368 – EP.13 Three Days
***
As if the oppressive time in the barracks had become a dream, silence filled the surroundings of Kang In-ho and Anna as they returned to the campsite.
As they stepped on the thick grass, the sound of the horse’s hooves became colder than their usual cheerful sound.
The captain was a man of few words. Anna knew that very well.
She spent more time with the captain than the other members of the unit. It could be said to be a privilege of being a captain.
This kind of silence was familiar. It was neither awkward nor uncomfortable.
A quiet of trust where you can read each other’s feelings without having to say anything.
Anna enjoyed this silence.
The captain was quietly doing his job, and he could admire him doing so.
But today was different.
The image of the captain and the emperor eating cookies flashed before my eyes.
The Emperor’s disgusted face came to mind as he recalled his memories with the captain he did not know.
“I, Captain.”
Anna called out to the captain who was slightly ahead.
“??”
As always, the captain just turned his head and made eye contact.
“Cookies. Were they really delicious?”
“I don’t know what it tastes like, but I ate it because it was available.”
It was a leader-like answer.
“I see. Certainly, I have never seen the captain eat anything so delicious.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The captain doesn’t express himself very well, right?”
“I see.”
“So, sometimes I get a little anxious when I hear about a captain I don’t know.”
I say things I normally wouldn’t say.
Is it because I met the emperor? Or is it because I am on a battlefield where I am sure I will lose?
“hmm….”
“You don’t have to say anything. I know you won’t accept my heart.”
Anna had confessed her feelings several times. Her confessions, made while trying to calm her heart that was about to burst, ended in rejection.
In fact, it was not a good time to confess.
The first confession was when the cavalry was isolated. Anna confessed to the captain, not knowing when the relief force would arrive. And then it was tea.
The second confession was when the cavalry acted as bait. Before the battle, Anna confessed to the captain. And then it was tea.
The third confession was when I was ambushed by a cavalry cavalry and lost a third of my men. After the funeral, I confessed to the captain. And then I was kicked.
[Confession is all about timing, you idiot! You have to do it at a good time. When you’re feeling really good.]
Her friend, Agnes, who heard about her three confessions, rebuked her.
Anna took Agnes’ advice.
But, this question arose.
‘Will good times ever come?’
***
Anna recalled her first meeting with the captain.
The war with the Emperor. Apparently, after that war, Anna met the Captain.
The leader at that time was alone.
[The mercenary corps opened the path for the princess.] Behind the brilliant achievements, the mercenary corps’ sacrifice was hidden.
In that war, the captain lost his mercenary force.
After organizing the mercenary force again, didn’t he pledge allegiance to the Kingdom of Gernoa at the right time because he didn’t want to repeat the tragedy?
Of course, the Kingdom of Gernoa did expel them, but it was a consequential interpretation.
‘Good times….’
Anna thought back to Agnes’ words again.
The Emperor of the Empire was eyeing the captain, and the cowardly Kingdom of Gernoa handed over its entire cavalry to the Empire.
We have reached the fundamental question of whether the day will come when the captain’s mind will be at ease.
“Anna.”
It was the captain’s voice that pulled Anna out of her deep thoughts.
“yes?”
“What kind of person do you think I am?”
It was a strange question.
“You are the one who always stands in front.”
But it wasn’t difficult to answer.
“I see. Again?”
“He is a man of few words and lacks delicacy… but he is a very warm person. And…”
“and?”
“You are the person I always keep in mind.”
A pink mist seemed to pass over them.
“Ah- This is just so-so. This is definitely not the fourth confession. Please don’t answer.”
Anna waved her hand at the gaze that was staring at her.
“…Okay, I understand.”
“Captain? Are you laughing right now?”
“I didn’t laugh.”
“You laughed, didn’t you? What did that laugh mean? Please tell me.”
Ignoring Anna’s words, the captain rode forward on his horse, and Anna followed him, calling out to him.
We arrived at the campsite in no time.
***
The atmosphere at the campsite was strange.
The atmosphere was chaotic, but the commotion died down when the captain and Anna arrived.
“What happened?”
Anna said, looking around.
“The letter from that side came before the person going to meet the Emperor.”
John shrugged and held up the letter.
“Who received this letter?”
“I found Judas impaled on a tree. I thought maybe the two of them had been captured.”
“What does the letter say?”
When the captain asked, John handed him the letter.
“I tried to check, but Agnes insisted on waiting until the captain arrived.”
“I thought the emperor wouldn’t arrest you two since you said so.”
Agnes confirmed her logic once again.
“How can I trust the Emperor? She’s a b*tch who even cuts off the heads of my own subordinates.”
As the large man, Gilbert, spoke, the other agents nodded.
The captain handed the letter to Anna, leaving the men gathered in front of him.
“Anna.”
“yes.”
Anna began to read the letter carefully.
***
I forgot to tell you this.
Three days. I will give you three days from today.
In three days, if you don’t surrender, I will have no choice but to move the army.
I hope you don’t have the foolish idea of trying to break through the siege like last time.
Ah, if you think of me, you may surrender before then.
Just as you miss my embrace, I miss you too…
-Your emperor.
***
“You crazy, crazy b*tch.”
John was amazed by Anna’s amazing bathing skills.