THSK

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Chapter 1 Part 4

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4

Steano and I, who were slightly late for our meeting, were scolded by Petra. However, there was one person missing from our usual group. Petra seemed to be aware of that as well, and in a furious tone, she exclaimed,

“So, Aldia and Steano came, but what is that guy thinking!?”

With her arms crossed, Petra’s sharp gaze was directed towards the distant city… mainly towards the direction of Flegel’s residence.

Flegel von Margneuer.

He is the only one among our group who holds a peerage, being the son of a noble. Normally, he is more reliable than Steano or me and is not the kind of person who would be late. However, there was a valid reason for his absence.

―― No one knows it except me, who knows what will happen in the future.

“Petra, it seems Flegel won’t be able to attend today’s graduation ceremony.”

Since Petra was so angry, I indirectly conveyed the message that he would not be coming. Petra seemed to question why I knew about it and approached with a frown.

“…Why?”

“It seems to be a family matter. I don’t know the details since I didn’t ask.”

I actually know everything.

His fiancée is from the Vulcan Empire, a daughter of a prominent noble. It was related to the absence of turmoil this time because their engagement was being reevaluated due to a crack in the relationship between the two countries.

―― Princess Valtrune’s engagement will be called off right after the graduation ceremony.

The offer to break off the engagement might be made today, but the content itself had probably been decided long before. Otherwise, it would have been unthinkable for many noble children to be absent from this graduation ceremony.

“If it’s a family matter, then it can’t be helped! Come on, come on, don’t be mad~ don’t be mad~ smile~.”

Mia tried to appease the grumpy Petra in a light-hearted tone.

“Mia, it’s heavy… Don’t lean on me.”

“Aww~, it’s just a little physical contact. You don’t have to be shy.”

“I’m telling you, it’s heavy! Please get off~!”

Following Mia’s cheerful laughter, Steano, Ambros, Addy, and Tredia nodded in agreement, one after another.

“Mia is right. If we keep worrying about the person who couldn’t come, we won’t be able to enjoy the graduation ceremony that we’ve been looking forward to.”

“Steano is right. We should fully enjoy the graduation ceremony in Flegel’s place.”

“Well, that guy must have his own plans, right?”

“Um… um, don’t mind it?”

Perhaps Petra was drained of her venom by the reactions around her, as her anger subsided.

“Haa… I guess you’re right. I wasn’t thinking straight.”

I can understand her feelings. Today is a special day, the graduation ceremony. It is a natural desire for close friends who have spent several years together at the military academy to want to end it with laughter and camaraderie. They want to be together for every minute and second. After graduation, everyone will go their separate ways and be unable to meet casually anymore.

“But… once today is over, we won’t be students here anymore.”

Steano muttered in a solemn voice.

“We used to see each other every day until today, but once we graduate from here, we won’t be able to do that anymore…”

The students will return to their own country. They would not have the opportunity to chat again, and they would be forced into battles they never asked for.

“If only time could stop…”

If only graduation day had not come.

If only there were no war.

If only they were not put in a situation where they had to make some difficult choices.

Various thoughts were condensed into that one sentence.

“Aldia…”

People around me probably perceive it as sadness over the fact that we will be separated after graduation. But the reality I know is much worse. They will be involved in a deadly struggle among friends. Former acquaintances who once laughed together end up killing each other in earnest. Such a tragedy unfolds in reality.

“Al! Don’t make such a sad face. We can all gather like this again!”

Mia patted my back, trying to cheer me up. Petra also held my hand.

“That’s right… Even if we’re apart, our connection will never be severed. We’re bound together somewhere.”

―― That is why it is painful. If there had been no connection from the beginning, the feeling of sadness would not have sprouted. The pain of a stake being driven into the heart remains every time something precious slips away. And that pain does not go away. The tears would not stop until they dried up.

That is why I want to protect everything now that I have a second chance. For that reason, I must speak up.

“Listen, everyone… After graduating here, I plan to go to the Vulcan Empire.”

In a subdued voice, yet firm tone, I announced my decision to everyone present.

“You’re… kidding, right?”

When I conveyed my intention to go to the Empire, Petra had the most shocked expression.

“Why! You said you had an offer from the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order… That’s what you said!!”

“I’m declining that offer. I… won’t return to the Kingdom. I will go to the Empire.”

“―― ! …What, I don’t understand what you are saying.”

Petra, like me, is from the Kingdom.

For her, my decision to go to the Empire meant that we would not be able to see each other anymore.

“I don’t get it… Why…”

“I’m sorry… but that’s what I’ve decided.”

“Don’t apologize. It’s your choice, no matter what you think… But still!”

After graduation, Petra is guaranteed to become a royal court mage. So if I had joined the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order as planned, we would have worked in the same royal castle and could have seen each other frequently.

“But to suddenly say something like that…”

I did not expect Petra to become so emotional.

Ambros, who had been silently observing, spoke up.

“I’m curious, why do you want to go to the Empire? Personally, I think working in the Kingdom or the Empire isn’t so different.”

Ambros’s words hit the mark.

If it was about work, both the Kingdom and the Empire are powerful countries with plenty of opportunities. It would not make much of a difference… But my reason for wanting to go to the Empire is not for such practical reasons.

“I don’t understand why you’re fixated on the Empire. Did you become fed up with your homeland?”

Ambros’s words struck at the heart of the matter. Even if I stay in the Kingdom, I will never have a bright future.

“Well… something like that.”

After a brief silence, I quietly confessed.

Ambros looked at me with wide eyes, but soon returned to his serious expression.

“I see.”

With just that, he nodded. The heavy atmosphere seemed like it would continue, but unfortunately, it was only the people from the Kingdom who looked disappointed.

