Toaru Hikuushi e no Seiyaku:V8Part8

Part 17 (Part 8 of Volume 8)

"We must discern the true intent behind the Kingdom’s decision to appoint this specific envoy," Lieutenant General Victor Kahn stated as he gazed at the expressions of the twelve assembled strategists in the operations briefing room, finally settling his eyes on Balthazar.

"Why would it be convenient for the Kingdom that Major Grim serves as the special plenipotentiary? Major Grim, could you explain?"

The stern faces of the assembled staff officers all focused on Balthazar, and even Chief of Staff Rafael nodded slightly. Having just disembarked from a high-speed reconnaissance plane, raced by car from Air Hunt’s first airfield to the Imperial Joint Operations Command on the third floor, Balthazar, showing no signs of fatigue, answered brightly.

"It's likely because the Kingdom's plenipotentiary is a personal friend from my student days. We understand each other well."

Victor raised one eyebrow with a mocking gesture.

"Ah, a friend. One of those “Seven of Eriadore,” I presume?"

"There was a time when we were called that, yes."

"I see. So, you think you can resolve the issues of the southern front through a discussion among old school friends?"

Victor’s tone dripped with malice. Balthazar sighed inwardly. Ever since Victor had been thoroughly defeated by Balthazar in a military exercise, using underhanded tactics no less, he had gone out of his way to obstruct Balthazar’s efforts at every turn.

"If we know each other, negotiations can begin openly without unnecessary probing. That’s the advantage. I see no other intent behind the Kingdom’s request."

Balthazar kept his tone as diplomatic as possible. In truth, he believed Kagura’s intentions were just that. Given the gravity and urgency of the negotiations, Kagura had likely chosen Balthazar for this reason.

But Victor, unsurprisingly, interpreted it differently.

"There are currently 1.7 million infantry holding the southern front. You understand that the southern front is the gateway to the Akitsu continent, secured through immense sacrifice, don’t you?"

"Of course."

"And you suggest that a man in his twenties can decide the fate of that blood-soaked land through a casual chat with his old schoolmates?"

Victor emphasized "a man in his twenties" and "old schoolmates" in a particularly disdainful manner. Balthazar sighed again in his heart.

Here it was again. The logic that a young man, regardless of the opportunity to end the war, should sit back and watch from the sidelines.

Taking a deep breath and exhaling slowly, Balthazar fixed his icy blue eyes on Victor.

"I’ll admit this responsibility may be too great for me. But they’ve made it clear that they won’t negotiate with anyone else. Someone has to break the ice. We don’t even know what their demands are—whether it’s a surrender request or an offer of ceasefire. Finding out their demands is something even a young man like me can manage."

Victor’s eyes glinted with further malice.

"They demand you be granted full authority. Your decisions will determine the fate of the entire southern front. Isn’t that too heavy a burden for you?"

"We’ll devise a plan. We can predict their demands and establish responses accordingly. Right now, we should focus all our efforts on breaking the deadlock on the southern front."

Balthazar made his case firmly while keeping a careful eye on the strategists. The room’s atmosphere clearly favoured Victor. Rising too fast only bred enemies. No matter how correct Balthazar’s points were, they wouldn’t accept them. This was how it always went.

"Can we really trust you?" Victor pressed. "You’ll be the only strategist present at the negotiation. If, heaven forbid, you were to change sides, it would be catastrophic."

Balthazar was nearly amused by how baseless the accusation was.

"I’ve sworn my loyalty to the Empire. That’s why I’m sitting in this chair."

"But to entrust such a critical negotiation to one so young... Don’t you lack the experience necessary? This could be the negotiation that determines the next thousand years of the Empire’s fate. No matter how determined you are, isn’t this responsibility far too much for someone with so little to show for it?"

Victor spoke as though offering sage advice, glancing at the other officers. The older staff officers, wearing thoughtful expressions, nodded in agreement. They all wore expressions of rationality, but inwardly, they likely shared Victor’s sentiment.

They simply didn’t like the idea of a young upstart stepping in at such a crucial moment. No matter how logical his argument, the outcome would be the same. It had always been this way. Despite foreseeing enemy strategies multiple times, Balthazar’s plans had always been rejected by the operations headquarters. Each time, they dismissed him with the same reasoning: "Stay out of it, youngster."

──They’re idiots. It’s pointless trying to reason with them.

