A War Hero With No Regrets

2 – New Prey (1)

However, the calm preparation on the last day of the morning was suddenly disrupted by someone who rushed into the commander’s office.

“Hey, you!!!”

The green uniform contrasted with the silver hair flowing down his shoulder.

Her clear and deep blue eyes sparkled as much as the amulet attached to her uniform.

Subcommander Argent Orka Major.

No, she was about to become the new commander following me in an eternal way.

Graveyard will be dismantled from today, and she will perform the position of commander in another fort.

She was certainly worthy of such honor.

She was a great fighter and strategist who had defeated the ‘disaster-level’ titan five times.

It seems you took the equipment as you pleased. Even if it’s a victory memento, you can’t take the assets of the unit without a formal procedure!

Ah, you came here to argue about that, huh?

Even after winning the war, Argentina’s unique FM remained.

Rutherford just shrugged his shoulders towards Argentina, who was arguing to the point of beating up.

Anyway, the equipment of the unit is available for use at the discretion of the commander.

Of course, it’s limited to operations. This can be called extortion, extortion!

So, go complain to the highest command or say whatever you want.

Is the agenda over? I know there’s still 1 hour until the assembly.

Anyway, since we are at the end, we might as well…

The affection that had started to grow since we became friends in war is not because of that. After all, I was waiting for you to disappear like a thorn, wasn’t I, Major? …No, you should call me Lieutenant now.

…

Argentina frowned as if in anger, closed the door with a bang, and disappeared.

The muttering that could be heard faintly from outside was a bonus.

Yes, if you want such an ending! I’m done, what do I expect from such a human…

Rutherford looked at the closed door for a moment and burst out laughing.

He had a lot of dignity, even with a serious face.

He came here just to meet the day he disliked, after giving excuses and coming this far.

There was a heart that truly thought of a comrade behind the stiff and rigid facade.

If she were there, she would certainly become a great superior officer in another place.

However, not long after Argentina left, another visitor found their way into Rutherford’s room.

Hmm.

Three knocks.

He could guess who the person outside the door was in a moment.

Of course, it’s obvious.

There was someone who was walking behind Argentina like a needle and thread.

Really… I knew I would end up like this.

A side ponytail with chestnut hair tied to the side.

Her yellow eyes shone as if reflecting gold, and she was wearing a red dress that showed off her beauty rather than conquest.

What’s with the outfit?

Anyway, even if it’s casual, since the commander is not coming. We don’t care about that, right?

Captain Lea Gilliat.

Although she was a major, she was not a formally commissioned officer, but a ‘temporary lieutenant’ who had been granted a temporary position.

She approached Rutherford with a steady step and winked.

Hmm, the scent of the perfume made Rutherford shiver and retreated, and a playful expression came over Lea’s face.

Wow, this perfume is perfect. I should only use this from now on.

“Okay, back off…”

“I don’t like it, but we’ve got an hour left, and he hasn’t prepared anything to boot! What excuse does he have to chase me out?”

Laughter, as light and bubbly as a spring, erupted from Lea at the pale expression of the commander.

The playful tone and actions were a clear reflection of the youngest daughter of Graveyard, Linda.

As humanity was on the brink of extinction, all those between the ages of 18 and 35 were conscripted into the defense forces.

Despite being just 18 and barely 21, Lea had confidently taken on the position of supply sergeant, a rank she had earned through her abilities, which were undeniably impressive.

After all, provisioning and supply are of utmost importance in war, aren’t they?

She and her squad would indeed be the true heroes leading this war to victory.

“Did you just get scolded by Argent?”

When Luterus didn’t respond, Lea stuck out her tongue.

“Well, it’s a bit much not to answer at all. This might even hurt a little.”

“If it’s just a casual chat, then why did you come to see my blurry face?”

Lea was always like this.

Even when she was pushed back, she would gradually close the distance. As Luterus, it was a serious embarrassment to accept this.

It would have been better to maintain a purely business-like relationship, or to openly express dislike, as she did with Argent earlier.

“But at least, you should at least tidy up a bit for today, huh? I bet you would look extremely handsome if you just tried a little.”

“Alright, alright. Since it’s a simple event anyway, there’s no need to bother with makeup.”

The victory celebration in Graveyard.

Although it was a celebration, it wasn’t a grand event.

It was just a self-organized event among the forces under their command, and Luterus had planned to announce his retirement and dismissal from this position today.

