Глава 8

Why her?

Because we know each other well.

Perhaps the road you described is indeed a yellow brick road, but I'm afraid I've already made my decision. I chose the Infected.

A soldier serves his country and his beliefs, not its tyranny. That is why I will destroy this empire and ignite a war of righteousness.

We, too, need the support of the Infected, and we are also fighting for a just cause.

Why do you refuse us, then?

Is it because you believe the path the 'Reunion' is taking you is better than the unity and reform we seek? Because it's more efficient? Or is it perhaps because it hurts the Ursus common folk less?

No, it's simply because the war has already begun, and I need to see it through to the end.

Even the Emperor I served, as benevolent and kind as he was, never accepted the Infected, and these promises are now nothing but lies to me.

If you could truly unite the Infected, then we wouldn't have a war.

It is our hope the Infected will unite under your lead.

If you actually wanted to unite them, you wouldn't need me.

Enough, Royal Guards.

I've already walked the path you are singing praises of, and that's why I don't believe there are any 'better choices' out there. If you tell me you had that kind of foresight, it just tells me you haven't yet faced the irony of fate.

One day you will understand. Just like the twenty Royal Guards who died in the Valley of the Setting Sun. They were killed in the tundras and at the hands of foes of other races. It's much better than dying at the hands of your countrymen.

Royal Guards, I am a traitor. I betrayed the Empire. There is no room for us to reconcile.

A declaration is nothing more than that, a declaration.

Even if that is what you believe, Wendigo, what about the people standing behind you? Will they trust her as much as you do?

Even if they revere your might and your honesty, how will you assure them they are not just worshipping a powerful idol?

Is an evil idol able to shelter them better, or is an idol who lets herself be trampled upon more preferable?

I hope you aren't trying to use the former as a metaphor for someone whom I respect.

Reality is far colder than the flurries of the Northwestern Tundra, Wendigo. Once you lose power... you'll find yourself at the mercy of those who are capable. And the first ones to make that move might not be your enemies.

Perhaps they know not who Kashchey is, but they know what a duke is, and they know the duke's daughter will one day become the duchess.

The people around you are not like how you see them. Her strength will one day come to rival yours, she will be no less resourceful, and her cunning will be on another level.

I take it you are complimenting her?

No, Wendigo, no... You haven't been an Ursus citizen long enough. You don't understand. I am talking about Kashchey.

Just because one inherits the knowledge of corruption doesn't mean they too will fall to it. The footmarks she left on the tundras is proof that she won't meet the same fate as the old snake.

*Hiss*... *Huff*...

...I've heard stories that you dote on young people, or perhaps pamper is the better term.

I will always have respect for those that are truly worth respecting, now and always, from the moment they were born and through the years, even after their deaths.

Leave.

Buldrokkas'tee...

Leave. Right now.

I won't hold it against you for attacking our soldiers for the time being, or I could kill you two right now, wait for the Royal Guards to come and collect your bodies, and go to war with them until only one side remains—

—Even if we find ourselves on the losing side.

...Ah. Wendigo... I'm afraid I cannot spill any more secrets.

Our warning isn't merely a rhetorical tool, Buldrokkas'tee.

We can only mourn for you.

When we find ourselves fighting against each other on the battlefield, I should find myself mourning for you instead.

That day won't come, Wendigo. That day won't come.

Farewell, 'Patriot.' This day has been unfruitful. How regretful.

I should add, Talulah... We look forward to seeing your improvement on the battlefield.

You should lead them. You are more than up to the task.

Daddy...!

Yelena!

Hah, haah... We... we fought them off... together with the Yetis... Haah...

We fought off one of them...! But did they... retreat on purpose?

Was there... five of them altogether? I couldn't... protect my team by myself...

You did fine. You will do better next time.

I will! Definitely...!

...What happened here? Why is everyone...?

Talulah? What happened to... the Shieldguards?

...Captain... what they said just now...

They traced some imaginary tracks in history. From that, they determined that the future will be the same as the past, that their statuses decide what the future will hold. That is itself a kind of arrogance.

I can vouch for her, but I am sure not everyone can come to accept this just yet, so I ask you to keep this under wraps for the time being.

We know! We all understand! We all know what kind of a person Talulah is.

But... were they telling the truth?

Don't tell me...

...What are you thinking? You already said it yourself! A person's upbringing can't determine how you see—

It's true.

Talulah...

I was raised by the nobles to one day take over.

There's your answer. Anything else?

My leader.

Please, Patriot, I told you not to call me that. Let's pack it up here... Faust and the crossbowmen still have training after this. You're joining them, aren't you?

As long as you do not disappoint with your character, I will support you until the very end.

Yeah.

Talulah... My dad supports you.

I won't tell you to do the same for me, Yelena.

*Sigh*. You don't really think—

Give me a piece of candy.

Here. I never thought you'd ask me for one of these.

Hm, let's get going.

Let's pack it up, everyone. If you want to know more, I'll tell you everything...

Soldiers...?

Talulah...

What is it that you are planning?