“That’s great! If Al is coming to the Empire, we’ll warmly welcome you!”

“Yes. Personally, I would be very happy if Al-senpai came to the Empire.”

“M-Me too… If Aldia-senpai is coming…”

Mia, Addy, and Tredia, who are from the Empire, showed a bright, welcoming mood. Well, the more friends you have in your own country, the more opportunities you have to see them.

In response to that, Petra raised her voice.

“T-Then! I’ll go to the Empire, too!”

“Eh…?”

“What!?”

“Huh?”

Steano, Ambros, and I, all from the Kingdom, let out surprised voices. We could not keep up with Petra’s sudden statement.

“Petra, why would you…? Hasn’t becoming a royal court mage always been your dream?”

“That’s why.”

“Eh…?”

I did not understand. If she still aspires to become a royal court mage, it should not lead her to consider going to the Vulcan Empire. Chasing one’s dreams is a wonderful thing. Especially when you finally have the opportunity to reach for that dream.

“So, you’re also declining the offer?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“It’s not something you decide so easily…”

It was unthinkable. Normally, you would not just abandon your dream so easily. However, Petra directs a determined gaze toward me.

“…I thought there might be some reason why Aldia wanted to go to the Empire. If I become a royal court mage, I’ll wholeheartedly throw myself into my work. But I’ll never know the reason why Aldia chose to go to the Empire for the rest of my life. And I don’t like that.”

“For such a reason…”

“Yes, for that reason… I’ve already made up my mind. If Aldia is going to the Empire, then I’ll decline to become a royal court mage and go to the Empire, too. Don’t worry, I’m quite talented! I have confidence that I’ll do well there, too!”

Petra has always been perceptive. She often accurately guesses what others are thinking from their words. Perhaps she sensed something from my words and actions. The truth is uncertain, but I was genuinely surprised that she would come with me, even if it meant giving up her dream.

“Haa… Then, maybe I’ll go to the Empire, too.”

Following that, Steano also declares so. With a sleepy yawn, he exuded an air so light that it did not seem like we were having a serious conversation.

“You too, Steano?”

“Yeah, I’ve made up my mind, too. I’ll go with you to the Empire!”

Although he had been so indecisive just moments ago… he now had a look as if he had let go of something. Perhaps he was influenced by Petra’s quick decision-making.

And then, another person raised his hand.

“Hey, if that’s the case, it seems like only Flegel and I will be left out. We’ll need someone to guard us on the journey. So I’m going, too.”

Ambros also declared that he would go to the Empire.

He is from the Kingdom. But there was an impression that he was not particularly fixated on his post-graduation employment. I had hoped he would side with us when the diplomatic relations between the two countries deteriorated, so this was a pleasant surprise.

“Is it okay?”

I asked again. Are they sure they will not regret this choice?

The relationship between the Kingdom and the Empire is not necessarily a good one. Considering what might happen next, it is even more of a reason to think that way. There is a possibility that the place they should eventually return to will be lost due to conflict. They probably still do not know that.

“No problem. This is my choice.”

There was no hesitation in Ambros’s reddish-brown eyes. Looking at the faces of the others, it was clear that they had all made their decisions.

“Are you all really okay with it…?”

I chose to go to the Empire because I absolutely do not want to regret it. Moreover, I know that a war will happen in the future. Despite not telling them about it, they chose to go to the Empire.

In response to my question, Steano was the next to speak up.

“Yeah. It was Al who said, ‘Come with me’. In that case, shouldn’t you just be happy and not question it?”

“Steano…”

“And besides, you were so desperate to ask me to go to the Empire… You must have had your own reasons for it, right?”

He saw through me, huh? He probably does not know that a war will happen, but my intense expression seems to have had a significant influence on his decision.

“Thank you, Steano.”

“Yeah, don’t worry about it.”

Next, I turn to Petra.

“Are you sure about this, too? Being a royal court mage would guarantee your future. To decline that…”

Petra was always an honor student who consistently ranked at the top during our time at the military academy. It was her constant efforts that enabled her to become an excellent royal court mage. Choosing to abandon that bright future shouldn’t be decided so easily.

“A woman never goes back on her word.”

“But…”

With an apologetic expression on my face, Petra pokes me in the side.

“What’s more important is why you invited Steano before me. And yet, it sounds like you don’t want me to come… Explain properly, will you? Do you not trust me? Depending on the explanation, I might just punch you!!”

…For some reason, she is angry. No, no, she is missing the point.

It was true that I approached Steano before this group gathered. However, that was because I thought he would be easier to persuade.

I thought Petra was different.

She had always talked about how becoming a royal court mage was her dream. I thought that the stronger her feelings were, the less likely she would come with me to the Empire… And so, I believed that it was not the right time to bring up the topic yet, considering it is still our graduation period.

“Petra, calm down. I didn’t talk to you about it because I knew about your dream…”

“There’s no way I can calm down! You wanted Steano to come with you, and you think I’m in the way? It’s infuriating, infuriating!! Besides, that’s one thing, and this is another separate issue!”

…Her reaction was different from what I expected. We were supposed to be having a serious conversation. It feels just like any other time back when we were students.

“Giving up on becoming a royal court mage is such a waste…”

Petra then declares with a powerful voice, not backing down from my persistence.

“I don’t care about that!”

“Huh?”

“Now that it has come to this, I’ll go to the Empire even if it kills me!”

Overwhelmed by Petra’s intense emotions, I could not find any more words to say.

“You might regret it…”

“Yes, I’m prepared for that.”

Well… I did plan to invite her later on. So I should be happy that it saved me the trouble.

“And by the way, I expect a thorough explanation later on about why you invited Steano but not me, okay…? Aldia?”

“Y-Yeah… I got it.”

