Meanwhile, around that same time.
In the northern reaches of the Aiwood Kingdom.
At the fortress where the conflict with the foreign tribes had unfolded until only recently, soldiers began to file out from the castle gates, marching toward the south.
With the war concluded, the men of the Aiwood Kingdom Army were finally returning to the Royal Capital.
"Hmph... Heading home without ever getting a proper turn on stage, I see."
One of the soldiers in the marching column—Wilhelm Lyubase, known as the 'Woman-hating Sword Saint'—muttered under his breath.
He cast his eyes upward, glaring at the ironically clear, brilliant blue sky.
"What a tedious expedition. In the end, that man made off with all the credit again."
Wilhelm’s voice was thick with resentment.
While it was a victory against the foreign tribes, the ultimate contributor was Rest, who had successfully hunted down the Sorcerer acting as the mastermind. Wilhelm had once again found himself in a position where the lion's share of the glory had been snatched away.
"There's no need to let it get to you. You did well enough out there."
Toya Catleya nudged Wilhelm’s shoulder, noting his teammate's morose state.
"It was pure luck that Count Clover happened to be the one to slay the enemy commander. It’s good to be ambitious, but if you only ever look up, you’re bound to trip."
"I don't need you to tell me that. I have no intention of tripping over pebbles on the ground."
Wilhelm maintained his usual scowl. It was clear Toya’s attempts at encouragement had failed to make an impact.
"If anyone was useless, it was I... I failed to show any merit during this entire campaign."
Isis Calvert joined the conversation with a heavy sigh.
She had been given almost no opportunity to shine during the recent battles. Even during the infiltration into the Great Forest, she had remained behind at the fortress to manage the rearguard.
"I couldn't be of any help to him... to Rest-kun. It is truly regrettable."
"Tsk... what a gloomy lot. We’re returning in a triumphal march after a victory, you know!"
Seeing both Wilhelm and Isis so dejected, Toya clicked his tongue in annoyance.
"This wasn't a losing battle. We defeated the foreign tribes and saved the Kingdom! Don't make such pathetic faces!"
Toya was shouting to boost their spirits, but in truth, he also harbored a sense of unease.
During the defensive line at the fortress, the infiltration of the forest, and the fight against the 'Sorcerer'—there were countless moments where significant casualties would have been unavoidable if Rest hadn't been present.
If that was the case, what about the rest of them?
If Wilhelm hadn't been there, or Isis, or Toya... would the tide of battle have actually shifted for the worse?
"Hmph..."
"Sigh..."
"Tsk..."
The answer was written clearly on their faces.
Even if the three of them hadn't stepped foot on that battlefield, the final result likely wouldn't have changed. That realization was galling. To have been present at a historical conflict that would be spoken of for generations, yet relegated to the role of insignificant background characters rather than protagonists, was an unbearable blow to their pride.
"Ho-ho, it is heartening to see the youth so full of fire."
Watching the three of them, Dieble—the butler of the Marquis Rosemary House—softened his expression with a grandfatherly smile.
"All three of you are still so young. Unlike an old man with brittle bones like myself, you will have many opportunities to make a name for yourselves in the future. There is no need for such haste."
"Lord Dieble..." Isis turned her gaze toward the veteran. "However, the foreign tribes were thoroughly broken in this war. They likely won't be a threat for at least another fifty years. I wonder... will a chance to stand as Rest-kun's equal ever truly come again?"
"Even if there are no more wars with the foreign tribes, there will be other battles... likely in the very near future."
"Do you have some reason for saying that, Lord Dieble?" Toya asked. Even Wilhelm turned his eyes toward the butler, looking intrigued.
"I have heard whispers that things are growing tense at the eastern border. Besides... there is a certain 'flow' to these things."
"A flow...?"
"Yes. When one major event moves, it is like a dammed river finally breaking; other matters begin to surge forward as well. Many incidents will break out in a chain reaction."
"A chain reaction... I suppose that might be true." Isis gave a wry, weary smile.
The stampede on the Subnock Plain. The sudden appearance of high-ranking magical beasts. The rebellion of Third Prince Rodel. The reclamation of the plains and the various skirmishes that followed. And now, the invasion of the northern tribes.
All of these events had occurred within a span of just one or two years. She didn't know where the flow had started, but it wouldn't be surprising if this momentum continued for some time yet.
"If there is a next time, I must achieve results I can be proud of," Isis said, placing a hand over her heart as her expression brightened slightly.
"Next time, I won't lose. Not to anyone."
"I must fight in a way that brings no shame to the Catleya name."
Wilhelm and Toya both followed suit, their faces set with renewed resolve. All three of them were focused on the same goal. To catch up to Rest Clover, they vowed to push themselves even harder.
"...Though, Rest-dono is likely already leagues ahead of you," Dieble whispered to himself, ensuring the youths didn't hear.
Rest had already used magic to return ahead of the army to report to His Majesty. If the Geisel Empire was indeed making moves in the east, he might have already jumped the gun and headed toward the next battlefield.
If these three found out, they would likely feel as though they had been outmaneuvered yet again.
"Do your best, children. Do your very best."
Dieble watched over them with the serene, kindly face of an old man who had long since made peace with the world.