"Don't worry, he'll be just fine. These little injuries aren't a big deal. It's simply exhaustion, and a full day of rest will work wonders," A nurse assures while holding a note on her chest.
...
"I'll take my leave for now. Please give me a call when he wakes up."
...
I hear the door softly closing.
"He can be quite the daredevil..."
My last recollection is the intense battle with those peculiar boars, and then a strange stiffness engulfs my entire body.
I couldn't feel a thing at that moment.
...
"Uh..."
The atmosphere is tranquil.
Every inch of the room is enveloped in pristine white. A soft white carpet covers the floor, welcoming those who enter with its gentle touch.
Two beds, each possessing sturdy steel frames, stand side by side, cloaked in immaculate white linens. They provide an inviting sanctuary for those in need of rest and recovery.
Opposite the beds, a rough-hewn brick wall adds a rustic charm to the room. Set within the aged bricks, a modest window grants a glimpse of the outside city capital. Sunlight filters through the window, casting a warm and reassuring glow upon the room's interior.
To the right of the window, a wooden flower vase graces a small end table. Inside the vase, a vibrant red blossom bursts forth, offering a vivid contrast to the prevailing white palette. Its rich color seems to symbolize life and hope, bringing a sense of warmth to the otherwise serene environment.
There's no noise from outside, except for a girl's faint whispers and the gentle rustling of a curtain.
...
"Does he always overwork himself like this? He's obviously worn out, yet..."
...
Ruby...?
No, that's not her.
Please, enough with the murmurs. I desperately need some rest.
I attempt to move my hand, but I can only visualize the movement.
...
"This General is quite the enigma too. I'm attempting to make a good impression, but why does he keep declining my advances like that?"
Seriously? That thought never even crossed my mind!
I've always tried to avoid formalities as much as possible. I'm truly not prepared for—
Oh, wait. I'm a General now.
What a troublesome thing.
...
"Hmph. This General seems a few years younger than me... I wonder how he managed to attain that title..."
I sense a gentle presence in front of me, and I slowly flutter my eyes open.
Before me, there's a large and beautiful face leaning in close.
!!!
I blink in astonishment.
"Nyah!!!"
'Nyah?'
Before I can make sense of this sudden turn of events, a fist hurtles towards me.
Thud!!
...
"A-Ah..."
Heavens.
I think I see a glimmer of light. My shoulders feel as if they're weighed down, like some unseen force is tugging at me.
"G-G-General!! A-Are you all right!? Oh no oh no, what have I done!?"
I gradually open my right eye. My left eye stings, preventing me from fully opening it.
I find myself in a bright room with a window to my left. A pair of gloved hands are gripping my shoulders, and there's a flustered, red-faced girl peering at me with concern.
"Seriously. If you could just stop mumbling for a moment..."
...
"... You heard that, didn't you?"
"No," I mumble, my gaze averted.
"I knew it! F-forgive my rudeness!" Aveline releases my shoulders and rises.
"Seriously. If you continue like this..."
She eventually settles back into the chair.
"I'll call the doctor to let them know y—"
"Sit down."
Aveline promptly complies, resuming her seat like a loyal puppy.
"Listen," I speak to her. "I don't really care about your opinion of me, so you can just do as you wish. And I don't want to remain idle. I need to grow stronger, no matter the cost, even if it means risking exhaustion."
She lowers her gaze for a moment. "So... you're saying you're ready to gamble your life just to become stronger...? What's going on in your mind?"
"Do you know Alpha?"
She nods. "General Alpha, the one who claims to be the second-strongest general in the capital, right below the Lord himself? What about h--"
"I'm going to kill him."
!!!
Aveline gasps, her hand covering her mouth in surprises.
"You heard correctly. I'm going to surpass him in strength and defeat him with my own hands..."
I clench my fist tightly, a mingling of sorrow and false determination etched across my countenance. It reminds me of the events from just a day ago. Aveline heaves a deep sigh and then fixes me with a determined gaze.
"I... I am your weapon, so I will accompany you on this quest."
Uncertainty briefly flickers across her face. I firmly shake my head.
"Let it go. I'm heading out."
"W-Wait! You should rest!!"
I make an attempt to rise from the compact white mattress.
...
"Oh, you shouldn't be doing that."
A voice greets me as I'm about to get up. The nurse, clad in a green uniform, enters the room with a mischievous grin.
"D-Doc... Please, do something about my stubborn General! Give him some sleeping medicine or something!" Aveline firmly pushes me back onto the mattress.