Scary. She is so scary…

I never expected to feel genuine fear toward Petra. Mixed feelings of joy and chilling cold sweat running down my spine seem to tighten around my heart. Amidst the swirling, mismatched emotions, I feel a greater sense of relief. Everyone present in this place has shown their determination to head to the Empire.

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Chapter 1 Part 3

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3

At a quick pace, Steano and I headed toward the academy building.

“We’re going too slow!”

I nodded lightly at his voice. We ran through the streets with all our might despite being out of breath. Wiping the sweat off my face, I kept moving my feet single-mindedly and entered a familiar section of the streets. I could see the academy, and at the same time, I could hear a clear voice echoing all the way to where I am at.

“Hey, Aldia, Steano! You guys are late~.”

When we reached the front of the academy gate, there were familiar faces waiting for us. I felt like everything had really been reset. It was nostalgic, but I also wanted to curse myself for being unable to keep them away from their mortal fate. Waiting for Steano, who was a little late, we approached our friends who were waiting for us.

“We’ve been waiting forever. We promised to meet up early yesterday, didn’t we?”

“Yeah, sorry… something came up.”

“Haa, Steano aside, Aldia, it’s rare for you to be late.”

I lowered my head at the complaint mixed with a sigh.

“Well, my bad.”

“Seriously. Reflect on it.”

Petra Farban, a classmate and model student who was always with us. She has beautiful bright blond hair and deep green eyes. With a strong posture, she never hesitated to speak her mind to anyone. It was unclear why she was with us, but looking back now, I can recognize that her presence was an essential part of our group.

“Sorry about that.”

“Do you think an apology will make up for being late on such an important day? It’s really unacceptable!”

She is pretty angry, especially with Steano.

Yeah, it was always like this… I feel nostalgic just having this exchange.

Steano shrank back. I was surprised by how significant her presence was, and at the same time, it made me feel nostalgic.

“Petra, it’s always normal for these two to be a little absent-minded. Don’t get so worked up.”

“Haa…”

“On the contrary, wouldn’t it be strange if Steano was being responsible?”

Hearty laughter was heard as we followed along.

The huge guy next to Petra is Ambros. He is also a classmate. He has short reddish-brown hair and strong brown eyes that seem to harbor a firm will.

Unconsciously, scenes from the previous life came to mind, and he was just as reliable as he looked.

He was a strong man, strong enough to become the Kingdom’s Fortress Commander. Even when wearing heavy equipment, he was a monster in terms of endurance, capable of fighting for long periods of time.

“Ambros, nice assist!”

“Steano? What’s up with you getting carried away even though you were late?”

“Ugh…! D-Don’t glare at me like that. It ruins your beauty.”

Steano tried to join in with Ambros, but when Petra glared at him again, he hunched his back like a small animal and hid behind me.

“Hey, Al. Petra is really scary… she can kill someone with just her eyes.”

“That’s your own fault… you know that, right?”

“No, but you’re just as guilty for being late, right? Why do I have to be the only one Petra glares at?”

“It’s about your attitude… at least show some remorse.”

I think pinpointing her dislikes is Steano’s weakness.

Even though it was before the graduation ceremony, there was an electrifying atmosphere that lacked tension. Amidst all that, a fluffy atmosphere came from the side.

“Seriously~ Petra, don’t be so tense. Like Bros said, it’s about Steano, so he probably just overslept. Forgive him.”

That was Mia, showing her white teeth with a grin. She was poking Steano’s back with her finger, shaking her distinctive blue hair.

“I did not oversleep.”

“Heh~, it’s definitely oversleeping. Steano has bed hair, you know?”

“What, really!?”

“It was a lie~.”

Mia was having fun teasing Steano.

“Hey, Mia, let’s talk seriously…”

“It’s fine, isn’t it? We should enjoy the graduation ceremony, right?”

Petra’s unwavering courage in the face of Mia’s words was genuinely impressive. I wonder how the world looks through her jewel-like azure eyes. It piqued my curiosity a bit.

In the past, I had only met Petra once on the battlefield. I remember feeling immense despair and sadness when I witnessed her death.

“Hey, Al, you think so too, right?”

“Me?”

“Yeah! It’s better to have fun, isn’t it?”

“Yeah, I think Mia is right.”

She was from the Vulcan Empire. I had no idea what she would do after graduation, but I think there will probably be a future where we fight together in this life. She was a troublemaker from the beginning of her enrollment, but by the time graduation came around, she had top-class skills in close-quarters combat and archery. I feel conflicted because she is excellent, but that was probably why she was sent to the battlefield. However, I would not abandon Mia this time.

“…Mm? What’s wrong, Al?”

Her blue eyes stared at me intently.

“Nothing.”

“Oh, really? I thought you might have fallen for me, Al!”

Unpleasant memories resurface, but I should just put that aside for now because nothing tragic has happened yet. While smiling wryly at Mia’s teasing, I avert my gaze from her.

“Petra-senpai, please don’t scold Al-senpai. It’s only been about a minute since the original meeting time.”

This time my junior, Addy, spoke up in my defense.

When I first met him, I thought he had a cool personality, but I was shocked when I later learned he was just shy. He now speaks more confidently in this group.

However, Petra waves her golden hair and dismisses Addy’s words.

“A minute late is still late. Addy becomes so sweet when it comes to Aldia… What? Do you like him or something?”

“N-No, it’s not like that! I just respect him!”

“Well, if two guys do that, it’s just creepy and disgusting.”

“T-That’s terrible, Petra-senpai!”

Addy turns away from Petra, looking embarrassed.

“Addy.”

“Al-senpai…”

“Thank you for standing up for me.”

I did not realize before how much Addy was attached to me. I had a junior who admired me. I felt that I should have paid more attention to him. Addy looks delighted and raises his voice toward Petra as if to provide further support.

