Chapter 61
Since returning from Pollet, Ellen’s daily life had become monotonous. It was a repeating cycle of “training–work–work–work” or “training–work–training–work at Karzelga.” Occasionally, she would write letters to friends or the emperor, or ride her horse around the mansion grounds, but even that was just a minor variation on the repetitive routine.
“Eli, father’s been injured.”
Roil suddenly said while taking a short note out of his pocket and reading it.
“What?”
Ellen had been frowning while reading the mage tower’s letter demanding additional payment because the cost for the ice storage preservation magic had skyrocketed. But upon hearing Roil’s words, her furrowed brows instantly relaxed. Roil, seeing her stunned reaction, smiled faintly before quickly returning to a serious expression.
“It’s a minor injury; he could be treated there, but it seems he’s quite badly hurt.”
“Where and how did he get hurt…? Then he should come back, right? Is it that serious?”
“His right arm is paralyzed, and the area affected seems to be spreading…”
Seeing Ellen’s face scrunch up with worry, Roil continued.
“So it looks like father will be returning, and I’ll have to head to the front lines instead.”
“What?”
Ellen bounced on the sofa. She almost stood up entirely but forced herself back down, shouting in protest.
“You’re still a minor! Never mind your age, what do you know about war that you’re going there! Being a commander doesn’t mean hiding in the rear! War isn’t child’s play, and if even uncle got hurt like this, what could you possibly do? There’s… there’s… there really isn’t anyone else to go in your place.”
Her words trailed off, and Ellen lowered her head deeply.
‘Of course. There’s no one else to help, so it’s up to me. There’s no one left to be drafted there.’
Watching her sigh, Roil teased her lightly.
“You really underestimate me, huh? Even so, I’ve been studying tactics and raised to be a commander.”
“Yes. A ‘youth’ trained as a commander. A youth going to war… does that even make sense? This world is insane.”
Roil reflexively glanced toward the study.
“Hey, people come in and out here. Watch your words. Youth… sure, but you’re the heir, not just a teen.”
“Even as the heir, I can’t even freely stamp the count’s seal, so why should I go to the front lines? They should give rights before giving duties. This is absurd.”
Ellen repeated that it was ridiculous. Yet even she couldn’t think of an alternative. All the retainers of Karzelga who could go to the front lines were already deployed, and Roil was the only one who could take command there.
“Aren’t you scared?”
“Of course I’m scared. People will die at my orders. Real blood will stain my sword.”
She swallowed the thought that her blood might also stain others’ weapons.
Ellen watched Roil, who said he was scared with an unshaken tone, with worry.
“It’s okay. Whatever happens, I’ll handle it.”
“When are you leaving?”
“As soon as possible. Maybe tomorrow?”
“Tomorrow? That’s impossible. Can you really be ready that fast?”
Ellen was more surprised at the unexpectedly fast departure date.
“I just need to take my body there. At the latest, I’ll leave the day after tomorrow. Father needs treatment quickly. Um… Eli.”
“Yes?”
Roil paused briefly before calling Ellen. Ellen, anxious at the thought of Roil heading to war, answered sulkily.
“After I leave and until father returns, the house will be empty for a few days. Since father’s injured, his travel will be slow.”
“But?”
“There’s no big issue leaving the house empty, but for work… Could you come by once during that time and just put any urgent documents in my pocket?”
Ellen quickly calculated the time it would take Count Karzelga to reach the mansion.
“It will probably take at least a week for father to return after you leave. Will one visit be enough? And you won’t take the pocket? Father will have the other one. Then I’ll have to bring the documents to our house and put them in the box myself. Isn’t it risky to move the documents outside?”
“You’ll be with the aides when father returns, so they can handle non-urgent matters. I’m asking you to avoid sending documents outside. Just put them in your pocket and transfer them to the box when you return to Quinter. I think that’s the safest way.”
“Alright, fine.”
Ellen nodded obediently.
“Roy!”
Having just passed through the front gate of Karzelga, Ellen shouted as she rode her horse forward.
Roil, inspecting the group gathered in light armor under the scorching sun, saw Ellen and jumped off his horse.
“Hey, why are you here? Weren’t you here yesterday?”
Roil reached out his hand, but Ellen, seemingly unaware, jumped off the horse on her own. A bit embarrassed, Roil rubbed his pants and asked,
“I came to say goodbye.”
