Common Sense of a Warrior

Look at the sight under your eyes.

Since that day when I cried in defeat of Donalty, for whatever reason I liked the view from this tower and came often after my training.

"… again today, that's a lot of vibes"

"Really?"

If you think there are signs of people, was it Louis?

I thought maybe I'd see you again, but I can't believe I'm going to see you so soon.

"If so, maybe it's because I'm being honest with myself."

"Heh..."

That's what he says, he sits down beside me.

"Hey, do you have anything you want to accomplish?

I wondered, and I asked him.

"... what's the sudden matter?

"Before this, I just talked about it. I want to hear about you. Are you being beaten up in a privileged environment, too? Still, you're not broken. … I thought it was because I wanted to accomplish something."

"... you think tomorrow, which is no different than today, will come as a matter of course?

"What, that question. Well... the answer is no."

To my answer, Louis gave me a look of surprise for a moment.

"My mother was murdered. Though I had a family and didn't suspect that today like yesterday and tomorrow like today would come. You don't know when or where it's going to be."

"... well. Bad."

"No. Nothing, because it's not what I'm hiding. So, what's the story going on?

"... I have been taken by my father to the graves of the victims of the Battle of Twile. Lots, lots of names. And there was the name of the people, and of the soldiers that fought to protect them.

"... yes"

Before a hero named your father showed up, the war situation was disadvantageous.

That also means that so many sacrifices were made by the people and soldiers.

"I have marched into battle and have also met wounded soldiers. … the wounded said they were injured for the country, but to see the current state of affairs where allowances have not been paid. Although the situation seems to be resolved little by little at the behest of my father now.... This country has suffered a lot of sacrifices to keep this routine. Even now, someone keeps paying for it somewhere. Is that to protect this country? No, no one's going to see anything that big. I guess they fought to protect what they wanted to protect."

Softly, Louis pointed out the window.

"He has loved ones over there, and they have loved ones, too. The same goes for those over there and those over there.... That way, a lot of people can get together and have a country. It is difficult to listen to each and every one of them, but I want to protect a country where each and every one of them can live in peace. I want to help my head so I don't break this everyday landscape. I want to remember my respect for those who have sacrificed, and I want to succeed in my will. Yeah, I thought."

"... to protect, or..."

I don't know what that feels like.

Instead, I get revulsion.

"Then why didn't you take the sword?

That word is what I meant.

There's no need to protect others.

Strength, everything.

Weakness is sin alone.

... and I hate the people who shield their weakness.

Using weakness as a shield, I let your father protect you.

But I let you protect me, your father's... you took our most precious thing.

If you're strong, won't you hurt me?

If you're strong, don't you weep?

If you're strong, what can they do?

... There's no way.

Why do strong people have to help weak people?

I hope the weak get stronger.

As such, you should protect yourself.

Why should a strong man be held accountable for them?

... I don't know.

So when Mr. Kreutz apologized to me, I was really surprised.

I don't see the point in him apologizing to me.

I like the people in the National Army because they are strong, but I couldn't understand why they would try to protect someone with the moves they polished until then...

"It's not just policing. An environment where people need to be prepared to live in peace. All of them, the whole thing. Depending on what you do, you can even protect the soldiers. That's why I want to carry on my father's trail. Most of all, there was no talent for swords."

the whining of my heart. He had no reason to know, he kept on saying the words.

"... you're the one, why did you take the sword?

"Because they killed my mother. To send the men who killed my mother to hell with this hand."

"... revenge, or"

"Yeah, yeah."

"Right..."

That's how he nodded and kept looking out in silence.

"... I'm not sure I want to protect you."

I, too, look out, trying to follow the end of his gaze.

"Why do you think that? 'Cause that guy and that guy... they're not all strangers. How can you work so hard when you're not even a loved one?

"... I don't want to see that sight anymore. That's just it. The point is, you're self-satisfied."

That said, he smiled small.

"... you're the one, what do you think? What are we gonna do about it?

"Beyond what?

I don't know the sincerity of his question and return the words as they are.

"Vengeance has come true, beyond"

"I don't know what that means. My goal is to avenge it. I brush my sword just for that, and for that, I live now."

The moment he said that, he exhaled deeply.

"No body, no body."

"... what do you mean?

Guillotine and stare at him.

The containment did not work and the frustration of the mind easily appeared on the table.

"You. Vengeance is the only purpose, so what do we do next? The moment it comes true, you may gain a sense of accomplishment. But if you dedicate everything... there's nothing ahead of you. Then there's nothing left."

"It doesn't matter if you only have what you lose or what you get. Still, I could only choose this path. I've never lost anything. You wouldn't know that."

Since when...... not sure. But at some point, my vision was dyed bright red.

Everything is looking like a monochrome sight, and when you wave your sword, everything stains bright red.

Truth, even without a drop of blood on the spot.

The only thing that even makes me feel beautiful is that color that colours my vision.

My heart may be broken.

But still.

Revenge is the only thing that holds my heart.

"... oh, I don't know. I've never been robbed of anything as important as you."

"... Then don't deny my revenge!

"... I have no intention of denying it. Oh no... I'm still hitting emotions strong enough to cry out for strength enough to weep out my regrets. Is that all those strong thoughts? I can't easily deny it because I haven't had the experience that was the source of it, not you. I denied it, the word just lightens up. It doesn't make sense to say something that's just on the upper side to you with strong feelings... and most importantly, it would be rude to you"

As I ask, he turns his gaze towards me.

... had clear eyes.

It's like it's reflecting his heartbeat.

"But there is no future ahead of vengeance in your drawing. Even I don't have the martial arts talent, all I know is that I've been so prepared to drill without your talent. What are you gonna do after revenge comes true? At least I thought you didn't have a future."

"Whatever you use my sword arm for, it will be on my own!?

Again, Louis stood up when he sighed.

And he just disappeared from this place.

"... ah..."

I am, speaking of.

I felt the blood rising in my head softly return to the words he had said before I walked away, but I could only drop that back off without words.