“I mean, Al-senpai was definitely accompanying Steano-senpai, who overslept! Yes, that’s definitely it!”

“Yeah, you’re right.”

“That’s disrespectful to your senpai! And Petra, don’t agree with him!”

Somehow, they were a compatible group. Just as Steano made a perfect retort, Petra’s gaze shifted to the shade of a tree. She had been hearing the sound of rustling leaves and grass for a while now.

“…So, what about Tredia-chan, who’s been hiding in the shade all this time?

The girl, sneaking behind a big tree near the academy gate, flinched when Petra called out to her. When everyone’s attention turned to her, she slowly shook her head from side to side.

“A-Are you… talking to me?”

Tredia is my junior, who is two years younger than me. She is a shy, introverted girl who prefers not to be in the spotlight. Even when she was with us and involved in activities, I have memories of her hiding behind someone’s back or lurking in the shadows. Every time I saw her, it seemed like she was hiding from something.

“That’s right. So, what do you think?”

“E-Er… um…”

“Being late is not good, right?”

“Um… I think it’s… um… Steano-senpai’s fault.”

Tredia replied hesitantly with tears in her eyes.

I could not help but feel sorry for Tredia, who was fidgeting around and seeking help from those around her.

And as expected, Steano’s handling is sloppy.

“Haa…”

When I sighed, Petra pursed her lips in response. Suddenly, all the gazes that were directed toward Tredia swiftly shifted toward me.

“Aldia? Do you have something to say?”

“It’s nothing like that.”

“If you have something to say, just say it.”

I don’t really have any complaints about Petra’s words and actions. Having gone through so much suffering and having their life taken away, it was amazing to be able to see their familiar faces again in this situation. Petra’s unchanging nostalgic attitude was what made me feel that the most.

“No, it’s really nothing.”

“―――― ?”

“It’s just that I felt a bit sad thinking that we are graduating, that’s all.”

This sigh was not out of frustration with anyone. It was just something that came out involuntarily as the current situation in front of me moved me.

My lips curl into a smile, and I cannot help but feel happy. But that is just how much I am enjoying myself. I was genuinely overjoyed to meet with my friends again, whom I had wished to see one more time.

“Maybe it is. Graduation… is truly a bit sad.”

“Yeah… that’s right.”

It was the last page of my youth that I had sent off. I believe it was probably a very beautiful memory.

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Chapter 1 Part 2

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2

It was the morning of the graduation ceremony at the military academy that everything was unwound. The dazzling sunlight lightly burned my cheeks. At the same time, I felt a slight chill. The wind had not yet warmed up. If my memory serves me right, this was supposed to be the day when a decisive catastrophe would ignite the spark between the Kingdom of Leshfeld and the Vulcan Empire.

To an ordinary person, it would be the worst day ever. But to me, it was nothing but a day that could be seen as a turning point in my life. Therefore, I was not pessimistic. I still had hope that things would somehow work out.

“Haa, graduation, huh? I still can’t believe it… Is it the feeling of being a student? I can’t seem to shake it off yet.”

“Maybe.”

While walking towards the military academy with Steano, I pondered about what would happen next.

“I still wanted to play around more. Once I join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order, I won’t even have time to play around… and the training seems pretty tough.”

“Maybe…”

I gave a vague response while walking beside him. Steano seemed to be thinking about his future as well.

Although our intentions were different, we both imagined an unseen future and had hope swelling in our hearts. His eyes were sparkling with a gleam that could be seen from afar.

Unfortunately, I could not picture such a bright future. Since I knew the outcome would be disappointing, all I could think about was how to survive in that future or how to change it.

“Hey, Al. You’re going to join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order after graduation, right? And we’ll be in the same unit, right?”

“…Come to think of it, yeah. I was supposed to join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order, too.”

“Huh?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

He gave me a suspicious look.

“Did you forget where you’re going to work?”

“It’s not that I forgot. I was just thinking about something…”

“I see.”

Unintentionally, I had already decided to give up on joining the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order.

My assignment was already decided, and my path after graduation was set. I have passed the exam, and next month, I will be serving as a member of the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order. It was a relatively fortunate path. If I followed the original path, that was what I would become.

However ―― I could not accept that.

“……Steano, you know what? I’m thinking of not joining the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order.”

I had no intention of walking down the wrong path again. Even if I continue down that path, there is only a future of regret waiting for me. I would have become an enemy of Princess Valtrune, knowing her kindness, yet continuing to engage in futile battles with the Imperial Army for the sake of the kingdom. Knowing such a future, I thought I should make a different choice at this crossroads.

“Hey, you’re not joining the chivalric order…!?”

Steano looked like he wanted to say it was a lie, but before he could say anything else, I continued,

“I’m serious. It’s not a joke. I’m going to the Vulcan Empire as soon as I graduate.”

“To the empire…? Giving up becoming a knight of the kingdom?”

“Yeah, that’s right. I’m not going to become a knight. Sorry for the sudden news, but I’ve already made up my mind.”

In the first place, my existence itself was unexpected. I’m not someone who should be in this place.

“But… it’s not like you, Al. I thought you were the kind of person who would think more before acting. This is the first time something so unexpected has happened…”

“I also… until recently, thought that I was that kind of person.”

I miss my time at the military academy. I had been careful not to stand out too much during my student days. Even in practical exams and studies, I had been quite lazy. It was a miracle that I was allowed to join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order.

“You won’t have this kind of opportunity again…”

“Maybe. It’s a miracle that I was allowed to join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order with my grades.”

“You idiot, I know you were slacking off during the exams. I wasn’t talking about that, but the fact that we could join the order together as peers.”

