Is That My Alter Ego - Chapter 131



Chapter 131 – The Afterparty

“Is it really… really the Captain…?”

“Yes, it is. If this isn’t the Captain, then who could it possibly be?”

“Unbelievable…”

As Seris smiled and responded to Hans’s question, the kneeling mercenaries began to sob once more, loudly.

Eriel and Kali seemed puzzled, perhaps struggling to grasp the situation, their expressions reflecting confusion. Yet, they remained quietly in place, witnessing the heart-wrenching cries of their comrades.

As for me, an indescribable emotion surged within me.

Was it joy stemming from the reunion with them, or was it a tinge of sadness, feeling so deeply sorry for them?

“…It’s been a long time, everyone. Have you… been well?”

I do not know well. Thus, I merely offered them a smile and exchanged greetings.

*

It took quite a long time for their overwhelming sobs to subside, but we waited quietly until they could shake off the emotions that had piled up within them.

“Is that… so?”

“Yes. That is how it has come to be.”

“My word… such a thing…”

“Ah…”

We spoke of the things we had endured. And of everything that had transpired.

The more we continued the tale, the more their sorrow-stained expressions transformed, as if they were gazing upon something both horrifying and transcendent.

“…It does not matter. As long as the Captain is alive, that is all that counts.”

“Of course! If this is all we have, it is enough.”

“Haha… a miracle. Truly a miracle…”

Yet, they soon continued with a small smile, speaking with a buoyancy that seemed to lift the weight of their hearts. Their expressions appeared so relieved, as if no lingering regrets remained, for they had purged all their emotions.

My encounter with them had been the worst. Those who had always stood before me with bold and hearty faces now wore expressions devoid of life, as if a gaping hole had opened in their hearts, causing me pain.

But now, it is alright. Everything has come to a close, and in the end, it seems that everyone can find happiness.

“…The Captain will not be returning, will he?”

“Huh? Perhaps… that is so.”

“Then… Deputy Celis as well.”

“Yes. I must serve the Captain. As the Deputy, that is my duty.”

“………”

The brief cheer that had returned to the Skar Mercenary Corps’ stronghold was once again enveloped in silence.

The reason is… singular. I, the former Captain, have vanished, and I possess neither the reason nor the ability to return to the Skar Mercenary Corps.

With Celis declaring her intent to follow me, it seems the maintenance of the Skar Mercenary Corps will be difficult.

“Haah… is that so. Then the Skar Mercenary Corps is…”

“To be disbanded… is it.”

“……..”

Disbanded… Can the fruits of our hard-fought efforts, built with such toil and haste, truly vanish so easily?

I quietly looked up at Celis.

Though she appeared restless, her expression bore the weight of a decision; she did not wish to abandon the Skar Mercenary Corps, yet her desire to follow me seemed to outweigh all else, leading her to this conclusion.

“….Celis.”

“Yes? What is it?”

“The Skar Mercenary Company… please, do not disband us.”

“…Captain, you can’t possibly mean me…! No, please… I beg you…!”

I couldn’t fathom what thoughts had crossed her mind, but Seris knelt before me, desperation etched across her face as she clutched my hand tightly.

…Did she truly think I would abandon her? That would never happen…

“Please… please…”

“…Is one of us to be cast aside?”

“Hmm…”

“Heh heh…”

Seris only wept as she held my hand, and an uncomfortable tension hung in the air of our stronghold.

The mercenaries cast uneasy glances my way; it seemed the misunderstanding had grown larger.

“Oh, no. That can’t be right. Don’t get the wrong idea!”

“Ugh… if that’s the case…”

“First, let’s not disband. Let’s continue as we are. We can’t just play and eat forever, can we?”

That was my thought. For the next few months, we would indulge in revelry, sightseeing, and feasting.

But if we were to spend our entire lives in such idleness, we would surely become worthless. Of course, with their wealth and skills, they could cover even that incompetence… but I despised the thought.

And there are limits to leisure. If we only played every day, boredom would inevitably set in.

For that reason alone, it seemed wise not to disband the Skar Mercenary Company.

“And… it was your wish, wasn’t it? To protect this company.”

“……….!”

“Let’s not rush through life, shall we? The time we have left… is truly beyond counting.”

“Captain…..!”

With a deeply moved expression, Seris embraced me, tears streaming down her cheeks.

Moments later, after everything had settled and everyone was engaged in various conversations, it happened.

Grrrrooowl—

The sound of a ship’s horn echoed loudly within the lobby.

Laughter erupted as everyone began to search for the source of the booming horn, and they were looking at me…?

…Wait. Why are they looking at me!

“…..It wasn’t me!”

“Oh? It was this way.”

“Doesn’t matter, heh heh.”

“You’re sensitive, aren’t you?”

I hastily made my excuses. Of course, it had been quite a while since I last ate, and my stomach was indeed growling, but that sound just now— it wasn’t me!

