What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 18

“I-I’ve come to a… rather awkward place.”

Walm, who was ordered to appear by Commander Liguria, finds himself at the former Myard mansion, now seized by the Highserk army and transformed into the headquarters of the anti-Myard Frontline Forces.

All traces of the carnage and bodies that were proof of the tragedies witnessed by Walm have been cleared and two platoons are constantly guarding the mansion. Additionally, elite guards under Commander Berger are fortifying the area near the command room, and the company-sized force was keeping a close watch.

These most elite soldiers of the Highserk Imperial Army are uniformed and well-equipped; Walm, in comparison, with his scavenged items is like a stray mutt living day-to-day.

Exposed to the curious gazes of the guards, Walm and his squad are gathered in a room that likely served as a guest room.

“Did squad leader Duwei do something?”

Barito, looking uncomfortable with his cockscomb drooping, whispers to Jose.

“I don’t know. Since it’s not a prison or a POW camp, I don’t think it’s anything bad.”

“I can hear you. Do you think I did something bad…? Well, probably, it’s likely we’ll be rewarded for our military exploits.”

The usual bravado seems to have disappeared, and squad leader Duwei speaks with an awkward tone. Walm also thinks it’s probably about the reward for the recent achievement of the Duwei Squad, which killed Winston Ferrius, the commander of the Ferrius army. However, everyone in the squad is unfamiliar with such a formal setting, and resembles a borrowed cat¹.

They’ve done their best, polishing their equipment and cleaning their clothes. Walm handed over his weapon to one of Commander Berger’s attendants. Technically, it was confiscated, and Walm can’t help but smile wryly thinking the squad looks like a neat group of rogues.

“Please, have a seat.”

Prompted by an attendant, Walm quietly takes a seat on the chairs arranged along the long table.

“Y-yes.”

Simultaneously, tea and sweets are served to Walm and his squad. The taste of the sweets, as delicious as those Walm had in the previous world, causes the squad members to stiffen again after taking a bite.

Tasting civilized sweets for the first time in twenty years since his death, Walm feels like tears are welling up. While savoring the tea and sweets, he suddenly realizes something.

Everyone is trying desperately to behave politely, but their efforts are so awkward that it amuses Walm.

Walm is also unfamiliar with the manners of this world. Therefore, following the general manners of the previous world, he had no choice but to bring the sweets and tea to his mouth.

“You’re pretty relaxed, Walm.”

“It’s annoying how strangely accustomed you seem.”

“Walm-san, you were supposed to be a farmer from a rural area, right?”

“You learned so you could insult us in advance.”

“…You coward.”

“Squad Leader, Walm-san seems to be smirking a bit.”

While Walm maintains relatively composed behavior, the squad members, including the Three Idiots, shower him with insults.

“What are you guys talking about…”

Gone are the men who used to be Walm’s reliable comrades. In their place are executioners who denounce him as the traitor. As he attempts to make his case, Walm notices the small and quiet opening of the room’s entrance. The other squad members also react with a slight delay.

No matter how unfamiliar or unsuitable the setting, they are still soldiers. The reactions of everyone were quick toward the one who appeared

Walm bounces up from his chair and welcomes the person with an upright and motionless posture.

Highserk Empire’s living god of war, Commander Gerald Berger, who led 18,000 men to a complete victory in the war against Myard, smiles and confidently strides into the room.

“I thought it was a lively room, but everyone seems to be good soldiers.”

He had undoubtedly been watching quietly and enjoying Walm’s struggles against the dismayed squad members before. Walm is amazed at how mischievous and ill-intentioned this elderly man is.

Commander Berger, seated quietly on the opposite side of the long table, spoke.

“Please, feel free to sit down. We can’t have a conversation if you’re standing.”

Following the orders of the supreme commander, the squad members immediately complied. An attendant pours freshly brewed tea for Commander Berger. The sweet aroma stimulates Walm’s nostrils.

Having lightly enjoyed the aroma, Commander Berger took a sip of tea and placed the cup down without making a sound.

“I had assumed that the Jáfe Cavalry Battalion would bring back Winston’s head. I was surprised when I heard the report. Charging through 6 kilometers of terrain while engaging in combat, breaking through the anti-cavalry barriers, and reaching the main camp. Moreover, I didn’t expect Winston to be taken down.”

His gaze naturally continues, meeting the eyes of all squad members as he speaks.

“Jáfe was frustrated. I sent my utmost praise to Battalion Commander Liguria, but I heard that among them, there was a squad that showed outstanding performance. I wanted to give a direct reward and that’s why I called you here.”

“We are unworthy of your praise, sir.”

It was a surprise to Walm that Captain Duwei could use honorific language. Even the other squad members couldn’t hide their agitation.

