Chapter 17: Kind and Cruel
Sigren found Fiona Green difficult to read. Even now, he had no idea what she was thinking. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Wow… there’s a lot of snow,” Fiona said, giggling as she looked out the carriage window.
Sigren glanced at her, trying to understand her comment. Perhaps she was commenting on the rough road, which made the carriage rattle.
They were on their way to the fourth wall. Sigren’s wound had healed, and he was returning to his post. Fiona had accompanied him, saying she had business in the fourth wall and asking to travel together.
Fiona pointed out the window. “Sigren, look over there! Someone is making a snowman. Shall we make one later?”
“Why would we do that?”
Fiona pouted at his indifference. “Why are you so blunt? It’s snowing outside; you should show a more childlike side.”
“It’s better to be blunt than to wander around aimlessly like you.”
“Oh my… Are you still upset that I didn’t tell you in advance that I was going to the battlefield?”
“Upset? Who’s upset?”
Fiona slumped her shoulders, clearly dejected. Sigren, feeling a twinge of discomfort, said in frustration, “How about we make the snowman later, after you finish the work the Duke assigned you?”
Fiona’s face lit up with a broad smile. “Great! It’s a promise then. Let’s hang out together after I finish the Duke’s orders.”
Cheered up, Fiona started humming as she gazed out the window. Sigren clicked his tongue, puzzled by her lively demeanor. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
‘What’s so enjoyable about playing with someone like me?’
Having grown up in the mercenary corps, Sigren didn’t understand what girls his age did for fun. He wasn’t skilled in speaking kindly; he was rough and blunt. He couldn’t even imagine a kind word for a girl who wanted to befriend him.
Thinking about Fiona, Sigren still couldn’t believe that this girl was a full-fledged mage. He had never seen her fight, so it was hard to picture her as a mage.
Fiona had the appearance of a winter fairy in a fairy tale. Silver hair as white as snow, like a cozy winter, and red eyes like roses that just bloomed in early summer. Except for the slightly reddish cheeks, her skin was so pale it seemed almost ethereal. He didn’t know but maybe because the appearance of her generally looked white except for her eyes, her atmosphere was a little unrealistic. She looked like a white rabbit frolicking in the snow. Was this really the mage defending the dangerous second wall? This little girl? Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
Sigren felt a mix of anger and frustration. He was angry at those who had abandoned her and driven her into such a perilous situation. He was also frustrated with her for always accepting her reality with a helpless smile.
‘If you have time to worry about me, you should take better care of yourself.’
Sigren couldn’t understand why she was so concerned about him. There seemed to be no benefit in looking after an orphaned mercenary boy. Every time he pondered her motives, he felt weary. Perhaps she was aware of his imperial blood and was using him for her own ends. He wanted to trust her, but her unreliability troubled him. If he were betrayed by someone he had come to care about, he feared he would be unable to cope with the heartbreak.
“Sigren.”
He was jolted from his thoughts by the sound of his name.
“What?”
“I have a question about mercenaries.”
“What is it?”
“How are the rules among mercenaries determined? I mean, how do you control them?”
Sigren found Fiona’s question odd but answered softly. “It’s simple: the law of the jungle. The weak are prey to the strong. The lowest tier among mercenaries is the kids. They’re the most vulnerable. Nice words won’t work with them, so don’t bother trying.” Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Then how do you control them?”
“They become servile to those stronger than them and bold toward those weaker. To control them, you must threaten their lives directly. Anything less won’t work.”
“I see.”
Fiona nodded, understanding that power was paramount in their world. It made sense to enforce stronger punishments to ensure compliance.
“But why are you asking this?”
“Huh? Oh, the Duke ordered me to do that.” Fiona smiled innocently. “I don’t know much about mercenaries, so I wanted to ask you.”
Just as Sigren was about to inquire further, the carriage rattled and came to a stop. They had arrived at the fourth wall. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“We’re here!” Fiona exclaimed, as if she had been eagerly awaiting the arrival.
Sigren opened the carriage door and gently restrained Fiona, who was about to jump out. “This carriage is quite high. You could fall.”
He got out first and reached his hand to help her down. “Hold on and come down carefully.”
Fiona’s eyes widened at his unexpected kindness, and then she smiled warmly. She carefully slid her hand into his, and Sigren held it firmly to ensure she didn’t fall.
Fiona Green was an unusual girl who showed kindness to an unfamiliar boy, and Sigren remained wary of her motives. He struggled to understand her friendliness and kindness without knowing her reasons. However, he felt compelled to reciprocate, even in small ways, hoping to repay her kindness gradually. Read the translation only on itsladygrey.com.
“Thank you for holding me, Sigren.”
“…Yes.”
Seeing her smile, Sigren found himself wishing he could be more kind-hearted.
Check out my Patreon to read advanced chapters!
