by Kasugamaru
He’s lying. It’s logic, nothing more. I can tell that his thoughts are turned towards someone else right now. I’ve seen this so much in my service to the Church; the face of someone thinking of one they hold dear is really something special. It’s sincere, honest, and true.
His position prevents him from crying; he has had to resign himself many times. And so, solemnly he sacrifices himself for his role.
“Now go, Acolyte Hikurina. For the sake of the new world that God is creating... For a future where humans can live without shame... Make certain you deliver that cargo.”
All I can do is nod. That’s my role, after all.
My carriage is built especially sturdy. In it is a very large ax. And within that is the one, the only... Primal Ash. Our nation’s treasure, and said to be the source of the miracle of fire. Truly, we do have control over fire magic.
I must make sure it is delivered.
To the fort; to the safest place in the realm of humans. On my life, I swear it.
64 The Priest Prays Silently and then Dozes Off, Visions of Fire in His Heart
Shelter the fire. Morning, noon, or night, if your heart is frozen, give it fire.
Someone is there. Beside you, behind you—even in the fire, someone is there.
-Father Felipo II-
“Hey, where are you going, Felipo? Come have a seat by the fire.”
I was wondering why he wasn’t at the camp, and now I find my best friend, son Peine, with a cup of wine in hand. What is wrong with him? We will be in sight of the palace in a few days!
“It’s a nice night. The eve of a decisive battle, you could say.”
“What are you blathering about?” I ask.
If we were facing elves, I might feel inclined to relax at night, but since it is vampires we endeavor to battle, night is when we must be most vigilant. We are marching against the night. With sunrise comes peace of mind, and during the day we rest. Then, at dusk, we rise and march during the night. Even for this brief respite, we have cavalry posted to ensure our safety. The rabbits, with their excellent night vision, are also on guard duty.
Morale is high; everyone is eager. For if we are met with defeat, it will spell the destruction of our species.
“Now, now. Don’t look so disgusted. I’m on a special mission, I’ll have you know,” he assures.
“What a bizarre thing to say. It’s a soldier’s duty to rest when given time to camp.”
“Ah, but while we are yet alive, let us drink. A cup for you, a cup for me.”
“And there he goes, spouting unscrupulous nonsense. Honestly... Hm?”
A cup is passed to me from the side—by Lady Kuroi, of all people. She’s holding a small barrel. Ah, it must be an offering from one of the refugees.
“See? Special, right?”
“Indeed.”
I suppose I can’t simply go with only one cup. I sit down.
“If you’re gonna cry, now’s the time,” he says out of nowhere.
“That was... quite random.”
“You lost most of your family recently, didn’t you? Well, so did I.”
“...You really have no filter, do you?”
“I assume the Willow brothers cried in private. We all have our own ways of dealing with grief.”
My best friend and I pray silently, facing each other, then take a slow sip of our wine.
The combined information brought to us by a speedy horse from the fort and our scouts sent to investigate the Willow Estate paint a singular picture of the truth.
“The battle at the Willow Estate was one for the ages.”
“Yes. Using the king as bait and the estate as a trap, they lured the vampires in before setting it ablaze... Three days later, it’s said to still be belching black smoke.”
“What a bold plan, using the king himself in a suicide mission.”
“...He had a tendency to fall into despair.”
“Idiot. Desperation alone couldn’t take a thousand vampires to the grave with him. I’m impressed; he even managed to drag out another five hundred in order to search the ashes. We should all be so lucky in battle.”
I have no words. Among the king’s... my father’s men that died was son Peine’s father. I recall he was an earl who loved ploys and art more than anything. He would often pay me to do little things for him.
The crown prince... my older brother was killed in the chaos at the palace, and so was his brother. He was a pure and honest sort of man, not fit for earldom or the military. The guy often had to clean up his brother’s messes after his pranks went awry.
Now they’re gone. They’re all in the flames now. Maybe if I stare long enough into this wavering campfire, I might catch a glimpse of one of their faces... The brightness is making my eyes water. I blink repeatedly to rid myself of what begins to rise.
“Let me just confirm one thing... The acolyte’s cargo, is it what I think it is?”
“Yes. It was supposed to remain enshrined under the church.”
“So that was the arrangement... am I getting this right?”
“I think so.”
I toss a dry log onto the fire and watch it be consumed. Let that which comes and goes in my heart be like this log.
Oh, how I misjudged my father and teacher both.
What son Peine is getting at is that the king and the archbishop were colluding—the king was taking great pains to control the resignation and corruption of the ruling class, while the archbishop was laboring to ease the despair and suffering of the common folk. As these desires became twisted while they worked to maintain the nation’s order, they left behind a sliver of hope: the fire treasure, the Primal Ash. The great inferno magic that resides within it, much like the other treasures, can make miracles happen... At least, that’s what’s written in the holy book. It is for this reason that we pray.
Something could have happened—or been forced to happen. This might even be the reason behind God’s manifestation. I can only hope this is true. It’s the whole reason our present lives even exist. Such beliefs have led me here. If I didn’t believe, I wouldn’t have made it this far.
