Chapter 264

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They say all things must come to an end.

Even the plague that seemed like it would torment us forever was finally starting to settle down.

In conclusion, about a month and a bit after setting up camp – it seemed the higher-ups were beginning preparations to withdraw our forces.

After all, we’d run this camp out of goodwill, and Serpina’s reputation in Central Continent had improved greatly.

Of course, it wasn’t some fairytale where everyone suddenly loved Serpina – but in a continent where Serpina had never been viewed favorably even for a moment, having even a small amount of positive opinion was quite an achievement.

If our reputation hadn’t improved, rebellion would have been inevitable even in occupied territory – just like the bloodbath we’d seen in Northern Continent.

And the Aschias Army, who had tried to win public opinion against us, saw their own reputation hit rock bottom. We’d accomplished what we set out to do.

“Everyone has truly worked hard. I’m glad to have fought alongside you all. And I thank you for trusting me.”

“Not at all, Lady!”

“It was an honor to work with Lady Irian!”

Thanks to Reika’s magic, all soldiers completed their mission safely.

At first, naturally, there was bound to be anxiety in their hearts. But as weeks passed without incident, the soldiers came to participate actively in relief efforts with a sense of righteous purpose rather than fear.

And importantly, the disease never spread to Northern Continent.

Because every single soldier participated enthusiastically, our relief activities ended in great success.

Lady Irian came to say her final goodbyes to the troops, then approached Rayka and me who were resting.

“You two have worked very hard as well. Especially you, Sir Reika. Your dedication will be reported directly to Lord without forgetting.”

“No…I merely did what was required…”

Even with her calculated rest periods, magic inevitably drains one’s energy. Casting blessing spells on multiple soldiers every week for a month must have been quite taxing on her body.

Had we continued operating the camp much longer, I would have had to suggest she stop soon.

Lady Irian nodded.

“Then let’s prepare to return. I’ll notify you when we’re ready to depart. Please take care of Sir Reika, Sir Swoen.”

“That won’t be necessary.”

“Good.”

Lady Irian smiled at my words and left the building. Through working together, I could once again feel how much she trusted me.

Even though she had said “Don’t worry, magic can handle it” at first, she didn’t hesitate to put herself in danger.

No matter how much she might owe me, everyone values their life – so I shouldn’t underestimate the trust she places in me.

Around this time…

I had to admit I was feeling a sense of efficacy I never felt while serving in the Brance Army or Aishias Army.

Even in the Lunarien Army where everyone followed my orders, considering that “Lunarien Army” back then consisted of only four people including myself, more like a club than an army, made my experience in Serpina Army feel all the more precious.

The high-ranking commanders who trust me, the strategist who doesn’t second-guess my actions, the monarch who fully believes in my judgment…

…this is bad.

Every day, Serpina Army feels more and more like home.

It worried me even more because these feelings weren’t something I consciously sought out.

Didn’t I stay here to keep my promise to Lady Luna?

I mustn’t forget that I need to return to Lunarien Army eventually.

‘Is this…really alright?’

At that moment, Rayka’s voice came from beside me.

“Um…Sir Swoen…”

“Ahh, yes. Shall we start preparing to return?”

I quickly responded with a smile, but Rayka seemed to notice my slightly fallen expression.

“Preparing to return is important, but…there’s something I want to talk about…is that okay…?”

“Of course. What is it?”

“Well, it’s about…the rumors of a new mage appearing…”

“Ah…”

The mage who appeared in Southern Continent.

I knew who it was. Probably Tifa.

From the battle between Karelia Army and the rebels – that is, Lunarien Army.

Since the outnumbered rebels achieved victory through a mage’s power, it’s highly likely to be Tifa.

Hearing that news made me feel strangely uneasy again, so I focused the conversation on her.

“Does it bother you?”

“…Yeah.”

Rayka wore a very complicated expression.

“I never thought I’d be the only one using such magical abilities…but…how should I put this…”

I waited silently without pressing her further.

After hesitating for a while, Rayka finally spoke carefully.

“If many new mages appear…then someone like me, who’s inferior in every way…might become useless right away…”

“…”

“How strange is that? It’s such a foolish thought…I know I shouldn’t…but still…”

Her voice trembled slightly.

Somehow…she’s afraid of losing her worth?

“If amazing people appear…what should I do…”

I slowly placed my hand on her shoulder.

She doesn’t reject it anymore. Somewhere along the line, she started accepting me without hesitation, whether I pet her head or get too close during conversations.

“You don’t need to worry about that, Miss Reika.”

“Sir Swoen…”

“There may be many mages appearing in the future. Now that the existence of mages is known, people who’ve unknowingly possessed mana will gradually realize what they’ve been sensing. However…”

I looked straight into her pink eyes with determination.

“No one will ever become a greater mage than you, Miss Reika.”

“B-but…maybe I just happened to reveal myself earlier than others…”

“No.”

This wasn’t just comforting words to make her feel better.

Reika would become a legendary mage. No other mage could handle magic as skillfully as she does.

Tifa herself could only use sword energy or fireballs – nothing compared to Reika.

“I swear. If I’m saying this, you can believe me, right?”

“…!!”

Upon hearing my words, Reika bowed her head for a moment…

then fidgeted with her hands before looking up at me cautiously again.

“…Yes. If it’s Sir Swoen saying this…I believe you.”

Her trembling voice had lessened, showing that I had managed to lift her spirits a bit.

“Actually…even if a greater mage than Miss Reika appears – no, even if Miss Reika somehow loses her magical powers one day, you wouldn’t be useless.”

“Yes…?”

“Because you’re kind and gentle. You may be clumsy at starting conversations, but that’s probably because you consider how the other person would enjoy the dialogue. I often feel your thoughtfulness in those moments.”

“Ah…”

“And you’re good at making cakes and bread too. Even without magic…I think Miss Reika is a very valuable person.”

Why does she, who possesses such great ability, remain so timid?

Why does she fear becoming useless?

But I truly believed she had no reason to feel that way.

Not because she’s a great mage, and not just to win her favor…

Simply…I didn’t want to see her look so disheartened.

I wished she could always smile.

She worked hard without complaint since coming here, so I wanted to see her spirited rather than deflated.

“So please, don’t think like that. Understand?”

Upon hearing my words, Reika looked directly into my eyes with wide, surprised pupils.

Her face flushed red as we stared at each other for several minutes.

We stared…did we?

No, that’s not right.

She suddenly came closer to me…

“!!!”

Something felt off.

There was a sweet taste on the tip of my tongue.

Just as I thought I might find out exactly what flavor it was by kissing her…

Only then did I realize…

That her lips were touching mine.

The sweetness on my tongue wasn’t just imagined – it was real.

Startled by the sudden situation, I was about to get lost in the strawberry cake-like taste transmitted through our kiss…

“Haa…haa…”

Slowly…her lips pulled away from mine.

A transparent thread stretched between us, proving that we had been connected for that brief moment.

Her pink eyes were filled with my dazed expression.

Everything was hot. My face, everywhere…

Was her face hot too? Is she feeling as strange as I am?

“…Excuse me…”

Rayka stood up and hurriedly ran out the door.

Even after she left, I sat in the chair for a long time, stunned…

Only then did I cover my mouth with my hand as my burning face heated up even more…

Realizing that after the scent of yuzu, the sweet aroma of cake had passed through my lips.