After the vice-captain election was over, I called Bersil Gowland aside for a private talk.

As the captain, there were things I needed to say.

“Heh heh, congratulations. You’ve finally got your hands on some power.”

“...Don’t joke around.”

I was just trying to lighten the mood because he seemed to take the vice-captain position too heavily.

Well, the second-in-command should have some gravity to them.

“Bersil Gowland.”

“Yes, speak.”

“From today, you’re the vice-captain of our clan. When I’m not around, you must lead the clan in my stead. Everyone will help you, but the final decisions must be yours—and you must bear the responsibility for the outcomes.”

“I understand......”

Judging by his expression, it wasn’t just a rote answer.

That put my mind somewhat at ease.

He would carry out his duties sincerely and without compromise.

Yeah, so...

‘No need for long speeches.’

I put aside all the advice I had prepared.

Someone who already knows the weight of the role only needs trust and encouragement.

“You’ll do well.”

“......”

“Let’s go, everyone’s waiting.”

With a few pats on his shoulder, I ended the private meeting and returned to the others to begin the real meeting.

Well, calling it a meeting was a stretch.

Honestly, it was closer to criminals whispering plans before police interrogation.

“At least we prepared in advance, so this part should go smoothly.”

“Prepared?”

“We didn’t know how long it’d take to get back, so before leaving the walls, we deliberately let slip that all members were going to special training.”

The entire clan would spend over two months on special training.

Obviously suspicious, but what could anyone do if we said so?

Many clans actually use underground private training grounds to practice.

Though not officially licensed to use ‘skills,’ official training grounds expose you to prying eyes.

Most clans use private grounds to practice strategies and tactics, and the city unofficially turns a blind eye...

“Frankly, the excuse doesn’t matter much. As long as we respond on time to the mobilization order, there’s no grounds for accusation. Wherever we were for two or three months isn’t illegal.”

That’s the truth.

As long as we pay taxes and follow the law, the city respects freedom within its walls.

The key is not to get caught outside the walls.

‘Okay, that part’s settled...’

After that, we discussed future plans.

“From here, the captain’s role becomes crucial.”

“Me?”

“Our clan gains a voice within the Military Command.”

“So, you mean I should try to get us placed in safe rear positions?”

“Yes. Of course, your disposition will be the most important factor.”

“Disposition...?”

I’m pretty normal.

If anything, I prefer hitting over agreeing—.

“Some see this war as an opportunity.”

...Ah, so that’s what that meant.

“They might assign us where it’s easier to build records. It might be a bit riskier than the rear, though—.”

No need to hear more.

“Enough, I have no such ambitions whatsoever.”

I cut him off firmly.

“Survive without anyone seriously hurt. That’s enough for me. Do not overextend yourselves, got it?”

This was something I had to warn about many times, so I looked each member in the eye and said it again.

And...

“Don’t worry. I fully understand the captain’s intent.”

Bersil, exchanging a last glance, spoke resolutely.

“Good. That’s all I need.”

I felt a bit relieved.

Once the plan was roughly settled, we finally left the sewers and entered the city.

The streets were empty after the evacuation.

However, as we headed toward the wall bordering Befron, people started to appear.

“......”

“......”

Not ordinary people buying and selling fruit, but explorers or soldiers whose business was ‘fighting.’

It didn’t take long for them to whisper as they saw us.

“Bjorn, son of Yandel.”

“Anabada clan...”

“I heard they went off for joint training...”

“So they only just confirmed the mobilization and joined the fight?”

Explorers quietly whispering and giving way without approaching.

Most looked favorable.

“Good thing they’re assigned to District 7.”

“Yeah, hearing they’ll hold the front with those guys makes me feel safer already.”

In urgent times like these, strong comrades are the most reassuring.

Even those who would usually glare with envy now looked on with welcome eyes.

“...They don’t abandon their comrades, huh?”

“Hopefully that reputation is true.”

“The higher-ups wouldn’t bat an eye if a thousand people like us died.”

“But there’s Baron Yandel, so at least we can rest easy.”

Honestly, it was a natural reaction.

I’m the only titled noble among active explorers this generation, and it was natural I would care about my clan members in District 7.

They probably felt like they had a reliable protector.

“Nia Lafdonia!”

As we walked toward the wall, a group of knights suddenly rushed over, apparently having heard the news, and saluted hastily.

“We greet Baron Yandel!”

“Affiliation?”

“I’m Muelrn Vail, leader of the 4th Royal Knight Corps, Seventh Outer Wall Guard.”

The knight didn’t quibble or ask questions in front of the crowd.

“If it’s not rude, could you come with me briefly? The legion commander was very pleased to hear of your arrival.”

“Who’s the legion commander?”

“Eltora Terserion, commander of the 3rd Legion.”

Right, that marquis’s son.

Or rather...

[My son... Eltora Terserion is already dead. The one occupying his body now is some unknown evil spirit.]

That evil spirit possessed the marquis’s son, and it was the very one who used us as cannon fodder during the Ice Rock expedition.

‘With scum like that still commanding a legion, how can this country function properly?’

“Er... Baron?”

“Understood. Lead the way.”

