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Beso, Choog

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A line of torches orderly crossed a pontoon bridge wide enough for only three people to walk side by side. Although night had already fallen, the orders were strictly enforced, leaving no hesitation in their movements. If one stopped to tie their shoelaces, a single life would be extinguished for that delay. All of the Kilghina soldiers crossing now all understood this.

On the far side of the river, lights rivaling those on this side could be seen, but they were faint and narrow. Unlike the bonfires here, the flames on the other side were torches. A massive army of the Papal States was present, still engaging the rearguard of the Kilghina soldiers. Most of the army had already completed their crossing, and now they only waited for the rearguard to finish.

I moved through the Kilghina forces that had finished crossing, heading for the main camp where Gin was stationed. The moment the encampment transitioned from the waiting royal guards to the Kilghina army, the smell of blood filled the air. This wasn’t the scent of pristine soldiers in unblemished uniforms, but the stench of men who had just survived a blood-soaked battle. The men sighed in relief, glad to have made it here. The uninjured collapsed onto the ground, while the wounded sought medical treatment. Those with severe injuries seemed to have been gathered elsewhere, as I didn’t see any here.

I made my way to the main camp, suppressing the soldiers who attempted to salute upon noticing me. Gin sat on a folding chair with cloth draped over it, one arm slipped through his uniform as he issued orders to his subordinates. The firelight illuminated his face, worn out and dirtied by the dust of battle, making it appear like a dramatic painting. This man had just fought a battle destined to be etched in history.

“Your Excellency Yuri.” (Gin)

Gin stirred when he noticed me, but I motioned for him to stay as he was.

“It’s fine. Today’s effort in battle was magnificent.” (Yuri)

“No, I am merely glad to have met your expectations.” (Gin)

“Take pride in it.” (Yuri)

I spoke briefly but firmly.

“No need for modesty. Your battle today is one to be proud of. As is the sacrifice of your fallen men.” (Yuri)

“…I humbly accept your words. My men will surely rejoice to hear them.” (Gin)

“—What happened to your arm?” (Yuri)

Gin’s arm hung limply, wrapped tightly in white bandages.

“Oh, it’s just a scratch.” (Gin)

It didn’t look that way at all. I moved closer to inspect his fingers, which protruded from the bandages. Even in the red firelight, they appeared pale and bluish.

“…What’s going on? Your arm will rot off.” (Yuri)

I lowered my voice. This was a textbook case of improper blood circulation. The over-tight binding was causing necrosis. There was no way someone as sharp as Gin wouldn’t know this.

“It’s coming off anyway. I took a bullet to the elbow.” (Gin)

The elbow, then.

“Do you have no sensation from the elbow down?” (Yuri)

“None.” (Gin)

In that case, reconstructing the joint was impossible. Given the current level of medical technology, amputation is the only option. Gin likely understands this himself.

“Then, get surgery immediately. You’ll die of sepsis.” (Yuri)

“I’ll do it once the bridge defense has been handed over.” (Gin)

The Papal State forces were pouring onto the bridge, chasing the Kilghina army. Just three hours ago, they had been desperately attempting to destroy the bridge. Now, they seemed just as desperate to prevent it from being destroyed before they could cross.

“No need. I’ve already issued orders. Look.” (Yuri)

I pointed upstream. Fires began flickering on the water, faint at first like candle flames. Soon, they spread and illuminated the surface with brilliant light. Twenty fire ships, loaded with flammable materials, burned furiously as they drifted toward the pontoon bridge.

The Papal State forces attempting to cross the river panicked. Some were consumed by the flames, others dove into the water to avoid the fiery ships, and those already in the water swam frantically to escape. In the light of the fire, it was clear their crossing was completely thwarted. Cheers erupted from the Kilghina camp. The enemies who had relentlessly pursued and tormented them were now scattered, drowning like startled insects.

“You must have at least one subordinate capable of taking command. Get the surgery done at my place. I have medicine to ease the pain.” (Yuri)

“That sounds good. And you?” (Gin)

“Sorry, but I have one more task. They’ll probably try something under the cover of darkness.” (Yuri)

“True. Well then, I’ll take you up on your offer.” (Gin)

Gin stood from his chair, making moves to hand over command to a subordinate.

“Gin.” (Yuri)

He turned when I called to him.

“You’ve saved us. I’ll repay this debt.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Gin smiled happily.

—

After leaving the Kilghina camp, I visited the encampment of the Imperial Cavalry stationed farther away.

