This is the first time I'm seeing a play in theater, even including my past life.
Luckily, the theater reopened the day after I went shopping with Rodri. We were able to get seats without any problem with our tickets.
"Thus, the great mage Igel succeeded in defeating the Demon King all by himself. He returned in triumph to his hometown village for the first time in 10 years. However, what awaited Igel was a tragic reality."
The play was about a hero.
The narrator, who was seated very close to the stage, loudly read the narration.
At his cue, the lighting changed, and another stage was illuminated.
It was a wonderful stage set, full of creativity, designed to keep the audience from getting bored.
"Oh! What in the world is this!"
On the newly lit stage, a large man in glamorous clothing was kneeling in despair.
With a look of despair on his face, he knelt before a motionless village girl.
"That's right. As you can see, the hometown of the hero Igel, who saved the world, has been frozen and destroyed with no survivors. The village remained devastated, frozen in the scenery of the day Igel left on his journey."
"…"
"What exactly happened? Let's go back to the day after Igel set out on his journey to defeat the Demon King. The Ice Witch, a loyal subordinate of the Demon King, attacked the village in an attempt to thwart the hero Igel's mission."
With the narrator's words, a woman with long hair and a clearly evil face stepped onto the stage.
As the Ice Witch scattered mysterious powder, everyone on stage became motionless.
"In the blink of an eye, she destroyed Igel's village by encasing it in ice. Yes, the homeland that Igel held dear, and the woman to whom he had pledged his lifelong love, were lost while he was gone."
"Oh! Maya, Maya!!"
"Igel wept as he clung to her, the girl with blue-black skin frozen in ice. It was the body of his fiancée, who had died carrying a bucket as part of her daily routine to fetch water."
"Why did things end up like this?"
"Igel became crazed and smashed the ice. As he did, her body crumbled and fell to the ground."
The actress playing the hero's fiancée skillfully adjusted her posture to match Igel's actions as he smashed the ice.
…Wow, what a great performance.
"Maya, I defeated that evil Demon King so we could have a happy future together!"
"Igel lifted the girl who had fallen to the ground and cried out."
"Oh Maya, was your promise to wait for me until I returned a lie?"
"He then hugs the blue-skinned corpse and breaks down in tears."
"If that's how it is, I shouldn't have become a hero and defeated the Demon King, I should have just stayed by your side as a powerless villager!"
"He slowly moves toward the lips of his lifeless fiancée…"
***
"What'd you think, Rodri?"
"Hmm, the ending was a bit…"
My first theater experience was much more fun and interesting than I had expected.
"What the hell is that? If I kiss my fiancée, she'll come back to life? Dead people are called dead because they can't come back to life."
"I mean, it's a story, so…"
The story of the play was a standard one, with a man named Igel becoming a hero and defeating the Demon King after an adventure.
It was easy to follow, and I enjoyed it because it didn't have any overly complicated twists.
"That play is based on a true story, isn't it?"
"There's some embellishment, sure. Wouldn't it leave a bad taste in your mouth if the hero defeated the demon king and then his fiancée died?"
"I guess that's true."
By the way, this play is classified as "historical." Apparently, there were actual Demon Kings and heroes in the distant past of this world.
Sometimes it's easy to forget, but this world is still one of swords and magic.
"Probably, in reality…"
"By the time the hero Igel returned, his hometown was probably already destroyed. It was just altered to have a happy ending because it was a play."
"He must have been heartbroken."
All things considered, it looks like Rodri enjoyed the play quite a bit.
He gazed on the stage with shining eyes during the scene where the Demon King and the Hero fought one-on-one.
For a moment, I thought he looked just like a boy his age.
"Not necessarily, my little guests."
"Oh?"
As we were discussing the play, someone approached us.
"You are…"
"Hello. I am Arunoma, an actor at this theater."
"Uh, h-hello."
It was the same actor that was playing the hero Igel, who had been standing in the theater just a moment ago.
***
I was surprised when an actor from the play appeared by the exit, but apparently it's common for actors to greet the audience in this theater.
Looking around, I noticed that in addition to the actor playing the hero, there were other stage actors chatting with the audience.
"Now, here's a treat for you two. I'll share my favorite with you."
He smiled at us and handed himself and Rodri some small candies.
Looking at Arunoma closely, he is a very handsome man.
As for his age… probably older than Platoon Leader Garback? He looked to be in his thirties.
"What did you think of the play, little guest?"
"I thought it was wonderful. I had a great time."
"That's great to hear. How about you over there?"
"Ah, well… It was good. Yeah."
Rodri acted a little embarrassed when asked for his opinion by the actor.
He probably didn't want to mention that he didn't like the ending.
"Oh? You didn't like the ending, right?"
"Ah, you know…"
Apparently, Arunoma heard what he said earlier.
