In the northern reaches of Alvia, within the Kingdom of Gasol,
A winding procession of roughly six thousand people slowly moved northward along the already narrow, pebble-strewn King’s Road.
They were an expeditionary force, arriving under the banner of honor—at least, that was the outward appearance.
As the commander of this vanguard, a force of thirty thousand strong, Earl Nawell had pledged to Duke Edwin that he would clear all obstacles and pave the way for the main army.
However, it was unclear whether this situation called for celebration or concern.
It was already the third day, and the army had penetrated hundreds of kilometers into the Kingdom of Gasol. Yet, a peculiar silence had settled.
Not only had they failed to encounter any enemy troops, but along the entire route, they hadn’t seen a single village, a commoner, or even a lone beast of burden.
This compelled Nawell to consider the possibility of a cunning Gasolian ploy.
For this reason, Earl Nawell had dispatched scouts much earlier to investigate the nearest Gasolian fortresses and cities. By now, they were due to return.
Looking up at the sun, which emitted a faint warmth from its position high in the sky, he surmised it was nearly noon. Custom dictated it was time to halt and set up camp.
Thus,
“Halt! Halt! Stop!”
****
It was worth noting that, unlike Volantis, this region was currently experiencing a heavy snowfall.
Indeed, it had been snowing continuously for three days and three nights, severely impeding the army’s march and straining their logistical supplies.
Recently, Earl Nawell had even heard ludicrous reports of supply convoys losing their way in the snow, or entire carts of grain freezing solid, forcing them to be abandoned.
“By order of the Earl! Everyone is to set up camp here and now, awaiting the arrival of the main army!”
The messenger, astride a tall, imposing white horse, delivered the command. Having spoken, he rode off toward the rear of the army to continue relaying the orders.
“Ah… finally, a rest, huh? Achoo! It’s truly freezing here! My hands are practically ice pops!”
A soldier, clad in cotton armor, with a longsword at his hip and a spear in hand, appeared genuinely cold. Upon hearing the command, he even tossed his spear to the ground, shivering as he curled up.
“Hah? Rest? Are you suggesting, Brooke, that you want to sleep soundly in this freezing wilderness without even a tent?”
“Ugh…”
The man called Brooke shot the speaker an annoyed glare before sighing resignedly. “Hmph… it’s just pitching tents, isn’t it? Alright, Gergel, I get it!”
His gaze then drifted to the young man who had recently joined their ranks—a boy who seemed honest and easily intimidated. He was currently serving as the flag-bearer.
With a sly grin, Brooke called out mischievously, “Hey there, little brother!”
“…………”
“Hey! I’m talking to you! Ro… Roy, isn’t it?”
“…………”
“Ugh…”
The silence was awkward, and Brooke began to feel a surge of anger. ‘If you don’t want to come, at least say something! What’s with the silence? Are you looking down on me?’
Just as he was about to erupt, Gergel, quick-witted, intercepted him. With a grave expression, Gergel shook his head, signaling Brooke not to act rashly.
“Uh… what are you doing, Gergel?”
“He is… dangerous.”
“…………”
‘Dangerous? This was the first time Brooke had heard Gergel, a man proud of his abilities, resolute, and unyielding, speak of someone in such a manner.’
This only piqued Brooke’s interest in the young man—Roy, if he recalled correctly. His eyes ceaselessly scrutinized Roy from head to toe.
“…………”
As if finally sensing something, or perhaps merely displeased by the irritating scrutiny, Roy slowly turned his head.
On his handsome face, a pair of sky-blue eyes seemed to hold an endless sorrow, lamenting all the vicissitudes and helplessness of the world. Both Brooke and Gergel felt a shiver of apprehension.
His inherent melancholy aura, in particular, imbued Roy with a newfound masculine allure.
“Are… are you calling for me?”
“…………” ×2
‘Are you only just noticing now, you scoundrel?! Damn it! Is this guy toying with me? He’s just a useless flag-bearer!’
Brooke finally lost his temper and bellowed, “Hey! You scoundrel! Ignoring me time and again, just you wait until I teach you a lesson!”
“Uh… my apologies. I was preoccupied with thoughts of someone, so…”
“…………” ×2
‘Indeed, this fellow was surprisingly honest in some aspects. To speak of such a thing so calmly, without a blush or a racing heart, was truly brazen.’
“Uh… well, it’s all a misunderstanding, Brooke. Try not to bother people with everything, alright?”
“Hmm? Bother?”
Before Brooke could respond, Roy blinked curiously. “What do you mean, bother? Oh, speaking of which, everyone seems to be pitching tents. Is it time to rest?”
“…………” ×2
‘This… this guy…’
****
Ultimately, after a prolonged struggle,
Roy, Brooke, Gergel, and numerous other comrades worked together to achieve their designated objectives: constructing six hundred tents, felling at least twelve hundred trees, and erecting eight watchtowers.
Indeed, as the vanguard, it was imperative to locate a suitable open area in advance and complete all preparations for an overnight stay before the main army arrived.
By the time all these tasks were finished, it was already eight in the evening. According to the Earl’s command, dinner would not be served until around ten o’clock, after the rear contingent had fully arrived and settled. Meals would finally commence around midnight.
Even though all six thousand soldiers of the vanguard were famished, their stomachs practically touching their backs—Brooke, for instance—
“Ahhhhhhhh! I’m going to die! I’m going to die!”
“Tch… I’m telling you, Brooke, you’re incredibly annoying. Can’t you be quiet for once?”
Gergel clenched his tightly knit brows, suppressing the urge to charge forward and beat Brooke to a pulp, before speaking in exasperation.
“Hah? Quiet!?” As if he’d heard something utterly unbelievable, Brooke exclaimed, “Good heavens! Seriously! I’ve been doing manual labor all afternoon! Is it too much to ask for some food?”
“But in reality, you were slacking off almost the entire time! Didn’t Roy mostly complete your share of the work?”
“Uh… well… that’s true…”
Upon reflection, Brooke conceded that Roy was indeed a peculiar individual. He was the first in the group to meet his quota, yet he continued to help others complete their tasks afterward.
He was practically the ideal young man of the new century! Oh… speaking of Roy, where was he now?
“Phew—the last tent is pitched…”
From the corner of their vision, from deep within the vast expanse of white snow,
A figure suddenly emerged. It was Roy!
“…………” ×2
“Hmm? Wh-what’s wrong? Is there something on my face?”
“Uh… no, no, no, nothing at all, absolutely nothing!”
Gergel was the first to speak, as if fearing Brooke might blurt out something inappropriate.
“Ah, really? I thought I must be a disheveled mess, covered in dirt and smelling terrible…”
“…………”
‘Well… regarding that, Gergel could only silently admit that Roy’s guess wasn’t far off.’
“Hey, Roy… I wonder if I could ask you a few questions?” Gergel’s expression suddenly turned serious.
“Hmm? Yes, of course, you can. But before that, would you mind if I came in here to warm myself by your fire?”
Rubbing his hands incessantly, Roy now looked almost like a snowman. His exposed skin was frozen bright red, even purplish in places. His condition, to be frank, was far from good.
“Haha… don’t be silly, please come in, quickly!”
“Uh… hey! What about my opinion?!”