Ashes and Kingdoms

As the light of the last star faded dyed by the soft dawn, so did the bonfire lights scattered across the earth. Corps soldiers positioned along the defensive line pull each other to the barracks as they labor.

The Tenryu Squad was also supposed to gather just for a moment with their companions, and then ask them what was going on elsewhere in the barracks.

"... brother, are you awake?

In response to Mac's query, which seemed worrying, I slept uncommonly, hmm. Valt made fun of me with a nasty grin.

"Looks like you've been encouraging me all night with your nomination, Dragon Marquis"

"No."

Finn answered Munyamunya, not even moving his eyebrows, biting off the stretch.

"Once I drove him back with the power of Lena, then he was just watching how it went, and he didn't attack me"

"... Then why are you looking so sleepy"

To the snotty Valt, Finn rubbed his face, only saying "I had bad dreams" with a blur.

Even though Lena was protecting me, many times a dark beast appeared in my dreams. It seemed like someone was trying to sneak in through a gap in their mind rather than just a nightmare. I was stared at by a pair of blue-white lights up close, a little bit and grabbed my sword and jumped up - and I thought it was another dream, too, and I never slept.

Lena, have you noticed anything?

"I think the Dark Families cared about Finn. But because it didn't feel bad. Should I have blocked it?

"... oh, next time, please."

I didn't feel bad, did I? Finn looked around in a complicated mood. For Lena, the Dark Families are not 'enemies' either. Except if it does harm to your bonding partner, but they don't go into harm's way enough to interfere with a little sleep.

"Sure, it didn't feel dangerous."

Unconsciously when he snapped, Mac looked surprised and then told him to follow Finn's gaze and point one at another.

"You've grown up a lot more than before. I'm surprised, too."

"Right," Valt scratches his head, too. "Like the anger of those who fought when escaping Winnea, it was awesome. I could tell you were thinking of eating up your throat, screwing off your neck, and splitting it up to your bones. That's exactly what you're looking for."

Valt shuddered, closing with wonder that last night's was a play compared to that. Mac nods too and smiles a little as he looks at the end of the street.

"For this minute, it's surprisingly easy to get to Winnea."

"I hope so. Just in case, let's hit security in this place again tonight. That should give you some idea of how to get out there. If you're satisfied with getting rid of humans from the North, it won't be much different today, but if you think we're going back to the North..."

"Could this time come to crush me thoroughly? You know, brother. I was just wondering if I could keep them away with Lena's power and not have to fight."

With Mac's remarks, the gaze of anticipation gathers in Finn. Finn managed to clear his head, taking a deep breath before answering.

"I thought about that, too. But the power of Lena is limited. Even though it is near infinite compared to the prayers of priests and tiny bonfires, it does not protect all the human beings of the North. If you're just staying at Comrith, that's fine, but if you're going to Winnea or… more north, you need to figure out a good way to make sure people who can't stay by Lena are safe too"

"... yeah. Right."

With the look of knowing but just asking, Mac agreed. And I immediately regain my mind and smile at Finn.

"Anyway, now let's get back and eat something. I'm hungry. Brother, I was wondering if you could put me on Lena too."

Finn also finally smiled at Mac for flying the joke.

"Leave the hungry group here, huh? No, I'm walking. I don't want to be slapped later. Whatever, Mac, I was wondering if you could go back and get us some breakfast."

Mac panicked and shook his head, "I'll walk," and his people laughed. That bright voice swept away the remnants of the night that remained until the end.

By the time the line thus reached the barracks with an empty stomach, the other legions had returned and the breakfast had been prepared. The scent of intolerable seduction comes from those in the dining room.

"Ah, Lord Phineas!

When one of the soldiers admitted his appearance and raised his voice, one soldier after the other came by. Apparently, it's just soldiers on the night shift.

"Thanks to you, it was a lot easier last night. Thanks!

"My lord! Breakfast is ready, come with us."

Words of gratitude and praise were spoken to orally, and Finn was confused and solidified on the spot. As Valt nibbles, he deliberately asks.

"What will you do, Lord Dragon Hou? Will you let us accompany you?"

Finn turned back to me and tanned, then looked around at the legion soldiers surrounding him and coughed up.

"If you'd let me have breakfast, I'd appreciate it. But wait to be happy. I still don't know if I'm lucky or vicious about last night."

"You say?" A soldier asks properly.

"Seeing Deia's sheltered bonfires, it means that once a retreating dark beast may cause hostility and mount a more intense attack. You'll know how to get them out in a few days, but don't let them distract you until then."

…………

Hearing unexpected words, the soldiers look at each other with confusion and anxiety. Valt sighed at the boy. And

"Damn, you're a genius at boring things."

Know it or not, he gave me the same rating as Nellis. Finn smiles bitterly and flaunts his shoulders as he is "often said". Then again, he asked the legion soldiers.

"Well, so... can you still share the breakfast, or should we disperse before they knock us out?

That afternoon Finn was lodging a little bit of Lena's power in the merchant ship's corner light at the harbor. The ship is that which came from Siros. He said he was leaving tomorrow, so Taz asked him to take cover. Taz had decided to continue working on this ship.

Finn took his hand off the last corner light and spilled a small sigh.

"Are you leaving already?"

"Oh. I'm done loading new loads, repairing and stuff. I was there a lot sooner than you got to the city."

Taz hangs the corner light in place, saying in a casual tone. Okay, and he looked at it satisfactorily, and he sneered.

"With the help of Master Dragon Hou, you're likely to make it through a dangerous voyage as well as a bit of adventure. The rest depends on the weather."

"Aren't you going back to your home side?

Taz answered suspiciously to Finn.

"Unfortunately, I like the captain. We've come this far around the corner, so we'll see if we can get to Winnea via Vertier. Of course, if Vertier's situation hasn't changed, I'll turn right back. But if you can't make it through the port, you must be able to make a disappointment in Winnea."

In Winnea, which is north of Comlis and where the main transport route is an inland street, not to mention everything would be soaring. Bring in the supplies and you will be appreciated, but there is also a risk that they will be looted. Taz slapped him on the shoulder to encourage him as Finn put his concerns in his face next to surprise.

"It's a time like this that we should take advantage of the opportunity. He's a fat captain. I'm a little overwhelmed. If you do good business and see me again in Winnea, I'll buy you something."

"Don't forget what you're saying. … I am anxious, but if we can actually get to and from the sea as a matter of fact, we will be very helpful."

"Right?

As soon as Taz looks even great. Nodding. Finn was taken aback for a moment and swept uncomfortably.

"Well, you burned the captain."

"What do you say? It is outrageous that the lower-end sailor should instruct the captain. Originally, the captain loved crossing dangerous bridges. I'd rather not do anything extra. It's best to be safe, peaceful and safe."

Taz blurted, but Finn just laughed bitterly at the circumstances. To an adventurous captain, let's stop it because it's dangerous, etc., it's visibly counterproductive.

Finn coughed and deceived and offered his hand as he wished him well.

"Well, as long as Vertier can pass, you'll be relieved. Rumors that Winnea is dangerous are still unheard here. But be careful."

"I know. Worrying, you are."

Contrary to the teasing tone, the handshake was firm and powerful. As if to take the vow of reunion.