Steano has a sad expression on his face. He had been looking forward to joining the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order with me. In my previous life, we were assigned to the same unit and saw each other every day, just like we did in the academy.

However ―― I could not save him.

That is why I have decided at that moment not to join the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order. I want to save the man in front of me.

―― I could only watch as he was dying. But now, maybe I can change it.

“Hey… this is a personal matter I want to consult you about.”

I stopped and grabbed Steano’s hand. His light brown hair swayed slightly.

“…What is it?”

“I know it’s a pretty unreasonable request, but if possible, would you consider going to the Vulcan Empire with me after graduation?”

―― He must have thought, “What? Why?”.

At the time, I wasn’t interested in the Vulcan Empire. After graduation, I unconsciously decided to find my career path in the Kingdom of Leshfeld.

“Me too? To the Vulcan Empire?”

“Yeah.”

“That’s pretty sudden… Are you telling me to resign from the Kingdom’s Chivalric Order, too?”

“Sorry, that’s not my intention…”

“I understand. So, don’t apologize.”

I’m only able to ask something like this because it is my second life.

I will never side with the Kingdom of Leshfeld now. I cannot work in a country that betrayed me after I served it. But if Steano stays in the kingdom, there may come a day when I have to turn my blade against him. I definitely want to avoid that.

“I’m sorry… Can you give me some time to think about it? It’s too sudden and confusing.”

Steano asked me to put my Vulcan Empire plans on hold.

“Yeah, thank you.”

To be honest, it was unexpected. It was just wishful thinking that I asked for on a whim. I was happy that he seriously considered it without immediately rejecting it.

In addition, if he has the slightest intention to do so ―― it might be possible to change the future where he dies.

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Chapter 1 Part 1

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Chapter 1 – A Wish That Was Never Meant to Come True

1

Placed on the execution platform, I was supposed to be killed just like that… or so I thought.

When my consciousness returned, I found myself on a bustling main street in a familiar city where people were laughing and having fun. There was no trace of the post-war atmosphere of violence and turmoil.

―― Huh? No… wait, calm down. Think about what is going on first.

If my memory was correct, this place was not within the territory of Kingdom Leshfeld. It was a completely neutral area located between the kingdom and the empire. The lively town of Filnots spread out around the Filnots Military Academy, built to train officers to command the military. It was a unique place that did not belong to any country. At the same time, the town’s surroundings were enclosed by high walls, making it a fortified city.

However, Filnots had disappeared without a trace due to the war between the kingdom and the empire. For both countries, this place was an important area that could greatly change the course of the war. It goes without saying that fierce battles were fought to secure this place.

―― Yet the town that was at the center of such a disastrous war was still alive and well, bustling with people.

This place should not exist right now, and yet, Filnots maintained its beautiful townscape and lively environment. It was impossible.

It felt like the lively atmosphere of Filnots that I had seen before the war. I have not breathed in such a peaceful atmosphere in a long time.

“This is… impossible.”

―― I felt like I was in a dream.

However, the scenery was so vivid, unlike a fleeting memory. I could feel the wind blowing on my skin and smell the scent of chicken skewers and alcohol coming from the food stalls. It was a normal and everyday atmosphere that surrounded me.

“………”

Was this a false world created by my own delusion?

“I don’t understand…”

“That’s my line.”

On my shoulders, someone’s hand was grabbing onto it while my thoughts were still a mess.

“Hey, Al. If you keep spacing out here, you’ll be late for graduation. Don’t mumble to yourself. Let’s go.”

“…Huh?”

When I turned around, my friend, who was supposed to be dead, was standing there.

“What’s with that look on your face?”

“Well… I mean, you…!”

“What? Are you so happy to see me? Geez, I’m not happy that a guy likes me at all.”

―― What is this…? Is this… still a dream?

“You’re… Steano, right?”

“Have you forgotten the face of your best friend, Al?”

I opened my eyes wide and froze.

It was impossible for him to be alive because I was the one who witnessed his death.

“H-Hey… your grip is too strong.”

I let go of his arm that I had unintentionally grabbed and looked down at the ground.

Steano Regul.

He was from the kingdom. When we attended the military academy​, he was like a close friend who was always with me.

I became a knight of the kingdom and served my country as a knight, just like him.

But why…?

“Why… are you… alive!?”

When I said that, Steano furrowed his brow and tilted his head. His face was filled with countless question marks, as if my words were incomprehensible.

“Huh? Of course, I’m alive. What, did you have some kind of elaborate joke about making me dead? I hate to say it, but you don’t have a shred of humor in you, huh?”

He was not an imposter. The light brown hair and gray eyes. The slightly playful attitude was undoubtedly the same person I knew. I could never mistake the face of my best friend, with whom I ran on the battlefield and entrusted my life to.

“I mean, there’s no way it’s a joke, right?”

“No, no, don’t give me that serious face… What’s wrong with you, really?”

He taps me on the back with a puzzled look on his face.

“Seriously, are you still half asleep? Did you have a nightmare or something? That’s not like you.”

“A… dream?”

“You were too excited for today and stayed up late, right? Haha, even Al can get carried away!”

Steano lightly taps my shoulder and quickly walks ahead.

“………”

“Hey, Al. We should get going soon, or Petra will nag us. The road is crowded, and we might even get a beating if we’re late.”

With a faint smile, he acts as if he’s forgotten about what just happened.

However, I had no room to spare for worrying about his behavior. Because the fact that he was talking to me like this was abnormal in itself.

―― I’ve never heard of anything like the dead coming back to life.

Certainly, he died a heroic death on the battlefield. In my eyes, he protected me and died a terrible death.

I also cremated his dead body…… Or rather ――

“…Hey, can I ask you something?”

―― I thought of something I wanted to confirm more than being able to talk to him.

“Mm?”

