“Now then. The rest is up to you.”
“Ha!”
When Brother Rumer said that, the knights serving under him charged forward, steadily pushing the enemy back.
“…Remember this.”
The knight muttered those words as a parting remark and began retreating, using the peasant soldiers as shields. If necessary, he cut down any peasant soldiers that got in the way to clear his path.
Well, it’s not like I even know his name, so… what is there to remember?
Brother Rumer dismounted from his horse and approached me.
“Well then. It seems like things have settled for now, so first, let’s do this.”
Saying that, Brother Rumer raised his fist and brought it down onto my skull.
“~!!”
I instinctively hugged my head and crouched down.
“Even though Father told you that you could escape anytime, you went and did something reckless. He said I should hit you once for it.”
“Even so, couldn’t you have been a little more gentle, Brother?”
“Gentle? No way, I don’t want to be scolded by Father too.”
Well, if I had to take Father’s knuckle sandwich, my skull might crack…
“Well, at least it seems like we made it in time.”
“Honestly, I’m grateful, Brother.”
“Thanks to Ain’s quick report and the well-maintained road.”
I never thought my actions would return in this way…
As I was thinking this, the retreat signal sounded.
“Well then, I don’t want to get scolded by Father, so I’ll go and do something to contribute.”
By now, there were no enemies left inside the fort, and Brother Rumer mounted his horse again. The knights had already gathered around him.
“Thank you, Brother Rumer.”
Without replying, Brother Rumer raised his hand lightly and galloped off towards the outside of the fort.
For now, things had worked out, but the plan had highlighted the flaws in my judgment. Even if Kurt was the one who came up with the plan, the final decision was mine, so the responsibility is mine.
Oh, I almost forgot about Kurt.
Kurt was still in the same position as before, but he had fainted, kneeling and stabbing his sword into the ground. It was a relief… it seems he isn’t dead.
For now, the fighting outside still seemed to be going on, but there was no energy left to pursue. We had to prioritize tending to the wounded.
“Anyone who’s free, carry the wounded to the barracks and provide treatment!”
Following my command, the surviving soldiers grabbed their comrades and made their way to the barracks.
I also put my arm around Kurt’s shoulder, but… ugh… he’s heavy.
Well, I’m wearing armor myself, and carrying an adult man in armor on top of that is pretty exhausting. At times like this, I seriously wish I had an aura to enhance my physical abilities.
As I struggled to drag Kurt along, it suddenly felt lighter.
Could it be that I’ve finally awakened my aura? I thought, but when I looked beside me, it was Erich.
“I’ll help you, Your Grace.”
“Thanks.”
Well… it’s not like I suddenly have an aura now or anything…
We somehow managed to carry Kurt into the barracks, give him some basic treatment, and lay him down on an empty bed.
I slumped against a nearby wall and, overcome with fatigue, lost consciousness.
