It Wasn’t a Martial Arts World, but the Three Kingdoms

Chapter 111. The Will (9)

“What are those guys doing out there?”

In the dark, early hours of dawn, Unsam stood with his hands behind his back, gazing beyond the mountain ridge.

It was about time for Hanho and Gilsam to return, but they had been out of contact for several hours.

As a fellow comrade, it was only natural for Unsam to be worried.

Others felt the same way.

At the very least, all of Unryong’s troops who were still awake late into the night were waiting for the two to return.

There was a growing concern that the prisoners might have caused trouble.

“This won’t do.”

With that thought, Unsam made up his mind.

He decided to report to Sima Yi directly and search for them.

So, Unsam, along with three soldiers and Baekrang, went to Sima Yi’s quarters.

Fortunately, Sima Yi seemed to be awake; when they knocked, they heard a sound from the other side of the door.

Soon, creak…

A girl with purple hair pulled on the door handle and peeked her head out.

“What’s going on?”

“…What’s going on with you, Strategist?”

Unsam, who was about to speak confidently, was so shocked by Sima Yi’s appearance that he couldn’t speak for a moment.

Her usually well-groomed hair was messy, and there were dark circles under her eyes.

She looked worried, anyone could tell.

Frankly, this was the first time Unsam had seen her looking so exhausted, and he hesitated to bring up the topic.

Eventually, Sima Yi broke the awkward silence.

“I asked what’s going on first.”

“Oh, well…”

Unsam coughed awkwardly and finally opened his mouth.

“Gilsam and Hanho, those two aren’t back yet.”

“Gilsam and Hanho?”

“You know, the soldiers who were escorting the prisoners.”

“They still haven’t returned?”

At Unsam’s words, Sima Yi yanked the door open and finally stepped outside.

“That’s certainly strange. Do you have any guesses?”

“There’s been no word. So, I was thinking of taking my men and checking it out myself.”

“…I see.”

Sima Yi sighed lightly. Her face, full of worry, was that of a prematurely aged person.

The girl crossed her arms and tapped her elbow with her index finger.

“It’s probably not an ambush. If it were a night attack, the sentries would’ve signaled. So the most likely reason for their delay is that the prisoners have caused trouble. Though, to be honest, I don’t think that’s very likely.”

As the girl pointed out, it was highly unlikely that soldiers with their limbs cut off would cause trouble.

Under Baekrang’s supervision, they had been bound so tightly that blood couldn’t even circulate properly.

“Well, whatever the case, do as you wish.”

“That’s what I’ll do.”

“…Wait a moment.”

Just as Unsam was about to turn away, Sima Yi shook her small chin.

“Speak of the devil. The old saying about tigers appearing when mentioned isn’t wrong.”

When they turned to look in the direction she indicated, they saw Gilsam and Hanho staggering up the hill, looking utterly exhausted.

“And they’ve brought something unnecessary along. What on earth is this about?”

Sima Yi’s tone turned sharp.

It was so irritable that Unsam felt a chill run down his spine.

It was understandable.

After all, the prisoners who should have been dealt with were trailing behind them.

“Hey, you bastards, what the hell are you doing?”

Even Unsam couldn’t help but let out a disbelieving laugh.

But Gilsam and Hanho walked on without much of a reaction.

Soon, they stood proudly before Sima Yi.

It wasn’t Sima Yi who was furious, but Baekrang.

With a face on the verge of exploding, he drew the spear strapped to his back.

“What are you doing?”

“…Brother Baekrang.”

Gilsam shrugged with a forlorn smile on his lips.

“Well, things have become boring now.”

“What? Are you really going to need a serious punishment to come to your senses? Violating military law is a serious crime. If this is your reasoning, don’t expect any leniency.”

“Brother Baekrang.”

Though Gilsam seemed slightly tense at Baekrang’s imposing manner, he shook his head.

“Let’s stop this.”

“What?”

Baekrang’s breathing became labored.

It wasn’t surprising, as he was one of the most active supporters of the current Unryong army.

Baekrang was someone who worshiped Unryong’s martial prowess and chivalry. He was a man who dedicated his entire life to Unryong.

Baekrang slammed his spear into the ground.

“Say that again.”

“Let’s stop this now.”

“…”

Without hesitation, Baekrang aimed his spear at Gilsam.

At this point, kneeling and confessing his sins would have been the proper course of action.

However, Gilsam only smiled more brightly.

“Let’s live like human beings.”

“…Gilsam.”

Baekrang couldn’t bring himself to press the spear against his neck.

