Chapter 21: Return
Reassignment.
Before departing for the eastern front, I first made a detour—returning to the Willard Marquisate.
“…So, you’ve come back.”
“Yes. I have returned safely, Father.”
Having come back after distinguishing myself on the battlefield, I bowed my head properly before him, ensuring that my posture and tone carried the weight of my achievements.
“I’ve already received reports of your exploits… It seems you’ve done quite well.”
“I did what I could, even as nothing more than a lump of dirt,” I replied with a faint, self-deprecating smile. “I’ve cleaned up the mess left behind by the Willard Marquis family. Our disgrace should be properly washed away now, wouldn’t you say?”
“…Mm.”
At my words—laced with both mockery and truth—Father fell silent, his expression tightening ever so slightly.
“Rest assured, I have no intention of exacting revenge or anything so petty.”
I wasn’t interested in some theatrical comeuppance. The one person who might have deserved it most—my elder brother Ryuk—had already died so abruptly that there was nothing left to settle.
All that mattered now was protecting my sister, Shia. That alone was enough.
“…I have nothing to say.”
“Or rather, nothing you can say?”
“……”
“Come now, at least allow me this small bit of satisfaction.”
Perhaps I’d been holding onto more resentment than I realized.
Teasing Father like this… was oddly enjoyable.
“Well, I suppose that’s enough of my trivial revenge. Let’s move on to something more serious. How are the other nations reacting?”
“No major movements yet. All remain neutral—for now. Most are likely waiting to see how the situation develops.”
“And our allies in the Middle East?”
“That nation is no use. Silent. But then again, it’s been unstable internally for quite some time. It’s probably reached its limit.”
“…I see. So, they’re out of the equation.”
The Lunoa Kingdom had two allies.
One was the Austin Empire, whose actions had ignited this war in the first place. Naturally, they were already embroiled in the conflict—struggling to crush the rebels who had assassinated their crown prince, while at the same time failing miserably to withstand the offensive of the Rosha Empire, retreating again and again.
A rather pitiful ally.
The other ally, the Hahn Empire in the Middle East, was hardly any better. Though large in name, it was riddled with internal rebellions and lagged behind in modernization. Its national foundation, like Austin’s, was crumbling.
“In effect… we’re fighting alone.”
Even if the Hahn Empire eventually joined the war, it likely wouldn’t improve our situation much.
Of course, having them would still be better than nothing.
“…Which is precisely why we cannot afford to make any more enemies.”
“I am involved in diplomacy, after all. I will do everything in my power. Though we have already committed one grave transgression…”
“I’m counting on you. And finally—how is the reputation of the Willard Marquis family?”
“Hmph. There’s no need to worry. Your achievements have spread far beyond the royal capital—they’ve echoed throughout the entire nation. Your words were no lie. Not only do you hold influence over newspaper companies, but you’ve even gathered a number of bards under your wing. Right now, the whole country is enthralled by the heroic tale of a man once called a failure.”
“…I’m glad to hear that.” I exhaled softly. “Even if I were to die… how long do you think that would last?”
“As long as it must. No one would dare slander a hero who has served the nation so well.”
“That’s reassuring.”
“Haa…”
While I let out a quiet sigh of relief, Father released a heavier, more burdened one.
“I’ve been pulling every string I can to stay informed of your situation… You’re pushing yourself too far.”
“I wouldn’t have achieved any of this otherwise. There’s only so much a ‘lump of dirt’ like me can do.”
“Go see Shia. Lately, she’s been calling your name incessantly—loud enough to be unbearable.”
“…I was planning to.”
“What will you do next? You’re heading to the eastern front, aren’t you?”
“I’ll stop by the royal capital first. Arrangements have been made for me to receive an official rank there.”
“Yes, I’ve heard. Shall I send someone to accompany you?”
“No, I’ll go alone. It’s wartime, after all. The ceremony will be a simple one—there’s no need for more.”
“That may be an overly optimistic view… but if you’d rather not have anyone sent, I won’t insist. Do as you wish.”
“I will… And Father—” I paused, meeting his gaze. “I’ve kept my promise. I’ve never doubted your ability as a lord. Now, I’ll leave the rest to you.”
“I exist for the sake of the Willard Marquis family. That goes without saying. And I do care for Shia as well—this was never what I wanted. Just… handle things properly.”
“Leave it to me.”
What a complicated relationship.
We were father and son, and yet, there was a distance between us that could not be bridged. Still… I didn’t particularly mind.
Without offering any formal farewell, I turned and left Father’s study.
My steps carried me onward—toward Shia.