"Seriously, I have to go!! If you don't want to come with me, then stay here by yourself!"
The nurse chuckles. "Maybe I should return later when you've finished your little husband-and-wife quarrel."
"We are NOT!!" Both Aveline and I exclaim simultaneously.
Our faces flush with embarrassment at the nurse's hearty laughter. She clears her throat.
"Ahem. Anyway! General Raiken, right? Don't worry. Another General is in charge of the front gate, so you can take it easy for the rest of the day. You're free to wander around the city, just avoid getting involved in the battle."
I nod at her. I don't wish to argue any further with this troublesome girl.
Observing my response, Aveline relaxes a bit.
"Don't fret, Doc. I'll make sure to smack some sense into him and drag him back here if it happens again!"
"You what!?"
"Hey, I'm YOUR Huskarl, so I must look out for your well-being and protect you from harm!"
"But you just said you want to HARM my head!!"
"S-Shut up!!"
"Ahem."
...
That familiar fake cough interrupts us. We both hastily avert our gazes.
I rise slowly, heading towards the door. "I'm heading out. I believe I can make it through the rest of the day. Thanks for your hospitality."
"W-Wait for me, General Rai!!" Aveline dashes towards me, as if she believes it's the last time she'll ever see me. Her loyalty is admirable, but I wonder how long I can keep up with it.
The nurse watches us with a playful smile.
...
"Gee, General, where are we going?"
We traverse the plaza, making our way northwest through the city. "I want to visit a friend."
"A friend? But that place is—" Aveline falls silent when I shoot her a somber look.
"Just come with me. I don't mind having a noisy person for company, for now."
"W-What!? Who are you talking about!? Hey! Don't just walk away!!"
Fantastic.
I regret telling her to dispense with the formalities.
After a few minutes, we finally reach the northeast part of the city. It's a small plain with a multitude of rocks scattered about.
A graveyard.
I make my way to the leftmost tombstone.
...
[HERE LIES IN REST]
[JOSHUA EAGLE EYE]
[THE MIGHTY HUNTER]
...
"Is this... your friend?"
I nod solemnly. Suddenly, I can hear Joshua's voice in my head.
"You cannot change the past. What's done is done."
I narrow my eyes. "Joshua..."
...
Aveline doesn't say anything. Judging by my expression, she knows I'm grieving. "I'm sorry about your friend."
"Alpha was my best friend back then. He was the wisest and strongest among the three of us. But then, I don't know why... he killed Josh and fled with the cursed Rue."
Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.
"So... yesterday's commotion..."
I glance at Aveline, saying nothing. The silence confirms her suspicion.
She raises her right hand to her chest and bows toward the tombstone.
"May Aries guide you, fallen one..."
We both stand in silence for a few more minutes.
...
Minutes later, I step away from Josh's grave.
"Where are you heading?"
"I'm in search of a replacement for my current armor. It's starting to get uncomfortable." I motion toward my damaged chainmail.
"I'll go with you."
"It's your choice. I don't mind if you explore somewhere else."
"Hey, I'm your Huskarl. I'll stick by your side no matter what!"
I wave my hand dismissively and set off. Aveline trails behind me, her foot stomping in frustration.
...
"Welcome!" a friendly voice greets us.
"Now then!" Aveline spreads her arms wide. "Let's do some shopping, shall we? I hope this will help you relax!"
This is my second visit to this place.
The Weapons, Armor, and Item shops are all housed within an expansive building with three doors.
They've restocked their items. It appears the [Blacksmith] has been enjoying crafting weapons and armor from the scales and remains of creatures.
They even offer weapons procured from these creatures, all gleaming and in impeccable condition.
For example, there's a spear known as [Su Yari]. The very same spear I wield, taken from the [Sahagin], and it's priced at 3680 Cevel in the shop!!
I don't require another weapon. This spear is already resilient enough, crafted from the finest quality scales of those organic beings.
I proceed to the armor section and inspect the showcased pieces.
...
"W-Whoaaa~!!"
Crash! Thump! Thump! Bam!!
"Hmm... what's going on over there?"
I spot Aveline on the ground, nursing her behind while a bunch of armor pieces lie scattered around her.
Giggling, she sticks her tongue out and ruffles her hair. "I was trying to reach for this armor set, and then, oops, my foot slipped."
She raises her hand, proudly presenting the set of armor. "What do you think about this one? I believe it's a perfect fit for you!"
"Let me take a look..."
It's a sleek, dark blue light armor with a plated torso. The set also boasts steel shoulder pads adorned with the leather gauntlets in the dazzling color of steel dangling within them.
