kscans

Chapter 42 - The Dim Barracks and a Small Warmth

The new barracks were on the outskirts of the royal capital. Built from brown brick, they didn't let in much light from the outside. Stepping inside, he found the air dim and somewhat oppressive.

After greeting the barracks manager, Leonhard surveyed the room. It seemed morale was not very high.

He could hear Kyle's voice telling a joke, trying to lighten the mood. At first, a few small laughs spread through the room. The gloomy atmosphere softened just a little.

"Good work."

He clapped Kyle on the shoulder, and Kyle looked at him as if pleading for help. It was true, everyone seemed a bit down.

"Alright, has everyone put away their things? This is our base now. It's... a bit far from the capital. About an hour by horse, I'd say." Kyle quickly interjected.

"You're right! That girl I was after will never come all the way out here!" Leonhard smiled.

"True. But on the other hand, annoying people won't bother coming to a remote place like this either. Julius would never show up."

"Ah, you mean the new Supreme Commander."

"He gave me an earful first thing this morning," Leonhard said with a laugh and a shrug.

"However, there's a special provision for the Tree Sea Defense Force here. Before and after days off, you're free to have your girlfriends or families stay over."

"What! Really?"

"This place isn't bound by the knight order's regulations. By special exception from the King, these barracks are ours to use as we please."

He had actually gotten permission secretly from one of the King's attendants. It would be trouble if the Chancellor or Julius and his cronies found out.

Little by little, laughter returned to the dim room. Even in a remote place like this, spending time with comrades would likely raise morale a bit.

Kyle whispered to him.

"Does that mean... we'll finally be graced with a glimpse of your special girl, Captain...."

"Not happening!"

"Aww! She's going to dump you, you know." He didn't know about the ring. In fact, Leonhard felt a little guilty toward his men....

They would be leaving after lunch, so he went to his room for a moment. It really was dark in here.

So dark there was no need to close the curtains. The interior was a small room with a tiny kitchen, a single bed, a desk, and a unit bath. At least Mireille's bathing situation seemed manageable.

I'll just see her face and come right back.

Leonhard closed the curtains and checked that the door was locked. He slipped on the ring... and before him was the sight of Mireille, trying to light a fire.

"Leonhard-san, what about your work?"

"I have to head into the Tree Sea soon, so I have to go back right away. I just came to see your face for a moment before that."

The morning had been too rough. Just seeing Mireille's face was a comfort.

"You must be tired. Do you have time for a coffee?"

"Hmm, it'll be close." It was a strange feeling. He was getting closer to her by going into the Tree Sea, yet he had to leave her.

"Let's go back to my room. There's something I want to give you if you're going into the Tree Sea."

He saw the chain he had given her on the nape of her neck, and his heart skipped a beat. He found himself wanting to give her something cuter.

"So my master was connected to the Tree Sea Defense Force after all, wasn't she." Mireille lit the stove.

"What!"

Mireille smiled sweetly and tapped the collar of Leonhard's uniform. Crap. The emblem badge....

"It's alright. As long as you're by my side, Leonhard-san, I can handle it. But... I don't want to become unstable again if I'm alone, so please face it with me."

"I'm sorry. I wasn't considerate enough."

"I'd rather you not hide things from me. I don't want anyone to hide things from me anymore."

He couldn't see Mireille's face. He could only understand her pain.

"We'll face it together. I'll be with you."

Leonhard embraced her from behind. Mireille placed her hands on his arms as he held her.

The sound of water boiling on the stove filled the air.

"The coffee....."

"Oh, right." Honestly, he would rather keep holding Mireille than drink coffee.... He had hugged her on impulse. It was probably because the morning had been so hard.

He gently let go, and Mireille said,

"Oh, right! This is what I had to give you." From the third floor, she brought down a Potion, a High Potion, a Sleep Orb with a needle attached, a Monster-Repelling Bell, and an All-Purpose Bandage.

"Since you're going into the Tree Sea now, I'm sure the state has provided you with good supplies, but... well, I'd be happy if you used these."

"Are you sure? This stuff is incredibly expensive."

"Tools are meant to be used." He didn't know what kind of environment he was heading into, so he wanted to carry anything he could secretly. He just had to make sure not to leave any trace of Mireille.

He downed the coffee Mireille had brewed for him.

"Thank you. I'm off."

"Okay, please come back soon."

After an exchange worthy of a newlywed couple, Leonhard took off the ring and headed for the Tree Sea.