Having won the simulation, I invited the Captains of his squad to celebrate. The rest were left with Paul, who volunteered to cook for the unit. Joining them was Lord Heidenburg and those that fought under his command.

Heidenburg walked beside me as we wandered through the capital city. Alsace looked as old and antiquated as it is, having been built before even the city of Kyther itself. This earned it the nickname the ‘Time-Keeper of the Great Kyther’ due to its age. Though it has been conquered multiple times, it was never truly defeated.

Each twist and turn in the city brings in a new chapter of history, from the old town in the outskirts near Camp Markt where it first came to be, to the new city center with its trams and blimps and towering mechanical structures that makes the city one of the foremost centers of technology.

After our stroll in the city, we finally made our way into a blimp.

The city offers both international air travel as well as a brief leisure trip. We were on the latter.

The blimp itself was quite spacious within, and this one houses only our group, thus we decided to hold our little party here.

The Captains had their own table while Lord Heidenburg and I dined in a private room, though we fully intend on joining them later after our conversation.

“You’ve read about it, huh?” I asked him, referring to the Battle of Hezzen with which our little simulation was based on.

“Who hasn’t? That battle has fascinated every military commander in Lorraine - nay - the entire continent. More importantly, boy…” He took a moment to take a bite of his steak. “I was there.”

“You where?” That’s weird, I never saw him.

“Of course you don’t remember me. Hell, I don’t even remember you!” He gave out a hearty laugh. “But yeah, I was there during that battle. Or rather, in its aftermath.

“I served under Janus’ command during the Wyrm Hunt as a Commander. I was the one that he sent to relieve your forces back then, and let me tell you - not a single soldier under my wing was unfazed by the sight of the retreating Navalese army.”

“You flatter me too much, my Lord.”

“The situations were dire and you won against all odds,” he smiled. “I’d say I’m not flattering you enough.”

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“Speaking of which, you’re fighting this war as a Commander? I’d say, with your record you could easily be a Lt. General.”

“True, but we have enough of those anyways. Besides, I’m not really fighting this war - me and my unit would be staying here in Lorraine along the Navalese border in Hur.”

“Hur? Heh, I’d feel lucky if you’re the one assigned to my village!”

The Commander laughed. “Is that so?” he smiled as he drank his wine. “I suppose these old bones can still defend a village or two.”

“I bet it could.”

The room we ate in was almost entirely made of glass, so I looked out at one of the walls overlooking the city. The lights of the lamps below looked like stars in a sea of wood, stone, and tiles. Parts of the city are quiet by this time, while some are still as bustling as they are during the day.

“Interesting times we live in, yeah?” I asked. “First the Wyrm Hunt, and now this… Speaking of which, have you met this Prince Eoster?”

“Only briefly. He visited the camp the day before you arrived.” He glanced over to the city as well. “I wouldn’t change a thing about my life. Though I pegged you for one that would share similar sentiments as me, it seems that you’ve become fond of the mundane?”

“I prefer the term ‘peaceful’. Quite a nice change of pace, if you ask me. Maybe you should try it after?”

“Perhaps the Fjords of Brutalea would change my mind someday, but we’ll have to fight through the entire continent to get there!” He gave out a hearty laugh.

“A tall order when something like Naval could pose an existential threat to our existence.”

“Indeed.” He stood up as he finished his food and wine. “In any case, we should be joining those outside. We’ll have a long campaign ahead of us and, although you and I have seen our time, they haven’t. They’ll need all the help they can get.”

“All the comfort, you mean,” I smiled. Though camaraderie is nothing but cold comfort on the battlefield, it’s comfort nonetheless. Even those that would likely never see action, like Heidenburg’s unit, would still spend sleepless nights in the cold guarding the border.

It is for this reason that I brought them out here and why it’s important that Paul cooked for the rest back at the camp - it helps build familiarity and a sense of belonging. Those things are one of the few that will help a soldier keep going in times of war, and so it’s important to foster it during times of peace.

I remember when the Wyrm Hunt first began… I was assigned under General Janus’ army back then with the rank of Captain owing to my adventurer background. On the first day, General Janus gathered everyone from my rank above and… he gave us a drink. No words of encouragement, no ranks, we just drank and talked like old friends. Now that I think about it, I think Heidenburg was there too.

Thus I returned to the group with Heidenburg and, looking at them, it seems that they have indeed formed a little of that camaraderie. They’re laughing and talking, having arguments, and all that stuff.

I smiled as I approached them, knowing that they won’t be going to war alone.

Maverick, Anais, Cecil, Louis, and Valent. Those are the Captains of my unit, and I’ll be sure to remember their names.