It was no place to talk in the middle of a street full of eyes, so we followed the knight to the command center located at the biggest inn near the wall.

“Could the others wait on the first floor?”

“Bersil, come with me. We’ll go up together.”

“Uh... well...”

The knight seemed reluctant to let Bersil in, but at my remark, he fell silent.

“He’s our clan’s vice-captain. It’s better to talk together.”

“Yes, then this way...”

The knight led us to a room on the third floor, and inside was a familiar figure I hadn’t seen for a while.

“Welcome, Baron Yandel.”

Hah, that bastard.

He’s gotten more arrogant since I last saw him.

“Sit down.”

No noble title, but he acts cocky just because he got the position of legion commander.

Crack!

Annoyed, I sank heavily into the sofa, and it sank right with me.

“I’ll... just stand behind.”

Bersil said that and actually stood behind me.

Only then did the marquis’s son seem to notice him and frowned at the knight who guided us.

“I told you to let no one in.”

“Um... he said he’s the Anabada clan’s vice-captain...”

“Hmm, vice-captain...”

The marquis’s son, who at first looked like he wanted to throw us out, started stroking his chin.

I guess that’s why middle-management salespeople get promoted quickly.

Even a hollow title is still better than nothing.

“We have nothing to hide from each other, so don’t worry and speak freely.”

“Nothing to hide...?”

The marquis’s son looked between me and Bersil with a baffled expression, then nodded.

“Hmm, understood. Ms. Gowland? You may stay here.”

“Thank you for the consideration.”

“So... you’re having a hard time?”

What is this crazy guy saying?

Has he forgotten the last time I beat him up?

Seeing him swagger now just made me want to get to the point quickly.

“So why did you call us?”

“You disappeared without a trace, Baron, so how could we not call? Besides, didn’t you respond to the mobilization order yourself?”

“Well, that’s true. I was in a place cut off from news and only just confirmed the order.”

“Can you explain what you mean by ‘cut off’?”

“Nothing special. We were at a private training ground doing joint training.”

That answer was suspicious to anyone, but openly doubting someone was a huge insult in noble circles.

“...Ha ha, I see.”

As expected, the marquis’s son didn’t press the issue, and the topic was closed.

“By the way, since this is the first time something like this has happened, can you tell me what happens next?”

“Oh, your situation is a bit unique, Baron.”

“That’s what I heard.”

“According to the Explorer Special Law, the entire Anabada clan will be temporarily assigned to our 3rd Legion and follow our orders.”

“And me?”

“You’ll be assigned to the Military Command at Ecliptic Karnon, then your placement will be decided. Most titled nobles are assigned to the rear strategy unit, but some are placed at the front line.”

“Oh, that’s possible?”

“If the person wants it, or if the noble’s abilities are needed at the front.”

That was new detail I hadn’t heard from Kaislan.

“So I can stay here with the 3rd Legion?”

“Hmm, yes, but you’ll have to follow my orders. Is that alright?”

“No problem.”

“Then I welcome that... but first, we should go to the Military Command and talk directly. I have no authority to assign a titled noble like Baron Yandel at will.”

Sigh, so I have to stop by Ecliptic Karnon for now.

“The Military Command must have already been notified, so you can go there directly.”

“Understood. But what on earth happened? I rushed here after hearing the news but have no information.”

“Phew... Where to begin? Briefly, the Noirark group that occupied Befron came out on their own feet. They marched as if aiming for Ecliptic, but all our forces mobilized and successfully stopped them. They even used magical war machines to push them back to Befron again, and that happened today.”

“Magical war machines...?”

“Ah, Baron Yandel might not know because you haven’t served in the military. It’s like the true power of our royal family. Once fired, the sky splits and the earth shakes. It’s not an exaggeration. I saw it myself.”

Like the royal family’s version of a nuclear missile?

From the story alone, I can’t tell exactly...

‘Could the tremors we felt underground earlier be from that ‘magical war machine’?'

Somehow it feels suffocating.

Like peeling an onion that just keeps producing more layers.

If we define the royal family as the ‘enemy,’ it’s overwhelming.

Still, one thing was positive.

‘If they’re that strong, the Noirark bastards might stand a chance.’

Maybe the ‘incident’ recorded in ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) the fragments refers to now.

Maybe the royal family will easily defeat and wipe out the Noirark group, bringing peace again.

‘...Maybe that’s too hopeful.’

Ha, if only I didn’t have that goblin’s instinct, I might be able to relax and breathe a bit.

“Ah, looks like the Military Command sent word. They want you to hurry to Karnon. If you use the military magic circle, there’ll be someone waiting right away.”

“I see.”

Hearing that, I stood up, and the marquis’s son spoke to me like a superior.

“Before you go, do you have any last questions or words?”

Ah, that.

“No way I don’t.”

I wanted to say one last thing before leaving.

So...

“Eltora Terserion.”

I leaned close and whispered in his ear.

“I know what you did during the Ice Rock expedition.”

That guy had abandoned us as front-line commander, regardless of the marquis’s orders.

“...!”

He flinched in surprise, apparently not expecting me to mention it directly.

Ignoring that, I continued.

“Do better.”

“......”

“There won’t be a second chance.”