Глава 13

At least I'm alive. It pays to have a strong constitution.

...*sigh*.

Fine. Lady Delphine has explained what happened.

It was a battle worthy of study in the war colleges, given the difference in strength between the two sides. Most of the people on your side weren't even regulars...

Oh? Should I be sad that no one will remember what we did?

You're wrong on that, Siege.

I'll remember. The soldiers outside will remember. The survivors of Chetleigh will remember.

Most legends are not born from official records.

I didn't know you were the type to say things like that.

Ahem.

Well, I've wrapped your wounds again. Don't try to blow me off with excuses like 'strong constitution', because I'm going to be keeping a close eye on your condition. I'm the doctor in this room.

I'll be checking on your friends too, and the injured soldiers and civilians.

Thanks, Lieutenant.

Also...

I suggest you check on that guest. I'm not sure if Lady Delphine is ready to handle her on her own.

I sincerely apologize for my behavior before, and my misplaced assessment about you.

There is one thing on which I won't budge, however. You're too impulsive and emotional.

You shouldn't be trying to solve every problem on your own. Turn around once in a while, and you'll find plenty of people ready to help.

*Glug* *glug*— whew!

Take it easy, Aunt Manning.

The Sarkaz were everywhere on my way here! I thought I was going to die.

Thank goodness that Lieutenant Shearer was tracking Irnclad Galavae, which was how he got there in time to save my life.

He's a decent man, but lacks flexibility. Those men would never allow him to board the ship.

You said you escaped Irnclad Galavae? What's happening there?

It makes me angry just thinking about it! Those damned officers charged into the central hub of the fortress and pointed their swords at me! Marquess Vontaire must be behind this!

I found an opportunity to change into inconspicuous clothes and escape. The fortress elevator almost ripped my dress!

Sounds like you really were lucky.

I thought I was just coming along with your mother to see how things were going on the front lines, and to take you home. What's the worst that could happen, safe inside a nomadic fortress? Who would have thought...?

The old Dukes of Windermere would be proud of Mother.

You're right.

But you're the Duke of Windermere now, Delphine.

Auntie, you're hurting me... what's that look on your face?

The general staff were eager to go back because... they believed the Duke's death was caused by a Leithanian plot.

You want to laugh, don't you? But they have evidence. Leithanien may not be in league with the Sarkaz, but they undoubtedly caused this situation.

What? Leithanien?

The staff are cautious about accusing Leithanian nobles directly, but they have set their sights on the rebellions going on the provinces.

No one wants to come all this way to fight the Sarkaz, only to return and find the demesne they have defended for centuries has fallen under Leithanian control.

You're her daughter, Delphine. Your duty will come soon.

Now, let me rest... then we'll leave this place.

Leave? To where?

You should not be with these peasants.

Watch your words! Don't call them peasants!

Alright, Delphine, listen.

If you really care about them, really think that they're heroes, a part of Victoria...

...Think of how many people like them are there in your mother's demesne.

If you really want to protect these people, take my advice and seek aid from the Duke of Caster to return to your demesne and take charge.

Perhaps you will have to become a Caster vassal... but you'll be able to fulfill your duty.

I—

What are you balking at? Did you fall in love with them just because they fought alongside you? You've stopped loving your own subjects?

Accept it, Delphine... you and your mother have suffered enough.

Accept Duke Caster's proposal, and at least Windermere will be spared from devastation.

Why do you hesitate? Do you really want to be a vagabond forever, leaving your family, your bloodline and your duty behind?

...I understand.

I'm Mother's daughter. You're right, I have a responsibility, not just to my friends, but to the subjects of Windermere as well.

But...

Why did the Swordguards leave me behind, when I still had such a duty?

If this was a duty glorious beyond all doubt, why do you come to me in such a condition?

I...

You're right. If Windermere has fallen under the cloud of conspiracy, then I feel both the obligation and desire to do something about it.

But I...

We're with you, Delphine. Say what you want to say.

Sorry. I couldn't hold back anymore.

Do you know what we just went through, madam?

And you are...?

I'm not going with you.

You have a duty!

I'm my mother's daughter, comrade to these warriors, and nothing else.

Even if I once was... I don't believe it anymore.

I stood here for them, so that their lives would no longer be the playthings of people like you, and I'm not going anywhere until I've bled my last.

Leave.

I hope the Sarkaz don't take you.

The Viscount's face is a spectacle of color, but Delphine gives her no further chance to speak.

She leaves with her head bowed in the direction of Lieutenant Shearer.

Delphine's expression is calmer than I thought it would be. What she said... what she went through...

It made me think of an old friend.

Delphine did not make the same mistake. Tragedy will not strike again.

But what was the price?

The death of a loved one. A swift betrayal.

Apparently, I was rather concerned how Delphine would react to these things.

Delphine smiles at me. It seems she has settled down.

I'm fine. Let's go.

The same thing cannot happen again.

Head west once you leave the camp. If you're lucky enough, you should be able to reach the kind Duke of Caster.

Do you think you can survive without the Duke's protection?

We can, and we will.

Alright... I'm going to Duke Caster. I'll take a leisurely pace. This is your last chance.

Come with me, and we'll all live.

I won't stop you.

But the work of Delphine and her mother...

No, I'm not the one who's wrong... you're naive, stupid, foolishly believing that you're right.

So be it.

I see her off on a vehicle not meant for rough terrain, leaving under the cover of darkness with a small escort.

I turn around to look at our group.

Hundreds, thousands of eyes converge upon a single spot. Some are soldiers laughing with each other, others are civilians, celebrating.

The camp falls silent.

They are waiting for an answer.

Mine.

You heard her. It was undoubtedly an attractive proposal for many people.

We survived the worst of times together, Vina.

But what now? What happens when the morale and spirit that burns so brightly now is worn away by hardship and suffering?