Chapter 5: Decision

[Varean soldier: ATTENTION!]

The colonel has gathered everyone inside Merryborough for an important announcement. It was a sudden gather. No one knows what he would say. All we know is that it's urgent. That's it. And nothing else. Everyone is nervous. Then the colonel spoke—

[Colonel: At this point in the war, you will most likely lose your lives. If you don't want to risk that, go home. Go pursue your dreams, see your family, and get laid. I won't blame you if you go. I completely understand—]

That was enough to everyone. All of us were shocked of those sudden words. I wanted to throw up.

[Colonel: —But if you are willing to risk your lives to pull a miracle, if you are still willing to fight for your motherland, then come back here tomorrow morning. That is all.]

Almost everyone went back to their places saying that what they'll do once they come back to Vare. No one said a single word about them staying and fighting. Though after seeing my captain fall in the hands of the enemy, I was hungry for revenge. And then someone grabbed me by the shoulder.

[Edith: Let's talk]

We sat down nearby, and it was quiet. I had no idea what she meant by "let's talk". I've never had my heart beat this quickly. I was dead nervous.

[Edith: I wanted to make a proposal. Let's go home and live a normal life. If you want, I can give you a house. I can cover for your food, water, and all your living expenses. Just please, go home with me.

I was shocked at her proposal. I can't believe she was willing to do all of that just for me to go home. She had a serious look on her face. She really wanted me to go back, but—

[Edwin: I've already made up my mind. I'm avenging my captain, and I would happily die if it would give this country the victory. Thanks for your offer, but I decline.]

I turned around. I was about to get some sleep for tomorrow morning. That's when I felt someone hug me from behind. Crying. Then she spoke—

[Edith: I DON'T WANT TO LOSE YOU TOO, YOU KNOW?!]

—Those words. Her voice. It shook me. So. Here I go. I turned around and hugged her back. I felt such a jerk for being so happy that I kept repeating her words in my head, while she was crying.

[Edwin: Don't worry so much. You won't lose me. I promise. Trust me on those words.]

It was quiet after that. She was still crying. I pulled her closer. She looked at me in the eye.

[Edith: I love you so much, you know? You should already know that by now, right?]

[Edwin: I know. And I feel the same.]

The next morning came. Both of us stayed. I never felt so much joy that night. Though only a few came back. The colonel had a grin on his face. Looks like he was going to pull something out of a hat. He chuckled a little bit, then he spoke—

[Colonel: All of you are suicidal maniacs, huh? Well then soldiers, do you really think we can pull a miracle out of this?]

[All soldiers: SIR, YES SIR!]

[Colonel: All right! Let's go put back those bastards back in their places, and let's win this war for the mother land! FOR VARE!]