Balthazar’s sense of resignation whispered within him.

──You’ll just have to wait another twenty years until they all retire.

For the sake of his career, he should step back, put on a diplomatic face, and not challenge them. If he didn’t overstep his bounds, there would be no unnecessary friction, and his rise would continue smoothly.

──That was what he would have done.

Balthazar raised his head, surveying his own thoughts.

──But I’m no longer that man.

The man standing here now was no longer the same Balthazar who hid his true feelings to please foolish staff officers, obediently nodding at their idiocy. After settling his final score with Renior, he no longer cared how these fools viewed him.

──I’m no longer interested in climbing the ranks.

──I’ve given up my dream of taking the Empire.

──From now on, I’ll do as I see fit.

Suddenly, Balthazar turned to Victor and laughed from the depths of his soul.

──Wait for me, Kagura.

──I’m coming to you.

A chilling, pure smile born of his true self radiated toward Victor.

"Let’s end this."

"...!?"

There was a clear change in Balthazar’s tone. The sudden intensity startled Victor.

"During Operation Judeka. And during the breakthrough at the Kukuana Line. I foresaw the enemy’s movements both times, yet the operations headquarters ignored me. The result was devastating losses. And now, you’re about to repeat the same mistake."

The room froze. Balthazar had directly confronted the truth that all the staff officers had known but turned away from.

"Speaking like this to senior officers…"

One staff officer began to shout, but Balthazar silenced him with just a glance and a raised hand.

"When this is over, feel free to demote me. But before that, allow me to make one final proposal."

Turning to General Raphael, Balthazar stated,

"Grant me full authority as requested by the Kingdom. If you do, I promise I will ensure the complete, bloodless withdrawal of all 1.7 million troops stranded on the Akitsu continent."

It was a bold statement. Of course, it was partly a bluff. But the only way to sway the room was to stand tall and make grand promises.

Raphael, the only one in the room listening seriously, asked calmly,

"Their intentions are still unclear. What makes you believe you can ensure a full retreat?"

Balthazar, with an unusually bright expression, spread his arms wide.

"The fact that Kagura Murasaki requested me proves they want a ceasefire."

"And your proof?"

Balthazar smiled. It was the most natural smile he had ever felt on his face.

"Because we made a promise."

The memory of that vow resurfaced clearly.

"No matter what sides we find ourselves on, we will not hate each other."

Words spoken long ago by Kagura, pledging their bond.

"Friendship is eternal."

Words that once felt naive now stood as his solemn oath to their absent friends.

"Kagura and I, along with our comrades, made that vow. Time has passed, and fate has divided us into enemies, but we do not hate each other. We still trust one another, and we still call out each other’s names. Kagura called for me because she believes in that vow."

Isn’t that right, Kagura?

"I trust that Kagura still honours that vow. General Raphael, please, entrust the lives of 1.7 million soldiers to this bond. I will deliver. I will achieve the impossible and bring them all back safely."

Together, you and I can do this.

"I’ll show you how we can save the Empire."

Let’s end this foolish war, together.

"I’ve already forgotten how my previous proposals were ignored. But just this once, please, listen to me. I will deliver a miracle."

Balthazar’s words, brimming with conviction, hung in the now-silent room. All that remained was to wait for General Raphael’s decision. For Balthazar, those few minutes felt like an eternity.

And then, the decision was made.

“An emergency decree. No matter how much opposition you raise here, it cannot be overturned.”

Kagura’s sharp words pierced the air in the command tent, directed at the riled-up officers. She scanned her surroundings carefully, ready to draw her sword at any moment, while maintaining a calming tone.

“The Emperor has entrusted me with full authority over these negotiations. I understand your anger, but this is a decree. I ask that you comply.”

She spoke quietly to the assembled officers.

A young officer, bearing the insignia of a lieutenant, turned bright red with anger and shouted.

“Granting full authority to a mere girl who suddenly appears? What kind of decree is this?!”

He was so furious that he seemed ready to draw his pistol on Kagura at any moment. Kagura understood his feelings, but she also knew that if they missed this opportunity, the chance for peace might never come again.

October 21, 1351 of the Imperial Calendar, Southern Front, Supreme Command of the Henan Army, Kingdom of Keiken

Kagura gestured toward the deputy commander of the Shinmei Unit standing beside her. The deputy respectfully produced a folded case, lined in dark purple fabric and adorned with golden lacquer. Inside was the decree issued by the newly enthroned Emperor Yoshihito just the day before. The officers stared in silence.

