"Sedol, your hot milk is ready. Please drink it without spilling."
"Okay."
A few days have passed since I was forced to take part in the bandit suppression operation.
Fortunately, I managed to return to the camp unharmed. I dissolved the powdered milk I had received as a reward and gave it to Sedol to drink.
After the operation, Sylph praised me for my "splendid achievements" and asked what reward I desired.
I was afraid I would be offered a position in the military if I left it alone, so I replied that I wanted milk for the time being.
Sedol is already four years old. He doesn't need milk powder anymore, but…
In this camp, we're only given expired rations (hardtack and powdered beef) and onion soup every day, so I'm worried about nutritional imbalance.
Children at this age need nutrients like calcium, protein, and iron. I requested milk as it provides all of these and is easier to obtain than other foods.
…What I received was infant formula, but it's a valuable source of calcium and iron, so I made sure Sedol drinks it every day.
"Tou-chan, are you going anywhere today?"
"No, I'll be by Sedol all day."
Since being forced to participate in the previous mission, Sedol has often anxiously asked if I would be going out.
Although the march during that operation lasted about a week, he apparently troubled Anita by asking every day, "Is Tou-chan back yet?"
"Well then, shall we go out to work for a bit?"
"Okay."
The Othello villagers had already completed the trenches When I returned to camp after the battle.
By digging into the red soil and covering it with a waterproof sheet, we were able to create a space that could withstand rain and wind much larger than a regular tent.
At the entrance to this doughnut-shaped trench, water bottles were placed, greatly improving the smell by completely separating the toilet from the living space.
A stove was set up inside the trench, and someone had already taken on the role of firekeeper to keep it burning.
They brought wood from the nearby forest for fuel. Transporting it was easier than water since the forest was closer to the river and the road was paved.
"Can anyone please give me any cans, bottles, food, or scraps of clothing? I'll trade them for a bottle of water."
Once the trenches were completed, we had more flexibility in rotating who would carry water.
On my days when I wasn't on duty, I started fetching water myself and bartering it with other villages.
I don't find carrying water too difficult. I see it as an extension of my regular training.
I had to carry much heavier loads back when I was with the Austin Army. Even in Othello, I would run on my own as part of my training.
All I've done is change the location of my daily run.
"Is a scrap of tabi enough?"
"Yes, that's fine. I'll take it."
At that time, I was desperate to gather as much fabric as possible in preparation for winter.
Children are not as good at regulating their body temperature as adults, so whether Sedol can survive the winter safely depends on my own efforts.
"Ah, that was good. I haven't had this much water in a while."
"Thank you as always. Please be careful not to get dehydrated. I hope you will continue to be a patron."
Water management is very strict in every village. It's not like you can just drink water whenever you want when you're thirsty.
They're also forced to save water used for washing their bodies. The water-carrying business is thriving as usual.
"Boil the tabi, disinfect them, and wash them well in the river…"
Tabi are like socks. Wrapping cloth around your feet like bandages and wearing shoes was the culture of the Sabbath at that time.
You'll get fungal infections if you leave them as they are, so you have to thoroughly disinfect them in boiling water for them to be useful.
"Tou-chan, what are you going to use this for?"
"I'll sew it onto the outside of a jacket so you'll be warmer. Sabbatian winters are harsh, so we need to prepare early."
I disinfected and layered cloth given to me by others to make cold weather gear.
That's how we lived desperately in a campsite with a slum-like environment.
***
"Touri Lowe, Sylph-sama is calling for you."
"Understood."
It's been a week since I returned to camp.
Once again, I was summoned by Sylph Nova.
"Are we heading out again?"
"No, I just heard she wants to talk with you… It's about the reward from the previous operation."
"I've already received the powdered milk."
It's good that we aren't going on a mission but… Sedol might be in a bad mood again.
Due to my position, I must respond to the summons of Elijah and Sylph.
I sighed and stroked Sedol's head.
"…Sorry, Sedol, I'm going out for a bit."
"No…"
"I'll be back soon this time."
"No!"
As always, it's difficult when I go out on missions.
I held Sedol in my arms and comforted him, and somehow managed to get him to agree.
***
"Welcome, Touri."
Elijah took me to Sylph's private quarters within the headquarters.
It was a small room with just a bed and locker, but the fact that she had a private room indicated she held considerable power.
"How is life at the camp?"
"As a medic, urgent improvements to the environment are necessary. Particularly, improvements in insulation and cleanliness are essential. In winter, there will be fatalities in those conditions."
"…Hmm, is it really that bad?"
"I suggest you inspect it firsthand."
