Star Rail: Starting with a Lyre, Living off Busking

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

She had returned at dawn, around five o'clock, reported on her duties, and reached home by six. Then, she'd gone down to the underworld with Venti and experienced so much in just one trip.

It added up to around nine hours…

A short span that felt like she'd been dreaming.

This hazy, dreamlike sensation lingered until she changed back into her uniform. As she looked at herself in the mirror—her face weary, yet her eyes now radiating a firm resolve—the feeling finally faded.

"…That journey was real."

She murmured, fully aware of all she had gained from it.

"I have to work harder, at least try to find a way to convince Mother."

Even though the chance seemed slim, it was worth a try. And even if she couldn't succeed, she would no longer hesitate.

Dressed in the makeup technique taught by the underworld's tavern owner, Goethe, Bronya quickly concealed her fatigue, appearing once more as radiant and poised as a silver moon.

More importantly, the usual urgency she wore was now replaced by something deeper, more steadfast.

This newfound dignity inspired the Silvermane Guards around her to stand straighter, their eyes filled with admiration for their commander.

The Silvermane Guards were directly under the Supreme Guardian's command, but as their leader, Bronya had the authority to mobilize them as needed.

Unlike the cold, relentless orders issued by the Supreme Guardian, Bronya was the one who fought alongside them on the frontlines. For that, she was far more beloved.

Among the guards coming and going was Captain Gepard, who carried a list of supplies in his hand, his expression as serious as ever.

The moment he saw Bronya, he approached her with steady, purposeful strides, just as he'd done when they first met.

"Lady Bronya, the perimeter has been secured. We're currently setting up a military post, but we'll need additional supplies and reinforcements."

"Only then can we ensure that the next wave of monsters doesn't break through. I've prepared a list for your review—"

The Rift creatures wouldn't remain silent once cleared; in fact, they were only entering the tug-of-war phase now. New waves of monsters would emerge from the Rift, continuously pushing into human territories, and they had to remain vigilant.

As for the reinforcements sent earlier, they were never meant to station permanently. Their task was to provide timely relief and help establish outposts.

So, while Gepard and his troops could hold the line for now, expecting them to sustain endless battles was to ask for exhaustion, if not outright sacrifice.

"I understand. I'll apply for an emergency directive and allocate more supplies as soon as possible. For now, strengthen the line and await further orders."

Taking the list, Bronya glanced at the details before replying.

"Even if I can't approve all the resources listed, I'll ensure at least half is granted…"

This unexpected response surprised Gepard, who had prepared himself for a more convincing argument.

Resources were tight, and the Silvermane Guards faced shortages everywhere. Even in the past, Gepard often had to present his case carefully to persuade Commander Bronya, leading to frequent debates among officers.

It wasn't Bronya's fault—the constraints were simply too strict. Distributing resources without due consideration would only breed corruption.

Determining the exact needs of one's troops was a fundamental responsibility for any commander.

But more often than not, everyone's reasons were equally pressing, and reinforcements were truly needed. Yet, with limited supplies, fulfilling every request wasn't possible.

Currently, the priority of this new Rift was lower than the primary frontline breaches. The mere fact it had been given this level of attention indicated that even more would be demanded soon…

In that case, how many more Silvermane Guards would have to be sacrificed for the Supreme Guardian's distant vision?

Despite his successful report, Gepard couldn't help the slight melancholy that clouded his face.

"Captain Gepard?"

Bronya's voice broke into his thoughts, and he straightened up, apologizing promptly.

"Forgive me, I was momentarily distracted—"

"It's alright. Captain Gepard, how long have you been on duty without a break?"

"Since the conclusion of last month's frontline defense mission, I've been on rotation continuously."

"…Then this is where we stop."

Bronya paused in front of Qlipoth Fort, turning to face Gepard, who was standing a step behind, looking slightly puzzled.

"It's currently 3:42 in the afternoon. I need you to go home, rest for three hours, and then report back to the perimeter. Any objections?"

"…Lady Bronya, I'm not tired. Besides, if I leave, this critical defense position won't have anyone to take over—"

Gepard's refusal was heavy, yet polite. Bronya raised an eyebrow at his response.

"Has Lieutenant Dunn returned to the Silvermane Guard quarters?"

"Yes. As per the Supreme Guardian's orders, he was reassigned to secure the energy core about eight hours ago, right after your military report."

"Lady Cocolia has gone too far…"

Bronya sighed, pressing her fingers to her temple in frustration.

No matter how resilient the Silvermane Guards were, they weren't tools to be used endlessly.

Even Silver wears out over time; people cannot endure relentless battles without pause, especially not when they're reassigned on a whim, without her knowledge.

Quickly gathering her thoughts, she spoke with conviction.

"Regardless, I'm standing by my order, Captain Gepard."

"I respect your dedication, but as far as I'm concerned, ensuring the physical and mental well-being of each Silvermane Guard, making sure every soldier gets the rest they need, is equally important."

When he opened his mouth to argue further, Bronya reassured him.

"I know what you're about to say, but don't worry. I've already arranged for someone to take over your shift. Go and enjoy a quiet meal with your family."

"…Yes, Lady Bronya."

He couldn't quite understand why she was being so firm today, but for some reason, Gepard found himself trusting her even more.

As she entered Qlipoth Fort, Gepard's eyes drifted toward the Neverwinter Workshop down the street, where a young, golden-haired woman was waving to him from the entrance.

He could faintly hear her calling, "Ge—pard—!" Her voice echoed, attracting the curious glances of passersby, who quickly shifted to expressions of respect upon noticing him.

This attention didn't fill Gepard with pride; rather, it sometimes weighed on him with a quiet guilt.

He wasn't as exceptional as they imagined, and battlefield victories were never his alone. If not for the sacrifices of his comrades, all of it would be an illusion.

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

Perhaps, as Lady Bronya had said, he really was exhausted.

Before the next battle begins, he'd take a moment to rest.