"The Emperor of Keiken appoints Kagura Murasaki, Acting General, as Special Envoy with full authority to negotiate a ceasefire with the St Vault Empire. Emergency Decree No. 1, Year 2011 of the Imperial Calendar."

The decree bore the imperial seal, along with the signature of Prime Minister Takatora Kuonji. Yet, the young officer was undeterred.

“Impossible! I won’t be deceived by a fake decree!”

The dozen or so senior officers in the tent stood frozen, caught between advancing or retreating. Several younger officers, incensed, began to press forward toward Kagura.

“I’ve heard rumours about a battle at Kyonagi Palace! Wasn’t that your doing?! How suspicious it is that an enthronement ceremony happens suddenly, followed by this ceasefire decree the very next day!”

“Where is Prime Minister Kuonji?! Did you force him to sign this cowardly order?!”

Their anger was entirely justified. In truth, Kagura had orchestrated the entire plan. But now, she had no choice but to push through, no matter the cost.

──I will atone for my sins with my life once this is over.

Kagura stood tall, her gaze locking with the furious young officers.

“If you intend to defy His Majesty’s will, the Shinmei Unit cannot stand idly by.”

“What?! You little girl—!”

As the young officer reached for his pistol, a blade was suddenly pressed against his forehead.

“Stand down. This is an imperial decree.”

Kagura’s cold words echoed through the tent. The officer froze, unable to move with the sharp blade so close to his skin. Kagura’s voice carried a deadly authority.

“To defy the Emperor’s command is unforgivable. I respect your service and bravery, but any further insult to His Majesty will not be tolerated by the Shinmei Unit or the Imperial Guard.”

The tense silence that followed was heavy, almost tangible.

“The enthronement has already occurred. If you refuse to obey the Emperor’s command, then we will have no choice but to consider you rebels and deal with you as such. Is that your intent?”

Kagura’s words were laced with lethal intent. The seven members of the Shinmei Unit standing behind her radiated the same menacing aura. These were warriors prepared to stain the tent with blood if necessary. The officers gritted their teeth but ultimately shook their heads in silence.

Kagura sheathed her sword, glaring at the gathered officers one last time.

“Tomorrow morning, I will meet with the Imperial Envoy at Tsurugawa River, at Kariba Bridge. The Henan Army will follow the Emperor’s orders. That is all.”

After receiving confirmation from the commander of the Henan Army, Kagura turned and exited the tent.

The plains, in the middle of the night, were a ballroom for the autumn stars.

Sparks from the campfires swirled into the sky, joining the shimmering stars. The cool night breeze caressed Kagura’s heated cheeks.

Here on these vast plains, the Imperial Army and the Keiken Army, nearly three million soldiers in total, remained entrenched in their fortifications, facing each other without movement. The war, which had begun the previous October, had dragged on for a year, resulting in tens of thousands of casualties without either side gaining ground. With the looming presence of Uranos behind them, they could not afford to take their eyes off the enemy in front of them. They knew that the moment they turned away, annihilation would be inevitable.

In silence, Kagura limped as she walked. Two days ago, her right leg had been cut by Yukihira, and while she could stand if she forced herself, walking was still a challenge.

As she returned to the Shinmei Unit’s camp, the deputy commander greeted her with a soft smile.

“For now, we’ve managed to get through this.”

Kagura tilted her head slightly, uncertain.

“They’re still suspicious. They even knew about the Kyonagi Palace incident. We don’t have much time; we need to hurry.”

“We’re close. Soon, this war will be over. The fallen soldiers will be avenged. Just a bit more effort, and we’ll make it through.”

Encouraged by the deputy, Kagura returned a smile.

“…Yes. Just a little more. Just one more step…”

She murmured to herself, as if to convince herself. Kagura vowed to the souls of all the fallen soldiers, those who perished at Oyodo, Momiyama, and during the battle at Kyonagi Palace, that she would bring an end to the Second Multi-Island Sea War.

Kagura then returned to her tent, lit the lantern, took a sip from her canteen, and finally let out a long breath.

The raid on Kyonagi Palace had taken place just two days ago.