“Squad leader Duwei right? I’ve heard of the furious energy² behind your achievements. As a practitioner of «Heavy Strike», you have been supporting Highserk for many years. Soldiers like you are irreplaceable for the Highserk Empire.”

“Th-thank you very much, sir.”

Captain Duwei couldn’t contain his joy in his response. Unlike Walm, the captain seemed to have a strong sense of patriotism and loyalty to the squad. It was understandable that he would be so enthused having received lavish praise from the war god.

“And you, you’re Walm, right?”

Being singled out, Walm stiffened slightly. The veteran commander’s eyes scrutinized him as if appraising.

“Half a year since joining, trained in battles with the Liberitoa Commercial Federation, inheriting squad leader Duwei’s «Heavy Strike», learning magic from the mage soldier Willart, and even using «Ignis Fatuus»—that’s an impressive talent.”

«Ignis Fatuus» was the new skill Walm gained in the battle against Ferrius. It scattered wind and flames in the surroundings, delivering a lethal attack over a wide range. Walm didn’t know about it at the time of activation, but he learned from Willart that previous heroes and exceptional adventurers had used it.

“Thank you very much, sir.”

“I saw it once when I was young, but I’d like to avoid being roasted by that. Walm, I am sincerely relieved that you are a Highserk soldier.”

Commander Berger lightly smiled, sipped his tea, and moistened his throat.

“Lynette, could you bring it?”

The attendant named Lynette brought something wrapped in an old cloth.

“It was once worn by a mysterious group clad in armor from another world, who had wreaked havoc on the three major nations. The material is unknown, bearing similarities to mithril and adamantite. The previous owner seems to have mastered «Ignis Fatuus». It would be a perfect fit for you, who uses the same «Ignis Fatuus». No need to hold back. Try putting it on.”

It closely resembled the masks seen during Japan’s Warring States period. A design combining an Oni and a skull, yet the color was a vivid red. Walm hesitantly put it on. Surprisingly, it fit incredibly well and felt as light as feathers.

“Marvelous. It fits perfectly; it’s yours now. All your enemies will fear that mask.”

Even though it was the first time he held it, Walm felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia. Strangely, he couldn’t shake the conviction that this mask had come from his original world.

Just as Walm was about to express his gratitude and lifted his head after taking off the mask, to his surprise, the mask began to tremble, making a rattling sound.

“Ehh!?”

Walm, who almost instinctively threw it away, restrained himself with his pride as a soldier and rationality. Unable to comprehend the situation, he alternately looked between the mask and Commander Berger.

“Uh, um, it’s shaking…”

Like a cicada in its semifinal state, or a smartphone on silent mode, the mask vibrated intensely. With a contorted expression, Walm sought an explanation from Commander Berger.

“Hahaha, it seems it has taken a liking to you. I’ve been troubled because it’s quite picky.”

Until a moment ago, Walm thought he was a commander understanding of even the lowest rank soldier, however, he turned out to be an unexpected prankster.

“I-It’s cursed!!”

Noor, who had been standing beside Walm, shouted. Jose on the other side leaned back and distanced himself. The mask continued to vibrate as if protesting.

“Co-Commander Berger!?”

Walm sought salvation, but the old man in front of him continued to laugh heartily.

“Haha, sorry about that. There’s no real harm for now, so relax. It’s a type of equipment that occasionally has a will of its own. It shakes a bit according to emotions like joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. I couldn’t wear it, so it’s good that it found someone suitable. Take good care of it.”

Afterward, he continued the conversation as if nothing had happened and handed out rewards to the squad members. Due to Walm’s precedent, everyone received them with a sense of suspicion.

“Ha~a, I’m tired.”

Released from the guest room, Walm and his team set out on their way home. Unusually, it was the squad leader who let out a sigh of weakness.

The squad members kept their distance from Walm. Even those strong in physical prowess seemed vulnerable to curses. The only one showing interest was Willart, Walm’s magic instructor.

“What are you going to do with that, Walm?”

“Well, it’s a gift from the commander, so I have to take good care of it.”

“What? You’re not going to throw it away?”

Before Noor could finish speaking, the mask exhibited vibrations like never before.

“Noor, you idiot!”

“Don’t say unnecessary things!!”

Angered by the squad leader and Jose, Noor repeatedly apologized– to whom exactly was unclear.

“Sorry, I apologize. It was just a joke. I’m truly sorry.”

Whether the desperate apology reached it or not, the vibrations finally stopped.

Walm realized he needed to change his perspective. In a world with magic and skills that defy the laws of physics, a vibrating mask with a will should be considered nothing extraordinary. After all, there are even people who are reincarnated and reborn in other worlds.

Its strength is endorsed by the Commander. Walm trembled a bit, but told himself he should be happy to have obtained such excellent equipment.

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