A Song for Warriors Heading to the Battlefield
The Hero Party learned of the danger on the kingdom’s eastern front from the royal messenger.
Their training ended, and they would head straight east… They still couldn’t really be called fully prepared, but… there was no helping it.
To see them off, the people of the frontier gathered around the carriage they would ride in.
They’d all gotten pretty close in such a short time.
“Though it was only for a brief while, I owe you all for your care. I will not forget you.”
Crown Prince Erason still tried to act cool, but he was clearly looking back on those brutal training days.
“If you ever end up with nowhere to go, I would graciously allow you to work for me.”
Princess Elizabeth cried while patting the children on the heads.
“... Thanks for the snacks... see you again...”
Milian received sweets from a girl she had become friends with.
A faint glimmer shone in her eyes.
“Everyone, thanks for coming to see us off.”
Almeria, whose profession had evolved into a true Saintess, was surrounded by countless children, hugging them one by one.
“Since it’s the last time, kick me with everything you’ve got.”
Yeah, you really are a true Hero to the very end. You seriously never waver.
Even when leaving… impressive as always.
“Don’t die, you idiots. You’re the Hero Party, so be prouder and stronger than anyone else.”
Julius looked over all of them, then held out his hand toward Crown Prince Erason.
“I hated you. Even now, I still don’t particularly like you. But I don’t want you to die either. May fortune be with you.”
“Hmph. You needn’t tell me that.”
Saying that, he slapped away the hand I’d extended.
Still acting tough as ever, huh~
“Hero Waltz is a pervert, so I’ve got nothing to say there. But you know… back on the day I got banished, you told me something. I hated you too.”
“I see. Though now… I might not dislike you that much anymore.”
Hero Waltz turned away with a “Hmph,” but his face was red.
Hey, hey, don’t start getting weird ideas about me too… We’re okay here, right? We’re okay… right?
“Princess Elizabeth. Out of everyone here, you’re the one with the strongest patriotism. You always think about what’s best for the kingdom and try to act on it. I know you’re that kind of strong woman. Even after breaking off our engagement, and even when you tried to reconcile with me, it was all because of your love for the kingdom, wasn’t it? We can never go back to how things were, but as your former fiancé, I sincerely hope you find happiness. Survive this.”
“Julius… I never apologized to you, did I? I’m truly sorry. If we meet again… let me apologize properly next time.”
Princess Elizabeth lowered her head.
That might’ve been the first time I’d ever seen that…
“Milian, your mother and sister are always watching over you, okay? And I’m cheering for you too as your former fiancé. Next time we meet, I’ll bring more sweets.”
“... Mm... looking forward to it...”
Milian still looked sleepy as ever.
“Almeria, we’ve known each other since we were children. I never imagined we’d end up walking separate paths. But saying that now won’t change anything. I believe we’ll both survive and meet again.”
“Thank you, Julius. I’ll protect the kingdom, so you go do what you want to do. Knowing you, that probably means making everyone happy, right? So as your former fiancée, I want to support you too. I still have regrets, but… please take care of Nemesia for me.”
After shaking hands with Almeria, we parted ways.
Once every member of the Hero Party boarded the carriage, a brave yet gentle song suddenly rose from somewhere.
Because the South Territory lay close to the Forest of Demons, there was a custom of singing songs for warriors heading to the battlefield.
It was also a song of comfort for those left behind, praying for the safe return of warriors everyone acknowledged and respected.
The singing was loud enough to be heard clearly even inside the carriage…
Almeria opened the window.
There stood not only Julius, the remaining Shiranui captains, and the children of Cocoon, but also countless other Shiranui members who had witnessed the Hero Party’s efforts, along with townspeople and many others from across the South Territory…
All of them were singing at the top of their lungs while tears streamed down their faces.
It was almost like they were singing to family members heading off to war…
The South Territory couldn’t forgive the kingdom for putting their land in danger, but they still paid proper respect to warriors.
That was the South Territory way.
A refreshing breeze blew as the carriage slowly began moving…
Even after the wheels started turning with a loud rattling sound, the powerful singing kept pushing the Hero Party onward from behind.
And somehow… it made them forget their fear of the battles awaiting them.
As the carriage picked up speed, the singing gradually faded away.
Eventually, the waving figures disappeared beyond the horizon.
Yet even as the Hero Party swayed inside the carriage, they felt as though that brave yet gentle song continued echoing forever… and ever…
Even Crown Prince Erason, who always acted tough, and even the seemingly emotionless Milian, couldn’t stop their tears.
For the Hero Party, who had spent such intense days there, it had probably become an irreplaceable time in their lives.
---
“They’re gone now. They’ve got it rough ahead of them, but we’ve got things we need to do too. Start preparing, we’re heading for the Albul Kingdom. My old man and the others are there, so they’re probably fine, but we still need to get there fast. If the Hero Party holds the line, we won’t need to worry about our rear while fighting all three nations.”
Julius closed his eyes while looking in the direction the Hero Party had departed, praying for their safety even as he ordered the Shiranui members to prepare for deployment.
“From this point on, our first real war begins. Our enemies are the three-nation alliance invading the Albul Kingdom, the Tsutora Kingdom, the Jill City-State Confederation, and the West Derobi Nation. Anyone who thinks we can’t beat the alliance can stay behind. But we’re going to take down all three nations without sacrificing a single one of our people. Lend me your strength…”
Julius swept his gaze across everyone as he fired them up.
In response…
“UOOOOHHHH!”
“Let’s do this!”
“I’m taking the lead!”
“There ain’t anybody backing out now!”
Watching them, Julius quietly ignited his fighting spirit while setting his sights even farther beyond the coming war.
“Alright. The moment preparations are complete, Shiranui moves out.”
“““OOOOOOHHHHH!!!!”””
Julius and the Hero Party would now walk separate paths… Their roads had split apart, but someday they would cross again.
After all, the revenge Julius had set in motion was still far from over…
What do you think about this chapter?