At the same time that Kagura’s First Unit seized the imperial seal, a separate force successfully captured three key members of the Supreme War Council: Prime Minister and Minister of War Kuonji, Chief of Staff Minamimasa Sho, and Foreign Minister Bakuro Kuro. They were now being held at the Shinmei Unit’s headquarters.

Meanwhile, in the capital city of “Misato,” the Keiken Guard Division had seized key government offices, the central command headquarters, and media outlets by force, securing total control of information. Without the public, the Henan Army, or even regional military commands realizing that a coup had occurred, the front pages of newspapers announced the Emperor’s abdication and the ascension of Yoshihito to the throne. That same day, the coronation ceremony took place in Miyo, and the first emergency decree was issued. Kagura Murasaki was appointed Special Envoy with full authority to negotiate the ceasefire, and she had now arrived in Henan.

The past three days had been a whirlwind, with Kagura barely sleeping as she moved from Kyonagi to Misato and finally to Henan. Despite the fatigue, she felt no weariness. The weight of the mission she carried prevented her from succumbing to exhaustion.

Kagura lay down on her sleeping bag. Tomorrow morning, she would enter the battlefield, stepping into the no man’s land between two warring armies to meet with the Imperial Envoy in the open.

──Baltha, will you make it?

Staring at the ceiling of her tent, she called out in her mind. She had named Balthazar as the envoy because of the delicate nature of the negotiations—just one wrong word could lead to disaster. After coming this far, she could not afford to stumble at the final moment.

Kagura closed her eyes. She knew she should sleep while she could, but her mind remained too sharp, and sleep wouldn’t come.

──Soon, my life will end.

──The time I have left feels so precious.

Once the ceasefire was secured and the Imperial Army withdrew from the Akitsu continent, Kagura would release the three captured officials, take full responsibility for the coup, and surrender herself. Only then would the full truth of the coup be revealed, and Kagura would be executed. Whether the abdication and the ascension of the new emperor would remain valid would be debated afterward, but Kagura had to trust that her comrades would manage the information well. In any case, by that time, she would no longer be alive.

──I must go to my brother.

She remembered the sight of Yukihira lying in a pool of his own blood, spreading beneath his feet. She had fled with the imperial seal without offering a hand to help, or even a proper farewell. Her actions had been beyond human; they were less than that of a beast.

"I will never forgive you."

Yukihira's final words echoed in her mind once again. Countless times since that moment, she had heard her brother’s voice haunting her in quiet moments.

──You may blame me all you want when I join you.

──Please wait just a little longer, brother.

She whispered her apology once more before closing her eyes.

Yukihira’s face floated briefly in the darkness, only to fade away.

In its place, Balthazar’s smug face appeared.

A warmth spread through Kagura’s chest.

──How are you, Baltha? Are you doing things in your usual way?

──I’ve become so stained. I’m no longer human, I’ve sunk below the level of a beast.

Though she had named Balthazar as the negotiator, she knew it was unlikely he’d actually be entrusted with the full authority to handle an entire front. The probability was much higher that someone else, someone higher up, would be sent in his place. She was aware of that. But still…

──I want to see you, Baltha.

Though the odds were slim, she could imagine Balthazar somehow outwitting the high-ranking officers around him, appearing at the negotiation site like a deus ex machina from a stage play, with that same smug expression. Perhaps he’d see her and make a disgusted face before hurling some sarcastic remark her way.

Just imagining it made Kagura laugh. Even in this situation, she was filled with happiness.

──If you and I can meet again, this war will end.

──Baltha, don’t you think so too?

In the darkness, Kagura entrusted her faint hope to the future, spending the precious moments she had left in this life calling the name of the person she cherished most.

The edge of the sky began to take on a deep purplish-blue hue. The still surface of the river mirrored the sky, making the entire world seem like nothing but shades of purple, with the white clouds flowing overhead deepening the colours even further.

A wind blew in from the west. The surface of the water, which had been like a smooth, dark blue sheet, began to ripple with whitecaps, disturbed by the growing wind. What had been a deep blue plain was soon covered in waves, and at the very moment the sun rose, golden reflections scattered into the sky.

Kagura lay on the slope of the embankment, cautiously peeking over its edge.

Through the morning mist, tinged with gold, she could see the embankment on the other side.

