Chapter 45
At the time, I had lit a candle on the table and was studying the geography of the Masunt Mountains.
“The slope is pretty steep… If we want to hit the unbelievers up there, we’ll have to do some climbing.”
As I pulled out a more detailed map to examine the structure of the unbelievers’ hideout, I heard a voice outside the tent.
“Captain.”
It was Carlos.
“Sir Ivach? What is it?”
“I have something to discuss… in private.”
“Come in.”
At that point, I still thought what Carlos wanted to say was related to the subjugation campaign.
That assumption held—until he stepped into the tent and sat across from me.
“The second subjugation will be quite different from the first.”
Indeed, his first words were related to the operation.
“I know.” I responded seriously.
“That’s why we’re preparing thoroughly.”
Carlos made a strange face, lips twitching like he had more to say.
“What’s wrong? If you have something to say, go ahead.”
I shifted into “generous superior” mode, sensing something odd.
Carlos sighed.
“I’m not here to vent complaints or burdens.”
“Then what is it?”
“I wanted to talk about you, Captain.”
“Me?”
He nodded gravely.
“About how you treat me.”
A chill ran down my spine.
“Did I do something wrong? Did I act like a jerk again or mistreat you without realizing it…?”
“No.”
Carlos shook his head firmly. A troubled look appeared on his face.
“That’s the problem.”
Huh? Not being a jerk is the problem? I tilted my head.
Carlos suddenly raised his head.
“You’ve been really kind to me lately.”
“I’ve been trying.”
“You even went against Viscount Mile for me.”
Oh right—Ulrich.
“Yeah, I did.”
“And now, you’ve clashed with the Crown Prince.”
He sighed and ran a hand down his face.
“That wasn’t exactly your fault. The prince picked a fight with me first.”
“But it all started because of me. I have that much awareness.”
Carlos said quietly.
He’s right. If it weren’t for Carlos, I wouldn’t have stared so hard at the Crown Prince, and the prince wouldn’t have taken interest.
“But why bring this up?”
Carlos looked deeply troubled.
“…I’m starting to think it’s dangerous. You’re making too many enemies because of me.”
“I know you’ve changed, Captain. But I’m not someone worth making enemies for.”
It sounded like he was drawing a line—but I knew better.
This was one of those:
“I’m dangerous. I have circumstances. Don’t get close.”
And I felt strangely happy. If he was saying this, it meant…
Carlos saw me as someone close.
But here’s the thing.
I have my own secrets—and I know even more than you do, Carlos.
Short-term, it might look foolish to go all-in on a commoner knight like you—but long-term?
You’re the protagonist of this world.
A gamble where I already know the outcome.
Is there a safer bet in the world?
So I answered simply:
“You’re that important to me.”
“Important enough that I’d take your side, even if it meant making enemies.”
Carlos looked shaken.
“Why?”
His voice was frustrated, as if he couldn’t comprehend.
“Why do you take care of me? Why do you treat me differently? Why do you trust me?”
He raised his voice.
“Why are you so kind to me—why do you…”
“…do what?”
“…That was a slip. Anyway, I just want to know why you treat me like this.”
“If you’ve truly changed, shouldn’t you treat everyone the same?”
Oof. That stung.
But he’s right. I’ve been pretty obvious about favoring him.
Time to give a proper reason.
“I’ll answer you. One step at a time.”
Carlos straightened up, curious.
“First, just because I’ve changed doesn’t mean I treat everyone equally.”
I raised one finger.
“I’m still human. There are people I feel closer to, and those I don’t.”
“You’re saying I’m someone you feel closer to?”
“You’ve worked the hardest under me, haven’t you?”
Carlos fell silent.
“That’s why I care more. Why I want to be kinder to you.”
“…Is that all?”
His face showed… disappointment? Was that a flicker of hope?
“No. There’s more.”
Carlos perked up.
“What is it?”
That sounded like hope too… Am I imagining things?
“Do you remember what I said when you asked why I changed?”
“Yes. You said, ‘To save myself.’”
“Exactly. And it’s the same now. I treat you well—for my own sake.”
I folded my hands and looked him in the eye.
“So don’t feel burdened. Everything I do—it’s for me.”
Carlos still looked confused.
* * *
Carlos eventually left my tent, clearly unconvinced.
“Hmm… maybe I was too vague?”
But in that moment, I had no choice. Lies or half-baked excuses wouldn’t have worked.
“Yawn. Let’s just sleep on it.”
Soon, the real plot would begin—and Carlos would be too busy to worry about me.
I went to sleep, then woke up at the scheduled time to prepare for the raid on the unbelievers’ hideout.
“The slope is too steep to go on horseback.”
According to Cesare, one of our scouts, we’d have to free-climb some cliffs.
“We can’t wait any longer. Let’s move out.”
We headed for the Masunt Mountains.
Under the dark sky, a full moon hung over the ridgeline.
“Looks peaceful—but this is the hideout of human-sacrificing cultists.”
The slope was brutal from the start. We had to use our hands to climb quietly.
“This is the cliff section.”
Since I couldn’t use my right hand, Cesare helped me up the cliff.
Normally, Carlos would do that—but today, he seemed lost in thought.
When we reached the top, we saw the unbelievers’ hideout glowing with light.
“Split into teams and surround them.”
Despite his inner turmoil, Carlos gave professional commands.
Our members dispersed, closing in on the hideout from all sides.
I drew my sword and climbed alongside Carlos toward the enemy.
When we were close enough, Carlos pulled out his dagger and threw it at a sentry.
“Gah!”
The unbeliever collapsed in one hit.
“Now! Move in!”
Carlos shouted.
And so, the second unbeliever subjugation began.
