At Theoreme's words, Rei and Count Obrisin—still squared off at a distance—lowered their weapons, both wearing dissatisfied scowls.
Rei had been halfway reluctant to indulge the Count's challenge at first, but as the fight progressed, he had actually started to enjoy himself. Since it was clear they were allies, he couldn't use the man as a training dummy for Overlord's Armor, but Obrisin was undoubtedly a first-rate warrior, far superior to the thieves Rei had encountered on the road.
Rei considered battle maniacs a general nuisance, but between his acquaintance with Vihera and his own combat instincts, he was essentially used to them by now. As for Count Obrisin, his displeasure likely stemmed from a simpler place: he hated being interrupted just as he was becoming immersed in the thrill of the hunt.
The Count turned a sharp, intense glare toward Theoreme. "Hey, what’s the meaning of this? We were just getting to the good part."
The sheer pressure in his gaze would have made a common soldier collapse, but Theoreme spoke as if it were a minor trifle.
"That is exactly why I stopped you. If you had continued, you both would have eventually become serious. Our forces are small enough as it is; we cannot afford to waste them in a place like this."
Siance, standing faithfully beside Theoreme, nodded, seemingly unbothered by the Count’s murderous look. "Indeed. To wastefully consume our combat power here would only benefit the Empire... or rather, His Highness Cabajid."
Reminded that his actions might aid the enemy, Count Obrisin relented. He stowed the two battle axes on his back.
He certainly would have loved to continue his duel with Rei, but since they were allies, it could never be a true battle of life and death. Furthermore, Rei was Vihera’s beloved. He could hardly bring himself to kill the man his former lord held in such high sentiments of affection. He likely decided that fixating on a half-hearted skirmish would only sour his appetite for the grand, blood-soaked battles against the Empire yet to come.
(Though, if I were allowed to truly try and kill this ‘Crimson’ brat, that would be another story entirely,) Obrisin thought. Even with his weapons away, the look he shot Rei was filled with unmistakable, primal hunger for combat.
Rei caught the look and let out a small sigh. "It might be rich coming from me, but wouldn't you rather test your mettle against a much larger target?"
"Ho." A fierce, predatory grin spread across the Count's face. He liked what he heard. "So we’re on the same page? Good. I like your style. Even from that brief exchange, I could tell you don't harbor any treachery toward Lady Vihera. I am Count Gurgast Obrisin. I look forward to seeing what you can do on a real battlefield."
"...And that is exactly why I’m telling you it’s a problem if you fight him," Theoreme interjected with a wry smile. Despite his words, he looked slightly relieved that the violence had concluded for the moment.
Watching the two men, Rei noticed Seto approaching. The griffon peered at him with round, curious eyes.
"Guruuu?"
Are you okay? the look seemed to ask. Rei smiled and scratched the griffon's head firmly to reassure it.
A peaceful atmosphere finally began to settle, though the midnight skirmish had naturally alerted the rest of the camp. People were gradually gathering at the edge of the clearing. These weren't mere spectators; the fact that they had arrived with longswords and spears ready demonstrated the high morale and discipline of the Third Prince Faction.
The soldiers showed expressions of understanding when they realized it was Count Obrisin in the center of the clearing, but they froze the moment they turned their gazes toward his opponent.
As subordinates of Theoreme, many of these men had fought at Seremuse Plain during the Spring War. They recognized Rei instantly.
"H-hey... is that...?"
"No way. Why is Crimson here?"
"Wait, look at them. Doesn't he seem like he's on our side?"
"Does this mean... we've already won?"
The small figure standing in the moonlight and the Gryphon Seto waiting beside him were unmistakable. The soldiers whispered excitedly among themselves.
Further back, hidden in the shadows, the Beast Soldiers watched with intense interest. They had suffered a humiliating turnaround defeat during their debut because of this very man. If Rei was joining their side, it felt almost as if victory were already guaranteed. It wasn't unusual for veterans of the Spring War to appear in this conflict, and for the Third Prince Faction, a force like Rei was exactly what they needed to route Cabajid’s army.
"Hmm, I see. It seems you have the trust of the men. Or rather, it feels more like awe," Count Obrisin remarked with a boisterous laugh. To any onlooker, his "happy" expression looked more like a carnivore that had just cornered its prey.
(First Lord Daskar, now Count Obrisin... why am I always surrounded by these scary-faced men?) Rei wondered. Even Elk, though not as extreme as the others, certainly couldn't be called a soft-looking man.
Pushing those thoughts aside, Rei looked back at Theoreme. "So, you said Vihera is sleeping... does that mean I won't see her until tomorrow?"