The Tsurugawa River was about 200 meters wide. The Imperial Army and the Royal Army of Keiken had entrenched themselves on either side of the river, using the embankments as shields. Though Kagura could see nothing from her vantage point, there was surely an entire Imperial battalion on the other side, with artillery pointed directly at them.

Next to Kagura, the interpreter lay flat on the slope, gripping a microphone. At Kagura's nod, he carefully raised a loudspeaker above the embankment and called out in the language of St Vault.

"The negotiation delegation is crossing Kariba Bridge! Do not shoot! We will not shoot at your delegation either! Do not shoot!"

The amplified sound waves echoed across the river. From the other side, what sounded like curses were hurled back in response from the St Vault soldiers. In turn, the Royal Army of Keiken shouted their own insults. The exchange of slurs continued for about two minutes, until a halting reply in the language of the Akitsu Federation came from across the river.

"We are sending our delegation as well! We will not shoot you, you will not shoot us!"

The soldiers of the Royal Army burst into laughter at the strange Akitsu accent, but Kagura knew the Imperial soldiers were probably laughing just as much on their side. She nodded at the interpreter and descended from the embankment.

Receiving the military flag, Kagura greeted the remaining four members of the negotiation delegation. Among them were a secretary, a public relations officer, the acting commander of the front, and the deputy commander of the Shinmei Unit. Some of them might have to stay behind as hostages during the negotiations.

The deputy commander was holding a light machine gun. Kagura shook her head and cautioned him.

"You don't need that."

"But just in case—"

"This is a negotiation for peace. We don’t need to provoke them. Please, let's go with dignity."

The deputy commander bit his lip before handing the machine gun to a subordinate, lifting his head with newfound resolve. Kagura looked around at the others and gave a brief command.

"We leave our lives here. To end this conflict, we shall act as if we are already dead. Any objections?"

The acting commander, a lieutenant colonel, stiffened but shook his head.

"No need to remind us. It is an honour to stand on this stage. Everyone here feels the same."

The secretary, public relations officer, and interpreter, though meeting Kagura for the first time, wore expressions that showed they understood the gravity of the day’s negotiations for the future of the Kingdom of Keiken.

"We will record every word of the negotiations and, if we make it back alive, report everything accurately to the country. Leave it to us."

"I am ready to serve as a hostage. Let’s go. To hesitate now would bring shame to the kingdom."

Kagura thanked them and then lifted her gaze.

"Let's go. This is the Kingdom of Keiken's turning point. For the sake of seventy-five million citizens, we will secure peace."

The group responded with affirmation, and with Kagura leading the way, they boldly ascended the embankment. Yesterday, they would have faced a barrage of bullets the moment they showed themselves, but today, not a single shot was fired.

Without showing any fear, Kagura led the five delegates behind her, dragging her immobile right leg as they made their way toward Kariba Bridge, the only stone bridge left intact after the retreat of the Royal Army. The bridge had been left standing due to the incompetence of the engineers. Now, concrete barricades had been erected at both ends, and both armies stared each other down across the bridge, with guns trained on each other.

If negotiations were to take place here, both armies would be able to witness them directly, and any results could be immediately communicated to both sides. That’s why Kagura had chosen this bridge as today’s stage.

At the foot of the bridge, machine guns were pointed through gaps in the barricades, ready to turn any enemy crossing the bridge into a pincushion. On the other side, similar barricades had been built, with gun barrels glinting in the morning light.

The Imperial Army remained motionless. Although the morning mist obscured much, Kagura’s group had surely been seen crossing the embankment. Yet, it was eerily silent. Determined to be the first to make a move, Kagura placed her left foot on the barricade. Grimacing from the pain in her right leg, she took three steps to reach the top, boldly standing up with her flag held high and her entire body exposed to the enemy.

Then, in the language of St Vault, she announced herself.

"I am Kagura Murasaki, Special Envoy of the Kingdom of Keiken! I have come to negotiate with the Imperial Army! I will now proceed to the middle of the bridge! Send your envoy!"

Her clear, dignified voice carried across the river. Yet, there was no movement from the Imperial side. Kagura turned to her companions and spoke.

"I will go first, alone. That way, they won’t be as cautious."

"I should go ahead. It’s too dangerous for you to go alone."

The deputy commander leaned forward, but Kagura stopped him with a smile.

"Don't be so dull. I set the stage; at least let me enjoy it a little."