I ask him, who seems to be thinking of nothing.

“What year is it in the kingdom’s calendar right now?”

It had been a question on my mind for a long time. I felt a sense of discomfort looking at the peaceful streets of Filnots. In addition, seeing the figure of my dead friend made me curious about it. It is important to organize my emotions, but I wanted to understand the current situation more than that.

‘Time Regression’… I could not help but think that this possibility was becoming a reality.

Steano had a face like, “What’s he talking about?”, but reluctantly told me.

“It’s now March of the year 1241 in the kingdom’s calendar… Why do you ask?”

“1241, huh… I thought so.”

“………”

The moment I heard his words, my previous doubts turned into certainty. I remember clearly the day I was executed.

It was June of the year 1247 in the kingdom’s calendar… and now it’s March of the year 1241.

In other words, this is six years before that day when everything came to an end. It is the era before I lost everything precious to me.

“…I see.”

―― Just before the graduation ceremony of the military academy.

The idea of time regression gradually became clearer, replacing the vague notion from before. Did I get the chance to rewrite my history full of regrets from that time?

Either way, for now, that bloody war has not yet happened.

“Al. Are you really okay?”

Although he was worried that I might be feeling unwell, my state of mind was surprisingly calm.

“I’m fine.”

“Well, you say that, but… Haa, forget it. Let’s hurry up and go, or we’ll definitely get glared at if we’re late.”

Even hearing his exasperated voice, I did not feel any discomfort.

It is a miracle to be able to have a conversation like this with an old friend.

This is what is called ‘regression’, I suppose. It is something I have only heard of in fairy tales and the like, but it clearly applies to my current situation.

Is this some sort of prank from God? I do not know how this happened, but it does not matter. Right now, all I have to do is firmly acknowledge the situation that has unfolded before my eyes.

―― I would not have this chance again.

I cannot afford to make a mistake this time. I have been given a chance to return to the stage where I can once again hope for a bright future that I missed before. There is nothing left for me to do but to do what I can. That is what I have decided in my heart.

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Prologue Part 2

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2

“We will now proceed with the execution of Aldia Graetz by hanging.”

―― Ah, is this how easily my life comes to an end?

I swallowed my saliva while sitting on the gallows, feeling the noise around me.

My dry throat felt like it was being stabbed from the inside by needles, and a feeling of regret overwhelmed me more than fear in my chest.

―― The life that person saved, now ending here.

“The defendant, Aldia Graetz, has been communicating with the princess of the Vulcan Empire, Valtrune von Felsdorf, since before the war and has been leaking information about our kingdom to the empire. Furthermore, he was involved in helping the princess escape after the war. In addition ――”

The Hearing Officer read out my alleged crimes one by one.

All of them were lies. Fabricated and distorted information was read out as if it were true. The many charges against me were just a prelude to stop my heart’s beating, but the pain and sadness I felt had long been numbed and disappeared.

I felt nothing ―― just emptiness. Even the meaning of lamentation was taken away from me.

“―― That is all. With that, it has been concluded that the death penalty is appropriate for Aldia Graetz. We will now proceed with the execution of Aldia Graetz by hanging.”

―― Is it finally starting?

The end of my life was about to come. The executioner appeared right beside me and tied a strong rope around my neck. If the door beneath me opened and I fell, the execution would be completed.

It is truly humiliating. The curious crowd, the gazes of the nobles and royalty that looked at me as if I were mere garbage. All of them are watching me.

“Why was I such a fool…”

―― I really did something stupid.

Princess Valtrune saved my life. And yet I did not choose to wield my sword for her until the very end.

―― Why was that?

Because she and I were enemies… that was the only reason.

When facing the enemy, Princess Valtrune was the only one I did not kill. However, I achieved some results on the battlefield. I killed countless Imperial soldiers. I sacrificed even my rest time and fought tirelessly. Looking back now, I wonder why I was trying so hard to kill them. What was the meaning of doing such a thing… I asked myself.

A knight who fought for the kingdom is ironically killed by the kingdom’s people on charges of treason.

“How could this… how could this happen…? I fought to protect the country, and now everything has been taken away from me, even my life…!?”

No one pays attention to my outburst. They probably only see me as a criminal with a bad attitude.

“Haha, listen to the criminal talking.”

“Does this traitor think he has the right to speak?”

“What a fool.”

“We don’t need someone like you in this country!”

“Just die already, you traitorous scum!”

Amidst the insults being hurled, I simply trembled in place. I controlled my ragged breathing and bit down on my lips. When was the last time I felt this much anger boiling up inside of me?

No matter what I said, my words would not resonate with anyone.

“This is ridiculous… what have I been doing all this time?”

―― Then, I remembered something just as I was about to die.

I saw in my mind the slim and beautiful hand of Princess Valtrune that was offered to me.

‘To be frank… could you join the empire’s side? I don’t want to fight against you… No, that’s not it. I want you.’

During a battle, when I met Princess Valtrune for the third time, she asked me to join her side. However, I did not accept her proposal.

‘…I’m sorry. I have friends and family in the kingdom. That’s why I can’t betray them by siding with the empire…’

‘I see… I’m sorry. You have your own reasons. Let’s forget about this.’

―― In the end, my friends and family disappeared before my very eyes in the midst of the war.

And now, I am also about to disappear.

By choosing to fight for the kingdom, I was left with nothing. The princess of the enemy country who had been kind to me died without fanfare. The friends I had been close to were swallowed up by the repeated ravages of war and never returned.

“…I have nothing left anymore.”

My words were filled with all my feelings.

I even wanted to curse this irrational world.

―― Looking back, I realized that my life had been full of regrets. I had spent several decades wondering what I had been living for. When I was surrounded by malicious looks from those around me, I could not help but feel lost. I felt a vibration in my feet. The door under my feet opened, signaling that I was about to fall. I had done something foolish… I was truly a fool.

