Human and Monsters, Men and Women
By the time we finally arrived at Legol, the welcoming mood from the city warmly greeting returning soldiers had already completely faded.
Probably the military officers who returned first heard cheers like “Thank you for your service! Long live Harpelia!” from both sides of the road.
But now it feels more like “Oh, you’re back. Welcome home.” That kind of atmosphere. To put it bluntly, it’s really sad.
But that also means this city has quickly regained its peace.
We should probably be happy about that.
“…Randy. You’ve become so small.”
The bone bags were sent to their respective pickup destinations.
Usually they’re sent directly to the bereaved families, but if wills or testaments are left, those are followed. Guilds also provide a service for keeping members’ wills, so sometimes instead of family members, estates are distributed to guild comrades.
Guildmen are like a gathering of people with circumstances. It’s not uncommon for guys to prioritize guild comrades over blood-related family.
“Sorry, Mongrel. For having you transport this.”
“It’s work, so don’t worry about it. …Three people from ‘Earth’s Shield’?”
“Yeah. There are 9 wounded, 2 of whom are retiring. Five active members will be leaving. …It wasn’t like we made reckless attacks. The enemy had strong ones. The retreat order wasn’t late either, but we suffered casualties.”
“Earth’s Shield” had many guildmen go to the front lines and fight this time.
They used almost the same tactics as regular soldiers and were probably heavily used because they were easy for the army to employ as well.
What’s important not to misunderstand here is that the members themselves wanted to fight against Sunglaire. There were almost no guys like me who didn’t want to go to the front lines—everyone proudly went to the battlefield.
They were definitely not used up as convenient pawns.
By their own will, they ran across battlefields to defend their country, and died.
“Mongrel-san. Ah, the remains… Thank you for going to the trouble.”
“Hey, Alex. With fewer people, ‘Earth’s Shield’ is going to be busy from now on.”
“Yes… The money for the bereaved families comes from the state, so that’s fine, but sorting through the belongings at the clan house will take time. And recruiting new members too…”
“There will be many applicants. This time, ‘Earth’s Shield’ apparently achieved quite a bit, so lots of people will probably start admiring you.”
The damage was large, but “Earth’s Shield” also produced results.
As expected from those who master Harpelian military swordsmanship, their skill level is tremendous. In this war, they apparently directly clashed with enemy star sphere units and half-destroyed the enemy in some situations. Strong.
“Yes… It’s not filling the holes left by those who departed, but I’m relieved that ‘Earth’s Shield’s’ depth won’t decrease. Though we’ll probably be busy with entrance exams and training…”
“Hey, Mongrel. That’s fine about us, but how were the other parties?”
“‘Sword of Harvest’ apparently had similar losses. Especially lots of injured. Those guys aren’t suited for person-to-person combat, so being pushed back is unavoidable. Well, since they’re aware of it, their retreats were apparently quick.”
“I see… Everywhere seems to be having a hard time.”
“Weak parties especially had it bad. Members are missing all over the place, so there are lots looking for buddies and companions. There are still many waiting for funerals, but if you’re going to pick them up, move quickly. Working solo during this time is cruel.”
“…Mm. Understood. Let’s have guys like that work with us, even temporarily. Well, our party’s atmosphere isn’t exactly soft, to put it kindly. There will probably be guys who don’t fit…”
By the way, “Artemis” and “Young Tree’s Staff” returned unharmed.
They’re rear-guard archers and mages. Especially in defensive battles, they don’t actively advance to the front, so naturally their attrition rate is low.
That said, it’s not like the rear guard didn’t play an active role at all.
Especially Artemis’s Sheena apparently shot and killed an incredible number of enemy soldiers, and her martial exploits have spread quite a bit. From what I heard, there are rumors she might get promoted based on those achievements.