With that light-hearted quip, the deputy commander frowned and fell silent. Kagura left them with a smile, stepping down from the top of the barricade onto the bridge.

She walked with her chest held high, staring toward the opposite bank. There was still no movement. But as she squinted through the mist, she could make out the enemy soldiers peeking over the top of their embankment, watching her. Like she had been earlier, they were lying flat, observing intently. There was no room for fear.

──Alright, let’s go.

She urged herself forward, carrying the military flag on her shoulder, doing her best to mask the limp in her injured right leg. She knew that tens of thousands of soldiers on both sides were watching her cross the bridge, ready to shoot at any moment, yet she felt strangely calm. She walked to the centre of the bridge and stopped.

She looked across to the other side.

The morning mist, rising from the river’s surface, drifted over the bridge.

In the distance, the clouds that had gathered at the horizon began to break apart, scattering the rays of the newly risen sun. Beams of light shot through the morning mist, piercing through the air and passing around Kagura.

The morning sun gave birth to mist over the river. The light refracted off the mist like grains of golden sand tossed by the hand of a god.

Standing there, bathed in golden particles, Kagura turned her serene expression toward the opposite side of the bridge. The golden mist shimmered as it enveloped everything—both embankments, the bridge, the enemy’s concrete barricades, all of it.

Despite the tens of thousands of troops arrayed nearby, with weapons of mass destruction aimed at each other, for this moment alone, it felt as if they had wandered into a fairy tale.

Then──.

Through the veil of gold, Kagura saw a figure. A lone figure, carrying a military flag on their shoulder, walked across the bridge in silence.

Kagura strained her eyes through the mist. The glinting reflections distorted her view.

Tall. Carrying a flag.

That was her first impression.

The wind picked up, blowing from upstream.

The golden mist was swept away, revealing the other side of the bridge clearly.

──Yes, you always make the impossible possible.

She smiled.

──My deus ex machina.

Balthazar Grim stood bathed in the morning light, the flag of St Vault fluttering behind him.

His expression was as irritated as ever, as if he were on the verge of shouting, "Why did I have to be summoned to such a place?" With the flag slung over his shoulder, he walked toward Kagura, exuding an air of annoyance, seemingly oblivious to the fairy tale-like scene around them.

In truth, she wanted to run to him.

To throw away the flag, leap into his arms, hug him tightly, rub her cheek against his, wrap her arms around his back, and stroke his soft golden hair while exchanging playful banter. She wanted to tease him, to watch him get angry, and laugh joyfully.

But she held back.

She couldn’t allow herself to shed tears either.

All she allowed was a smile.

Just as she had smiled when they parted two years ago at the flying fortress Odin, she wanted to give him a natural, heartfelt smile, full of affection.

As Balthazar marched through the golden mist and stopped in front of her, his expression unchanged, his words were as quintessentially "him" as ever.

"What's so funny?"

His familiar grumpy tone.

Kagura couldn't help it; she tilted her head back and laughed out loud.

"Hahaha!"

Balthazar's face twisted even more into an irritated scowl.

"What is it, you fool? What's so amusing? I came here despite being busy because you called, so you'd better be grateful."

His predictability was so spot-on that Kagura found it increasingly amusing. Even though the eyes of both armies were on them, she couldn’t stop laughing.

"Haha, Baltha, it's been a while! You haven't changed at all. Haha!"

It had been so long since she had laughed like this. Even though she didn’t fully understand it herself, standing before Balthazar made her feel as relaxed as if she were back in the officer’s lounge at Air Hunt Academy, despite the fact that they were standing at a pivotal moment for the fate of the kingdom.

"Stop laughing, you idiot. The whole army is watching. Take this seriously."

Balthazar lowered his voice in an attempt to chastise her. Kagura finally managed to wipe the tears from her eyes, calming her laughter.

"Sorry, sorry, I’ll be serious now."

"As you should. You haven’t changed at all—you’re as stupid as ever."

Kagura gazed at him playfully, sticking out her tongue.

"Sorry. Forgive me? Please?"

She spoke in the same tone they used to chat in back at the officer's lounge. Balthazar snorted and looked away, still annoyed.

"I came all this way, so hurry up and tell me what this is about. It had better be important."

He said it as casually as if he were asking to borrow notes from yesterday’s lecture.

Kagura scratched the back of her head and then, with a smirk, made her request.

