Chapter 50: Even Trash Can Be Recycled 1

Cazeros Sophia.

Residing in the Lord’s castle of Bohemia by Santana’s considerate arrangement, she had lately been gripped by profound contemplation.

It concerned the path she ought to take from this point onward – the choice she needed to make at this juncture.

While currently maintaining her status as Santana’s former companion, Cazeros was well aware that, regardless of Santana’s reassurances, she did not truly belong here.

This realization had taken root immediately upon learning of Santana’s identity as the Lord’s son.

From a mere Holy Knight comrade to the heir of a noble house in an instant – Santana’s ascent to such lofty heights had naturally instilled a sense of alienation within Cazeros.

Although Santana had consoled her with his unchanged kindness, leading Cazeros to believe that continuing their present lifestyle might not be so undesirable, an subsequent incident had forced her to confront the stark reality.

‘A lowly wench… Well… Those words were not entirely inaccurate.’

A former Holy Knight, an enemy of Bohemia.

Moreover, one whose family lineage remained unclear – a being of unknown origins, as the saying goes.

Dust’s remark had crystallized Cazeros’s standing for her in unmistakable terms.

Simultaneously, it meant that her presence could only hinder Santana’s life in some way.

‘It seems… I cannot continue like this, no matter how I ponder it…’

Prolonging the situation would only prove detrimental.

It was better to act upon her decision now, without further delay.

Procrastination would undoubtedly harm not only herself but also the one she cared for.

Having reached this conclusion, Cazeros slowly picked up the pen and paper on the desk.

To put her resolution into action.

Acknowledging that this was the right choice for all, and the path she must take at this moment.

‘It’s alright… It’s a simple matter, isn’t it?… So…’

And yet…

Upon grasping the pen, Cazeros became aware of her trembling hand.

“…”

Simultaneously, a tear trickled down her cheek.

In that moment, she finally recognized…

The profound significance that the man named Santana held within her heart.

‘So that’s how it is… I… I’ve become like this… To this extent… For that person…’

While her choice was undoubtedly rational, her heart vehemently rejected it at this very moment.

To the extent that it shook her resolve, making her wish to continue living as she had, even if unhappiness awaited…

‘…But… I cannot… For his sake, I must…’

Steadying herself once more, Cazeros began striving to inscribe the words she needed to write on the paper.

At that moment…

-Knock Knock Knock-

“!…Ah… Y…Yes?”

The sudden knocking startled her.

Hastily wiping away her tears, Cazeros rose from her seat.

And then…

The person who appeared before her was…

“…Santana…?”

The very person she had not expected – the one whose presence was most inopportune at this moment.

Seeing his face, Cazeros betrayed a hint of discomfiture, though Santana seemed oblivious to her demeanor.

Wearing a broad smile, as if delighted by some joyous news, Santana prompted Cazeros to conceal her emotions before cautiously inquiring.

“Has something favorable occurred?”

“Yes, indeed. A most welcome development, one I had not expected to resolve so easily. Thankfully, it has been settled without major complications.”

“I see? What matter might that be…”

Cazeros’s curiosity elicited an elated response from Santana.

“As you are aware, Cazeros, the forces of Bohemia and the Emperor are soon to engage in battle, are they not? I have been appointed as my father’s aide, participating in this conflict.”

As an aide to Count Turen, the overall commander of Bohemia’s forces, Santana would be deeply involved in the army’s command.

Moreover, given the Count’s absolute trust in Santana, it effectively meant that Santana could lead Bohemia’s army as he saw fit during this war.

Recognizing these implications, Cazeros forced a smile and offered congratulations.

“That is wonderful news. My sincerest congratulations. I am certain you will excel, Santana.”

“Yes, I must give my utmost. Any misstep could endanger not only myself but everyone involved. For your sake as well, Cazeros, I shall do my best.”

Santana’s sincere demeanor betrayed an unwavering will, virtually palpable upon his visage.

A steely determination, as if vowing to overcome any obstacle without fail.

And…

Witnessing this, a particular memory resurfaced for Cazeros.

‘Yes… He wore that very expression back then as well. When he vowed to protect me…’

Those words that had enabled her to come this far.

Despite her discomfort and awareness that her situation was untenable, she had resigned herself to reality’s unyielding wall.

Yet, it was his words that had shattered the constraints of being a Holy Knight, allowing her to emerge into a broader world.

Recalling that poignant moment, a smile gradually formed upon Cazeros’s lips, unbidden.

A smile reflecting her reaffirmed resolve, her wavering heart steadied once more…

With this renewed determination, Cazeros addressed the man before her, infusing her own small vow into her words.

“I shall pray for your success, Santana. Until then… I, too, shall give my utmost.”

“Yes, I shall. But… what will you be doing, Cazeros?”

“Heheh… You’ll learn of it… in due time.”

Santana’s puzzled expression elicited a lighthearted smile from Cazeros as she responded.

‘I shall give my all. So that I may no longer be a burden… So that I may repay, even slightly, the debt I owe you…’

Observing the soldiers training before him, Santana slowly nodded, accompanied by his father.

‘Indeed… The overall military strength seems consistent with the original depiction…’

A total force of 13,000.

While the number might not sound substantial at first, seeing them assembled in such vast numbers, it was truly a sight that could not be fully comprehended at a glance.

A formidable army that occupied nearly half the plain.

Of this contingent, approximately 3,000 belonged to the Andreas household, while the remaining troops were divided among the thirteen noble houses of Bohemia.

‘As expected, there are fundamental differences in military composition compared to the East… The basis for dividing the army is not the nation, but rather the lords and noble houses…’

Essentially, it was akin to having multiple commanders within a single army.

Although Count Turen held overall command authority, once battle commenced, these nobles were likely to act independently, following only the broader strategic directives.

In other words, even a minor crisis could swiftly lead to the army’s collapse, as the nobles followed their respective lords’ orders – a glaring vulnerability.

In fact, this very issue had been the catalyst for Bohemia’s defeat in the original work, with the nobles promptly surrendering after the center was breached.

It was a factor that demanded utmost vigilance.

‘However… The Emperor’s forces suffer from the same issue. Although united under the Imperial banner, aside from General Tilly’s force of around 4,000, the rest effectively operate as separate entities.’

In other words, just as our side could crumble from minor cracks, the enemy could be unexpectedly vulnerable to such fissures as well.

Considering these points, I followed my father into the command tent.