Also, Young Tree’s Staff’s Sally apparently had her light magic disruptions work pleasantly well and was very active. Well, just making the field of vision pure white so nothing can be seen when enemy soldiers are advancing would have a huge effect. Just that could cause them to collapse like dominoes and result in mutual destruction. Even if it’s non-lethal light, it’s undoubtedly strong magic in person-to-person combat.
Though not in the rear guard, but I often hear about the work of other close-combat Gold-class adventurers too.
There’s the story of how Dick Vault fought desperately while his comrades were being pushed back, mowing down enemy soldiers like it was some kind of musou game. When he’s chatting in the tavern, he’s just some perverted evangelist wannabe, but when it comes to battle, he’s incredibly strong.
And I also hear that Vice-Captain Alectra was making quite a flashy rampage too. I think it’s because both Dick Vault and Alectra were there together that the “Harvest Sword” was able to retreat with minimal casualties.
“Well then, let’s meet at the tavern again when things calm down. …Alex, don’t let it get you down too much.”
“Yes, see you at the tavern.”
Having a party member die must be the worst feeling.
Even if you achieve great military results, it can’t balance out the sadness of losing a comrade… at least, that’s what I think.
But I wonder about that. In this world, maybe the honor and joy of victory takes priority over the sadness of losing comrades.
…Well, it’s not something I need to go around asking about.
After finishing my work, I headed to the tavern.
Camp meals and soup kitchen food are fine, but I still like tavern food the best. Nothing beats having something come out quickly after you pay for it.
“Ugh, it’s packed as expected.”
However, right now everywhere is full of guild members and soldiers holding victory celebrations, making it hard to get into any establishment.
Both the Guild tavern and the Forest’s Bounty Inn are completely full.
“Hey, Mongrel! You drinking over here too!?”
“Where the hell have you been!?”
“No way, you guys don’t have any seats.”
“Drink standing up!”
“Gahahaha!”
“You idiots, I was working this whole time until just now. I can’t exactly stand around drinking. Maybe next time.”
“Aw, that’s no fun.”
“If the place is empty, then tomorrow. Tomorrow.”
It would be nice to blend into this kind of scene and get excited, but somehow…
I’m not really the type to get worked up about winning battles.
I’d prefer something more quiet and reflective, like mourning the deceased. How should I put it… I didn’t really want to be in a place where people were getting excited like “We won! Gahaha!”
“…This place has seats available.”
After going around to various establishments, I finally ended up at the Hunter’s Tavern.
Probably because the owner is a bit strict about rowdy behavior, and the prices are somewhat high. The inside wasn’t completely packed, and there were still several empty seats.
Yeah, that’s right. This is the kind of place I was looking for. I’ll go with this one.
“…Ah, Mongrel-senpai.”
“Eh? Oh, it really is. Mongrel-san, over here, over here.”
“Oh, three of you here? Is it okay if I share the table?”
“Yes… please, have a seat.”
“Ah, thanks.”
Inside were Raina, Ulrika, and Gorilliana-san sitting at a table. There happened to be an empty seat next to Gorilliana-san. I see, with her there, sketchy guys probably won’t come hitting on them.
“Now that the war’s over, were you having an Artemis victory celebration or something?”
“Ah, well yes, that’s right. We did it at a restaurant in the noble district… Today is kind of like, just the young members doing something together.”
“Aren’t Sheena and Nastasha young too? They’re 24, right?”
“They’re both 25 now.”
“That’s young. Well I see, so you three are among the younger members of Artemis.”
Most of the people currently active in Artemis are young members, while the older ones have families.
These guys would be the youngest trio among them.
“…Hey hey, Mongrel-san, did you hear from Raina? About this battle’s achievements?”
“Ah no, I haven’t heard. Gorilliana-san probably didn’t see action, but you two use bows so you must have some results, right? How was it?”
Neither Raina nor Ulrika looked like they wanted to brag.
“For me, the ones I’m certain I finished off are five people.”
“Raina is amazing, isn’t she. I only got two. The distance was so awkwardly far, and with my skill level I couldn’t hit anything at all.”
