“What... do you mean by that?”
“The heads of those who bear stars represent military merit. The First Class Merit requires one to lead an entire campaign to victory, so that’s out of the question, but claiming five One-Star heads on your own would certainly guarantee you the Second Class Merit.”
The General pointed toward the captured Knight Commanders.
There were five of them in total, each wearing an expression of utter resignation.
“Kill them? Why?! They’re prisoners. There’s no need to kill an opponent who has already surrendered... who has given up the fight.”
“...Hmph. I suppose you are still only twelve, after all. It is true that those with Vassal Emblems can be spared; even if you don't turn them into Blessed Slaves, they make for a fine labor force. But Masters are a different story. If you kill a Knight Commander who possesses a Master Emblem, the power of every prisoner under their command vanishes. To put it another way, as long as they live, they remain capable of staging a counterattack at any moment. On the battlefield, those who hold a Master Emblem are executed, even if they surrender. That is the implicit rule.”
“That's...”
I was killing people just moments ago.
The fact was, I had cut down many. Even while wishing I didn't have to, I had taken many lives.
With hands still stained by the blood of their comrades, how could I claim I didn't want to kill prisoners?
The hand holding my Crest Sword hung limply at my side, the blade pointing toward the earth.
“A genius of war, yet still a child at heart... Eisen!”
“Sir!”
Eisen-san, the commander of our 8th Unit, stepped forward.
“You do it. Leo, watch closely. Every head that rolls, every drop of blood spilled—it is all the direct result of your actions. Eisen, this merit shall be recorded for the 8th Unit. Buy some good wine later and see if you can't turn this boy into a man.”
“Yes, General! With gratitude! Now then...”
Eisen-san drew his sword.
He advanced with slow, deliberate steps.
The five Knight Commanders of the Odixia Federation had their arms bound. No, they had no intention of resisting in the first place. Resistance only meant death. They were prioritizing the safety of their subordinates instead.
If they fought back, every one of their men would be slaughtered.
And so, they simply waited in silence for the end.
My eyes met Dial-san’s.
He gave me a gentle nod, then closed his eyes.
“I’ll make it quick!”
“Wait...”
The Knights who served under them were crying out in grief. I didn't know their history, but I knew the bond between a Master and a Vassal wasn't just a matter of Emblems. They had surely survived countless life-and-death struggles together; they were comrades who had shared a life.
In the crucible of war, it was only natural to share both joy and sorrow.
Cries of resentment and heartbreaking agony echoed through the courtyard.
Perhaps... this was simply the way of the world.
Knight Commanders must be killed.
Those with Master Emblems must be eliminated.
I understood it.
I understood it, but...
Clang!
“What do you think you’re doing?!”
My body had moved on its own.
“Leo! I understand how you feel! I don't like killing men who have surrendered either!”
“Even if they have Master Emblems, the power will vanish if you force them to exhaust their stores! There’s no need to go as far as killing them!”
“And then what?! Do you intend to just send them back to their country?! It’s one thing to release an ordinary Knight, but if you return a Knight Commander, what would you say to the families of our own Knights they’ve killed?!”
I held my ground, my blade locked against Eisen-san’s.
I knew he was right. I remembered Gaia-san telling me that the military requires discipline. I understood that perfectly.
I was breaking that discipline.
I knew it was wrong.
Even so...
“Even so, I don't want to kill them. So I won't.”
“You're acting like a spoiled child!”
From behind me, I heard Dial-san’s voice.
“Stop it, Leo-kun! It is acceptable to execute Knight Commanders who are taken prisoner. That is the way of the world!”
“I don't care about the way of the world!”
“What?! Don't be a fool!”
“Just because there is a rule saying it’s permitted doesn't mean it’s something that must be done.”
“Why... why would you go this far?”
I turned my head slightly, looking him in the eye.
“I want as many people to live as possible. I don't want to... cut down people who aren't holding swords. ...Ah... I see. That’s it.”
Suddenly, I remembered.
I remembered the Knight Commander named Libert, the first man I ever fought.
He could have killed me and my mother instantly, but he chose not to.
He would strike those who held swords, but he would not harm those who didn't. That was what he had said.
I hadn't understood the meaning back then, but that must have been the rule Libert lived by as a Knight.
In a world where cutting others down was a daily occurrence, where killing and being killed was the norm... it was a self-imposed restriction to keep from losing himself to the madness.
His own personal rule.
His own form of justice.
In the midst of this insanity called war, where it was so easy to become a monster, I decided to impose a rule on myself here and now so that I wouldn't lose sight of who I was.
The timing couldn't be worse, but I swore I would never break it.
“Eisen-san. I’ve made up my mind.”
“Stop. I know what you’re trying to say. But if you voice it, there’s no turning back!”
“That’s why I’m saying it.”
I spoke the words clearly.
Dozens of Knights stood around us, listening to my voice.
There was no going back now, but I would not bend this justice.
“I will not kill those who have set aside their swords, nor will I allow them to be killed. Even if they are my enemies.”
“You absolute fool!”
Eisen-san swung his sword down with all his might.
I parried the blow, letting his blade slide off mine, and brought my Crest Sword to his throat.
“I promise you. I will take responsibility for neutralizing their Emblems. So please... wait.”
“Ugh...”
A heavy silence followed as we stood in a tense standoff.
General Adidas let out a weary sigh, turned his back, and walked away.
I had no idea how much time passed after that.
What would become of me?
I’d really done it this time. And yet... I didn't regret it.
If I was going to be executed for violating military law... well, I suppose I’d just have to make a run for it.
Just as that thought crossed my mind, another figure arrived on an Emblem Horse.
The rider stopped directly in front of me.
“You did well to take the castle, Leo. However, what is the meaning of this scene?”
“Osiris-san.”
He dismounted slowly and drew his sword.
“Choose your next words with extreme care.”
“—?!”
“Depending on your answer, I will strike you down where you stand. I have both the right and the power to do so. You, of all people, should understand that.”
The Five Star Sword—Osiris Ashtress—stared me down.
He radiated a shudder-inducing Sword Aura, a killing intent every bit as overwhelming as Gaia-san’s.
“Now. Think well, and give me your answer.”