BELLUM PRAESINTIA

I Can Decide

I could feel how they looked at me with great cynicism, but there were also those who looked at me with hope, or rather something deeper than that. My gaze tried to survey the surroundings.

In the left corner stood a woman with an innocent face, her eyes fixed deeply on me. I quickly averted my gaze, as if everything was just a hallucination.

"Garlan!" Alfred exclaimed firmly.

My head suddenly lifted involuntarily, and the old man's eyes filled with hopeful anticipation were directed towards me.

"Yes?"

"As a token of gratitude for what you have done, I will grant your request," he replied with sincerity, devoid of any deceit.

My face lowered again, but I had to make a decision. The growing aura was making it difficult for me to control my breathing.

Finally, I found my words, "Alright, I will ask for the agreed-upon reward. Here, I request 1000 gold coins!"

Some people showed different expressions, their eyes glanced at each other as they whispered softly. I tried to ignore it all; the decision still rested in the hands of the one who held everything.

Alfred nodded once before saying, "Very well, if that's what you desire, I will grant it directly!"

A soldier stepped forward from behind, the clinking sound of armor adding to the atmosphere. He extended a pouch towards me. I took it slowly.

"Thank you!" I said as I opened the pouch. Indeed, the brilliant golden glow inside was gold.

"Well then, before you leave, I want you to celebrate first, in remembrance of this day of salvation!" Alfred declared, standing tall with his hands raised in exultation.

Reluctantly, the designated night turned into a grand celebration. The sounds of joy were evident on the faces present, but there was a nagging feeling inside. Amidst the darkness of this silent night, only the lights in the palace were too bright, even the moon seemed embarrassed to appear.

The melodious wind rustling through my ears was far more beautiful than the music in the palace. Suddenly, I heard someone's voice approaching. I held my breath, waiting for that person's actions.

"Why are you just standing here? Is there something about this evening celebration that displeases you?" Her gentle voice forced me to turn my head. As I suspected, it was Serina, the beautiful daughter of Alfred. Her thin lips and radiant eyes added to her elegance.

"I was just enjoying the pleasant night air," I replied, though it was merely an excuse. The truth was, I never liked crowded gatherings that only made my head spin.

Serina walked past me, her delightful fragrance stimulating my senses and creating peculiar hallucinations.

"Perhaps without you, I wouldn't be able to feel any of this," she said with a melancholic face, lowering her gaze toward the distant ground in the darkness.

I couldn't deny it; I had often found myself in such situations. These memories stung my eyes. I took a sip of the wine in my hand, and suddenly my head felt free from the burden.

"I'm curious, what will you do after this?" she asked.

I didn't quickly respond, my gaze focused on her face with seriousness for several seconds until the wind interrupted my mind.

"Well, I will likely continue wandering. People like me don't have a place to settle down," I said with a small laugh, gazing at the pitch-black sky without a single gap.

Serina clenched her hands tightly, creating wrinkles in her long dress. She took determined steps, then reached out and held my hand.

I was stunned, and time seemed to stop. My eyes widened without blinking.

I placed the wine cup down, and my hands touched as Serina's hand was now between mine.

"I apologize, but I can't do that at the moment. There are still things I must do, and it wouldn't be right for a princess like you to marry someone who thirsts for blood like me."

Serina fell silent, her eyes locked onto Garlan's face. The faint smile etched on Garlan's face made her heart race, and her cheeks turned red.

Slowly her face lowered in sadness. "I-Is that so? I apologize for desiring something that's not so good."

Of course, I would feel guilty for turning her hopes into despair, but it had to be done. After this, it didn't matter if she hated me. I had to determine my own path in life, and not be swayed by the desires of others.

The atmosphere shifted into a bright morning, marking our departure from the kingdom.

Along the way, we saw faces filled with sorrow, expressing their gratitude for what had transpired. Even though it was just a war, lives were indeed the most feared thing.

Gobil muttered, "I slept well last night. I can't wait to meet people who need our help again!"

Reval shook his head. "Shouldn't you be more serious? We still don't know what lies ahead. You should be prepared in case enemies attack!"

Gobil's gaze shifted to Garlan, who was far ahead, staring straight ahead without uttering a word.

"Our Leader always looks forward. Perhaps he's pondering something, unable to turn away!" Gobil whispered.

"Don't make Leader angry! You know very well that he has a thousand thoughts unlike us who hesitate," Reval replied.

"Ugh... You always say things that aren't pleasant. But, what can I do? It's a trait you've inherited in your very being!"

Reval grew annoyed, his tone filled with disdain towards him. He raised his voice and said, "What did you just say? Are you suggesting that I'm useless?"

Gobil was provoked, and both of them locked eyes, their fingers itching to reach each other's faces.

"Stop, you two!" Gean intervened.

__To Be Continued__