NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 118: How Would You Change Fate?
For Kirina, the red-haired knight, Volte Klaus, seemed somewhat pitiable and sorrowful.
Guided by Biante, the renowned warrior of Grimoire, and Regalo, the human mage, Volte quietly observed the fortress. He didn’t engage in light banter, making the conversation somewhat stilted, but he expressed gratitude occasionally, which made him appear more stoic than unfriendly.
Kirina reflected, noting that although Junos rarely indulged in idle chatter either, he and Volte were quite different. She wagged her tail thoughtfully as she considered this.
To Kirina, Junos Grimoire was a mentor, an object of admiration, and a source of mild jealousy. He taught her swordsmanship, was incredibly strong, and had a close and contributive relationship with Euphemia Grimwood.
As for the red-haired knight, they had only just met, and she had heard his story one-sidedly. Hence, her current impression was one of uncertainty. However, she didn't feel any animosity towards him.
"You understand the power of a ballista made of iron and wood, don’t you? They’re formidable. We didn't use catapults against you, but we have them. No archers, though," Regalo explained as they walked along the walkway atop the outer wall.
Regalo, an older man with a perpetual smile, seemed to show a subtle concern for Volte—perhaps out of sympathy or some shared kinship as humans.
"The arrows were incredibly powerful. They blew me away when I deflected them with my sword. They must use exceptionally strong strings. How do you operate them?" Volte inquired.
"We position the javelin-like arrows, pull the side lever, and the gears draw the string, loading the arrow. The orcs handle the lever, and the taurus men act as the shooters," Regalo explained.
"All handmade. Impressive," Volte noted.
"We don’t have shops to buy from," Biante retorted with a hint of sarcasm.
Volte merely nodded, responding, "I see," which made Biante smile involuntarily at his straightforwardness.
"Don't you have anything else to say to someone who was your enemy until yesterday? We’ve killed many of your comrades," Biante pointed out.
"I swore allegiance to Lady Euphemia. Thus, you are no longer my enemies. I don't presume to call you comrades yet," Volte stated firmly.
Biante declared, "You’re a comrade if you serve Lady Euphemia."
After a brief silence, Volte simply responded, "I see." Biante and Regalo exchanged a wry smile.
"Has anyone ever told you that you’re inflexible?" Regalo teased.
"With your looks, you must have struggled with women," Biante added.
"I've heard that before. I don't recall being favored by women," Volte replied.
Perhaps Volte’s focus on a woman named Eirena kept him from noticing others.
As they descended from the walkway and continued through the fortress, they discussed Euphemia Grimwood's forces, their numbers, and characteristics. Regalo mentioned that the tactical deployment of the nine-tailed fox Kairine should not be considered.
"Indeed. Most seem to use the dining area. Introduce me to the taurus woman managing the kitchen," Volte said abruptly, still maintaining his straightforward demeanor.
Kirina, Biante, and Regalo were puzzled by his request.
"Sure, but why? Your job is to command the forces, right? You’re the battlefield commander," Biante questioned.
"I want to meet everyone in the fortress. To greet them, make them aware of my presence, and familiarize myself with them," Volte stated plainly.
"Not just the fighters?" Biante asked.
"Yes. Maintaining the logistical and living foundations is crucial for continuous combat. Knights don't create anything; they protect those who do. It's essential that I be known so they can blame me if things go wrong," Volte explained.
Ah, Kirina realized, that's how he has always lived. Like a cog in a machine, unaware of its creaking, on the verge of breaking. He asserted that knights are supported by those they protect, yet he himself had no one supporting him.
This is why Lady Euphemia took him in. Kirina understood the sentiment—he couldn't be left alone.
"You're a strange human," Biante remarked with a sympathetic smile, one she often directed at Kirina and Katarina, like a caring guardian.
Kirina, however, felt a twinge of concern for Biante as well.
"From today, I am under Lady Euphemia's command. My name is Volte Klaus. Pleased to meet you all."
"Yes, I was the commander of the unit that attacked this fortress not long ago. Lady Euphemia took me in, and now I have sworn loyalty to her."
"My name is Volte Klaus. I will do my best for the Grimoire Domain."
"Pleased to meet you. I'm Volte Klaus. On the battlefield, I will be in command. Please trust in Lady Euphemia’s decision to place me in this role."
Volte Klaus had half-forced himself into taking over the food distribution in the dining hall, using it as an opportunity to introduce himself to everyone who came to receive their meals.
Of course, not everyone was welcoming. In fact, less than half seemed to regard him favorably. The taurus beastwomen generally appreciated his politeness, but the male taurus viewed him with suspicion. The boar beastmen, led by Zonda Pauga, barely hid their disdain.
This was to be expected. After all, Volte Klaus had led a reckless charge against the fortress, resulting in the total annihilation of his unit without inflicting any damage on Grimoire. In their eyes, he was nothing more than an incompetent fool.
