I saw Alaric leaning against the wall. He looked depressed, reflecting our actions. I, too, felt guilty for what we had done. However, as I mentioned earlier, this is war, and sometimes difficult decisions must be made. I approached him and asked, "Are you okay, Alaric? I know you're sad about what we did, but if we had disobeyed the orders, we could have ended up in the firing squad."
I understand, Frederick. We tend to follow orders and rules, but why must we go so far to win this war?
Alaric, in this war, people are killing each other for their glory or whatever reasons, but sometimes the innocent are always caught. Some civilians in this city have weapons, and you know that weapons are intended to hurt or kill. That's why it's either kill or be killed. I know that many innocent civilians have been caught in the bombardment, but the rules of war are not really working, as many countries continue to commit war crimes with excuses. Now, the general excuse is that all the civilians of this city are armed. We don't have the power to stop that. The feeling of having no power over people and events is generally unbearable to us.
That is why I desire power, despite being a demihuman. Gernmania granted me honorary citizenship due to my high noble status. I apologize for not telling you this since we met, but I am the cousin of the King of the Commonwealth of Arondia, the Demihuman country. After the war ended, our country was annexed and divided by Romanum and Gernmania. All of the royal nobles were offered honorary citizenship, but the poor and middle class were made into slaves.
Figures I already know. Besides, it's difficult for a demihuman to obtain honorary citizenship. Apologies for using this term, but a demihuman who is enslaved cannot be granted honorary citizenship even if they contribute so much for the country. You're aware of that, aren't you?
Yes, I understand. That's why I joined the military, to acquire power. My intention is to become a general, allowing me to enter the politics of Gernmania.
Well, Alaric, a lot of people in politics are dirty, you know? They will do anything to prevent a demihuman from entering politics. But I will support you if you need it.
Thanks, Frederick. My only dream is to free my countrymen from slavery and treat them as human beings, not just my countrymen, but also other races like elves, demons, and colored humans. Even the colored humans face discrimination, so I want equal rights for all races. And if possible, I wish for a world without war.
That may be possible, but it will take many long decades to make that happen. And when that happens, you may not be in this world anymore. Maybe slavery will be removed, but there will always be violence and discrimination . As humans, we have emotions, and there's a particular emotion called anger, hatred, envy, greed, jealousy, this things that can make a human violent. If we can remove that, maybe there will be no violence, war, and discrimination. (Just like in my old world, slavery has been removed and there are human rights, but there is still war, violence, and discrimination towards other races. There's no such thing as utopia; it's still the same after World War II.) Therefore, Alaric, there is no world that is perfect."
But I will try my best to achieve my dream federick
By the way, Alaric, what will you do after the peace treaty is signed? I heard from the generals that we'll be given a vacation for our service in this war.
Well, I will return to my hometown. I want to see my mother as I heard that she has been sick. It has been a long time since I last saw her face. Ever since I was admitted to the military academy and immediately deployed to war, I haven't had the chance to visit her. How about you, Frederick?
Well, the same goes for me. I will return to my hometown and see what has happened there.
After the battle ended, although we are still at war because Friedstein has not signed the peace treaty yet, we are occupying the city of Friedstein to ensure that no rebellion occurs. During the process of making the peace treaty, the devastating bombardment by our forces left no trace of the beautiful buildings of Friedstein; they are all decimated, and there are still dead bodies lying in the streets. Additionally, we are treating the wounded civilians as promised by General Schmidt to the princess of Friedstein.
Morning, On the first day of the occupation of the city, I surveyed the aftermath of the war. All I saw were buildings in ruins and the remains of dead bodies. This is why I don't like war. It costs resources and manpower. War only brings suffering and loss of lives. This kind of thing always makes me wonder why it should exists.
While I was walking through the streets of what was once a great city, I heard the voice of a crying child. Curiosity got the better of me, so I followed the sound. There, I saw a girl crying. Judging by her physical appearance, I presumed she was around 8 or 6 years old. I had not tried to use my demon's eyes recently as I had discovered that every time I used them, there was a side effect—a painful headache that felt like my head was being bashed by a hammer. So I refrained from using them, I approached slowly, trying not to startle her, and asked, "What is the matter? Why are you crying?" She stopped crying and stared at me as if she was trying to decipher my intentions, questioning whether she could trust me or not
I can't find my mother. She said that she would sell her vegetables in the market yesterday morning, but she did not return after that. I tried searching for her all day, but I couldn't find her. Do you know where my mother is mister?
