"Almark"
Morgan said with tears.
"I've never seen you cry. Even strong people like you cry sometimes."
For the first time, Almark realized that he was crying without noticing it in his eyes.
"... I don't know either. Why are you crying?"
Almark soaked his tears violently.
"If you were listening to Ward, I don't know why."
"My way of saying things was wrong. I'm sorry about that. Please be magnificent."
Almark and Morgan, both of you, stop pushing Ward down again.
"We're fine. Ward, you're going to be in trouble."
I see. There's a lot to do. "
As Ward tried to get back to work, saying he was busy, Almark remembered one thing he had to ask Ward to do.
I've always wondered what to do, but the first fear I felt just now led Almark to make a decision.
"... Mr. Ward, I need a favor."
"What is it?"
Ward looks back.
Almark was still a little hesitant and finally pushed out his words.
"... would you please lie down and tell me that I killed those mercenaries?"
Ward looked surprised.
"..."
"If I could... the guards would have killed him. I want Wendy to keep it a secret."
Almark lowers his head when he begs for a favor.
Ward thought silently for a while.
"... if the guards cut it off, we'll make it easier for the families of the dead, so thank you. I don't mind at all...."
Ward asks strangely as he says.
"Is that so for your daughter...?"
"... yes"
Almark nodded.
Wendy continued to exercise her magic until she fell, united in her desire not to let anyone die.
Meanwhile, Almark killed eight people tonight alone.
Will Wendy accept the fact?
Until now, I thought you would accept it very simply.
But the fear Ward felt earlier when he heard you say, "Horrible."
This is a qualitatively different first time fear from fear on the battlefield.
And Almark was beaten up.
Wendy understands.
I thought so. That's what I believed.
But...
Hello, just in case.
Wendy said it was scary.
If Wendy sees me like I'm a monster.
I can't stand it.
Ward nodded quietly as he stared at Almark's expression.
"Yes, sir. Let's keep this a secret. I will be thorough with my servants."
"Thank you."
As Almark lowered his head, Ward shook his head.
"What are you talking about? If you're going to take care of the dead, I have to thank you."
"No, it's selfish of me."
Ward told Almark that he was afraid, and Almark continued.
"Shame on you."
It hurts and Almark lies down.
Ward looked at Almark like he saw something painful.
"The people of the south know nothing about the mercenaries of the north. Everyone knows just as much as I do... knowledge. You must have had a lot of bad feelings."
Ward continues with a gentle voice.
"My way of saying it wasn't good either. I felt a strong fear of the power of Lord Almark, who was not human in the south, but I had no feelings of contempt. If that's how you feel, I apologize."
No, Almark wanted to say it, but he couldn't say it well.
I don't care if anyone else despises me.
That's why I don't deny my father mercenaries.
It's just Wendy.
I just don't want Wendy to hate me.
Ward encouraged his voice as if he had read Almark's thoughts.
"Your trust in Almark is incredible. I'm sure your daughter will understand."
I know that, too.
Almark thought.
Wendy is a very kind boy.
Knowing that Almark is the son of a mercenary and has slain many people will not change his attitude.
But...
"I won't let you kill anyone."
Wendy's strong voice rose.
Mr. Ward, I'm scared.
In case you don't accept it.
When I think about it, I'm scared and I can't help it.
Looking at Almark's expression, Ward nodded gently.
"... I see. I won't tell you anymore."
Ward walked slowly toward the other servants and finally looked back at Almark.
"There will be times when I can repay you for your help today."
Almark shut up Ward's back as he walked away.
Morgan put his hand gently on Almark's shoulder.
"Almark, if you don't want to say it, I won't either. I will never tell you."
"Thank you... thank you, Morgan."
There was another tear on Almark's cheek.
It was a long night.
The dawn was still far away.