"Well, actually, it’s about offering a ceasefire."

"Oh? I suppose we could do that. Not that we’re out of options yet."

"Of course, we can still fight, too. But don’t you think it’s time to stop?"

"Sure, if you’re going to beg for it, we might as well."

"The way you say that really rubs me the wrong way."

"You’re the one asking for it. Don’t be picky."

"But honestly, you’re in a tight spot, too, aren’t you?"

"We’re not struggling."

"Liar. You got driven off the mainland."

"Not a lie. We did get pushed back, but we’re planning to retake it soon."

"Still, wouldn’t a ceasefire be better?"

"I told you, we could consider it."

"It’s how you say it that’s the problem."

"How should I say it?"

Kagura thought for a moment, then flashed a mischievous grin.

"Say it like you’re speaking to your lover."

"……………………"

"Or else, no ceasefire."

Kagura clasped her hands behind her back and kicked at a small stone, acting as if she were sulking.

"You really are an idiot."

"Really?"

"A colossal one."

"Maybe so." But… She lifted her pouty face.

"When I’m in front of you, I just want to be spoiled. I can’t help it."

When she expressed her honest feelings, a hint of red crept into Balthazar’s cheeks.

"We’re talking about the fate of nations here. I don’t understand your request."

"I just want to hear it, once."

Tilting her head sweetly, she made her request again. Balthazar sighed deeply, then, with a look of resignation, glanced upward. He let out another deep sigh before finally, awkwardly, looking back at her, his face flushed red as he clumsily spoke.

"Sh-shall we, uh, call a ceasefire?"

Kagura burst out laughing again.

"Hahaha! Hahaha! Hahaha!"

"What’s so funny!?"

"I just didn’t expect you to actually say it."

"You were the one who kept insisting! I was just… trying to… make you happy…"

His face beet red, Balthazar mumbled excuses as if lava were spilling from his embarrassment.

Kagura tried to stop laughing but found it impossible. Being around Balthazar made her want to tease him endlessly. Realizing she had gone too far, she quickly apologized.

"Sorry, sorry, I won’t tease you anymore. Thank you. I really appreciate it."

She wiped away her tears and smiled warmly.

"Okay, okay, let’s do the ceasefire. There’s a bit of a mess on our side, so we need you to pull out within four days. Think that’s doable?"

"…I’ll make it work. We’ve already brought the Second Isla Fleet’s transports to the nearby waters. We should be able to ferry everyone to the neighbouring islands if we use them for continuous transport."

"Efficient as always. Things are chaotic on our end, too, so I can only guarantee safety for four days. After that, I can’t make any promises."

"Understood. We’ll make arrangements."

"You’re reliable, Baltha. Now we need to sign the agreement to make it official, so I’ll call the others."

"Right. I’ll call my people, too."

Their unofficial discussion quickly came to a close. Needing to sign the prepared ceasefire agreement, Kagura turned toward her side’s barricade and waved her hand to signal the others. Five of her comrades quickly climbed over the concrete blocks and rushed to her side. The Imperial side did the same, with officers in military uniforms and officials in suits following Balthazar’s signal.

"The Special Envoys have agreed to a ceasefire. The Imperial Army will begin its withdrawal, and the Royal Army will not interfere. Is that acceptable?"

Both acting commanders of the armies affirmed the agreement, and Kagura and Balthazar, as the special envoys, signed the ceasefire documents. Officials from both sides recorded the event, and a photograph was taken of Kagura and Balthazar shaking hands.

"Thank you, Baltha. Really, thank you."

As they posed for the photo, Kagura whispered her gratitude. Balthazar, still wearing his usual grumpy expression, nodded once.

"This is nothing. Hardly worth thanking me for."

Balthazar’s typically blunt words filled Kagura’s heart with a warmth she hadn’t felt in a long time.

Kagura thought to herself, deeply moved, I really do love him.

And then it struck her—this was their farewell.

She imagined, even if only fleetingly, how wonderful it would be to embrace him, leap over the rail, and jump into the river, escaping together into the sea. But she knew it was just a fantasy.

Before long, both sides' envoys had completed the necessary formalities, exchanged salutes, and returned to their respective camps.

Only Kagura and Balthazar remained, standing in the middle of the bridge.

She wanted to linger, but she couldn’t let him realize that this would be their final goodbye in this life.