“I thought you’d eaten with us yesterday and wouldn’t come today. Glad I could see you one last time.”
“I timed it well. If I’d been a little later, I might have missed you.”
“Exactly. Lucky. But you came empty-handed? No gift for a friend heading off?”
Roil circled her playfully, and Ellen poked him in the side.
“What gift? You’re going to the front lines, I don’t need to give you anything else.”
Ellen exaggeratedly frowned before shouting,
“Then fine. If you return safely, I’ll give you a gift. Whatever you want.”
“Promise?”
“Yes.”
Ellen declared, and Roil smirked.
“You’re so confident. How do you know what I’ll ask for?”
“What could I want? Surely not my life. Other than that, I can’t think of anything I couldn’t give.”
Roil laughed at Ellen’s confident attitude.
“I’ll write to you when I can.”
“Of course. I’ll send Neshu. If that doesn’t work, I’ll use the pocket.”
Roil nodded and extended his hand. Ellen gripped it firmly.
“I’ll be back.”
“Come back safely.”
Letter from Ellen
Roy,
Did you arrive safely? A war in this scorching weather… just thinking about you wearing armor makes me feel suffocated.
War is the most meaningless thing in the world. But I feel sad knowing you risk your life for something so meaningless.
Of course, I’m not blaming you or uncle. There was a reason he had to do it. Still, sometimes it feels like the meaning is fading.
Are you settling in okay? It must be tough adjusting since it’s only been a few days.
In this heat, make sure all food is cooked and water boiled. Don’t let the soldiers drink unboiled water just because it’s hot. Supervise them strictly, even if you’re tempted to slack off.
Cover yourself even in the heat when sleeping.
I’m sending this first letter through the pocket instead of Neshu. It’s too hot to send it via Neshu—we won’t make Neshu work too hard.
I visited Karzelga today. I put the documents in the pocket for you to check.
After a few days, the desk was piled high with papers. The aides must be struggling. Uncle must have left already. I’ll drop by Karzelga again the day after tomorrow.
Now at least you’re free from paperwork, though physical labor will increase severalfold.
Anyway, dodge arrows, don’t get hit by stray swords. Take care.
—Eli
Letter from Roil
Eli,
Already nagging in the first letter? Sometimes you’re more meticulous than Emma.
I made them boil water immediately when I arrived. Soldiers are dying of heat but still forced to drink hot water. That’ll shut them up, at least.
I want to write leisurely, but there’s another meeting. They seem to love meetings even if it doesn’t produce results.
As you said, war is mostly pointless.
Don’t be bored because I’m gone. Thanks for stopping by.
—Roil
Ellen smiled faintly at the letter. Even while grumbling, he follows instructions well. Busy as he is, he seems to adapt rather quickly.
Ellen sent several more letters back and forth, but gradually they became less frequent. Sometimes only once or twice a month, other times once every two or three months.
Neshu would stay with Roil for a day or two, sometimes up to five days, when delivering letters. Ellen once jokingly wrote to Roil, saying, “Since Neshu doesn’t see you often, I think you like him more. He stays there so long.”
But that wasn’t true. Neshu didn’t do anything cute while there. He only nagged for replies, giving Ellen no choice but to give in when she was too busy. Ellen imagined him pawing at Roil repeatedly and laughed.
By now, over a year had passed since Roil left for the front lines instead of uncle. Summer came and went, and the next summer arrived, but Roil still hadn’t returned.
Letter from Ellen
Roy,
Are you doing well? Writing after a long time.
I sometimes train by the lake. Although the training hall is good, it seems better when I’m there during a slump.
I’m now quite used to paperwork. I’m much faster than you, I think.
Last week, I went to Karzelga with mom. A spirit mage was visiting, so I took another mana test. Results were the same. I had a little lingering doubt, but now it’s completely gone.
Uncle’s arm seems better. On days without the spirit mage, the doctor visits daily.
Amber and the head maid seem to be handling the mansion well.
Remember last spring when there was no one to decide on the Karzelga garden layout? Uncle had me do it as practice. I went back recently, and it looked even better. Summer made it even prettier. You should see it.
How are things with you? The war feels longer than expected. Mom says you’re doing well, so hang in there.
Take care in the heat.
—Eli
