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“I’m sorry to hear about him.” General Aubance said with his usual stern expression.

Present in the room were General Aubance, the city’s mayor Elvaro, and Etic, the head of the Adventurer Association, all seated together.

Seletina, who was sitting across General Aubance, replied, “It’s fine,” and looked down. Lichter wasn’t there to sit by her.

A warrior’s life was a fleeting thing. No one knew when it could go off. It was something that those who died and those who were left behind had to be prepared for.

Seletina was a compassionate person. There had been many cases in her previous life where she had been ruthless.

However, it was clear that Lichter Willgame was one of the handful of people Seletina felt a connection with, even if they’d only known one another for a short time. Seletina had spent a long time in the Aldelight’s estate, and as such her circle of friends was small.

Given this, it was bound that she felt grief over losing Lichter.

“However, I heard that his… Lichter’s body has yet to be found. He might still be alive…”
“Stop it, Etic. Half-hearted concern will do Tieck no good.”
“I-I’m sorry.” Etic said, after the General’s admonition. Seletina, in turn, smiled weakly at Etic.
“Do not worry, Sir Etic. I appreciate your concern.”
“I do apologize.” Etic said, looking a little awkward.

In contrast, Elvaro, the city mayor sitting beside him, sat deep in his chair in a pompous manner.

“I don’t really understand the way adventurers view things. Even if it’s for money, I still don’t understand how you can fight those monsters. Still, I’m glad that you are the one that survived, Tieck. That man… Lichter was it? That redhead was a fool who didn’t know his place. I believe that our discussion will go smoothly this time around.”
“So that’s how you see this…”

Elvaro seemed to be in a good mood as he tipped his cup and sipped his tea.

For him, soldiers without social standing were merely pawns. And if that pawn was able to take down Upper Ranks with it, then it meant it was of good value.

Besides, although they’d met for a short time, Lichter and Elvaro clearly did not get along. As such, Lichter’s early death in the war was the most favorable development for Elvaro.

Seletina’s face bore a soft expression, yet beneath it, her rage simmered like the tumultuous core of a volcano.

(What a smart kid. He’s way better than that selfish Elvaro…) Etic thought, looking at the stoic Seletina.

On the contrary, Elvaro’s reputation had fallen to the ground as he continued to push his personal interests to the forefront and throw tantrums from time to time.

“Now then, we don’t have the time to allow ourselves to be overcome by emotions.” The General said, looking over at everyone, “We’ve been on the defensive all along, and now we even had Winged Upper Ranks show up. Whatever the case, we must make a decision, and soon.”
“What do you suggest?”
“To leave behind Ulbdor, as I suggested in the last meeting. We need to decide on the people, and the number of soldiers we’ll leave behind in Ulbdor as sacrificial pawns.”

The general’s tone was harsh, and there was not the slightest indication that he was joking.

There was just a short time left to decide if they would survive or not.

“General Aubance! I’ve told you countless times already! I will not leave Ulbdor behind! Didn’t you slay the Upper Ranks?! The city should be safe now, no?” Elvaro exclaimed.
“Elvaro, if you dare interrupt me one more time your head will fly off. The emperor personally told me that I may do as I please, and I will do just that.”
“That’s…”
“That’s enough, Elvaro.”

Elvaro glanced at the smirking General Aubance and sat down with his excitement still unquenched.

“Tieck, I presume you’re fine with that as well, no?”

Although the General asked, he did not in fact want Seletina’s opinion. He was putting pressure on her to accept a decision that had already been made. Seletina was fully aware of that.

As such she could only nod honestly.

“Yes. If that’s your will General, and by extension, the will of the empire, then I will not go against that will.”
“Good.”
“However, my intention to save as many people as possible remains unwavering. Therefore, I intend to remain here and dedicate my life to achieving that goal.”

Seletina’s blue eyes, fixed on the eyes of General Aubance, did not waver in the slightest. Her determination and pride filled her to the brim.

“I see. Truth be told, that’s what I want to do as well. However, reality isn’t that sweet. You cannot achieve results with pretty words and beliefs alone.” General Aubance said, as if trying to imply, “Let’s see you come up with something.”

One couldn’t save people with just noble words. The most important things on the battlefield were not kind words or miracles. They were ideas and tactics that could turn the tide of battle.

“I plan to use the Belbed Caravan’s ship. If we unload all of their cargo, we should be able to accommodate nearly 5,000 people.”
“Hmph, I see. So you’re going to use that to save as many people as possible?”
“Yes, sir.”
“That’s not going to happen.”

General Aubance slowly tipped his cup of tea. Seletina said nothing. She simply watched the General’s movements with a sharp gaze.

The general eventually placed his cup on the saucer.

“We’ve already spoken with them. However, the amount they requested for unloading their cargo was tremendous. I was lost for words at the absurd amount.”
“However, that would change if the Empire were to compensate the Belbed Caravan. I doubt it’s a sum it wouldn’t be able to pay.”
“It just goes to show that the emperor doesn’t see much value in the people here.” General Aubance said.
“What did you say?!”

General Aubance gave a small laugh as Seletina’s eyes widened.

“You have a kind heart, Tieck. But you should understand that rulers are sometimes required to make such decisions. The emperor has given up on the dying Ulbdor and wants to end it all with the least amount of losses. He also wants to remain on friendly terms with the Belbed Caravan, which travels across the continent. For that reason, Ulbdor’s people’s deaths are a minor price to pay.” General Aubance said, omitting the harsher words that, in the first place, the emperor could care less whether Ulbdor’s people died or lived.

Ulbdor would inevitably perish. As such, the only thing they could do right now was minimize the damage. The general, too, agreed with that view.

Seletina stood up without saying anything more She sheathed Elyutinias, which she had placed next to her, in its sheath and bid her farewell.

“Where do you think you’re going?” The General asked.
“To see Imitia.”
“You think a mere adventurer like yourself can convince her?”
“I will spare no effort if it means I may be able to save more people. That’s all.”
“Let me ask you this. Why are you so intent on saving these strangers?”
“Because there is no excuse for me not to extend my hand to save the lives that are in front of me.” Seletina said, as if stating the obvious.

She merely stated the words that were inside her heart. However, this kind of sentiment was just too strange for a human. It was only when one cared about themselves that they viewed themselves as human.

Yet, the person known as Seletina was not like that. She didn’t question that she was human. She was aware of her inexperience as a human, yet it had been her experience as a hero that developed this sense of compassion.

General Aubance stood dumbstruck, unable to say anything. He could only watch Seletina’s back leaving the room after bidding her farewells.