She had decided—her farewell would be with her brightest smile.

“We’ll see each other again,” Kagura said, looking up at Balthazar, telling him a lie. In truth, four days from now, once the withdrawal was complete, she was destined to turn herself in and be executed by firing squad. But there was no need to tell him that. She just wanted to leave a smile in the corner of his memory.

“Is Cecil doing well? Kiyoaki and Illia are in the Kingdom of Sylvania too, right? When you get back, please send them my regards. Tell them I’m doing fine.”

Balthazar gave an awkward nod and then looked down at her.

“...You pushed yourself too hard to come here, didn’t you?”

His eyes flicked briefly to her injured right leg, and he seemed to sense that something was amiss. As expected of him, she might not be able to hide it, but Kagura kept smiling.

“And you didn’t do the same? We’re both guilty of that.”

“With my abilities, this was hardly an effort. But for you… things must have been different.”

Balthazar's icy blue eyes reflected his concern for her. Kagura felt a tightness in her chest. But she couldn’t let him see the truth.

“Oh? Are you worried about me, Baltha?”

She teased him with a mischievous smile, poking his chest with her elbow.

“You’ve grown quite soft, haven’t you? Have you finally learned how to be kind to others?”

“...Don’t joke around, you fool. I’m not being kind. I just figured it must’ve taken a lot of effort for someone like you to get here.”

“Thank you for your concern. But now that I’m here, it’s been worth it. And I owe that to you, Baltha. I really do appreciate it.”

“...”

“Well then, shall we go? The others are waiting, and if we linger here too long, people might start getting suspicious.”

Not wanting him to see through her facade, Kagura ended the conversation abruptly. Satisfied that she had maintained her cheerful demeanour, she waved at Balthazar with a smile and turned away.

She took two steps toward her comrades when his voice stopped her.

“Hey.”

Kagura froze. His tone was the most serious it had been all day.

She couldn’t bring herself to turn around. She wasn’t confident she could keep her smile.

“What is it?” she responded, still facing away from him.

The words of the one she cherished were short and simple.

“Don’t die.”

She couldn’t reply.

“We’ll meet again. All seven of us.”

You’re so clueless, aren’t you? she thought. Why would you say something like that now?

You’re going to make me cry.

“Yeah,” she managed to say, but her voice trembled. She still couldn’t face him.

"Never bow your head in front of me again. Keep it held high," he had once told her.

That memory echoed in her mind—his words from two years ago when they were in the Odin fortress.

That’s right. Hold your head high.

Don’t cry, you fool. Smile.

She stifled her tears and looked up at the sky.

With a smile, she sent it up into the brilliant blue above.

Then, spinning on her heel, she turned to face Balthazar.

The man she adored stood there, enveloped in the golden light, gazing at her with a serious expression.

At that moment, she was certain—he knew everything.

But I will lie to you. Because I want you to remember me with only my smile.

“We’ll meet again. All seven of us.”

Goodbye, my first love.

“Even if we can’t meet, we’ll always be together.”

I’ll never forget you. Not ever.

“...”

Balthazar said nothing, only gazing silently at Kagura’s smile.

Then she turned away once more and, without warning, ran toward her camp. She ran awkwardly, limping on her injured right leg, as if fleeing.

Balthazar stood still, watching her disappear into the mist.

Go after her. Kagura plans to die.

His heart screamed at him.

She ran away to avoid showing her tears.

Chase her, catch her, hold her, and bring her back to our camp.

But Balthazar remained rooted in place, as if he were pinned down. Whether it was the threat of enemy machine guns still trained on him, the presence of thousands of soldiers watching, or an understanding of Kagura’s intentions, he couldn’t say.

Kagura’s smile lingered in his mind, a fleeting image, before vanishing into the mist like a dream.

Balthazar couldn’t move. His heart was screaming, sensing something, urging him to follow his instincts and chase her, grab her slender body, and leap over the railing into the river, escaping together to somewhere far away.

But as he hesitated, Kagura disappeared behind the concrete blocks. The morning mist completely obscured his vision.

The words she had left behind echoed in the wind.

"We’ll meet again. All seven of us."

"Even if we can’t meet, we’ll always be together."

Though those words were meant to offer hope, they burned painfully into Balthazar’s soul, searing him deeply.

“Kagura…”

There was no answer, only the sound of the wind scattering the morning mist.