters when requests come in. Depending on the content of the request and the scale of the monsters, they dispatch Giosa Owners, formal Knights, Semi-Knights, and cadets selected to serve as temporary Squires.
However, every spring, the Changtian Knights independently select regions where monsters unusually proliferate—particularly areas that other nations struggle to handle—and conduct subjugation operations separate from requests. It was a duty performed as the organization that protected Giosa and as descendants of apostles who served the Divine Sword, but it also had considerable practical benefits. It served as propaganda for how powerful the Changtian Knights were.
Monsters spawn naturally and increase through reproduction. There was much debate about the process of their generation, but such academic discussions were the domain of the white-haired sages at the head of the Mage Tower. Ordinary people simply knew that monsters multiplied in areas where ominous or gruesome incidents occurred.
Once monsters appeared, their populations surged at a speed incomparable to ordinary animals. Their ecology varied depending on the species, but in most cases they formed colonies and attacked nearby humans.
The White Raven Gorge had become a battlefield around last summer. Located near the border of the Northern Minor Kingdoms, that gorge had been used for ambush operations and became the grave of many soldiers. Battlefields where many people died soon became lairs of large-scale monsters. The White Raven Gorge was no exception.
Three Giosa Owners including the Commander, approximately twenty formal Knights who were all Masters, approximately seventy Semi-Knights, eight Squires, the top thirty cadets accompanying as temporary Squires, and the top three freshmen. Though the absolute numbers were smaller compared to an army, the scale of military force to be deployed for this subjugation was sufficient to contend with a small nation.
"The scale is larger than usual, isn't it?"
"The condition of the White Raven Gorge must be quite bad."
"I heard the Vice-Commander increased the deployment scale. There's a rumor it was the Commander's orders."
"They increased the scale, but why is the number of cadets the same as last year?"
"Because it's dangerous. If there are more cadets, there are more people to protect."
"Looking at the numbers, we're going to have a ton of chores this year. How many Semi-Knights have to assist per cadet?"
"So you don't want to go? If you don't, I'll go in your place."
"Are you insane? I'm not missing an opportunity like this."
Cadets gathered in front of the bulletin board, murmuring among themselves. I saw it too as I was leaving the Common Dining Hall after finishing my meal. At the bottom of the notice, three freshmen's names stood out clearly.
―Echinacea Loaz, Alice Winterbell, Michael von Frang Almari.
Among the cadets who had placed first, second, and third in the freshman ranking tournament, only Echinacea maintained her position. I looked up at Alice, with whom I had just eaten, questioningly.
"I thought you said you weren't concerned about rankings and would focus on refining your sword technique for a while, Alice?"
"I had a duel with the cadet who was ranked second two days ago. I didn't want to miss the opportunity to gain practical experience."
Alice replied calmly. I let out a hollow laugh. Truth be told, I had hoped she wouldn't participate in the subjugation. This monster subjugation would be quite dangerous. I checked the names I recognized on the notice.
'Squire Baraha Islaf. As expected, he's participating. Ah, Senior Fatima is here too. And there's a name I'm not particularly happy to see.'
Ian Peletro's name was also on the list. Bred von Poum was not. Since only the top thirty from second and third-year cadets participated, it was natural that he, lacking in ability, wasn't included. I stared at the names I knew with darkened eyes.
[Master, let's quietly kill Ian during the monster subjugation. It'll be chaotic, so we won't get caught. I'll taste blood, we'll eliminate the nuisance, and I'll get some murderous impulses out of my system. What do you think? Good idea, right?]
The Demonic Sword whispered. I ignored its words. No matter how much trash he was, I had no intention of killing someone who hadn't committed an immediate crime just to vent my frustrations. If I started doing that once, I might become tainted by the Demonic Sword again. I didn't want to kill people if I could help it.
'Rather than that... I should observe.'
I would observe the people I knew, including Baraha Islaf. To ensure no one died or was injured. And I also needed to observe how the Giosa Owners behaved.
'Dietrich Sarua was still a Semi-Knight. He'll become a Giosa Owner within three years, but he's not one now.'
The red-haired man had no Giosa. That left three Giosa Owners.
'Baron Tillius. Teresa von Frang Almari. And... Yurien.'
Whether any of the three remembered the erased past, I hoped to find out during this monster subjugation. And Yurien... I prayed he didn't remember.
With that wish, I left the notice board. The departure was May 10th, nine days away.
Act 4. The Incomprehensible and the Certain
On May 10th of the year 1629 of the Divine Calendar, the Changtian Knights dispatched a monster subjugation unit to the White Raven Gorge in the north.
They traveled by mana train until near the gorge. The Changtian Knights rented an entire train. After arriving at the nearest station, they proceeded to the gorge using horses and carriages. The subjugation unit arrived at the entrance of the White Raven Gorge and began setting up barracks that would serve as the Base Camp on May 12th, two days after departure, in the late evening.
All cadets except Squires were assigned Knights to assist. The freshmen Alice and Michael each took charge of three Semi-Knights. And my assignment was just one person. Yurien de Harden Kirie.
"After all, your apprenticeship period only has eight days left anyway. It's only natural."
Baraha Islaf approached and took the bag from my hands.
"You don't need to trouble yourself, sir."
"What's the difference? We're heading the same way anyway. I heard plenty about the Cadet Ranking Tournament. It's a shame I didn't get to see it."
He began walking ahead. I followed reluctantly in his wake.
