Chapter 44: Let’s Take a Break for Now

Bronya woke up in her own room, the silent clock pointing to the afternoon.

She had returned from her mission at dawn around five o'clock, reported on military affairs, and arrived home by six. After that, she had gone to the lower district with Venti and experienced so many things.

In total, about nine hours had passed...

It felt as short as a dream.

This dreamlike sensation lingered until she changed her clothes and gazed at herself in the mirror. Though her face showed signs of fatigue, her eyes were unusually firm and determined. Only then did the feeling completely fade.

"...That experience wasn’t an illusion."

She murmured softly, not forgetting even the slightest detail of what she had gained from that journey.

"I must work harder, at least to try and find an opportunity to persuade Mother."

Although the possibility was slim, it would be best if she could achieve something. Even if she couldn’t, she would no longer hesitate.

After tidying her attire and applying the makeup techniques taught by Goldie, the proprietress from the lower district, Bronya quickly masked her weariness. Once again, she looked radiant, like a silver moon reflecting in her heart.

More importantly, the sense of urgency she usually carried had transformed into something deeper and more composed.

This increasingly noble leader’s aura made many Silvermane Guards stand even straighter, their eyes burning with admiration as they watched their commander.

Although the Silvermane Guards were directly under the command of the Supreme Guardian, Commander Bronya also had the authority to mobilize them, given the hierarchical relationship.

Compared to the cold and ruthless Supreme Guardian, who often issued iron-fisted orders, Commander Bronya, who fought alongside them on the frontlines, was clearly more deserving of their loyalty.

Among the passing Silvermane Guards was Gepard, the Landau, who looked solemn as he held a list of supplies in his hand.

Upon seeing Bronya, he immediately strode over, his steps steady, just like the first impression he gave.

"Commander Bronya, the Edge Corridor has been secured. Currently, military outposts are being constructed. We need to request additional supplies and reinforcements.

This will ensure that subsequent waves of monsters won’t breach our defenses. I’ve prepared a list for your review—"

The monsters spawned by the rifts wouldn’t simply disappear after being cleared. On the contrary, this was just the beginning of a tug-of-war.

Endless monsters would emerge from the rifts and once again assault human territories. They had to remain vigilant.

The reinforcement troops that had been deployed earlier, strictly speaking, weren’t stationed here permanently. They were only responsible for relieving critical points and constructing outposts.

So, while Gepard and his soldiers could handle one or two waves, forcing them to fight continuously would only lead to exhaustion and death.

"I understand. I will apply to the Supreme Guardian for the necessary orders and allocate more supplies. In the meantime, please consolidate the defenses and await further instructions."

Bronya took the list he handed over, quickly scanned the details, and immediately responded.

"—Even if we can’t meet all the demands on the list, please approve at least half..."

This unexpected reply left Gepard, who had expected to need more persuasion, momentarily stunned.

The Silvermane Guards were stretched thin in terms of manpower and supplies. It seemed like every corner was short on resources, and the logistics teams were constantly crying out about shortages.

Even in the past, he often had to use more arguments to convince Commander Bronya, and officers frequently clashed over such matters.

Of course, it wasn’t Commander Bronya’s fault. The conditions were simply too harsh. If resources were allocated without careful consideration, it could lead to corruption and embezzlement.

Understanding the true supply needs of the troops under her command was a fundamental skill every commander needed.

But often, they faced situations where everyone’s reasons were equally valid, and reinforcements were urgently needed, yet there simply weren’t enough supplies to go around.

In terms of priority, the newly formed rifts couldn’t compare to the massive breaches on the frontlines. The fact that they were being given such attention suggested that more actions might follow...

In that case, how many more Silvermane Guards would have to sacrifice themselves to fulfill the Supreme Guardian’s distant and lofty ambitions?

Despite having excellently completed the assigned mission, a trace of melancholy appeared on Gepard’s face.

"Gepard, the Landau?"

Bronya’s voice reached his ears, and Gepard instinctively straightened his posture, apologizing.

"Sorry, I was distracted—"

"It’s fine. Gepard, how long have you been fighting continuously?"

"Since the defense operation in the frontline restricted zone last month, up until now."

"...In that case, stop here."

Bronya halted her steps in front of the Qlipoth Fort and turned to look at Gepard. He was standing slightly behind her, his expression somewhat dazed.

"It’s currently 3:42 PM. I need you to go home and rest for three hours, then report to the Edge Corridor afterward. Any objections?"

"...Commander Bronya, I’m not tired. Besides, such an important guard duty requires proper handover—"

Gepard shook his head heavily, politely refusing. Bronya raised a question in response.

"Has Lieutenant Dunn returned to the restricted zone?"

"Yes. By the Supreme Guardian’s orders, he was reassigned to the restricted zone eight hours ago, roughly after you reported on military affairs, to guard the energy core."

"Lady Cocolia is being reckless again..."

Bronya rubbed her forehead in frustration.

No matter how resilient the Silvermane Guards were, they couldn’t be used like tools indefinitely.

Even metal tools wear out from fatigue. How could humans possibly keep going without rest, especially when they were being reassigned without her consent?

She quickly composed her somewhat agitated emotions and spoke seriously.

"Regardless, I’ve noted this matter. But I still stand by my previous order, Gepard.

I understand and admire your dedication, but for me, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of every excellent Silvermane Guard and guaranteeing that our soldiers get adequate rest is equally important."

As Gepard was about to say something more, Bronya reassured him.

"I know what you want to say, but don’t worry. I’ve already chosen someone to take over your shift. Just go home and rest properly, and don’t forget to have dinner with your family."

"...Yes, Commander Bronya."

Though he didn’t understand why Commander Bronya was being so firm today, Gepard found her unexpectedly trustworthy.

After watching her enter the Qlipoth Fort, Gepard turned his gaze to the Everwinter Mechanical Workshop not far down the street. Standing at the entrance was a radiant golden-haired "young" woman.

She was calling out to him, and faintly, he could hear: "Ge—pard—!"

...This drew the attention of many passersby, though their expressions quickly turned to respect and admiration when they saw him.

For Gepard, this wasn’t something to be proud of. On the contrary, he sometimes felt guilty under such enthusiastic gazes.

He wasn’t as outstanding as they thought. Victories on the battlefield were never achieved by his efforts alone. Without the sacrifices of his comrades, everything would be meaningless.

With these thoughts in mind, he walked toward the workshop, thinking to himself.

Perhaps, as Commander Bronya had said, he really was tired.

Before the next wave of battles began, he should take a short break.