125: The Departure of Two
“Well, I’ll be gone for a while.”
I saw Rebecca off at the gate. Swords hung at her hips, and a backpack, seemingly too large for her small frame, rested at her feet.
She was heavily armed, a clear sign that she was heading into enemy territory.
“Yes, be careful, Rebecca. And Samarkand, take care of her.”
Samarkand was going with Rebecca. The backpack at his feet was more suited to his size, though it was still nearly twice as large as Rebecca’s.
He knelt before me, bowing his head respectfully.
“Even at the cost of my life.”
I didn’t like those words. Especially since I knew, more than anyone, that for Samarkand, they weren’t just a figure of speech.
“That’s an order, Samarkand. —Don’t let anyone die, including yourself.”
“As you wish.” Samarkand replied curtly.
He would obey.
Even if my words were a sweet sentiment rather than an order, he would strive to fulfill them. In this nation, Rebecca’s life was more valuable than Samarkand’s. And Samarkand—no, Samarkand, more than anyone—knew that.
That was why I said it.
Hoping it would be a source of strength for him, so he wouldn’t give up.
“You’re so soft.” Rebecca chuckled.
“It’s better for a commander to be that way. Would you prefer to be ordered to ‘achieve victory regardless of the cost’?”
“…I wouldn’t like that either.”
“See?”
“—If it is your command.”
“Samarkand… I don’t doubt your loyalty, but please take better care of yourself.”
“Yes.”
“The purpose of this mission is an inspection and reconnaissance, combined with a supply run to the field operative units. Don’t push yourselves. Your safety is the top priority. That is the official order, and this time, my true intentions are the same. Anything beyond that is at your discretion.”
“Understood.”
“As you wish.”
“—Well, we’re off.”
“You, too, my master, please take care of yourself and be at peace. Harken-dono, Liz-sama, I leave the mansion in your hands.”
“Of course, Samarkand-dono.” Harken and Samarkand clasped hands firmly.
“Good luck. Give my regards to the field operative units.”
“We’ll pray for your safe return.”
They both nodded at my and Liz’s words.
I hugged Rebecca one last time.
“…Be careful.”
“…Yes.”
I released Rebecca and opened my arms to Samarkand.
“You, too, Samarkand.”
“Me… as well?”
“You’re both my cute subordinates.” I hugged Samarkand. It wasn’t much of a hug, given our size difference.
But I patted his back, and I think he understood.
“It is my greatest honor…” Samarkand’s voice was thick with tears.
Maybe he understood a little too well.
“You guys, too.” Three Barghests were also being sent as ‘supplies.’ Against humans, especially those with no magical abilities, they were a literal nightmare.
Even against stronger opponents, they were a reliable force for buying time or covering a retreat, so it was no wonder the field operative units were constantly requesting more.
It was a shame we couldn’t just produce them on demand.
…According to the reports, they were multiplying in the field. Black Hound Barghests multiplied by absorbing mana.
And humans, too, had mana. With the number of casualties piling up, it was inevitable that the number of Barghests, who often served as the vanguard for the assassination squads, would increase.
While we’d set a limit of ten per unit, due to the risks and the general shortage of troops, the total number was now over a hundred, and if they were to ever unite, it would be… a problem.
I hugged each of them, and they wagged their tails. They were just adorable, large dogs.
“Well then, everyone, take care.”
“Following my master’s heart, I swear to return.”
“I’m sure you’ll be fine with Liz, but don’t slack off too much.”
They both hoisted their backpacks, waved, and started down the road to the capital.
They would take a carriage to Fort Litalside, and then, replacing some of the field operative units who were due for leave, they would inspect the field operative units.
While I’d received reports, I didn’t know the reality of the field operative units. I’d once suggested a field inspection, but Liz had flatly refused.
However, an inspection had been considered, and now that we had more personnel, it was being carried out. I was out of the question, and Liz, as my vice-commander and bodyguard, was also out. That left the other three, and it was decided that Rebecca, a veteran, and Samarkand, a demon with a large mana capacity who could also supply the undead, would go.
Well, the field operative units could operate in enemy territory because they were primarily undead. I, a human, would just be a liability.
Even if I went, I didn’t know what I could do… and if I were to hesitate, it would be a problem.
The reason I could be so ruthless was probably because I didn’t know the reality of the field…
Humans were a species that could be incredibly cruel to things they couldn’t see.
“…It’s… a little lonely.”
“Harken and I are here.”
“…Yes.”
There were more people in the mansion than before. But that was as the Sixth Army.
“They probably won’t be back before the end of the year, so it’ll just be us for New Year’s. Shall I make the arrangements?”
“Are you… planning something?”
“…Last year, it was just the two of us… so we didn’t do anything special for New Year’s. But this year, Harken is here… so I thought it might be nice to go into town and celebrate the New Year like everyone else.”
“…Is that alright?”
I was the Lord of Disease. And while my position had improved, there were still factions in this country who saw me as an eyesore.
“Yes. …But you’ll have to follow our instructions.”
“Yes, of course.” I nodded.
“I’ll do whatever you say.”