"I'll consider it."
That was the opening conversation I had with Sylph. I was wondering what kind of unreasonable thing she would ask me to do, but it turned out she was trying to find out about my life at the camp.
According to Elijah, she is actively working on reforms.
Perhaps she summoned me to investigate the current situation in the refugee camp.
If so, it would be a welcome development.
"For now, what do the people at the camp need?"
"Firstly, safe water and food. Secondly, security. There are frequent minor crimes like theft, and when reported to the guard soldiers, they often dismiss it as outside their jurisdiction."
"What? …The soldiers on guard have been ordered to crack down on criminals."
"If they catch the perpetrator red-handed, they will arrest them. In cases where the perpetrator is unknown or has fled and then denied involvement, most of the time they don't intervene."
"…Ah, got it, I'll try to deal with that as well."
There's a shortage of soldiers on guard duty, and their attitude towards work is quite poor.
Perhaps they look down on the common people. They even speak in a condescending manner even to the elderly.
Their work is sloppy; there have been instances where they didn't even chase after thieves right in front of them.
"Elijah, have your troops investigate how much of what Touri just said is true. Make sure you choose people you can trust."
"Understood."
"Sigh… It's the consequence of drafting a large number of officer cadets and those not yet eligible for conscription."
I reported to Sylph about the current problems at the campsite.
She can be expected to hold significant authority.
I hope the environment becomes more livable for Sedol, even if just a little.
"We will work out a plan to deal with the security issue. Water aside, as for food, a large amount of rations left over from the Battle of the North should have been distributed, but…"
"They're probably all expired. Just the other day, someone suffered from severe diarrhea and almost died from dehydration."
"Ah… well, some of them must be rotten."
"It appears that some poorly sealed products have been mixed in, which is causing food poisoning. Quality control needs to be thoroughly implemented."
"My head is starting to hurt…"
Even when I reported such complaints to the guard soldiers, I only received vague responses.
By the way, Anita treated the person who almost died of dehydration and said they would've died if left untreated.
"There is a lot of discontent in the camp and it may explode at any moment."
"Please hold on, I'll do what I can. It's better than living in the original village where bandits might attack and kill you."
"That's true."
Still, perhaps living here is better than enduring the constant threat of bandit raids and potential massacres.
"Touri, I want you to say something that will appease their dissatisfaction."
"…If it's an order, I'll comply. But as an Austinite, my influence is almost nonexistent."
"I see…"
The villagers are desperately enduring, believing things are at least better than falling prey to bandits as they did before.
If an epidemic causes mass deaths and people start thinking, "Being attacked by bandits is better than this", their resentment will surely turn towards the military.
"I'll bring up the issue of quality control of rations. After all, it's food that soldiers eat."
"Thank you. Is there anything else?"
"Oh no, that wasn't the main topic. I was just making small talk."
"…Small talk?"
Sylph gestured for me to sit in the wooden chair in front of her, looking visibly troubled.
I follow her instructions and sit down on the wooden chair in front of her.
"The main subject is about the bandit subjugation operation you took part in the other day. Tell me what you thought, what you saw, and how you came to the conclusion you did."
"I see, so that's the main topic after all."
"Yeah."
Sylph intended to question the rationale behind my actions in last week's operation.
In other words, it was time for accountability.
"I've also reviewed Gorski's report. Don't make false reports."
"Of course."
She emphasized sternly, looking somewhat intimidating.
***
"That's all regarding my suggestions and their rationale from the recent battle."
"Hmm… I understand."
When Sylph asked me, I reported what I saw and did on the battlefield.
"Touri, you happened to notice the enemy headquarters was left unguarded and took control of it by chance? Is that what you're trying to say?"
"Yes, it was… by chance."
Since I didn't have the courage to say something like, "Everything went just as you expected," I just said that it was just a coincidence that things worked out well.
Sylph wore a wicked smile, but I have no intention of delving deeper into this and stirring up trouble.
"Very well, Touri Lowe. Are you interested in working under me seriously?"
"What do you mean?"
"Exactly what I said. I'm asking you to become my adjutant."
She hesitated slightly, asking cautiously.
It seems she wants me to act as her assistant.
"I'll guarantee suitable rewards and authority. I'll protect you, including your Austin origins."
"I'm afraid I'll have to decline."
"An immediate response?"
Her words puzzled me; I can't fathom her intentions.
But the answer to that question was already decided.
Of course, it's a no.
"May I ask for the reason?"
"Right now, my top priority is to spend as much time as possible with Sedol. I can't refuse your summons due to my position, but truthfully, I wish to stay by his side forever."