Alice and the other cadets had been assigned to barracks near the squires' quarters. In contrast, the squires each received individual tents pitched directly beside their respective lords. I too had been granted a personal tent adjacent to the Knight Commander's quarters. Though I wasn't yet a formal squire, I was already being treated as one.
The expedition brought no servants. Therefore, setting up the tents fell to the squires. The semi-knights built camp alongside the cadets, while the knights gathered separately for a meeting immediately upon arrival. With the sun already set, everyone worked frantically by torchlight to erect their shelters. Baraha Islaf and I cut through their midst.
Today I wore a simple travel dress in deep navy with only modest frills—almost a one-piece design. Upon my head sat a short navy velvet hat adorned with mesh and jewels. My gloves bore embroidered details, and though thin, they were leather rather than silk.
Compared to my usual attire, the ensemble was subdued, yet I still drew considerable attention. Several semi-knights whistled as I passed.
"Who is that lady? Baraha's sweetheart?"
"She's the 'Lady' from the Military Academy. Haven't you heard the rumors?"
"Oh, the one appointed as the Commander's squire? I had my doubts, but she really is a lady, isn't she?"
"They say her skills are decent, but real combat is different. At this rate, won't she faint at the sight of a demon?"
Whispers clung to me like a tail. I paid them little mind. What concerned me was far more pressing and dangerous.
During our journey with the cadets, I'd avoided encountering the Giosa Owners. But from now on, I would face them constantly. The tension was suffocating. I'd applied makeup carefully and chosen the mesh-adorned hat deliberately, yet anxiety still gnawed at me. Without thinking, I pressed the brim of my hat downward.
Beyond the semi-knights' tents, at the center where the knights' shelters were being erected, Baraha Islaf set down my bag. Luggage was already stacked in that spot.
"Your tent goes here. The Commander's tent can be set up in this space. I'll help you."
"No, please, I can manage. You need to set up your own tent, senior."
"I can do it in thirty minutes."
"I really appreciate it, but I'll be fine, senior."
"Forget it. I'll have it done in no time."
Baraha Islaf shrugged and lifted the central pole of the tent. He began assembling the Knight Commander's shelter before I could protest further. Nearby, semi-knights and cadets setting up their own tents murmured amongst themselves—their whispers reaching my keen ears.
How fitting for a lady. Seems she dislikes rough work. Look how she subtly gets others to do it for her. A lady, indeed. Lady, lady. Mocking words. I'd anticipated this. It wasn't particularly welcome assistance, but knowing Baraha Islaf's intentions were purely kind, I found it difficult to refuse.
Besides, when had I ever truly cared about my reputation? I sighed quietly where no one could see and helped him unpack the canvas.
We selected the location, raised the poles, laid the carpet, draped the canvas, and arranged the camp bed and furnishings. A respectable tent materialized in moments—thanks largely to Baraha Islaf's practiced efficiency. Next, we set up my own tent, when a glib voice interjected.
"My, what burning love on the battlefield? How heartwarming."
"I'm merely assisting a junior, Sir Dietrich."
Baraha Islaf frowned as he replied. A man with fiery red hair, strikingly handsome in an almost dissolute way, approached us with a leisurely gait. I recognized him immediately. The moment I saw him, I hastily pressed down my hat brim, then slowly withdrew my hand.
Dietrich Sarua. The Giosa Owner who had fled from me—blocked by Teresa—and sought to deliver news of Agenka to Yurien de Harden Kirie.
The forest shrouded in night's shadow, my bestial pursuit of the traces he'd left behind, my ragged breathing, my contorted face, my screams and groans, the Giosa leveled at me, my blood spilled over Teresa's dried blood. Those memories were so vivid because they were so horrifying.
But the Dietrich Sarua of 1629 was not a Giosa Owner. He was merely a semi-knight who had not yet become a Master. Had his Giosa awakened like mine, he would have returned with it. Unlike my Bardegiosa, Dietrich's Leminggiosa had a clear whereabouts, making it impossible for him to possess it in secret.
'It's confirmed. Dietrich has no memories of the past.'
I withdrew my hand from the hat brim and lifted my lowered head. Our eyes met through the mesh. Dietrich's crimson gaze curved with amusement.
"You're as lovely as a flower, lady. She's your sweetheart, isn't she, Baraha?"
"She is not. How many times must I say it?"
"Right, right, so she's not your sweetheart yet? Keep trying, you bastard."
Dietrich spoke with a lecherous grin and patted Baraha Islaf's back. Baraha Islaf pushed his arm away, frowning.
"Don't jest, Sir Dietrich."
"Not your sweetheart, not courting her either—so why help set up her tent?"
"Is it wrong to help a junior I respect?"
"Well, not usually. But in a situation like this?"
"...What?"
Dietrich glanced back at me with a sidelong look, then hooked his arm around Baraha Islaf's neck—who was taller than him—and yanked him downward in one fluid motion.
"Think about how your help will look to others. If you truly care about your junior, that is."
Baraha Islaf's expression went blank. Dietrich ruffled his hair until it was thoroughly disheveled, then released him. With his hands thrust into his pockets, he sauntered toward me.
"Cadet Echinacea Loaz. Do you understand what I'm saying right now?"
"If you're concerned about my reputation, there's no need. I appreciate the consideration, Dietrich."
"So you didn't ask Baraha Islaf for help after all. I had a feeling that was the case."
"I didn't refuse his assistance either, so the outcome is the same."
At my matter-of-fact response, Dietrich looked me up and down appraisingly.
"Well, setting that aside. About you...."
"If it's about my attire...."
"No, I don't care about that. Why do you think?"
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