"Hmm, it's a fine-looking one... but it seems like something I wouldn't naturally pick."
Aveline pouts playfully. "I went through a lot to get this, you know!"
I chuckle. "I'm just kidding. I'll take it."
I take hold of the armor set and extend my left hand towards her. She grips it firmly and gets back on her feet.
"Are you planning to make a purchase too?" I inquire.
Aveline hesitates. "Well, there's a weapon I've been eyeing, but..."
"But what?"
She interlocks her index fingers, a cute gesture. "But I'm a bit short on Cevel..."
I give her a gentle frown.
"Just go ahead and buy it. I'll pay for it. I don't want you to slow me down using the old weapons."
Aveline's eyes sparkle with delight as she darts to the weapon section and seizes the sword she's been admiring since we arrived.
A Steel Sword, a more robust and powerful upgrade from her current one. The hilt is wrapped in leather for improved grip, and the blade looks noticeably sturdier.
"Ah, but can you at least clean up your little mess here?" I let out a sigh while gathering the scattered armors and returning them to their proper places.
"Finally!" She joyfully clutches the sword as she approaches the cashier.
"... What did I just say..." sighing, I take my time fixing the position where Aveline had messed up, before following her into the cashier.
"The total comes to 3600 Cevel."
I hand over my entire pouch to the shopkeeper.
"Thank you! Please come again anytime!"
...
We make our way to the inn, and I'm filled with anticipation, eager to try on my new armor. I can't stand the tattered mail I've been stuck with for so long.
"Hmm hmm~" I hear Aveline humming, completely absorbed in her new sword.
"You seem really happy," I remark.
"Absolutely! I've been eyeing this for a whole month! With this, I feel like I could even take on a dragon to protect you!"
"A dragon, huh? Like in the f--"
I quickly clamp my lips shut.
...
Well, this isn't a fairy tale anymore. With all these magical creatures roaming the world, I'm starting to believe that dragons might actually exist. I let out a sigh, continuing our walk. "I'll be waiting for your dragon-slaying performance then."
She nods rapidly with enthusiasm.
Before we know it, we reach the inn.
"Welcome, General! If you're looking for some rest, we have spare rooms on the second floor!"
"I might just change my armor. I'll be back later tonight."
"Sure thing! Please sign the guest book, and make yourselves at home!"
After completing the check-in formalities, I head straight to the second floor and make my way to the third room on the right of the stairs. Aveline follows closely, her foot tapping impatiently as I stop my steps and stare at her.
"Where do you think you're going?"
"I'm going in as well!"
"No, just wait there! I need to change my clothes!"
"But, what if something happens—"
"Come on, don't be so paranoid!"
"I... I insist! It's my duty as your Huskarl!"
"You know what? Fine, come on in."
Huskarl this, Huskarl that...
I'm beginning to feel like I have an overly protective spouse!
With a sudden slam, the door closes, and we find ourselves inside.
...
"Turn around, I need to change. I also have a few questions for you."
Aveline complies and settles into a chair near the end table in the corner of the room.
Rustle, rustle.
"So, what exactly is this [Huskarl] role anyway? It feels a bit like having a wife who never leaves my side."
"I-I wouldn't put it quite like that!" I can sense a blush in her voice.
"Ahem!! Essentially, a Huskarl is akin to a personal bodyguard. Every new general is assigned one to ensure their safety. We're trained to be with the general at all times. Generals can also utilize their Huskarl in various ways. Oh, and..."
"And?"
"We, the Huskarl, pledge to be the general's shield. If the general is in peril, we've fulfilled our duty. We're willing to give our lives to protect the general at any cost."
"You what?"
Her words take me by surprise.
"For us, to die alongside our general while serving them is the highest honor we can achieve."
I never expected to hear something like this. I shake my head in disbelief while donning my shoulder pads.
"And you're saying generals can have their Huskarl do anything they desire? What exactly does that mean?"
"We're like weapons and suppliers of our generals. You can ask me to carry your things, lead the way, or organize your belongings. The general's orders are absolute, and we must follow them without question. We're ready to put our lives on the line to carry out any command."
...
"Wait, let me clarify something."
"... Even staying together at night with the general?"
"Yes, certainly! Even staying at-- wait, w-what are you implying!?" She quickly looks away, her face flushed.
I chuckle. "Hey, I'm not even finished changing! Turn around!"
"S-sorry!"
I shake my head. This doesn't seem like a personal bodyguard; it feels more like legal slavery!
Seriously, Orie? No wonder why Duke mentioned about this just the other day.
