Chapter 277: Chapter 276: Shadows of Recognition
The fort’s gates creaked open as Kairo’s battered group returned, fewer than twenty of them still alive. Guards and soldiers rushed to carry the wounded, while whispers of Kairo’s victory rippled through the courtyard.
Inside the hall, Kairo wasted no time. His clothes and armor were torn, his body trembling with exhaustion, yet his pride burned hotter than the pain. He strode before Lireath and the others and raised his voice.
"Viscount Lireath, you saw my men’s condition!" he shouted, hoarse but fierce. "I led them against four hundred Vikings and won! I fought their leader head-on! If not for that man," his eyes cut toward Lumberling, venom in his glare, "it would’ve been my blade that ended the Berserker Warden."
"Yeah, if not for our help, none of you would’ve made it back," Skitz said, his tone casual.
Kairo’s head snapped toward him. "What did you say? Are you stealing my credit again?"
Skitz tilted his head, unbothered. "Tell me then, how do you think the Einherjar Vikings started disappearing in the middle of the fight?"
Kairo scowled. "That was my..."
"Let’s not bullshit each other, ordinary soldiers won’t be a match for them." Skitz cut in sharply. "Funny how they stopped showing up, eh? Guess the gods just took a nap mid-battle."
The words silenced Kairo, the heat in his chest choking down to frustration.
Skitz smirked. "But hey, if you want the credit for killing the Berserker Warden, take it. My Lord was just playing around with you anyway."
Kairo’s veins throbbed, rage threatening to spill, but he forced his jaw shut.
Lireath didn’t spare him a glance. Her eyes flicked instead to Lumberling, who leaned lazily against the wall, lips curved in a smile. That look told her more than any explanation could.
She sighed softly and turned back. "Alright, Kairo. You and your group will be credited for standing against the Berserker Warden and his army. You may claim your reward from Gordon."
Kairo blinked, stunned. He had expected awe, warm praise, recognition. Instead, her words fell flat, as if they were only said out of courtesy.
His fists tightened at his sides. A few soldiers nearby whispered admiration, but it was hollow compared to the way the entire hall shifted when Lumberling walked in. No matter what he achieved, that man’s shadow loomed over it.
Sorrin and Gordon exchanged a glance. Once, they might have celebrated Kairo’s feat, it was no small thing to stand against a Warden with his current stage. But after fighting beside Lumberling and his men, after witnessing the impossible firsthand, Kairo’s so-called miracle felt ordinary.
Kairo bit his tongue, swallowing the bitterness.
.....
Later, after most had left, only the two of them remained in the hall. Lireath turned toward Lumberling, playful light in her voice.
"Why does he hate you so much? Were you actually sworn enemies?"
"I don’t know what’s on his mind, and I have no reason to care," Lumberling said casually. "More importantly, how are your lessons with your master going?"
"I’m learning a lot. I actually enjoy the Oracle Path..." She paused, a small smile forming as the memory warmed her.
"She told me I was talented, said I had a clear thread to the future. She even made me try a guided glimpse, it was terrifying at first, but when it came, it was... like a click. She laughed and said I had a gift, that with more training I could see paths others miss."
Lumberling listened, a slow smile easing across his face. "I’m glad you’ve found something you enjoy."
"Thanks." They exchanged a quiet smile.
Then Lumberling’s tone shifted. "Do you think your master is on our side?"
Lireath’s brow lifted understanding what he meant. "Is this because of Kairo?"
"She favors him too much," Lumberling said, recalling the way Agathis’ eyes lingered on Kairo. "The way she defends him... it doesn’t feel like loyalty, more like obligation."
"What do you mean? That she’s being forced?" Lireath frowned.
"Not forced. She’s far stronger than him, he couldn’t make her do anything."
"Then why"
Lumberling shook his head slowly. "I don’t know. What matters is where her loyalties truly lie. And you know well enough how that kid looks at me."
"That’s..." Lireath fell silent. After a long beat, she met his gaze with cold eyes. "If she’s an enemy, then she’s my enemy too."
A faint smile tugged at Lumberling’s lips. He stepped closer and wrapped her in a steady embrace. "Thank you. Keep learning everything you can from her, but stay cautious. We don’t know what she’s truly planning. If it comes down to it..." his voice dropped, "I’ll handle them myself."
"Mm," she murmured.
Then Lireath remembered something else, her expression tightened. "Oh, right, Krivex and the scouts brought word. Another movement. A large force is on the way."
Lumberling’s smile faded as he straightened. "Sengolio?"
Lireath nodded grimly. "Yes. And their banners bear the mark of a renowned commander... General Lafuente."
"Lafuente..." Lumberling muttered, his eyes narrowing. "He’s the master of the last Knight we fought before we came here. He must be here for revenge. We can’t stand against someone like him on our own."
Lireath’s voice tightened. "Should I call on the Church for aid?"
"Yes. Send word to Thalia under both our banners. It’s time to call in our alliance."
.....
That night, long after the meeting ended, Kairo sat alone in one of the side chambers, a single lamp burning low. His hands trembled as he stared at them, hands bloodied, calloused, still shaking from the fight against the Berserker Warden.
"I was the one who faced him," he muttered under his breath. "I was the one bleeding, fighting for every breath... and yet." His jaw clenched, teeth grinding. "All they see is him."
He slammed his fist against the wooden table. The cup on it toppled and shattered on the floor, water spilling across his boots.
Images replayed in his head, Lireath’s eyes, soft when they landed on Lumberling. Gordon and Sorrin’s respect tilting naturally toward the older man.