Глава 13

Sorry, got excited. You had been unconscious for two days.

You were running a fever. At least the wound on your chest was healing well, otherwise we would have been even more worried.

Where are we...? We aren't in Chetleigh anymore, are we?

They are silent. What happened?

Ahem... Maybe I should explain.

We pulled out two days ago. We're back to our original encampment.

At Horn's advice, we pulled out as quickly as possible before the Duke of Gododdin's fleet entered Chetleigh, avoiding direct contact with the reinforcements.

...Horn?

We have a lot of... complicated circumstances. It's going to cause a lot of complications if we establish official communications with the dukes' troops.

I've talked about this with Misery, and the others support what we're doing.

While we still have troops formerly under the command of Duke Windermere, their military ID has expired, and there's a high risk of 'friendly fire'.

Well, not so much expired as no longer recognized...

No need to mince words about the nobles' dirty deeds.

It's the same deal as gangs fighting for territory.

Indra's right.

Since when did the war become like this?

We could give help to where we can see, but what about the places beyond?

...What's the situation?

Some have chosen to join Duke Gododdin's forces and continue the fight. Gododdin's officers didn't even say anything about the Infected. The majority have chosen to stay with us, however.

They trust us. Or should I say, they trust you. We won! Morale is really high right now.

They're even joking about the old conflicts now.

We did it.

Your plan worked. We made it. It's very possible that no one will ever know the sacrifices we made...

It's just one small victory in a greater war.

I look at Delphine's tired face. A great burden has weighed upon her heart ever since she was left behind by the battleships.

But now, I see a rare smile on her face.

But we saved Chetleigh, Vina.

Yes, we did.

My brain tells me that I should be relieved or happy.

But I can't do it. I'm afraid to know how many stayed behind in that building, never to leave it.

Everything that happened there seems like a dream.

Is this what victory feels like? It's so weighty.

Would things have gotten so bad if everyone was fully committed to fighting for Victoria from the very beginning?

No, they all firmly believe that they are fighting for Victoria.

It's the other way round. Things have already spiraled out of control. Therefore...

We're fighting for ourselves now.

Siege, one of the survivors from Chetleigh has brought us a surprise.

His family collected Gaulish artifacts, and his father once picked up a little Victorian object from Lingones's former route.

It wasn't anything valuable, so it has been sitting in a warehouse for a long time. He gave it to us before we left as a gift of gratitude, and Horn recognized it immediately.

Here.

This is an IFF beacon used in IFVs. It emits a signal that allows Victorian armies to identify the bearer's affiliation.

It contains a military identification code?

Yes. This black box belonged to the Victorian Army. I'm familiar with the symbol on it.

But I thought that the unit that it once belonged to no longer exists, lost in the ruins of Gaul—

—the Exemplars.

A unit of legend, predecessor to Tempest Platoon. This thing took a long journey back to Victoria.

Back to us.

'The Exemplars'...

The present dukes may not recognize this ancient unit. At best, it might prevent direct artillery strikes.

But the more important thing is...

The mission of the unit was inscribed inside the box.

<i>The Exemplars</i>

<i>'We make miracles.'</i>

...Hah.

Consider it a gift from fate.

What's this...? The beacon that Lieutenant Shearer left us has picked up a signal.

Shearer?

Lady Delphine, there has been a change of circumstances at Irnclad Galavae...

We are approaching your position now. ETA in one hour.

Be prepared for unhappy news... and a guest who insists on seeing you.

Your wounds! What a shoddy work of first aid!

It may look like the wounds have closed, but the inflammation wasn't effectively treated, which explains the fever.

With serious wounds like these, it's important that they're treated by a doctor and all vital signs monitored, reducing the chance of lingering after-effects.

You're fortunate that it was a piece of metal, not Originium crystal. When you're dealing with Sarkaz witchcraft devices, even the slightest touch could be infectious.

Even if it wasn't directly caused by Originium, there was a high risk of infection given the circumstances. It's incredible that your blood Originium levels still remain at normal levels.

You really should thank your lucky stars.

Well, it was a chaotic situation, Lieutenant.

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.