As I continue changing, I ponder what Ruby is up to out there.
"You know... I-I wouldn't mind if..." Her voice quivers as she hugs herself.
"What?"
"Y-you know..."
Oh, please, spare me! My face is already turning red!
"L-Listen! I'm not going to do anything with you. After hearing what you said about being a personal assistant, it feels more like slavery than simply guarding me."
"You've got it all wrong!" She retorts with frustration after feeling offended. "Serving our general and ensuring their safety is the greatest honor we can achieve! It's our life's purpose!"
...
Can't change her perspective right now.
"Alright, alright. Can I offer you some advice?"
"Anything, hmph." She still seems miffed by my previous words.
"I'm pleased to see you dropping the formal tone. I hope you can unwind and not constantly shadow me or attend to my every whim. If you need rest, take it. If something bothers you, speak your mind. I want you to have your own thoughts rather than blindly obeying my orders."
"Is that... a command?"
"Yes, consider it an order. I want you to see me as a friend, at least for now."
"I think... I can accept that."
"Perfect."
I finish getting into my armor. "What do you think about the outfit?"
image [https://gdurl.com/mm1N]
Aveline looks at me with a radiant smile. "It looks great on you, General Rai." She then approaches me, extending her right hand.
"I hope this stupid Huskarl will be of help to you. I'll do my best to be a good assistant to you in any way you desire."
I give her hand a firm shake. "Just promise me you won't do anything dumber than stupid. I don't want to lose anyone else that I know."
We both nod, sharing a subtle smile. With this newfound bond, I resist the impulse to hug her out of the blue.
...
We spend the remainder of the day wandering the city, engaging in conversation. She mostly vents about trivial matters like the live inside the capital, and I can't help but find it interesting.
At the very least, with her by my side, I don't feel so alone.
I really wish to lend a hand at the front gate, but I know she won't allow it.
Let's consider today a short break. But I'm certain I'll find something to occupy my time tomorrow.
...
The night has fallen, and after a day of exploring the city, we finally return to the inn. My legs feel like they might give out at any moment.
I know I should rest, but spending the entire day cooped up in the inn doesn't sit well with me.
"Good evening, General Rai and his Huskarl! Your room is ready!" The innkeeper warmly welcomes both me and Aveline. "Please head up to the second room on the upper floor."
"Thank you." I give a nod of appreciation to the innkeeper, and Aveline and I start ascending the stairs to our room--
...
Hold on...
thump thump thump!!
I quickly rush back down the stairs.
"W-wait!! What about her?" I gesture toward the staircase where Aveline is standing.
"Your Huskarl? Both of you will be sharing a room."
"T-That's what I mean! Can you book another room for her? I... I'll pay double."
"It's not possible. That's the procedure here in the capital."
Aveline gives me a disappointed look from above.
"Seriously, General Rai, again?"
"Tsk... Fine." I attempt to compose myself and head back up to the second floor.
As I reach Aveline, she playfully taps my head with her fist.
"Ow?" I gently push her hand away.
"What were you expecting?"
"Sh-shut up." My face turns beet red, and I continue making my way to our room.
"Alright, General Rai~" she says with a teasing tone.
...
Now, we find ourselves standing awkwardly in the room.
The room has only one single-sized bed, a round table in the center with a couple of chairs, and an end table with a single chair at one end of the room.
I push the round table aside to make some space and sit on the floor, facing her.
"Alright, the bed is all yours. You can rest now. Tomorrow, we'll tackle some quests at the Guildhouse."
"Really, General Rai? I'm your Husk--"
"--Huskarl. So, you want me to sleep on the bed?" I shake my head, not letting her finish her sentence. "I don't mind at all. And when it's just us, you can call me Rai. I don't feel comfortable being called General all the time."
I quickly stretch out on the floor. "Good night. I'm already wiped out."
Aveline lets out a sigh and lowers her head. She slowly makes her way to the bed.
"No wonder you don't have a girlfriend..." she mutters.
"I have one. Now, shut up and sleep." I murmur back, loud enough for her to hear.
"Y-You...!!" She hides her face in the pillow.
Honestly, I don't dislike her. I'm just worn out from all the recent events, and I'm not even sure if I truly want to rest, go on quests, or do anything at all. It all feels the same to me.
And besides... I already have Ruby.
sigh.
Man, I miss her.
I reach into my pouch and gaze at the round, dark, purplish crystal.
"I wonder if Amy can ever forgive me..."
...
I close my eyes before I know it.
#
End of Chapter 2.