CH 414

With Demiurgus gone, the return trip from the underground facility was smooth. It was as if it was a dream that we had returned smoothly to the surface after all that hard work.

For the first time in a long time, I felt the brightness of the sun on my skin, and although I was not particularly uncomfortable in the underground facility, I still preferred to be in the sun.

“Yuta, can I have a word?”

I was looking out at the scenery on the balcony next to the bridge when Jean called out to me.

“What’s going on?”

This expedition is almost over. That means we’ll be saying goodbye to Emitz and Mirti in a few days.

“Oh, yes, that’s right. We’ll have to have a farewell party.”

“You idiot, we have more important things to do than that.”

“What’s more important than that?”

“You know, those two have seen some crazy shit, like people being revived. If we let them go, they’ll report to the authorities and we’ll have another problem on our hands.”

“You’re worried about that? Don’t worry, they are good guys, and as long as they keep quiet about it, I don’t think it will be a problem.”

“I’m sure they’re good guys, but Emitz is a genuine, serious soldier, and there’s no way he would fail to report to his country.”

I admit that he is a serious military man……but I still couldn’t bring myself to doubt Emitz.

“Don’t worry, I still believe in him.”

Just as I was about to continue, a voice came not from Jean, but from an unexpected person.

“I’m sorry……I came to consult with you two…..if you don’t mind.”

I looked and saw Emitz and Mirti standing at the entrance to the balcony. I think they heard our conversation just now because of the timing.

“Emitz……did you hear our conversation just now?”

“Yes, I did. I’m sorry if it sounds like I’m eavesdropping, but I did hear you.”

“You wouldn’t report what happened at the facility to the government, would you?”

“No, I’m afraid Jean is right. When I return to my country, I will report what I have seen and experienced. I believe it is my duty as a soldier.”

I was surprised by his response. In a case like this, I would have said I would never tell even if it was a lie, but he made it clear that he would report it.

“No, you have to tell me you won’t tell them even if it’s a lie.”

“I can’t lie to Yuta and the others, to whom I owe so much.”

No, if he says he will tell everything, I can’t just let him go back to his country. Why won’t he lie to me……?

“I’m sure you’ll be able to find a way to get a hold of us. Otherwise Yuta’s head will explode.”

“What? No, he’s in too much trouble, but his head won’t explode!”

Emitz smiled a little when he heard the exchange. I was a little relieved to see that. It seems that it is not a serious matter.

“I don’t want to do anything that would betray Yuta and the others. However, we cannot neglect our obligation to report to the government. So, after consulting with Mirti and thinking about it, we have decided to die.”

“What? You’re going to die? Wait a minute! Just because you’re in trouble doesn’t mean you need to die!”

“Oh, no, we’re not actually going to die, but we’re going to pretend we did. Fortunately, our troops were wiped out by Count Suidel’s attack, and since we haven’t reported in yet, the country will assume we were killed in action.”

“I see…but you might not be able to return to your country for the rest of your life. You may never see your friends and family again…….”

“I don’t have many good memories from the Kingdom of Lubel, so……”

Those words seemed to say it all.

“Is everything okay with Mirti too?”

Unlike Emitz, I reaffirm my feelings since I haven’t talked to Mirti much but she replies without hesitation.

“Of course, it hurts a little that I won’t be able to see my friends and family again, but if it weren’t for Yuta and the others, my life would have ended. I have no regrets.”

“I understand. If you say that much, there’s no reason for me to stop you but what are you going to do from now on?”

“Me and Mirti are now unemployed, so I was wondering if you could let us work for the Iron Knights…”

I know very well that they are both very talented and I would be grateful if they would work for the Iron Knights.

I looked at Jean to see what he thought and when our eyes met, he smiled and nodded. I understood everything from that smile. It seems that Jean had intended from the beginning to bring the two of them into the Iron Knights. What the hell, if that’s the case, why didn’t he just say so earlier……?

“Emitz, Mirti, welcome into the Iron Knights.”

Hearing these words, they smiled with relief.