"Actually, that ending wasn't just a twist we added. It follows the tradition. It's really said that Igel's lover was revived and lived happily ever after with him."
"Really?"
"Yes, the true story has it that the revival was caused by a 'healing magic through a kiss' from Igel's time. It's said that kissing enhances the potency of healing magic."
"…"
"If he had the magical power of a hero, it's no surprise that he could revive his frozen lover with a kiss."
"…Eh?"
Rodri looked at me with eyes that said, "Seriously?"
…I've never heard of such a thing.
If kissing really increased the effectiveness of healing magic, I think the medical department would be full of kissers.
At the very least, I imagine that the senior medics I knew at the field hospital wouldn't hesitate to kiss anyone, regardless of gender.
"So, do you believe in the legend now?"
"Arunoma, our medic is giving you a skeptical look."
"Hmm, medic…?"
Well, in the world of fiction, it's probably a classic setting for a kiss to have a sacred effect. It does feel romantic.
But I wouldn't want to actually try it. Considering the risk of infection, it just seems too unhygienic.
"Wait, no way. Are you soldiers? At your age?"
"Yeah, we're survivors from the Western Front. Today is our last day off."
"I see… That explains how a couple of kids like you could afford tickets to our theater."
Apparently, Arunoma didn't think of us as soldiers.
We weren't wearing military uniforms, so it wasn't surprising that he wouldn't recognize us.
Today, Rodri was dressed casually in a tank top and army pants, and I wore the dress I bought at a stall yesterday.
I bought it because I thought it'd have been nice to have at least one piece of clothing that I could've used to disguise myself as a civilian when we were retreating from Marshdale.
The fabric of the dress is surprisingly light, and once folded it doesn't take up much storage space, which is a plus.
"…Why do you choose to fight, then? Aren't you afraid of dying?"
"Of course I'm afraid."
"Then why don't you run away?"
"Why? Well, I hate those Sabbatian guys…. And also, maybe it's because I've inherited so many things from so many different people."
Rodri's face grew serious as he spoke.
A while ago, when I asked him why he fought, he simply said, "Because I hate the enemy."
"I just can't leave my comrades behind now. That's the feeling, I guess."
Rodri's reasons for fighting have changed over time.
I'm sure it's a sign of his growth.
"I enlisted in the military to help the orphanage where I was born and raised. But now… after my hometown was burned down, I feel the same as Rodri. I can't just leave my comrades behind and run away.
"…"
"Because I'm in a position to save people's lives, I won't go to places as dangerous as Rodri. But if my presence can help someone, isn't that wonderful?"
The reason I don't run away is simpler.
First of all, even if I run away from the military, I have nowhere to go.
Even if I quit being a soldier and became an ordinary citizen, given the current state of the war, it wouldn't be surprising to be massacred by Sabbatian Army at any time.
In that case, it'd be better for me to continue healing people in a place where I can help my comrades even a little.
"Besides, Rodri is quick to do reckless things. It'd be better if we had as many medics as possible."
"What? I wouldn't make such a huge mistake."
The people I want to protect most in this world right now are people like Rodri, Senior Allen, and Verdi, who I met through the military.
I don't know any place that's worth fleeing to and leaving people like that behind.
"…I see. Thank you for sharing such valuable stories, brave guests."
"Oh, did that help you in some way?"
"Yes, it was a very meaningful conversation."
Arunoma looked at us with an expression I couldn't quite read.
Maybe he had something on his mind.
"See you, Arunoma. If I ever come to see this play again, I'll be sure to come talk to you."
"I'm sure that will be a long time from now, but please show us another enjoyable play next time."
"…Yeah. When that time comes, I'll prepare an even better stage for you."
It looked like Arunoma had come to terms with whatever was bothering him after hearing our words.
Arunoma had a somehow bright and cheerful smile on his face.
"Well then, until next time."
With a simple promise of a future reunion, Rodri and I left Arunoma behind.
***
By the time we finished watching the play, the sky had already turned red.
We ended up spending about half a day at the theater from noon onwards.
"That took up quite a bit of our time. Thank you for spending your precious leave with me."
"No, it was a good break, Shorty. It'll give me something to talk about with my comrades while I'm stuck on the front lines."
"I'm glad to hear that. We should thank Gumoji for that."
"I don't really want to thank that guy."
Looking up at the setting sky, I realized that this happy time was finally coming to an end.
Yesterday and today were really fun. It felt like the first time I'd actually had a proper break since enlisting.
"Back to the military tomorrow, huh?"
"Is there anything you still need to do?"
"…No."
This marks the end of our brief respite.
Starting tomorrow, we will be soldiers again.
"Not in this city at least."
"Oh?"
"I will pursue the demons of the Sabbath and avenge my comrades. That is what I have left to do now."
I'm sure there will be many more hardships and difficulties ahead.
There may come a day when I think, "I should never have taken part in the war, I should have just thrown away all my shame and reputation and run away."