"Hmm, I see."
Me becoming an officer would only further distance me from him.
Honestly, I feel bad for still leaving him in Anita's care.
Protecting the legacy of my benefactors, Gomuji and Kusha, is what gives meaning to my life right now.
"I wanted a subordinate I could trust. You at least demonstrated your capabilities in the last battle."
"…"
"I'll be clear… Right now, I want to keep you close even if it means using somewhat forceful means."
"You have quite a high opinion of me."
"Well, yeah."
Judging from what she said, she liked how I had successfully answered the "questions" she had prepared on the battlefield.
Or maybe she has some other aim.
"I'll protect you in the military, and the child too. I'll arrange a room for you to stay in, within the base."
"…"
"From what you told me, the campgrounds are quite harsh. How about raising him in a room with a roof and a bed?"
"No thank you."
Sylph was quite persistent in recruiting me.
What could possibly drive her so much?
"If I serve in the military as your subordinate, it would not be surprising if I were to die in battle at any time. I want Sedol to spend time with Anita, who I've entrusted with his care if I die."
"…"
"If I die in battle, what will happen to Sedol? Are you saying you'll take care of him for his entire life?"
Of course, I intended to refuse for Sedol's sake… but maybe more than that…
"Haa… Do you hate me that much, Touri Lowe?"
"…It's not like that."
Rodri was killed by the woman in front of me. Maybe it was because I was more hateful than I thought.
"In the first place, I am your prisoner now. You can just order me to do what you want, not try to persuade me. Then I will simply follow your orders."
"That would be pointless… I want subordinates who can think for themselves and fight for the sake of the Sabbath."
"Do you expect me, an Austinite, to do that?"
"I understand it's inappropriate."
Sylph looked at me with a very sad expression.
And in a pleading tone:
"Right now, this country is facing an unprecedented crisis."
"Are you talking about the riots in the capital?"
"Yes. The capital has been devastated by an anti-government riot, and bandits are rampaging all over the country. I want to put a stop to this."
She said to me, bowing her head.
"Weren't you also angry when you saw the people of Othello killed and injured?"
"That is…"
"Whether you're under me or not will probably make a big difference. I'm not asking you to betray your homeland and fight Austin. Just lend me your strength for the time it takes to suppress those rioters."
I don't see any signs of a plot from Sylph as she begged me.
I really felt like she was only thinking about the citizens.
"When peace returns to the Sabbath, you can retire at that point. I'll provide you with enough money to raise one child, and I'll also secure a safe place for you to live. You can raise the child to your heart's content there."
"Is that okay with you?"
"Yes."
Suppressing the enemy bandits and their leaders, the anti-government organization called the Workers' Council, the group that attacked Othello Village and killed Sedol's parents.
Only for that period would I be under her command. Once that was over, I would be able to live the rest of my life in peace with Sedol in the peaceful Sabbath.
Those were the conditions Sylph presented me.
"Don't you hate them? The terrorist organization calling themselves the Workers' Council, who attacked Othello Village and killed that child's parents…"
"That… of course I hate them."
"I thought so."
Certainly, those conditions might not be bad.
Serve under her for a period of time, retire, and as long as I survive, I can live with Sedol for the rest of my life.
"Those are very good conditions… no, they are too good. As I said before, all you have to do is give orders to me, so what's the point in making such concessions?"
"Ah, this is something I heard from Gorski."
I was a little skeptical of Sylph, who was offering such favorable conditions.
So when I asked the reason…
"You're the type who will faithfully fulfill your word once you agree to something. It is much better to convince people like you than to make them obey by force."
"…"
"No matter how much I order you, you'd easily betray me if it's for Sedol's sake. I'm a bit scared of being betrayed by you at the last moment. I want to hear the words from your mouth that you will serve me."
And that was the reply.
I am a soldier from the Austin Army. Joining the Sabbatian Army is nothing but betrayal.
However, I will be called up periodically and forced to serve even if I refuse this order.
If that's the case…
"Understood."
"Oh?"
Just once, gaining freedom by wagging my tail for this girl might not be so bad.
"If those are the conditions, I would like to serve under Captain Sylph for a while."
Yes, that's what I thought.
I still remember the smile on Sylph's face at that moment; it was like a blooming flower.
Thus, I went from being a civilian collaborator for the Sabbath to "Vice-Captain to Captain Sylph."
"I see… I see! It's so reassuring to have a fierce warrior like you lending us your strength! I'm counting on you, Touri Lowe!"
"A fierce warrior…?"