Chapter 19
As she listened to Chloe’s story, Mia’s opinion of the baron changed constantly.
It wasn’t exactly surprising, but Baron Galua was a terrible parent.
Chloe was exhausted from his ongoing abuse, both physical and verbal. It wasn’t that she didn’t want to leave this hellish place, but Rufus Galua was the kind of person who knew how to manipulate and threaten even his own blood to keep them trapped.
“L-lately, he’s even said that if I even think about leaving again, he’ll k-kill me…”
And yet, was the baron really so eager to marry off his daughter to some prestigious young noble without knowing her situation?
Mia began to suspect that this, too, might be a smokescreen to hide the distribution of Shaten.
‘She’s pitiable, being used without knowing the whole situation.’
Still, Mia didn’t feel much sympathy for Chloe’s story. Her own life had been full of struggles and complications, leaving her little room to sympathize with the struggles of others.
Mia wondered if perhaps the Chloe of her past life had also hated her father. It made her think that Chloe’s decision to abandon her name and join the temple might have been connected to that.
If Chloe had truly intended to erase her past, then it made sense that Mia hadn’t been able to uncover anything about her. If it had been someone else, maybe not, but someone like Ciccy wouldn’t have left such a crucial matter unattended.
“I did think of ways to get out. I even devised a rough plan to escape from my father’s w-watch…”
Chloe trailed off, sniffling.
Mia nodded absently as she watched the girl wipe away her tears with her sleeve.
Despite the scattered conversation, there was some valuable information.
First, the mysterious “Ciccy” who had thrown the Etalon forces into terror for years turned out to be the baron’s eldest daughter.
For Mia, who had spent a great deal of time investigating Ciccy’s background after she first appeared on the battlefield, it was a rather anticlimactic revelation.
Secondly, this Chloe was definitely not the same Ciccy that Mia had known in her past life.
They were the same person, of course, but the current Chloe had not yet reached the crucial turning point that shaped her previous self. The atmosphere she exuded made Mia confident in her assessment.
Chloe lacked the resigned sharpness, the seething rage, and the intense resentment and blind aggression that had characterized Ciccy.
A new possibility began to form in Mia’s mind.
Perhaps this life could be entirely different from the last.
While Chloe was too unpredictable to be easily incorporated into her plans, Mia decided to accept her.
As Mia pondered how she might use this information, the girl spoke up again.
“I have a request.”
Ah, just as expected. Mia inwardly rejoiced.
Two pairs of eyes seemed to pierce through the girl.
***
“So, what’s your request?”
Even though she hadn’t received a promise that they would grant her request, the girl’s expression noticeably brightened. With a nervous look, she spoke clearly to Mia.
“I want to leave Glen.”
Then, she added, watching Mia’s reaction.
“I’m good at cooking. I can do laundry, and I can sleep on the floor if needed. I can handle other chores too. I’m not much of a fighter, but I won’t be a burden.”
Mia raised an eyebrow.
“With those skills, you could easily escape on your own without us, couldn’t you? You said you already have a plan.”
Her probing question was deliberately ambiguous. The girl, failing to grasp Mia’s meaning, simply stood there, looking puzzled.
Mia’s suspicion was confirmed. Chloe clearly did not possess “that ability” yet. There wasn’t even a trace of divine power in her aura.
At this point, her lack of divine power made it obvious—whatever ability she gained later was likely connected to the temple.
If the temple could cultivate every potential divine power user into a warrior, they certainly would have. But the fact that Ciccy had been the only one of her kind during the war suggested that the potential for such power was uniquely Chloe’s.
Therefore, if Mia wanted to use her abilities, she would have to send Chloe to the temple.
Unaware of Mia’s thoughts, the girl clung to her even more desperately. She seemed genuinely convinced that the Etalon forces were her only salvation.
“If I fail this time, my father really will kill me. His eyes… I can’t forget those eyes. He’s not the kind of person to make empty threats about this sort of thing…”
“…”
“So, I have to leave. Even if I die, I can’t die here.”
“So you want to leave with us?”