“…Well, I think you both worked well for your first battle, but from your expressions it doesn’t seem like you want to be praised for it?”
“Ah… Mongrel-senpai can tell?”
“…I’ve somehow made my peace with it, but Raina seems to have some thoughts about it.”
“Thoughts about what?”
While Raina was struggling with how to put her answer into words, I ordered an ale.
…Yeah, this place has a decent strength to it. Not bad.
“Um… at the fort and places like that, there are soldiers around, so I definitely couldn’t say this kind of thing, but… I did shoot Sunglaire army soldiers and finished some of them off, but… shooting people feels pointless.”
“Pointless, huh.”
“I mean, you know, beasts and monsters can usually be eaten, right? But people are different… even if you finish them off, you can’t eat them, and somehow… I felt empty while shooting them. Yes…”
Raina was looking down with her hands on her knees, lacking confidence in the answer she’d given.
I see, shooting people makes her feel empty…
That’s a very Raina-like way of thinking, considering she uses a bow as a hunter.
She definitely couldn’t have said this kind of thing inside the fort. They’re pretty strict about statements that could lower morale.
But now the war is over. She’s free to complain all she wants.
“It’s fine. Raina’s feeling that war is shit isn’t wrong. I think Raina’s way of thinking is correct.”
“Shit is… crude language though.”
“Everyone drafted into war can’t do farm work. No hunting, no crafting – all their energy is being poured into fighting. Money and food are being consumed like water. The resources, time, and above all lives wasted in this one month… if you could convert all that into gold coins, everyone would turn pale.”
In reality, the important people who calculated the military expenses are probably pale-faced.
War is the ultimate waste in every aspect. If we hadn’t been unilaterally attacked by Sunglaire, nobody would have wanted to do this.
“But you know, soldiers fight to protect the country. They fight desperately because they have to fight to protect the country… So killing enemy soldiers is an honorable thing. Raina, war may be shit, but don’t get confused. Killing people might feel empty, but you mustn’t belittle the honor of killing enemies to protect the country. If you take even that away… soldiers who risked their lives fighting would have nothing left.”
“…Honor.”
“War is empty and shit. Exactly right. But once it starts, there’s nothing you can do about it… so please show respect to those who worked hard in it. That includes yourself, Raina… You worked hard, so you should be more proud of yourself. At least for everyone else, it’s undoubtedly an honor.”
“…Yes.”
The aftertaste of killing people is bad. Even when it’s enemy country people who you’ve been taught are complete villains, that can’t be helped. Normal people have normal consciences.
But that’s exactly why, after this war ends, it’s better to completely wipe away that bad aftertaste.
They managed to return with military achievements and without losing close comrades.
If they’ve done that much, they should at least feel good about it or they won’t be rewarded.
“…Somehow Mongrel-san says good things.”
“Well, war itself is shit though. Haha, excuse me – another ale please!”
“Ah, there you go saying crude things like ‘shit’ again! It was such a good story too!”
“No no, shit things are shit. That’s just how it is. In that sense, Raina’s argument is completely correct. Sunglaire will probably attack again someday anyway.”
“Eh, th-they’re coming again…?”
“They’ll definitely come. As soon as they get their preparations in order again.”
“Another war… those bastards are shit.”
“Geez! Don’t teach Raina bad words! Raina is a good girl!”
“Shit! I want another ale too!”
“She said it again!”
“Alright, drink up! Today I’m treating all three of you! It’s a war’s end celebration!”
We in Harpelia probably won the war in a good way and came back here.
Some people celebrate that victory. Some proudly boast about the number of enemy soldiers they killed. That’s correct.
But separately from that, I think it’s fine to celebrate the end of the war itself.
Various… people probably have different feelings about it.
At least I… want Raina and the others to keep taking down things they can hunt and eat, like beasts and monsters, not people. Forever.
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