AWML 16

Chapter : 16

There was only one problem.

Kaisa still couldn’t get along with anyone in the army. He didn’t seem to mind, but it was a serious issue.

“This is troublesome.”

Teamwork was crucial in war, especially when moving around in the confined space of a ship. Reivan pressed his forehead, deep in thought. At that moment, a knock on the door came with a commotion.

“Come in.”

The door opened. Two battered knights entered, along with Kaisa, calm and composed as ever, and finally, the commander overseeing today’s training.

“What happened?”
“……The new recruit from Luikaron completely destroyed these two knights. We have no idea why.”

With Kaisa involved, they might need an interpreter—but finding someone fluent in Luikaron language wouldn’t be easy. And they couldn’t summon Milena, who was still caring for the matron.

Reivan turned to Kaisa. Words were useless; all he could do was watch. Kaisa wrinkled his nose, then spoke.

“Bad. You. Dogs. Hit.”

…What?

Reivan blinked. The two humiliated knights collapsed flat to the floor.

“We were resting, and suddenly he ambushed us!”
“You can’t just let this slide!”

It was almost impressive how thoroughly they had been beaten. Reivan’s gaze fell on Kaisa. A knight this skilled wouldn’t create trouble just to show off. So there must have been a reason. He signaled Kaisa with his eyes—try saying something.

Kaisa sighed, ruffling his hair in frustration before speaking again.

“Milena.”

The two on the floor flinched. Ah, it was connected to Milena. How? Kaisa tapped his finger to his lips and muttered coldly:

“Words. Bad. Hit.”

He exhaled deeply, forming a coherent sentence:

“Warning. I can become bad at any time.”

Why that sentence here? Reivan frowned and tried to piece things together.

“……Did he say something he shouldn’t have about Milena?”
“Uh, well……”
“She’s just a maid! And even if he did, how would he understand? It’s unfair!”

Reivan finally understood and chuckled. Kaisa was quick-witted. Moving instinctively like a beast, it was natural. How did he understand? From the moment he heard Milena’s name, his instincts must have been on high alert. And when something felt off, he acted.

Looking closer, both knights’ faces were thoroughly beaten.

“Just because they don’t understand, you can say whatever you want? I never thought knights of Cyern could be so undignified.”

The knights flinched at Reivan’s words. He stared at Kaisa with a troubled expression. How could he place this unpredictable man? If positioned correctly, Kaisa could be a huge asset, but where? And how should this situation be handled?

Causing internal strife now would be foolish. Reivan issued an order:

“All knights, including these three, will run along the coastline for one hour without stopping. Fully armed, assemble immediately.”
“Your Grace……!”

Everyone was shocked, but Reivan was firm. This was the best way to handle it quietly.

“When the body is exhausted, they won’t have energy to speak. Kaisa won’t even lift his sword.”

Reivan looked at Kaisa. Uncomprehending, Kaisa simply maintained his blank expression. Reivan sighed. Words would be useless anyway. He spoke clearly:

“Run!”

Finally, Kaisa nodded. The contrast between his calm composure and the desperate knights was striking. And when all the punishment ended, Kaisa was the only one still standing. He couldn’t hide the look of disdain on his face as he looked at the scattered knights.

Reivan realized then:

It would be impossible to make Kaisa fit in.

Kaisa was honest and couldn’t hide his emotions. That disdainful glare only fueled the knights’ fire. Truly, Reivan had gained a difficult subordinate. He exhaled a long, weary sigh.

While I was still struggling to adapt to the matron’s household, Kaisa was slowly integrating into the army. He hadn’t boarded a ship yet, but after a week of training, he would be ready. Today was that day.

Kaisa had gone out to sea early in the morning and hadn’t returned yet.

I kept glancing at the sea, my anxiety growing.

We had lost everything in that sea and drifted to this strange land. Now, thinking of Kaisa venturing out there again, I felt a little fear—what if the sea carried him somewhere else?

“You seem a little worried today.”

Mrs. Sophia, helping me care for the matron, said this. I quickly composed myself and bowed.

“I’m sorry, ma’am. Today is my friend’s first time at sea. I guess I’m just worried about him returning safely.”
“Understandable. You said the ship was wrecked before and brought you here?”
“Yes.”
“Tsk. Then you should head to the harbor a little early. You’ll be able to greet him sooner.”
“Is that okay?”
“Yes. Think of it as a reward for all your hard work.”
“Thank you!”

Thanks to Mrs. Sophia’s consideration, I left work earlier than usual. Even though Kaisa would return later than usual, I wanted to get to the harbor and wait for him. I wanted to confirm his safety even for a moment.

Even though I was the one who had pushed him to sea in the first place.

With a pounding heart, I ran to the harbor.

It was just past noon.

“Did I come too early?”

The ship hadn’t even docked yet, so I wandered around the square and bought a sandwich and coffee. Sitting on an outdoor bench, I finally allowed myself a bit of relaxation, eating and drinking while the sun shone beautifully.

The warm sunlight made me feel a little at ease.

Kaisa would return safely today. He might face some teasing, but on the sea, that didn’t matter.

Once everyone realized Kaisa’s skill, they’d treat him well. Had he eaten lunch? He usually ate a lot—likely from years of training as a knight. Still, despite eating so much, he wasn’t bulky—just fit, perfectly proportioned.

If Kaisa returned before evening, we could even go grocery shopping together—a rare chance. He loved meat, so we could buy some to grill at home, maybe with some vegetables. Other dishes could be supplemented with sandwiches and fruit if time was short.

My cooking skills hadn’t improved much, since Kaisa never commented. He had resigned himself to the fact. Apparently, it was better if I stayed out of the kitchen.

Thinking of all this, I finished lunch and read the newspaper from the square. There was no news about Luikaron.

As the sun began to set, I made my way to the harbor.