Entrusted with everything, only to learn the truth later... Who would be able to bear that?
“They must have gotten a taste for arson after seeing the church burn.”
“There you go again... I bet it was the archbishop’s idea. He used to say that he wanted to be burned at the stake.”
“Ha ha, that he did. That old fart was always above us in terms of pranks.”
The chaos at the palace was most likely the result of multiple plans colliding. The Starlight Band, who wished to open the palace gates to the vampires, incited the king’s sister, the corrupt nobles, and the despairing citizens. However, they weren’t able to completely take control, which suggests that the royal knights and palace guards held quite some influence. The king and the archbishop must have been in a panic. They considered the worst outcome, and acted accordingly. The Willows were their assistants in this regard.
I can almost see it in the flames now: a series of battles, starting in the palace. People being whipped into a frenzy and resisting. Lighting the church on fire was a diversion to allow the king and the treasure to escape to the Willow Estate. When they received word of a thousand vampires following them, the plan turned to using the king as a bait to allow the treasure to make it to the fort... The guts to make such a decision is astounding.
Their priorities were truly a prayer for the future. Such a suicidal plan, all to grant us a bit of hope... it is truly a revolutionary’s mindset.
“I’m losing all lingering attachment to this world. A pity. Everyone’s acting so cool,” he says.
“What foolishness are you spouting? God does not bless those lives that do not wish to live.”
“...I guess. Yeah, you’re right. Forget I said that.”
Fire is nice. It warms my cheeks, meaning there are no droplets for the night wind to chill. It also softly, ever so softly, invites sle
ep.
“What do we have here?” This voice... Lady Ange? Zakkow follows close behind, holding a pot. “Two loquacious men, drinking before a battle from cups poured by an Apostle? Talk about fortunate.”
“Mm.”
“Oh, I wasn’t asking for... Fine, fine. I’ll have some.”
“Mm.”
“For me too? Thank you.”
Both Lady Ange and Zakkow receive a cup as well.
We keep coming, one after another. Perhaps this is the magic of a campfire. It gathers people together, lights and warms them, and then captures their hearts... Religion and magic are mere unintended byproducts.
“Come, cozy up by the fire, you two.”
“And who made you the boss of this campfire?” Ange protests.
“Well, I made it,” son Peine replies.
“...Fire-starting techniques?” asks Zakkow.
“Yes, exactly. I’m neither a flame-resistant soldier nor a Bomber Knight; I’m still struggling to find my own path.”
“You always were a jack of all trades but master of none, going wherever your curiosity took you,” I remark.
“Felipo, is that a compliment or criticism?”
“From my point of view, you’re both equally silly. The son of an earl and a royal prince? There must be some mistake. You’re mischief-loving children in adult bodies,” Ange slaps us with her words.
“Pfft!”
Zakkow, that was cruel, spraying a mist of unsanitized wine all over us. But what can we do? Children do not choose their parents. On the other hand, parents often choose their children, which is why I ended up banished to the northern reaches of the Frontier... Or at least, so I had thought. Thinking back on it now, that might have been a strategic move as well. My siblings, save for the crown prince, were all sent to different parts of the country. I’d believed we were hostages to some powerful noble, but to think my father had thought this far ahead... No, even so, I was the only one sent north of the fort. I was just too handsome, perhaps.
“Hm, Sira’s already asleep,” points out son Peine.
“Of course she is. And you should be too,” Ange scolds him.
The departed, eh? My father and siblings... All those who bore a passing resemblance to me... were burned to ash. My teacher as well—that old man who used to sing so clearly of the holy book, and of chronicles of burning at the stake when he was drunk—is nothing but charred bones now.
“That’s right. As a soldier, you should learn from the commander and Marius. They’re resting peacefully as we speak,” remarks Zakkow.
“Ah, then, is it Origis that’s on patrol duty now? If we hold out, do you think he’ll come?”
“Don’t think of it. Riding tires the whole body out. His time lying down is precious.”
Are the people I’m thinking of in these flames? Do they still burn?
“You’re so uptight, Captain. I know you’re petting the fluffy rabbits in secret,” son Peine makes fun of him.
“Bfft!”
“Is that true?” Ange asks, sneering.
Did God watch over their final moments? Did He take in their wills?
“What are you all doing? You’re so loud,” says a voice approaching.
“Now Odysson’s here! Come, sit by the fire.”
“Mm.”
“O-Oh, wine, huh? That’s a treat... So, what’s with the noise?”
“You’ll never believe it; I know I didn’t. Apparently the captain is shy.”
“Wait! How did we arrive at this?!” Zakkow cries.
Will I... go there, too? Will I be welcomed in the flames when I fall in battle? One day... One day.
“Hey, the priest’s looking sleepy. Whoa! Don’t want to waste wine,” he says as he takes the cup from my hand.
“This is why Felipo could never become a corrupt priest: just a little wine turns him into this.”
“It’s exhaustion. He’s taken it upon himself to negotiate with all of the people that have joined us along the way.”
“You there, something-Peine. Drag him to bed.”