In stark contrast, a calm atmosphere pervaded this camp. Around the bonfires, caretakers tended to the Galloping Birds. This was unsurprising, as the cavalry had been resting all this time. Following my orders, they had prioritized crossing the pontoon bridge to set up a secure camp far from the river, ensuring they could rest and even nap to regain their strength.

Dolla was in the center of the camp, and Guillaume Zuzu, his staff officer, was talking to several people around him, presumably explaining some sort of strategy.

Dolla sat heavily on a makeshift chair crafted from a short, upright log, appearing completely indifferent. It was unclear whether he was listening or not. He calmly sharpened his beloved spear with a transcendent air. Yet, despite this demeanor, he was known to be highly respected. I truly didn’t understand the ways of the royal guards. The atmosphere of the unit hadn’t always been like this back when it was still called the First Royal Gard Dawn Cavalry Regiment.

Although Dolla seemed uninterested in his surroundings, he was the first among those nearby to notice me. As I approached, he stood up from the log, using the butt of his spear as a walking stick. His armor was tightly wrapped around him, and he was ready to fight at any moment.

“Is it my turn?” (Dolla)

“Yes. But stay seated for now.” (Yuri)

When I said that, Dolla lowered himself back onto the log. I wondered if there had been any point in making him sit.

“I’ll give the orders. Listen carefully. Guillaume, especially you. You are to send skilled Eagle riders on regular patrols to watch this side of the riverbank. If you spot even the faintest light of fire, immediately dispatch the cavalry.” (Yuri)

“You’re saying the enemy plans to cross the river, even on a night like this?” (Guillaume)

“Yes. Somewhere a bit farther from here. They’ll attempt a night crossing to establish a bridgehead.” (Yuri)

Using another bridge would require a significant detour. That would allow us to fully escape. Though the enemy would have to push their troops to near exhaustion, they had no other means of pursuing us.

“But forcing a crossing at night would result in massive stragglers.” (Guillaume)

“That’s why they’ll light fires. Without fires, they won’t be able to regroup, especially under a sky like this. Not unless it’s a full moon.” (Yuri)

I pointed to the sky with my finger. Tonight was the fourth night after a half-moon. Though the moon was large, clouds blanketed the sky, making the night plenty dark. It was a stroke of bad luck for the Papal State.

Night marches are challenging even with torches. They produce many stragglers. Attempting a river crossing in complete darkness would be impossible without a visible beacon. It’s inconceivable to gather thousands of troops in pitch blackness relying solely on shouted commands. A source of light is essential. Even if the enemy consisted of battle-hardened veterans forged through relentless training, human limitations remain. However, once they light fires, their position will be exposed immediately from above. While the soldiers are soaked, disorganized, and before they can regroup, our cavalry can easily slaughter them.

“But even if they cross, how will they continue their campaign? They won’t be able to bring supplies over the river.” (Guillaume)

“They can plunder from the villages and towns in their path. That’s basic warfare.” (Yuri)

Living off the land is a fundamental strategy of war. While we must be cautious due to postwar considerations, they have no such restrictions.

“But the lands they’ll plunder belong to Alfred.” (Guillaume)

“That’s irrelevant to the Papal State right now. Don’t underestimate their resolve. They’ve staked everything on this operation. They won’t hesitate to raid towns. If there’s no food, they’ll eat the villagers. I’m not speaking figuratively. As for crossing the river, they’ll do it without hesitation. In fact, I bet they’ve already begun.” (Yuri)

At my words, Dolla silently stood up from the log.

“Send the eagles at once.” (Yuri)

I said sharply to Guillaume, glaring at him. That seemed to be the style of this unit.

“Dolla.” (Yuri)

“What?” (Dolla)

He turned to face me, his expression asking if there was still more to discuss.

“The Kilghina Army, that serves as the rearguard, accomplished their mission despite being torn to pieces. Their general, Gin, lost an arm fighting on the frontlines himself.” (Yuri)

“Is that so?” (Dolla)

Dolla’s gaze suggested he was trying to decipher what I was getting at.

“Kill them.” (Yuri)

Emotion surged naturally from the depths of my gut.

“Kill them thoroughly, so thoroughly that their screams echo across the river, their blood dyes the water red all the way to the sea, and they never want to see our banner again. Kill until the soldiers on the far bank tremble in fear, and the river they’re about to cross looks like the River Styx to them.” (Yuri)

“…Understood. That’s my job.” (Dolla)

“Indeed. I’m counting on you.” (Yuri)

With that, I turned my back on Dolla.

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