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Sarel Gain Willard

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*This chapter connects to Chapter 159, “Letter.”*

 

—

 

The time went back a little.

Every day, without getting bored, three boys continued to gather the snow that kept falling and piling up, moving it to the side of the road. One of the boys was the son of one of the country’s leading nobles, but the three of them were punished for a reckless act they committed at the end of last year and were ordered to shovel snow every day for a month, which was supposed to be done on a rotation basis.

The snow, damp with moisture, was heavy and more laborious than it looks. Willard, Gazelle, and Sheikh quickly threw off their coats and, steaming from their bodies, silently fought against the snow. Despite this, Willard, who looked as if he were about to start humming a cheerful tune, was watched in exasperation by Gazelle and Sheikh.

“Willard sure looks like he’s having fun…” (Gazelle)

Gazelle pointed out to Willard.

“Of course, the academy competition is coming up soon. I’m looking forward to it.” (Willard)

Willard responded, even though the new semester had only just begun, and this was his routine every day.

For Gazelle and Sheikh, it was both troublesome and, at the same time, somewhat gratifying. Willard, who had been capable but indifferent and unmotivated until now, had recently shown remarkable enthusiasm. Both of them had always believed in Willard’s abilities, so they had been frustrated since his enrollment.

Even if he slacked off, his abilities were such that he would be selected for the academy competition’s team. Gazelle and Sheikh admired him so much that they both thought of dedicating their swords to him someday. That was why they had been worried about the increasingly reckless Willard, and, just the other day, they had followed him, forcefully taking the punishment with him.

As they continued to shovel snow, sweating from their foreheads, a classmate called out to Willard from over there, coming closer.

“Hey, Instructor Hymett is calling for you. Did you do something again?” (Classmate)

Willard tilted his head.

“I have no idea what it’s about.” (Willard)

 

—

 

Willard pondered what it could be as he made his way to the instructor’s office. “Excuse me!!” he shouted as he entered, making sure to greet energetically in case he was about to be scolded, trying to improve his impression.

“Ah, you’ve come.” (Hymett)

In contrast to Willard, who was slightly tense, expecting to be scolded, Instructor Hymett slowly said, “First, sit down,” and gestured towards the sofa.

A bit perplexed by the unexpected reaction, Willard sat on the sofa, and Hymett gently handed him a letter. As Willard reached for it, Hymett stopped him with his hand.

“Before you open it, listen to me. I’ve already read its contents. Do you understand what that means?” (Hymett)

“…Does it mean this letter is from abroad?” (Willard)

Willard thought briefly of Maria’s face, but judging from Instructor Hymett’s tone, it didn’t seem to be about romance.

“Yes. And no matter what the content is, you will treat this letter as if it came from Orphes-sama of the Principality of Remnos. Understood?” (Hymett)

…In other words, it came from someone who couldn’t openly reveal their identity. Logically, it would be from the south.

“…Understood. Is there anyone I can talk about this letter with?” (Willard)

“…Choose your recipient carefully.” (Hymett)

Hymett said flexibly, as he always did in such situations. Willard bowed his head slightly.

“By the way, how did this letter even get to you?” (Willard)

“With age, you come to know many people,” was the only response, before Willard was dismissed to leave.

“Now, what did you get scolded for?” (Gazelle/Sheikh)

Gazelle and Sheikh, who had been waiting for Willard’s return, asked as he came back.

“I wasn’t scolded, but it might be more trouble than expected. Anyway, let’s go to my house.” (Willard)

Willard said, inviting the two of them to his mansion in the city, hurrying home.

 

—

 

After returning home, Willard sat down with the warm snow-free flower tea that the butler had brought, then shared what Instructor Hymett had told him with Gazelle and Sheikh.

“A letter from the south?” (Gazelle)

“Yeah, probably.” (Willard)

The letter, which Willard pulled from his pocket, didn’t have a sender’s name, but it did say Revorf Military Academy, Sarel Gain Willard-sama. If the letter came from the south, only a few people could know his full name. If they had to resort to such an indirect method…

“I’m sure it’s from Lux and the others.” (Willard)

Willard declared confidently.

“Let’s read the contents first.” (Sheikh)

Sheikh suggested, urging Willard to open the letter.

Gazelle and Sheikh warmed their bodies with tea while they quietly watched Willard read the letter.

“…I see…” (Willard)

Willard murmured softly, passing the letter to Gazelle.

“…Can I look at it?” (Gazelle)

“Of course. I want to hear your opinions too.” (Willard)

After they finished reading, Willard asked.

“What do you think?” (Willard)

“…The ones who attacked them might have escaped to our side (Solar), huh… It’s not impossible.” (Sheikh)

Sheikh said.

“But if what Lux said is true, then those guys are soldiers from Rozan, right? That means…” (Gazelle)

Gazelle continued, following the thought.

“If that’s the case, it means there’s someone here who’s in league with Rozan. And if they can take in soldiers, they must have significant power… Likely a high-ranking noble.” (Willard)

Willard concluded.

“Actually, I can think of several nobles who wouldn’t be pleased with the ceasefire.” (Gazelle)

Gazelle said, scratching his ear with a grim face.

“Well, this letter tells us that much.” (Willard)

Sheikh and Willard nodded in agreement.

“Huh? I don’t get it.”(Gazelle)

Gazelle was the only one who didn’t understand.

The “that” Lux mentioned was something he had written in the letter on a whim after being asked by Lamie-senpai. He had thought it might be helpful, so he included it in the letter. In the end, General Isaiah decided to send the letter to the north.

The man Lux had seen was wearing a military cap with “two white lines” on it. It was a relatively well-known insignia on the frontlines.

“The insignia looks a lot like something from the Barual Household.” (Willard)

Willard said.

The Barual Household was a powerful noble family and political rivals to Willard’s family, the Gain Household.

Willard sighed deeply.

“I guess I’ll have to talk to Father about this.” (Willard)

He said, looking up to the heavens.

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