“Miss Ange, must you wound me so? Why not just say son Peine?”
“Ep! He almost dove headfirst into the fire!”
It’s so strange. I feel like they’re so close. It’s so familiar, warm, and somewhat sad... No, lonely I guess would be more correct. I’m sure I’ll remember this moment over and over in the future. And that thought... makes me lonely. It makes me want to cry.
I’m being carried away; away from the flames. To where, I do not know.
It’s lonely. I’m lonely.
65 Origis Trusts the Man Who Stands at the Forefront / DDR Control Mistakes
God exists, and He is right by my side. I know this.
There... is also another god. I can feel them among the enemy.
-Origis II-
Ah... This is a battlefield, all right.
It’s sharp and cold, as if an invisible thread is stretched between heaven and earth. A stinging stench is mixed in with the clouds of dust. The sky is so vast and the land so narrow; it makes one want to hold their breath. Steam rises from my horse’s body. My belt, tied around my waist, is hard and hot.
This is where I belong. I’ve arrived at the place where Willow men must live and die.
“Form ranks!”
Whoo! Agias’s orders are something else. They really strike a chord in my heart, clearing my mind. They turn a man into a soldier—that’s the power his voice holds.
“Felipo, form a tight right wing with your brave eight thousand foot soldiers. Son Peine, go even further right with your three thousand cavalry. Odysson, form a line in the center with your thousand mages. Zakkow, your four thousand fireproof soldiers and familiars will form the left wing. Marius, your Bomber Knights will form up on the far left.”
I see. So he doesn’t intend to clash head-on, then. The right wing looks denser, but our elite are all stationed on the left. He’s placing the importance on keeping certain groups together, even if it makes our strength lop-sided. That way, our formation is completely adaptable. We’ll show off an imposing army while looking for an opportunity, one small opening...
“Origis, your two thousand cavalry will be our reserves. You are to remain on standby in the rear.”
And there it is. This is my role: I am to stay farthest behind, yet am also required to respond the quickest. Wherever Agias deems me necessary, I will fly like a flung spear. In other words, we will ride like the riders we are.
This is it; this is what I want. This... is all I can do. I’m not quick-thinking like Marius, nor flexible in my tactics. I’m not a great leader like Agias. Honestly, I don’t love poetry or dancing either... they’re embarrassing.
I am a soldier. That’s all. I know this better than anyone.
I don’t have a gift for government or social life like Nazarus; I couldn’t stand the stench of the palace. My love for our country is middling at best. Moreover, I hardly have my father’s guts.
So at the very least, I want to be bolder as a soldier than anyone else. If I can’t be... then, how can I face them? I will do this. No matter what hell Agias points me towards, I will charge forward without hesitation. I will fight bravely.
“As for me, I will position in the center with a thousand cavalry—”
My role cannot be compared to Agias’. He represents not only the Frontier, but the entire north. He’s also recently become the central figure of House Willow. He is the commander of our most elite soldiers, and one of the founders of our revolution. Just being the commander in this battle would be a grave responsibility, and yet he shoulders many more burdens. I’m surprised his spine doesn’t snap under the pressure. Instead, he stands with absolute majesty, which speaks to just how amazing he is. I will be the first to admit, however, that his singing, dancing, and training routines are... unconventional.
He has the magnanimity to take on everything without bending. Is this not the quality of a king? Is this not what we need most now,
with the human lands in chaos? He must not be allowed to die. And yet, he must stand at the forefront of our army. We require him as a representative of our wills, as a symbol of our army—the enemy needs to see that we follow this man.
“—and follow after Lady Kuroi.”
Yes, Lady Kuroi. The avatar of our revolution and hope. She looks so regal in her new flaming red battle cloak. Protected by her light rider’s armor, she looks like the very definition of a warrior. I can feel my heart beating faster at the sight.
“Behold!” I wish to shout, yet my voice won’t come out. “Before you stands Kuroi, God’s Apostle and Hare of Flame! From the north she rode, cutting this country in two! She sits atop her immortal black horse, no sword or spear to speak of, but still unmistakably the strongest knight in all of humanity. A thousand cavalry are her sacred guards, and behind her are twenty thousand of the bravest soldiers humanity has to offer, flying a banner of flame. She is the embodiment of God’s blessings; even from far away, she can set one’s heart aflame!”
So what now? What now, you traitors? Their main force consists of five thousand royal knights and ten thousand soldiers, plus another almost ten thousand fully-equipped spearmen squeezed out of the palace and its neighboring cities. Large numbers, that’s for sure, but...
It’s just pathetic.
Their horses whinny and fight their reins, their spears clatter together despite there being no wind, and the ceaseless chatter among their ranks... there’s nervous, and then there’s this. Their soldiers’ morale is so shriveled; it’s like someone dumped freezing water on all of them.
I just want to grab and shake some sense into those bastards.
Defending the palace should be a soldier’s honor. They should be pumped to fly their country’s banner. Did they not have the gall to claim we were rebels? Stop looking so pathetic! Don’t make us fight against fellow humans. Please.