But this was one thing, and that was another.

“What you’re doing now is nothing short of treason. Why are you acting like this? You used to do the most dangerous jobs without complaint. Hanho, the same goes for you.”

“…Brother, I think we’ve forgotten our duty somewhere along the way.”

When Hanho’s name was called, he scratched the back of his head awkwardly.

“But getting beaten up made me realize. Ah, I’m nothing but a beast. So, yeah, I feel the same way as Gilsam here. We came together in the first place to avoid living like animals, to avoid being trampled on helplessly.”

Just like Baekrang, Hanho, who had been full of vengeance, spoke with a relieved expression.

Baekrang, unable to comprehend it, slowly lowered his spear.

Then, Sima Yi stepped forward.

“That’s a good sentiment, but…”

Sima Yi spoke.

“I’m not particularly fond of resilience talk.”

Sima Yi let out a cute smile befitting her age.

“I don’t want to throw stones anymore. But it’s a problem if stones don’t move according to my will.”

“…Strategist.”

“Yes, speak. This might be your last chance to say anything properly. I will judge you according to military law.”

“I apologize in advance…”

“…?”

Sima Yi tilted her head.

Had they gone mad out of fear of the punishment to come?

No, Gilsam’s sunken eyes were far too natural for that.

They were the pitying eyes of someone looking at a stray dog on the street.

Sima Yi wondered if she was being disrespected and thought of pushing harder but decided against it.

“Well, alright. Is that all you have to say?”

“…”

Gilsam lowered his head as if in silent prayer.

Sima Yi sighed deeply and gestured.

“Prepare to flog them at dawn as an example of maintaining military discipline.”

With that, the girl turned away coldly.

Then, she rubbed her forehead.

She had been feeling chills and mild feverishness; she would probably need to see a doctor tomorrow.

But for now, she judged that resting to recover her strength was the right thing to do.

Those useless prisoners could be dealt with tomorrow, so there was no need to worry.

However, the girl soon had to stop in her tracks.

“…Who’s there?”

Unsam drew his sword and shouted.

Sima Yi turned her head.

What came into view were two figures draped in ragged cloaks.

One carried a massive halberd on their shoulder, and the other leaned on a shabby staff.

“Wow, seeing it in person, this is even funnier. Hey, what are you going to do now?”

“…Everything is my fault.”

“Pffft…! I’ve never seen you so downcast in my life. Wow, tonight is going to be sleepless! I feel so refreshed!”

“This isn’t the time for that.”

“Oh, sorry, sorry. But seriously, isn’t it funny?”

“Damn it…”

At the woman’s sneer, the man in the ragged cloak rubbed his forehead and shook his head.

But he didn’t stop walking toward them.

Although Baekrang and Unsam took up their weapons and stood on guard, it was futile.

Whoosh!

The woman swung her halberd, which was as big as her body, through the air, blocking Unsam and Baekrang.

And then, Sima Yi…

She froze on the spot.

That halberd.

And that way of speaking.

Moreover, that sense of incongruity.

The girl’s instincts told her.

These two were not ordinary people.

“Kid.”

And perhaps, she knew who they were.

“…Uncle?”

Sima Yi spoke instinctively.

It was the first time the ever-composed girl had opened her eyes wide in surprise.

At the same time, Baekrang and Unsam turned their heads in unison.

They all focused on the man who had approached Sima Yi.

The man threw off the cumbersome ragged cloak.

“Hey, it’s been a while.”

“U-Uncle…”

Sima Yi staggered towards the man.

Then she reached out her hand.

Her small hand brushed through the empty air.

Unryong caught her hand.

It was such a tiny hand.

A hand too small to be stained with blood.

“Uncle, is it really you?”

Sima Yi’s voice trembled.

She looked as if she were seeing a ghost.

Unryong smiled brightly.

“Yes, I’ve missed you.”

“Uncle…!”

Only then did Sima Yi seem to realize this was reality, as she jumped into Unryong’s arms.

“Where have you been wandering around?!”

The girl who always maintained her dignity suddenly sounded like a child.

Furthermore, the eyes that seemed devoid of blood and tears were now unusually moist, an oddly touching sight for those watching.

“Why did you leave without a word…?! What have you been doing all this time…?!”

Ah, indeed.

It was a heartwarming scene, as if a father and daughter were reuniting after a long time.

Eventually, Unryong spoke with a smile.

“For now, lie down.”

“…Huh?”

“Just lie down here comfortably.”

Unryong said, patting his right arm.