The casual way Rei used Vihera’s name without an honorific caused another stir among the soldiers. Most of them were unaware of the history between the two. Vihera hadn't publicized her feelings, and neither Theoreme nor Siance were the type to gossip.
"Yes, my apologies, but you'll have to wait. I’ll confirm just in case, though—you’ve come here to lend us your strength, haven't you?"
Theoreme didn't personally doubt Rei's intent, but he knew the soldiers needed to hear it. He wanted to provide a spark of hope to bolster their morale, as they were still the underdogs in this civil strife.
Rei’s answer was immediate. "Of course."
It was a short affirmation, but it was enough. Joy spread through the ranks of the watching soldiers.
Before they could break into cheers, however, Rei spoke again. "But I’m helping strictly as an independent adventurer. My goal is combat. I want to make it clear right now that I have no intention of entering service as a formal official once this rebellion is over. Though, I’m sure people would protest in droves if I even tried."
Rei gave a small shrug, and Theoreme found himself agreeing. Rei’s power was undeniably attractive, but the Alias Holder known as Crimson was a lightning rod for trouble. Having him as a formal retainer would probably double Theoreme's own workload. Even with the prospect of bringing Vihera back to the Empire, Theoreme had no desire to manage Rei permanently.
Count Obrisin, however, clearly disagreed. "What? You won't enter service under Lady Vihera or Lord Mercurio? I was looking forward to never being bored again."
"Count Obrisin," Theoreme said, his voice sharp with reproach.
The Count shrugged. "Fine, fine. I’ll just make sure to enjoy our time together on the battlefield while it lasts."
"...I’m an ally, you know," Rei sighed, looking at the man who clearly viewed him more as a prospective rival than a comrade. He glanced around at the growing crowd. "Quite a lot of people have gathered."
There were at least thirty or forty soldiers watching now.
"Naturally," Siance murmured from beside Theoreme, her face as stoic as ever despite her exasperated tone. "If you cause such a spectacle, the men are bound to come running."
Rei nodded. Even without the sound of clashing metal, the presence of two powerful warriors was enough to draw everyone in.
"Anyway," Rei said, "I'll check just in case. Since the Third Prince Faction is being treated as rebels, it means you successfully rescued the target prince, right?"
"Yes. And for that, I must thank you, Rei. We managed to get Lord Mercurio out safely. You have my gratitude." Theoreme bowed his head deeply.
A shockwave of whispers went through the soldiers. They had never seen their commander bow so easily to anyone. But it was a simple truth: Rei’s participation in the Fighting Tournament had diverted the castle's attention, buying them the time they needed.
(Though if Cabajid planned this from the start, it might not have mattered either way,) Theoreme thought. Still, Rei's help had been real, and a bow was a small price to pay.
Rei waved his hand dismissively. "Don't worry about it. What about Vihera’s brother, the one you rescued? Am I seeing him tomorrow too?"
"My apologies, but yes. Look at the time."
The moon was high in the sky; it was well past midnight. Mercurio was the symbol of their faction; if he appeared before his supporters with dark circles under his eyes, it would hurt their morale. Rei understood and didn't press the matter.
"One more thing, Rei," Theoreme added with a small, wry smile. "When you meet Lord Mercurio, please... try to be careful."
"Careful? About what?"
"Lord Mercurio and Lady Vihera are full siblings."
"Yeah, she mentioned that." Rei didn't see the problem.
Theoreme’s wry smile widened. "Lord Mercurio intensely admires his sister. He is... devoted to her. If it weren't for that slight flaw, he would be a perfect lord."
"But, Lord Theoreme," Siance interjected, "a perfect lord can be distant. Perhaps a few flaws make him easier for his subordinates to relate to."
"Perhaps you're right," Theoreme admitted. A person who did everything perfectly was often a lonely one, and prone to running wild without counsel.
"I think I get the gist," Rei said. "I'll watch my step. So, what should I do until morning? I can just camp out with Seto."
"We can hardly treat Crimson like a common traveler. We have a tent prepared for you."
"I have a Magic Tent, so I'm fine, but if you're offering, I'll take it. I assume Seto can stay with me?"
Theoreme nodded. He knew Seto was a Tamed Monster that wouldn't cause trouble, but he felt better having its owner nearby—especially with so many veterans of the Spring War in the camp.
"Well then, let's take Rei and Seto to their—"
"If you'll allow me, I shall guide them," a voice interrupted.
A man stepped out from the crowd of soldiers. He had a refined, almost soft-looking appearance. Theoreme blinked in surprise and murmured the man's name.
"Tilleul."