“Yes. Please let me escape with the army. I’m not asking for much. I’m used to living in rough places. Please, I beg you. Teacher. Sir. Your Excellency.”
Her desperate voice scrambled through all the titles she could think of.
When Mia didn’t react to anything, the girl’s words quickened in desperation.
“I won’t be a burden, no matter what. I’ll learn anything I don’t know. I can do it. I’m actually quite capable.”
She certainly seemed desperate. But now that Chloe had already found a place in Mia’s plan, she wasn’t of much use in any other role. Mia’s voice was colder than necessary.
“Even so, I can’t take you with us.”
The girl’s shoulders slumped. A faint despair crossed her face.
“But.”
“…”
“I can help you get out of Glen safely. After that, you’ll have to survive on your own.”
“…! Yes, I’ll do that!”
Was that enough for her? The girl’s expression visibly brightened.
“If you reach the city, you’ll find a temple. I can escort you there, so try seeking refuge in the temple.”
“Thank you, thank you. I won’t forget your kindness!”
She gave them an address before disappearing in the direction of the baron’s mansion. Just like when she had appeared, there was no trace of her presence in her movements.
As Mia watched the receding figure of Ciccy, a gentle voice spoke from behind her.
“Did you feel sympathy for her?”
“Well, yes…”
Mia evaded the question. Etienne continued with a warm smile, not expecting an answer.
“That’s nice. It shows you’re a good person, Mia.”
“…What?”
“I mean it. There were many people who admired you.”
Mia had the odd sense that he wasn’t just referring to this particular incident.
“What are you talking about, out of nowhere?”
Etienne let out a quiet laugh. He seemed genuinely pleased, even by her minimal reaction.
“Maybe I’m just being sentimental. It’s early morning, so let’s just forget about it.”
“Sure…”
The conversation ended awkwardly, leaving Mia feeling uneasy, but she couldn’t easily press further.
“I think we should spar more often.”
“How much more are you planning to put me through?”
“Stop whining.”
Their whispered voices filled the narrow corridors of the mansion.
The house was quiet, with night deepening around them. In a building without the budget for guards, sneaking around unnoticed was surprisingly easy.
Anyone who hears too many stories of misfortune is bound to feel weary. The commander and his strategic officer, who had seen and heard more than enough of such stories, were no exception.
Mia and Etienne, exhausted, made their way out of the room. Although divine power could heal their bodies, it couldn’t alleviate their mental fatigue.
“Good night, Etienne.”
“You too.”
They rubbed their tired eyes, heading back to their respective rooms.
It was finally the end of a long day.
***
The poorly-oiled hinge suddenly creaked. There was no warning, not even a knock. If anyone would barge into the commander’s room like this early in the morning, it had to be Mia. Etienne began sorting through the pile of letters on his desk as a cold voice rang out from above.
“If you’re going to stay cooped up reading paperwork all day, why not go out for a change?”
“Would you come with me?”
“Did you think I’d let my precious lover go out alone?”
Lover.
Even if it was just a ruse, the word had a nice ring to it. Even in this situation, the thought of going out together brought a flutter of excitement.
Then let’s go.
Without hesitation, Etienne sprang to his feet. The sudden movement made the precariously balanced desk wobble.
…
“By the way, Eli. Are you feeling all right?”
“What… are you talking about this?”
Mia gestured to the thick fur draped over her shoulders as she replied. The look of exasperation in her narrowed eyes was easier to read than usual.
“No, I put that on you to keep you warm, so I’d like you to keep wearing it. I meant, are you perhaps struggling with this war…?”
“Why should I wear this in this weather? It’s not just warm; it feels like I’m inside an oven. Besides, it doesn’t even fit me properly.”
Seeing that Mia was about to take off the coat, Etienne put an arm around her shoulders. Her back stiffened as if trying to shake him off, but then she relaxed as if nothing had happened. It seemed that Mia was taking the whole “pretending to be lovers” arrangement seriously, in her own way.
“All right, all right. I’m sorry. I apologize. But I…”
“You know I wasn’t saying that because I wanted an apology.”
—
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