What Do You Wish For With Murky Eyes: Record of Highserk War - Chapter 40

Anti Ferrius Army Commander Gerald Berger was welcoming a guest in an underground room of the Sarajevo Fortress.

“Hey, nice to have you here.”

“…”

The room was dimly lit, and the light source from the magic stone brought out the figure facing Gerald. One of the Three Heroes, Ayane Sugimoto, a girl from another world who drifted into the Kingdom of Craist, forming an antagonistic relationship with the Highserk Empire.

The girl, with her hands tied behind her back, glared at Gerald. Gerald could see through the bluff. Having been involved in life and death situations for many years, Gerald loved people. Humans remain enigmatic until the moment they die. That was both frustrating and endearing. Therefore, Gerald found the girl, trying to suppress her fear, amusing. Craist Kingdom did cruel things too. If she were a helpless girl, Gerald might have patted her shoulder, given her some bread, and sent her back. However, the girl’s abilities were rare and too dangerous.

“I like people. And, in my homeland, we treat prisoners with care. Unlike you, the Four Nations Alliance, I don’t intend to handle prisoners like trash. The death of a person should have meaning, don’t you think? However, a prisoner who does nothing is a burden, an inconvenient baggage. Don’t you agree?”

The girl remained silent in response to Gerald’s question.

“I am talking to you, Ayane. It seems one-sided if I just talk to myself. Let’s continue the conversation.”

Without waiting for the girl’s response, Gerald resumed the conversation. Honestly, either way was fine with him.

“I’m thinking of having you work on treating the wounded in our army. Can I hear your answer? Of course, even though you’re a captive, I intend to reward you for your labor.”

“I decline, thank you.”

The girl declared with a trembling voice. She was optimistic that help would come. She might not have imagined what would happen if she refused. Alternatively, Gerald’s affection for people might make him appear as a kind, benevolent old man.

“Too bad. I just want you to work in proportion to your life. If that’s the case, it’s troublesome. There’s a limit even to support, you know. We have to reduce the number of prisoners, just like the Four Nations Alliance.”

Taking his gaze away from the girl, Gerald called out beyond the room.

“Bring him here.”

Dragged along was a Craist soldier, bearing wounds that looked painful. Even captured in enemy territory, he didn’t lose his spirit of resistance, an exemplary soldier that Gerald admired.

“A Craist soldier. He was in the infirmary. Do you know him?”

The girl remained silent, but a distortion appeared on her face, which had been portraying an emotionless expression. Another moment of silence. Gerald repeated, but he didn’t really care whether there was a response or not.

“So, here’s the thing. He’s a candidate for reduction, but outright ‘complete disposal’ would be a waste. I thought of starting with a finger, what do you think?”

“You crazy old bastard!! Don’t think I’ll hesitate—”

Instantly, the Craist soldier showered Gerald with curses. Brave and fearless, even in enemy territory. Gerald found him to be a desirable soldier.

“Excellent, your enthusiasm is admirable.”

Although the longsword at his waist had long missed opportunities for battlefield action, Gerald still managed to cut off one of his targets.

“Ahh, damn it, damn it!!”

Gerald picked up the severed finger and quietly placed it on the desk.

“First one down. Can’t afford to waste human resources. It would be a shame.”

Gerald smiled at the girl. The soldiers on either side made the Craist soldier bite a muzzle, and his hands were fixed to the desk.

“Now, one more.”

The man straightened his back, and his legs fluttered.

“Fuu-, uuugh, uuuuguuu!?”

“Have you experienced having all your fingers cut off? The experience of having your limbs shaved off? The experience of being seared alive? Nose? Ears? Teeth? Eyes? Many people often misunderstand, but death can sometimes be a relief. Do you understand the meaning?”

It was like a teacher admonishing student. For the first time, a hint of fear appeared in the Craist soldier’s eyes. Gerald’s intelligent eyes became dark and murky.

“You see, I love my homeland and the people living there. That’s why I’ve been fighting day after day for forty years. But the more we win, the more neighboring countries interfere. Just like the Four Nations Alliance.”

Three consecutive dull sounds and muffled voices echoed in the room. The soldier who had been holding the severed fingers collected them, applying hemostasis to each.

“15 more to go, let’s change the theme. Next, we’ll work on the right hand. Pay attention to the bones.”

Gerald picked up a hammer placed on the shelf, making footsteps as he walked around the room, approaching the girl.

“It’s troublesome. So, I’ll assure you. If it’s necessary, truly necessary, I’ll do anything, go anywhere. Fortunately, there are plenty of prisoners.”

Behind, the Craist soldier’s fingers were being secured to the table. Gerald watched as the soldier twisted and began to resist with groans.

“It seems to suit your taste. Now, everything is ready.”

That’s right. Gerald remembered and clapped his hands.

“Oh, that’s right. You have a close female companion. I thought she could be an assistant, but if she won’t work, there’s no need. Men and women must be equal. All lives are equal. So, I’ll ask again, what’s your answer?”

Faced with the ultimatum, the girl, with labored breath, squeezed out her words.

“…I will cooperate.”

“I thought you’d say that. Good thing I didn’t crush you. Let’s start with reconnecting that man’s fingers.”

With a speed and skill beyond Gerald’s expectations, the girl reconnected the soldier’s fingers. After finishing the treatment, the girl looked up at Gerald with a resentful expression.

“You did the job. I’m a person who keeps promises. I’ll arrange your workplace and assistant. Also, yes, you’ll need guards. I’ll take care of everything.”

“Everything, is everything as you wish it?”

Gerald smiled at the frustrated girl.

“Such a person doesn’t exist. I’m just a person who straightforwardly carries out what is necessary. That’s all I can do.”