But…
"Platoon Leader Garback is dead. From tomorrow, we will likely be in different units."
"Yes, that's likely."
"Don't die, Shorty. There's no one left who will protect a weakling like you."
As long as there are people like this who worry about me and consider me their comrade, I'm sure I'll never escape this hell.
"In that case, Rodri, please don't let the enemy push their way to where I'm located."
"Leave that to me. That's my job."
Because that is my mission now.
***
"Allen Platoon, Private Rodri."
"Oh!"
The next morning, each soldier's unit assignment was posted in the military academy auditorium.
Each platoon will assemble for roll call by the platoon leader and we were instructed to report as soon as the roll was complete.
"It looks like they've tried to keep the original platoon arrangements as much as possible. The old Garback Platoon members are all placed together in my platoon."
"Oh, that's a relief."
Rodri has been transferred to Allen Platoon.
Senior Allen was promoted to Sergeant and Rodri was promoted to Private First Class.
Moreover…
"The other members are five fresh faces I've never seen before. Looks like Rodri's going to be the squad leader."
"Wow, that's quite a promotion, Rodri."
"Seriously?"
It looks like Rodri will be taking on the position of squad leader.
Experienced infantrymen from the Western Front are valuable assets now, so even though Rodri hasn't served a full year, he's been put in a position of command.
Will the Austin Army be alright?
"…Is my name not on the Allen Platoon?"
"Doesn't look like it."
Unsurprisingly, my name wasn't listed under Allen Platoon.
Maybe this time I'll be finally assigned to the regular medical department like Head Medic Gale.
I feel relieved thinking that I no longer have to be a medic in the front-line assault squads.
"It looks like only the infantry platoon affiliations are posted. I don't think Touri's assignment has been decided yet."
"Well, you're probably in the medical department, Shorty. If I get hurt, I'll be relying on you."
"Of course, leave it to me."
However, what worries me is that at the moment I'm the only medic in the army.
Healers are scarce, and assembling a sizable group and reorganizing them would likely take quite a bit of time. I don't think it could be done in just a week or so.
I doubt I'll be told to do it alone, but there's a chance I might be separated from Senior Allen and the others here and sent out later as backup.
"Touri Noel! Is Touri Noel here?"
"Oh, yes, I'm here!"
"Alright, come here. I have an assignment for you."
As we were talking, I was called by Major Renvel.
Finally, I can find out my new assignment.
"Go on, Shorty."
"Well, see you later."
Thus, I said goodbye to Senior Allen and the others,
"Yeah, see you later."
I am about to meet new comrades with whom I will entrust my life and death to.
***
"Medic First Class Touri Noel. In consideration of your achievements in Marshdale, you are hereby promoted to Chief Medic."
"Thank you."
The rank given to me by Major Renvel was Chief Medic.
In infantry terms, it's the rank equivalent to Corporal. It's a rank slightly higher than Rodri's.
"And your assignment is to the medical department, Chief Medic Touri."
"Yes, Major."
"The medical department's personnel are not yet finalized… We are gathering healers who experienced the Marshdale retreat around Takuma. However, it is expected to take a few months to start operations."
"A few months?"
"Yes. Apparently, there's too much to do: managing supplies, arranging supply routes, recruiting nurses. With the Central Medical Department destroyed, it's hard to get moving immediately."
Unlike the infantry units, which still retained some structure, the medical department was currently wiped out.
It's probably going to take a while to reestablish.
"The higher-ups have announced that they will be conscripting troops in Winn and nearby villages, aiming to mobilize an infantry force of 10,000 within the next three months. The medical department is expected to resume operations in line with that timing."
"I see."
"The medical headquarters will move forward in coordination with the infantry in three months. However, it feels a bit unsettling that we, the Renvel Army leading the pursuit of the Sabbath, don't have a single medic among us."
"…Yes, I agree."
"Therefore…"
With that, Major Renvel handed me a piece of paper.
What was written on that paper was—
"You are to form a medical unit as a platoon leader in our vanguard."
"Yes."
"Congratulations, you are now a platoon leader from today on."
To my surprise, it was an order for me to form a platoon.
In other words, I was being tasked with leading a unit called the Touri Medical Platoon, consisting of medics and nursing staff.
"The platoon members are young and have a lot of stamina. There will be a medical check-up for the platoon members this afternoon. You, as platoon leader, are to carry it out yourself."
"Understood."
At the time, I didn't fully comprehend the gravity of the situation, but it was quite an unusual assignment.
Normally, placing someone with as little experience as myself at the top of a medical unit would be out of the question.
However, it seems that this was a personnel decision pushed through by a certain man with a bad habit of favoring those he likes.
"Well then, go and show off your skills to the fullest."
"Thank you, Major Renvel."
Because of that, I still hadn't realized the immense burdens I would soon have to shoulder.