―― If I had made a different choice back then, would anything have changed?

‘Could you join the empire’s side?’

If I had accepted that proposal, would my life have been different?

‘I want you.’

If I could have walked through life with the person who sought me out, I wonder what would have become of me.

At the very least, I might not have ended my life filled with so much regret. There could have been a possibility for me to have a happy future.

However, I did not seize that opportunity… I didn’t even try.

That choice at the time was supposed to be the most important turning point in my life ―― but everything that happened after that was brought on by the weakness in my heart. I had listed superficial reasons, such as fighting for the kingdom or having someone important, to avoid thinking about anything.

The outcome of my meaningless words led to an equally meaningless end.

“Pull the lever!”

The executioner pulled the lever of the device on the gallows. With a dull thud, the door beneath the gallows opened, and the rope, now noose, quickly tightened around my neck.

“…Ugh!?”

My face was engulfed in heat. Nausea and fading consciousness made me feel like I was about to vomit out the contents of my stomach. It was regrettable to think that I would die like this.

―― It hurts… I can’t breathe. Where did I… go wrong?

“Guh……!”

It was truly the worst possible end.

I would be exposed in front of the public and continue to be mocked even after death as a ‘fool’.

There was no salvation. Who would want to lead such a pitiful life?

“―――― !”

―― I have killed many and will surely fall into hell.

Without thinking about the meaning of killing, I have simply taken lives. It was war, so there was no other way… I knew it wasn’t something that could be easily justified. And yet, I continued with my inhumane slaughter.

Without stopping my foolish acts, I have accumulated sins. That is why I know that receiving this punishment is inevitable. It is the price I pay for the sins I have accumulated so far, and it is just natural retribution.

“…! …Kugh!”

The sound of the thread of life snapping could be heard.

My shaky vision suddenly turned pitch black.

“……”

The knight of the kingdom, Aldia Graetz… This is where my life comes to an end.

The final moments of someone who had secretly been known as the strongest knight in the kingdom, it is such a pitiful end. No matter how strong I was, in the face of power, I was powerless, and because I lived without any purpose, I could not accurately identify what was truly important to me.

At the last moment of my life, I thought of her face and made a wish.

If I could meet her again ―― I want to live by her side this time.

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Prologue Part 1

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1

Unwanted and tragic voices continued to echo in my head.

It was the heartfelt cries of those who had been scorched by the never-ending nightmare of war. Even if they were to perish, their voices were etched into my mind like a curse, never to disappear.

‘Al, even if it’s just you, please survive…’

My best friend died protecting me. The scent of his blood lingered on my hands…

‘Run away. I’ll buy you some time to escape!’

She had been braver than anyone, facing countless enemies that approached her, but she never returned. Despite her usually sharp tongue, her bright smile in her final moments remained etched in my mind.

‘Ahh, before I could even fight Al, this happened… Haa, that’s really pathetic…’

She fell before my eyes… and never got up again. She was never one to seek conflict. It was her own country’s soldiers who had caused her death, and only sadness was left in my heart.

‘Aldia, I entrust everything to you.’

The boorish hulk of a man who had been guarding the fortress sacrificed himself to help his comrades escape.

All of my precious friends had died.

I could do nothing but watch their final moments without being able to help them.

Why…? Why do I have to experience such pain over and over again? I should have been able to do something to save them.

‘So… this is where I am going to die… Without me… will that person be okay?’

One of the enemy generals had remained proud until the very end and had been more empathetic to us than her own comrades. However, we were not allowed to mourn her death properly.

The enemy princess… smiled at me with all her heart as she was dying.

‘Aldia… Thank you. I’m glad I could speak to you before I die.’

She was glad to be able to speak to me even though she knew she was going to die? I wish… she had not said that.

I had developed forbidden feelings for her, but it was at the last moment of her life, and she passed away.

―― I, who was powerless, could not save anyone. I was just a fool who could only fight and kill enemies on the battlefield in front of me.

What kind of knight am I if I could not protect a single important person?

I could only take lives, but I couldn’t produce anything else.

Repeatedly piling up a history full of mistakes and then dismantling it, I had finally realized, only when it was too late to undo what I had done.

‘What have I been fighting for all this time…?’, I finally asked myself.

Ah, I was truly a fool.

The smell of blood that was so deeply ingrained in me that I could not wipe it away was deeply etched into my body. After losing so much, I began to wonder if there was any meaning in living.

But even so, I continued to kill.

Because I had already come too far to turn back.

And because there was no other choice but to move forward.

…That choice was a big mistake.

I should have stopped somewhere. If I had ―― maybe my future would have been different from what it is now.

“The defendant, Aldia Graetz. You are suspected of treason against the kingdom. Do you have any objections?”

―― Ah, I suppose I am going to die, too.

Terribly cold air flowed within the Supreme Court of Kingdom Leshfeld. The name, Aldia Graetz, called calmly by an elderly man, referred to me.

Accused of treason against the kingdom, I am facing a scene of one-sided condemnation in a sham of a trial. Any objections or counterarguments were never recognized from the beginning.

The charge of treason was predetermined. All that remains is for me to acknowledge the charge, and the punishment will be decided.

“………”

“Aldia Graetz. Your silence means that you acknowledge the charge of treason… is that correct?”

―― What a stupid farce. Even if I said something, someone in this court would interrupt me and not allow me to make any claims! I was thoroughly fed up with the air that did not even allow me to sigh.

I looked around with empty eyes. See… there is no one on my side. The gazes of the kingdom’s people surrounding me were all full of malice.

―― Even though the war is already over, they haven’t changed anything.