Grrrrrrr—!

And in that moment, a series of thunderous belly rumbles began to echo through the air. The source of the sound… was not me, but the mercenaries!

They too wore puzzled expressions as they began to pat their own bellies.

“…Ah. Now that I think about it… it has been quite some time since we last ate.”

“True enough…”

“And I hadn’t even thought about food until now.”

It seemed they had set out on their quest without properly taking care of their meals.

This… I, as the ‘former leader,’ could not simply ignore! Though I am not Korean, a human lives on the strength of their meals!

“Birong!”

“Y-Yes?!”

“I want to eat… ‘that stew’ after such a long time! Right now, if possible!”

“…O-Of course!!! I will prepare it at once!”

With a hint of newfound confidence, I shouted weakly, but Birong immediately burst into laughter and dashed off to the kitchen.

“Haha… it feels like we’ve returned to those days.”

“How long has it been… I’m just now remembering.”

“…Now, there’s no need for worry!”

Only then did the mercenaries break into hearty laughter, each chiming in.

“Stew? The one I know?”

“Yes. You can truly look forward to Birong’s cooking!”

“Stew is stew, after all.”

“Hah! Let’s see if it’s still the same after one taste!”

“This… is getting exciting!”

Knowing the taste of Birong’s special stew, Seris and I were filled with anticipation, while those who had no idea wore expressions of disbelief.

*

From noble mtl dot com

“…What the hell! How did you make this!!!”

“Hah… it’s the best stew I’ve ever had.”

“Oho… this flavor is…!”

“Did I not tell you!”

Moments later, Birong swiftly completed the stew, placing bowls before each of them, and as they took their first spoonful, their faces filled with astonishment.

Indeed… Birong’s stew was truly the best! I must have a taste myself!

Slurp—

“Kyaa…”

Mimi. It is a taste of pure beauty.

The broth, impeccably seasoned, is rich yet devoid of any greasiness.

The ingredients are cut to be easily devoured in a single bite, and there is not a tough piece of meat to be found.

Truly… it has been so long since I last had stew, yet this flavor has not faded from my memory. No, after such a long absence, it seems even more delicious.

“Delivery!!”

And at that moment, the fried chicken and beers we had ordered earlier arrived.

The mercenaries gazed at their portions, one chicken and one drink per person, with expressions of awe, as if lost in memories.

“Alright, everyone! Focus!!!”

As the table, laden with nostalgia and joy, was set, Seris stood up and shouted loudly.

Thanks to her, all eyes turned to Seris. Yet, no one bore any hint of negativity.

Seris, the mercenaries, and even I and she—everyone looked on with fervent expressions, filled with joy and hope for a brighter future.

With a wooden beer mug in one hand, Seris raised her voice, prompting everyone to instinctively lift their own mugs high.

“…Though we have faced difficult and trying days. Days filled with pain and sorrow….!”

Stars sparkled in our eyes. The days that had been filled only with hardship and suffering had passed, leaving us with a future bright enough to banish any further sadness.

“Let us live on. From now on, without sorrow or tears!!!”

“For our brilliant future!”

“”To our future!!!!!””

With the refreshing yet bittersweet beer, we swallowed all the emotions that had built up over time.

The Sky Mercenary Company. Though our beginnings were humble, we now stand as the mightiest mercenary band in the Empire.

Our hope to illuminate the Empire and become the strongest mercenaries is—

Here and now, it shall be realized for all eternity.

*

The next day. We finish our brief yet intense after-party and prepare to set out once more.

“Really… if you wish, you may leave.”

Before departing, I ask them once more.

—

If you truly wish to leave the mercenary band and pursue your dreams, then do so. They already possessed the ability and the right to do so.

“No, that cannot be.”

“You’re still young… while you can move, you must act!!”

“When I’m old and frail, with only my dentures clattering, then I’ll think about it!!”

“Ha ha ha! That’s a fine thought!”

Yet, none accepted my proposal. Everyone chose to stay together, to protect the Skar Mercenary Band.

“Captain, Vice-Captain. Whenever you can… at least show your faces. We will always be here waiting.”

At last, Hans stepped forward, speaking to us.

Among the mercenaries, he was the most responsible, filled with loyalty. He remained unchanged.

“…Yes. I will definitely… return. Let’s meet again then!”

“Please, take care of yourselves.”

“I will come back. Hans. And everyone! You must take care!”

We left the base, leaving only laughter behind. No further emotions remained.

“Mercenary band, attention!”

Thud-!

At Hans’s booming shout, everyone aligned and took their stances.

We watched them with smiles. The mercenaries held their positions, laughter mingling with their resolve.

“To the Captain, and the Vice-Captain… salute!”

““Safe travels!!!!!!””

The resounding roar of all echoed beyond the base, reverberating throughout the vast city of Leriah.

Remembering their rekindled passion and the hope contained within their roar.

We climbed aboard the carriage once more. For the final destination.