However, she had no idea about that, so she furrowed her eyebrows and asked.

“Is that me being ambushed right now?”

“No.”

“Eh, it seems like the conversation still lacks substance. I thought it would be different at the end. So, Argent sister is frowning and leaving.”

Lea sighed deeply and crossed her arms.

“I came here because I thought that if it was a victory celebration, you would just say a few words and disappear. I was hoping to leave at least a thank you.”

“…”

“I really did work hard… All I wanted was to get closer to you. I wanted to be friends, but I guess I’ve reached my limit with my self-esteem?”

“I’m sorry. It’s not that commanders who are close to their subordinates are unpleasant, it’s just that…”

Everyone finds it annoying.

Even now, there was a faint irritation mixed in her tone.

“But still, I don’t think you’re a bad person… Anyway, you’ve worked hard! I’m sure no one in this base would deny your abilities. Commander, you must be confident!”

Lea said so, and she turned around and left the room just as she had before, stepping out the door with a thud.

She took a quick glance at her face, smiled, and waved her hand, adding, “Don’t hunch your shoulders! Molga, who saved humanity, should at least have confidence! If you’re slouching like that, it’s like we’re losing our strength. It’s a happy day for everyone, isn’t it?”

Tap, tap, tap.

The sound of her footsteps gradually fading away.

That was the end.

Luters carefully closed the open door. Then, he locked it.

Somehow, my stomach was hollow, and my mind was dizzy.

Maybe it was a word I had heard sometime, I don’t know.

“Ghoul! That means from now on, don’t drink alone and call me too… do you understand?…”

“Ugh, straighten your shoulders! Your face is hard but you lack confidence… so, what am I when I’m holding hands with the commander and looking like this?”

Similar words, different tone, different atmosphere, different expression.

Familiar voices that I had tried to forget kept echoing in my ears.

Luters took out the sedative that was stored in the drawer of the desk and chewed a few pills carelessly.

There was still a bit of time until the delivery ceremony.

It seemed like I needed to clear my mind.

—-

Graveyard’s victory ceremony took place in an extremely free atmosphere.

There were people who wore a priest’s costume, like Lia’s dress, and those who wore a military uniform or a conference costume.

There were also those who wore a standard military uniform, like Argent.

There were those who wore a battle uniform stained with battle scars, expressing the intention to remember the pain of war.

Indeed, it was a sight characteristic of Graveyard.

Being at the front of humanity, those who gathered there were people who could be called ‘weird’ without any problem.

Of course, those who gathered the ‘weird’ keyword in Graveyard, the most fitting person would be Luters Edan, the commander of the fort.

He demonstrated this fact by not having any rank or decorations that matched with others.

He was in a conquering uniform.

Instead, he did not wear a blade.

A blade, which is decorated with rank badges and all kinds of medals and awards for officers, is as important as ‘honor’ itself.

Luters was only wearing a white shirt under the blade.

His pants were jeans and his shoes were combat boots.

Even though everyone was mismatched in fashion, the people of Graveyard lowered their heads slightly.

“Ah, microphone test.”

Luters, who stood on the podium to start the memorial ceremony, said,

“Before starting the serious commemoration ceremony, there’s something I want to say to the troops.”

He paused for a moment and looked around the perimeter of the fort.

It was indeed a long time.

20th return.

There were times when they lived for 3 years on average on each cycle, but it was less than a year since they returned.

Just by calculating, it’s 120 years.

For 120 years, Luters Edan was tied to this place.

It’s annoying, isn’t it.

Luters muttered gloomily to himself.

And then he looked at the soldiers of the fort who were staring at him and looked around them one by one.

Argent, who was sharply glancing at him.

Finally, Lea sighed, “Did you really turn out like that?”

With a stiff expression, the battalion commander watched her, while the scout commander turned away as if showing no interest.

Although there were diverse reactions, it was impossible to find genuine goodwill towards him.

Even though he had become somewhat accustomed to it, Ruther was now gripped by a tight feeling in his chest.

“No,” he said, gulping.

He took a deep breath and regained his composure.

“There’s no meaning in it now. It’s already twisted beyond repair and crossed the river it couldn’t turn back.”

He took a breath and Ruther spoke the words he had been suppressing.

“From today, I have decided to retire from the military.”

“What…?!”

“Therefore, the garrison of Grayyard that I was in charge of will be dismantled according to military policy.”