It might have been better if the war had continued. I thought something inappropriate like that.

The Kingdom of Leshfeld had been at war just a few months ago. The enemy in the war was the great northern power, the Vulcan Empire.

Until their defeat in the war against the kingdom, the empire was the largest country in the world. However, the various countries that had fought alongside the empire in a united front invaded Imperial territory, and the empire fell.

Even in such an empire, there were people who I thought should live. They were much kinder than the heartless people of the kingdom and were the ones who cared most about the future of the country.

‘Valtrune von Felsdorf.’

She was the late Imperial Princess, and I had once been saved by her. She had snow-white hair and strikingly strong blue eyes. Unfortunately, she is no longer in this world. She ended her short life by execution. Although she was the princess of a defeated country, she maintained her noble and dignified expression until the very end.

―― I wanted her to live even for just one more second.

During the war, amidst the battlefield where sparks flew and scattered, I encountered Princess Valtrune several times. We were enemies, destined to kill each other, but by chance, I was able to catch sight of her several times.

At first, I had wanted to kill her from the bottom of my heart. I was trying to defeat the Imperial banner for my country. However, that plan was not easy to accomplish.

‘Take this…!’

‘You’re in the way! Get out of the way!’

‘I won’t let you pass.’

‘Ugh…!’

The Imperial Army was heavily fortified, and I suffered countless wounds before reaching her. My hand was torn messily, and even gripping the sword was painful. My face was covered in blood, and my vision was also impaired. Every part of my body was in excruciating pain. I must have looked no different from the dead as I took one step after another while enduring the pain.

‘U-Ugh…!’

I dragged my feet forward.

The marching speed had become astonishingly slow, and I could not stop spitting blood. None of the comrades I had fought with on the battlefield were alive anymore. They had all died.

And when I finally reached the Princess… I was also in a near-death state from the countless wounds I had received from the Imperial soldiers.

My consciousness was hazy. My mouth was filled with the taste of blood, and tears of fresh blood dripped from my eyes. To top it all off, the blood of enemy soldiers had splattered all over me, and my black armor had been stained red.

I could not swing my sword as I wished.

…Sluggish as I have become, my sword never reached her neck.

‘I still… can’t…’

I was filled with vexation. But I could not do anything.

‘…You still can’t die. Is that what you want to say?’

She squatted in front of me, looking down at me.

‘…Yes. I still… haven’t achieved anything.’

Looking back now, I wonder why I was so determined to live. I did not have any purpose. I only thought about killing my enemies, yet I was saying such grand things as ‘I still haven’t achieved anything’. I must have been completely delusional.

‘Haa… I can still fight…’

My mouth moved, but my body could not move properly. The short conversation I had with the Princess would be my last words. Even so, I desperately tried to stay conscious.

‘Ah, damn it…’

My vision suddenly narrowed.

Would I also become a member of the dead, swallowed up by the darkness? I could not move… I could not see… I could not feel anything anymore. I still had a lot of regrets. But I felt that this was the end of my life.

―― However, my life did not end there.

‘I will never let you, who wish to live, die. Be strong. I’ll cast a healing spell on you now.’

She reached out her hand to me, a soldier from the enemy army.

Her beautiful white hair, which sways slightly, was reflected in my eyes.

‘…Why are you… helping me?’

I asked in a dry voice for her reasons.

‘That’s… well. I’m just returning a favor from the past. I have no other intentions. Besides, you still can’t die, can you? It should be a benefit for you, who wants a future. You should accept it gracefully.’

After saying that, she finished my treatment and left the place.

Her back looked much larger than her figure.

We hardly had any contact. When the relationship between the kingdom and the empire was not yet bad, we exchanged a few words for just a few minutes at the military academy in the royal capital… that was all.

I do not remember doing her any favors. That was why I felt like I owed her more than she owed me.

‘We meet again. What do you want to do? Kill each other this time?’

As I traveled through the battlefield, I often ran into Princess Valtrune.

She did not have any guards with her.

Using her high physical ability and magic power, and command abilities in the army, she fought on the front lines. It was hard to believe that she was a princess of a country. However, because even the half-hearted soldiers could not even put a scratch on her, such behavior was allowed.

In addition, the Imperial Army led by Princess Valtrune was overwhelmingly strong, as evidenced by their successive victories over the kingdom’s army in various places. Originally, as an enemy, I should have defeated her as soon as I found her. However, I had completely lost the will to do so.

‘I don’t intend to kill you. I’m not so shameless as to point my sword at someone who saved my life.’

When facing her, my turbulent emotions naturally calmed down.

‘You’re surprisingly kind to the enemy princess.’

‘That’s my line. I’ve never seen or heard of an enemy princess who heals enemy soldiers…’

‘Hehe, I suppose that’s true.’

Looking at her face, even if it was on a harsh battlefield, my impulse to kill instantly subsided.

―― It was a strange feeling.

Even before being a benefactor, the gentle aura that Princess Valtrune carried around her was comfortable, and there was always a sense of release from the tense string that was stretched tight. It was probably because her gaze toward me did not contain any malice.

‘You haven’t changed at all since before. You’re still kind.’

‘I’m not kind. I’m just a murderer…’

I said so, but she shook her head and smiled gently.

‘You’re kind. When we were in the academy, I only talked to you for a moment before the entrance ceremony and at the end of graduation. However, I certainly know you’ve been making an effort every day… That’s why I wanted to help you.’

‘…Even though we’re enemies?’

‘Yes, even though we’re enemies, I still wanted to help you.’

Her words remained in my mind.

‘But, I don’t regret helping you.’

Her dazzlingly gentle eyes were fixed on me. I will never forget being captivated by her beautiful blue eyes… Even if my life were to end, this memory would never disappear. This feeling will last forever.

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