Volume 2 Chapter 16 The Masked Official
When Eleonora stepped into the chamber where the aspirants waited, she was met by a heavy silence. As reported, the man wore an iron mask. He rose and bowed politely but said nothing.
"You may speak," she said, her voice calm. "Though I suppose asking permission is unnecessary. Say what you will."
"I am Narrow, the fifth son of the former Viscount of D'Oriesh."
"Former?" Eleonora raised an eyebrow.
"I severed ties with my family to pursue a position here."
"Severing ties isn't exactly a gentle thing."
she murmured, crossing her legs and resting her chin on her hand. Her gaze met his through the mask. A tense moment passed before Narrow looked away and spoke again.
"Your Excellency, I understand your doubts. But I have come to serve you."
"To me?" Eleonora blinked. "Not Queen Elodia?"
"In East Clanf, you defeated the Clanf army despite being outnumbered. The Suno people acknowledged your contribution. I wish to pledge my loyalty... even as someone like me."
Eleonora rose, surprised. She had assumed he was offering his service to Queen Elodia of Loriengita.
"I see. But you still haven't said why you severed ties."
Narrow hesitated. "Because... I am a disgrace to my family."
"The iron mask?" she asked, narrowing her eyes.
He looked down.
"Leprosy?"
"It was cured long ago," Narrow replied. "Through a miracle from the Holy Cross Church. My father called upon them, and the disease was expelled."
"I believe you," Eleonora said. "Even if it's annoying that only the church can cure diseases in this era, that's why their power remains unchecked."
"I've worn this mask since I was a child. Because of my face... I couldn't connect with others. My lands were prosperous, so I was expected to live quietly in seclusion."
He bowed.
"I was permitted to leave my domain on the condition I was disowned. That is why I came here."
"I see." She nodded slowly. "And yet, you still want to serve me?"
"I've spent my time studying military tactics, governance, theology, and heraldry. It was just a hobby. But with the current chaos... and a commander like you... I want to test myself."
"It's not a sin to seek purpose," Eleonora said softly. "But don't place me on a pedestal. I might fall."
Narrow tilted his head. "Are you not known for deflecting flattery, Great Commander?"
"I assume you'd rather use your brain than your tongue," she replied dryly. "So I'll assign you a task: hunt down the brigands disturbing public order. You'll command 300 men—30 veterans, the rest new recruits."
Narrow considered it, then nodded. "Understood. I'd like time for preparation."
"Of course. Most of our new recruits are desperate men—beggars, vagrants, people looking for a meal. Say what you need."
"One thing," he said. "A thousand large copper coins."
Large copper coins, once the common currency among traders, had dropped in value after the war. Still, they remained useful and widely accepted.
"I'll have them prepared," Eleonora said. "Anything else?"
"No. The funds are sufficient."
Her curiosity grew. A man who asked for nothing but money clearly understood his own worth.
Later, standing before the squad's core—veteran elf soldiers—Narrow bowed and introduced himself.
"I am Narrow, newly assigned by Her Excellency."
The veterans introduced themselves in turn.
"I may be new," Narrow continued, "but in these conditions, I plan to recruit from the slums."
"They'll actually listen?" one asked.
"If we feed them, they'll follow," Narrow replied. "Bringing them into the army stabilizes the streets."
The soldiers nodded. Narrow laid out his plan.
"I have one month. That's all I need. We train, then we hunt brigands."
"A month?" a soldier scoffed. "That's too fast."
"They're slum-dwellers. Do you think they'll train seriously?"
"I have the copper. Enough for supplies."
The next day, the veterans spread word through the alleys.
"A new squad is forming! Clothing, shelter, and meals provided by the Ropsein Army! Weekly pay guaranteed!"
The beggars and homeless stirred. The soldiers added:
"Only 270 spots! No second chances!"
"Hey, soldier," one man said, "even scum like us?"
"The squad leader believes slumfolk can restore order in Parisess," a soldier replied.
A thin man raised his hand. "Even someone as weak as me?"
"If your mind and body still work, you're welcome," the soldier said. "Even the starving can serve."
He unrolled a scroll and pointed to the contract.
"Press your blood seal if you agree."
"Can we quit later?" someone asked.
"This scroll holds magic. Breaking the contract brings great pain. Betray us if you dare. But if you honor it, you'll be safe."
Fear spread—but then, a young man, a leader among the beggars, cut his thumb and sealed the scroll.
"I'd rather die fighting than rot in this dump."
The others followed, murmuring.
"No one wants to freeze on the road and get picked apart by crows."
Nearly 300 slum-dwellers left. The ones who stayed behind watched them go like pigs to slaughter, unsure who had the better fate.
The volunteers were taken to the damaged but sturdy barracks of the former Loriengita Empire. Despite the wear, they had beds and shelter.
Their first meal was black bread, salted vegetable soup, and slivers of smoked meat. Compared to their past lives—scraps, rot, or rat meat—it was a feast. Many wept.
After lining them up, Narrow addressed them coldly.
"As you are now, you have no value."
The veterans shouted to quiet the murmurs.
"This is true for all untrained soldiers," Narrow continued. "But with training, you can change. Fail, and you go back to the slums."
The recruits swallowed hard.
"General Eleonora needs loyal officers and soldiers. We have officers. But we must grow soldiers patiently."
He pulled a coin from his pocket.
"The squad with the best training results will receive ten copper coins per member."
The crowd tensed.
"If all squads perform equally well, each member gets five."
Some didn't fully grasp it, but others whispered. Narrow raised his voice.
"Will you fight each other for gold, or become comrades on the battlefield? You decide."
Notes:
• D'Oriesh - A viscountcy, the former family of Narrow. Located in an unspecified region, known for its abundance. Narrow was disowned and allowed to leave on the condition of severing ties.
• Narrow - Male. A former Viscount's son who severed ties with his family to serve Eleonora. Wears an iron mask due to past leprosy, now cured. Skilled in military strategy, governance, theology, and heraldry. Speaks formally and is determined to prove his worth. Has a distant relationship with his family. His combat style is unknown, but he is entrusted with leading a platoon of 300 men.
• Elodia - The second princess of Loriengita. She has shown favor to Georges, who aims to marry her by achieving military merit.
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