I fear that her mother was caught in the battle yesterday and died. Many children are turned into orphans in war. This child is not safe, as someone may try to take advantage of her. I should bring her to the orphanage or ask her if she has any relatives who can help her. However, I predict that she will reject it and continue searching for her mother alone. I must think of the best approach to keep this child safe.
"I'm sorry, I don't know where your mother is, but it's dangerous to be alone, you know. Do you have any relatives who can help you in searching for your mother or your father?"
I don't have any relatives, and my father has been gone since he left for work.
I presume that when she says "work," she is referring to her father being a soldier who died in the war. However, to confirm, I should ask her directly.
What is your father's work?
Mother said father's work is protecting us from monsters.
The monsters she is talking about are us. While we were talking, suddenly I heard her stomach growling. She must be hungry and hasn't eaten since yesterday. "Are you hungry?" I asked. She nodded in embarrassment. "Do you want to eat?" I asked again. Once more, she nodded.
Well then, let's go. I'm hungry too. I tried finding an inn where we can eat, but all of them were closed due to the battle yesterday. However, I kept searching until I found a cafe that was open. Well, this will suffice. We entered the cafe, which had no customers and was very silent. I saw an old man wiping drinking glasses, and he immediately greeted us as soon as we entered. We sat at an empty table. It seems he doesn't mind my military uniform. He gave us a menu. I would like a coffee and a cake.
Okay cake and coffee you little girl?
It seems she can't decide what she wants to eat, so I said to her, "It's okay, don't be nervous. Order what you want, and I'll pay." She pointed to the menu and chose a roasted chicken and an orange juice. Is that what you want? She nodded. She wants a roasted chicken and an orange juice. That's all she wants.
Okay please wait for a moment And I will return with your order,
okay thanks.
After 40 minutes had passed, our order finally arrived. I expressed my gratitude with a nod as a way of saying thanks. I drank the coffee, savoring its bitter yet subtly sweet flavor, and paired it with a cake. This kind of thing takes me back to my old world. I noticed the little girl happily gobbling her food; that big roast chicken seemed like nothing to her. It was evident that she hadn't eaten yesterday, as she had been worrying and searching for her lost mother.
Once we finished eating, I approached the old men at the counter and expressed my gratitude for the food. "Thanks for the meal. I'm Frederick Wilhelm, and what is your name?" I asked.
My name Is Roderick sir.
No, no, don't call me sir. Just call me Frederick or Wilhelm. But your name sounds Gernmanian. Are you Gernmanian, perhaps?
"I'm half Germanian, Mr. Frederick. My father is from Gernmania, and my mother is from Freidstein. Excuse me, sir, but it seems rude to ask, is that little girl your daughter?"
No, I'm just accompanying her. She said she lost her mother yesterday, and she's trying to search for her. However, I suspect that her mother died yesterday in the battle.
A lot of children are becoming orphans in this war. Mr. Frederick, what do you plan to do for that little girl?
Well, my plan is to bring her to an orphanage that will keep her safe. Do you know of any orphanages here in the city, Mr. Roderick?
Yes, I know of an orphanage. That orphanage is funded by Princess Anna of Friedstein.
Can you tell me where that orphanage is located? He took out a map and pointed to the orphanage's location. Thank you very much for your assistance, and I appreciate the food. I will make the payment now.
No, you don't have to pay. Consider it as a gift to the little girl. Besides, this is the final time I will open my cafe because I need to close it and retire. No one can manage it anymore as my only son Filip died yesterday in the war.
"I'm deeply sorry for that. It may partially be my fault that your son passed away yesterday."
No, you don't have to be sorry. As a former soldier, I also know the horrors of war and that people die. You are just another soldier serving your country. I just have to accept it.
Thank you, Mr. Roderick, for your kindness. Now, I must return to the little girl. I went back to the table but noticed that she had fallen asleep while waiting for me. Perhaps she is tired from searching for her mother. I carried her and bid farewell to Mr. Roderick. My destination now is the orphanage.