I Won’t Let the Execution Battalion Die, ~Even If the Empire Falls, We Want to Survive~ - Chapter 64: The Knight's Path ①

Though various things happened along the way, we somehow managed to steal riding horses and successfully escape. There were two horses already saddled and tied outside.

It was as careless as a car left with keys in the ignition, but while rarely seen among civilians, it was common in the military. Because there were daily situations where every second counted.

Disguised as guards, we mounted these horses with matter-of-fact expressions, politely greeted the horse handlers in charge of security, and departed cheerfully.

Since we were already outside the security perimeter, we leisurely rode northward along the nighttime highway with clip-clop sounds.

“The security was more lax than I expected. Is your family home okay?”

“That stable earlier only had everyday horses. The expensive bloodline horses have a dedicated stable at the mansion. That one’s under the guards’ jurisdiction.”

I see, so they kept bloodline horses held as assets separately. Considering the guards’ position, they’d have to prioritize security there. It made sense that the stable outside the estate grounds was lightly guarded.

“What about these horses?”

“They’re ordinary horses that servants use for work or family members ride for recreation.”

Their coats were glossy, they were well-fed, had gentle temperaments and were easy to ride. Plus they were intelligent horses that could understand their riders’ intentions.

Even an amateur like me could tell the difference, so they were probably quite high-quality horses.

“These are ordinary horses…”

“Yes. They’re the cheapest ones. They haven’t received military training either.”

If these were the cheapest, it put our battalion’s horses in an awkward position. Those were pretty good horses too.

“You really are a wealthy magnate’s daughter.”

“Seems like it. Though I don’t really feel it.”

Second Lieutenant Crimine’s profile as she answered matter-of-factly was certainly the usual Second Lieutenant Crimine.

“You could have lived there without any inconvenience.”

“No way, such a boring place. Sure, the food is delicious and the beds are fluffy, but that’s all there is.”

That made me, who had joined the army seeking even that much, look foolish.

“You know I’m from a poor farming family who couldn’t even obtain that much, right? Originally, you never needed to become such a man’s subordinate.”

Then Second Lieutenant Crimine looked at me and grinned.

“Then I definitely made the right choice becoming a soldier.”

O-oh. Embarrassing.

Because I could tell there was no calculation behind it, it made my heart skip.

What should I do—it seemed I liked Second Lieutenant Crimine more than I’d thought. Was I in elementary school?

But we were currently fugitives. To steel myself, I faced forward. Darkness spread all around.

“I’ll do my utmost to ensure you never regret that decision. For that, escaping to safety is our top priority.”

“Right. The rear still looks okay. The guards seem to still be searching around the sanctuary area, and even if they expand the search net, it’ll probably be from the waterway direction.”

Second Lieutenant Crimine seemed to suddenly become smart when caught or escaping. Like a small animal.

“Then our biggest concern is having our route blocked. This is ‘nightingale’ territory under Yuo’s leadership.”

“Ah, that’s right. If there’s a report from the Dines family, that thieving cat might send private soldiers after us.”

Thieving cat? Yuo wasn’t interested in someone like me. Her perception was too distorted.

Second Lieutenant Crimine seemed to be thinking about something.

“But if showing breasts is the only advantage, I’ve already taken the lead long ago, and there’s no way Lieutenant would cheat anyway…”

“Focus on the mission, Second Lieutenant.”

Hmm, should I provide some mental care for my subordinate?

I brought my horse closer and called out to Second Lieutenant Crimine.

“Riesha.”

“Yes?”

Surprised at being called by her first name unusually, Second Lieutenant Crimine turned toward me.

Not missing that opportunity, I kissed her while on horseback. Since they were fine horses, such things were possible. Second Lieutenant Crimine with her eyes wide open was cute.

While stroking her hair, I separated our horses and smiled slightly.

“Though I’m surprised by it myself, apparently I can’t handle anyone but chaotic people like you.”

“She’s also chaotic enough to pick fights with the Emperor.”

I shook my head.

“She was just cornered with no other options. It’s fundamentally different from you, who chose this yourself. You’re truly chaotic.”

“I-is that so?”

“Don’t be embarrassed. I’m not praising you.”

I smiled wryly and added:

“When we return safely, I’ll definitely make up for things this time. Think about what you’d like.”

“Anything is fine?”

That was definitely the expression of someone thinking lewd thoughts.

This was why sheltered ladies with only rich knowledge were troublesome.

“Within the bounds of public order and morals, please. I don’t want to be scolded by the battalion commander.”

“Hmm…”

Don’t be so obviously disappointed—it’s scary. What were you thinking?

“Ah, but Lieutenant.”

“What?”

“When you talk about what happens after returning safely at times like this, in plays it usually…”

“Don’t say it.”

I might have raised a death flag.

Just then, the sound of horseshoes approached from ahead on the highway. Not at a canter or gallop, but at most a trot, though it wasn’t just one or two horses. There were dozens.

Definitely a cavalry unit. I couldn’t imagine cavalry wandering around here at this hour being allies.

Looking to the side, Second Lieutenant Crimine was staring at me with narrowed eyes.

“Lieutenant?”

“Don’t blame me. Let’s get off the highway and hide the horses. We’ll let them pass.”

The surrounding area was gently rolling hills—if we watched our footing, we could probably manage to proceed by moonlight.

However, this also meant we might be spotted by that same moonlight.

And even worse, horse hoofbeats could be heard from directions other than ahead.

“Um, this is…”

“Yeah, we’re half-surrounded. This is troop deployment after acquiring us as targets. Moreover, their pace hasn’t changed. Meaning this action doesn’t require speed. They’re confident they won’t let us escape.”

Though I felt anxious at my own explanation, there was nothing to be gained by panicking.

Fortunately, we were wearing Dines family guard uniforms.

“If anything happens, we’ll pass ourselves off as ‘guards searching for Lady Gabadeli.'”

“Can we pull that off?”

“It’ll be difficult. But we have no other options.”

While saying this, silhouettes of mounted figures appeared on the moonlit ridgeline.

“Lieutenant Fonkt.”

Well, we’re done for. We’re exposed.

But that voice sounded familiar…