Yet, no one openly voiced their complaints. Volte’s recruitment was under Euphemia Grimwood's authority, a fact everyone recognized. Volte himself was keenly aware of this. Every time he introduced himself, he invoked Euphemia’s name, never calling himself a member of Grimoire but rather her subordinate, sworn to her service.
Thus, no one could openly challenge him. If someone had, Kirina would have likely struck them down. Even if she didn’t, questioning Euphemia's judgment would warrant severe repercussions.
Who did they have to thank for their current peace and camaraderie? If Euphemia accepted Volte Klaus, they had no choice but to give him a chance, even if only tentatively.
Euphemia, is indeed, oblivious to her undying influence over these various races.
Given these circumstances, Volte’s greetings to the fortress's residents went without incident, despite being their enemy just yesterday.
The lunch service concluded, and Melarva, one of the taurus women, personally handed Volte his meal tray. Kirina, having already received her meal, decided to eat with Volte. Biante and Regalo had finished their meals earlier and returned to their duties, leaving Kirina with an inexplicable curiosity about the unassuming red-haired knight.
Most of the others had already finished eating. Kirina led Volte to a nearby long table. Their meal consisted of meat and vegetable soup, hard bread for dipping, pickled vegetables, and a mysterious leafy green salad. Euphemia had once commented that meals should include at least three dishes, setting the standard for their meals.
"Thank you, Kirina. I appreciate your help," Volte said, bowing his head before starting his meal.
"Um, well, I thought it would end up like this," Kirina replied awkwardly. On reflection, she realized that Euphemia hadn’t explicitly asked her to look after Volte. She had just followed her instincts.
"Is that so," Volte nodded, continuing to eat with gusto. Even back in the dormitory, his hearty appetite was apparent.
"Um... may I ask you something?" Kirina said hesitantly, dipping her bread into the soup. Volte nodded, signaling her to proceed without interrupting his meal.
"If it’s too personal, you don’t have to answer... but it's about you, Eirena, and Lord Slack Tiant."
"It's fine. I don't know if I can answer, but go ahead."
"The three of you were childhood friends. Lord Slack Tiant loved Eirena, but due to his position, he couldn't express his love. You loved Eirena too but refrained out of respect for Slack. Is that right?"
"...Yes."
"But when Eirena fell ill and was given a terminal prognosis, you proposed to her. You married, and as a result, your friendship with Slack Tiant deteriorated. You were no longer friends."
This was the story Volte had told her. The red-haired knight continued eating without denying it.
Kirina hesitated for a moment before voicing her thoughts. "Eirena’s death was inevitable. Wouldn't it have been better to remain friends with Slack Tiant? If you knew that, why did you choose Eirena, yet still defer to Slack before that?"
"Indeed," Volte agreed without hesitation, as if discussing someone else's affairs.
Kirina narrowed her eyes, suspecting he was brushing her off. But Volte's expression remained sincere, without a hint of ulterior motive. He had simply agreed because it was what he genuinely thought.
Noticing Kirina's skepticism, Volte rubbed his chin with a thick finger and, after a brief pause, began to speak.
"One reason I wanted to marry Eirena was to show that she had lived a life of being deeply loved by someone. Of course, my own desire to marry her was the biggest reason."
"Show to whom?" Kirina wondered. Not to Slack Tiant, who had loved Eirena himself. Maybe to her parents or their community? That didn't seem right either, as Volte's story hadn't mentioned any other significant people. His emotional connections were solely with Eirena and Slack.
"Perhaps, in a way, to the world itself," Volte said, sounding uncertain as he stroked his unshaven chin.
Kirina didn't understand. Her fox ears perked up reflexively, and she tilted her head in confusion.
"...If Eirena died with an unrequited love, having never been loved, that would be her life’s narrative in this world. I couldn't stand the thought of that," Volte explained.
It was a small act of defiance against fate. Volte had changed the course of a predetermined life.
"Eirena was a woman whom a lord desired and whom I, a knight, implored to marry. In this world, Eirena became that woman. This is an unchangeable fact."
Fate.
Euphemia had once explained it to Kirina during a casual conversation. Kirina remembered it well.
"Left to itself, fate is what inevitably happens."
Water flows. The sun sets, and the night gives way to dawn. Life ends. Leaves fall, only to bud anew.
"So, Kirina, how would you change fate?" Euphemia had asked, her golden hair shimmering, her smile the most beautiful.
"Just don't leave it alone," she had said, brightly and vividly, like a sunbeam breaking through clouds.
This red-haired knight had changed fate. Kirina’s biological parents, whose names she had long forgotten, had been swept away by the 'fate' orchestrated by Lex Asuka and Kairine, and ultimately met their end at the hands of Euphemia Grimwood.
Kirina felt no emotional turmoil over that. But now, she felt a slight stir within her heart.
Embracing the warmth that welled up inside, she smiled and said, "Welcome to Grimoire, Volte. We are glad to have you."
