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Surviving a war was a bigger accomplishment than most people would expect. Ogier realized that fact quickly after realizing that the end was in sight. King Zephiel had been defeated and the Demon Dragon’s location had been found. He didn’t like to be presumptuous but it seemed like the end was finally in sight.
It would be rather disappointing to die right before the war ends. That is why Ogier vowed to fight for his future, to prove his strength to everyone around him. He has grown strong and now’s the time to show it.
At the crack of dawn, Ogier was already up well before the sun. He spent the remaining time he had left dueling against imaginary opponents. Sir Barthe had already buried the idea of training regularly, no matter the occasion. Even if he survived the next few battles, he knew his days of fighting wouldn’t end with the war. He had to continue fighting to provide for his family and town. It wasn’t the most heroic journey, but it was one he held with pride.
The blue-haired mercenary danced around the invisible opponent, imagining their next moves before striking in return. Most of the time, he visualizes his opponent as one of Bern’s soldiers and sometimes even Gwendolyn in an attempt to push his friendly rivalry. He wasn’t exactly sure how to train against dragons but did his best to improvise.
He didn’t keep track of how long he trained, but he knew that breakfast would most likely be soon judging from the sunrise. However, before he could think of his next meal, his mind froze at the sight of a familiar face.
He wasn’t sure how long Lady Lilina was watching him and truth be told, he was afraid to ask. All he could do was bow to the future Marquess, treating her with the respect she deserves. It’s the least he could do after making her cry with the story of his sister.
“Milady…” Ogier greeted the noble. “Is there something you need of me? Are we going to march soon?”
Truth be told, Ogier would have preferred if Lady Lilina wasn’t too friendly with him. He was a commoner, a soldier with nothing to his name. Reputation issues aside, he was certain that she would find better company with Lord Roy or Gwendolyn. There’s also the fact that he considered himself terrible with conversation.
“Not yet,” Lilina calmly responded. Ogier could tell how much the war affected her. When the Ostian Knights joined the army, she was much more excited to do her part in the war in her father’s stead. She still doesn’t regret her actions, but constant death and destruction likely caused the young girl to grow up into a mature young woman. Even Ogier himself felt that he changed from the constant battle to survive.
“I would like to speak to you about something important if you don’t mind?” She gestured to the nearby tent.
Ogier answered his employer by sheathing his sword.
“Of course, milady.”
He followed Lilina until the two arrived at one of the tents in the war camp. He was surprised to see that the tent was empty with no one else. He had expected Sir Barth or Sir Bors to be around if it pertained to the war.
“I’ve heard from Roy… that he plans to bring you in the last siege against the Dark Priestess.”
Ogier was already aware of that after the last battle against King Zephiel. He wasn’t sure what he did to impress the leader of the Lycian Army but it was enough to bring him along in the last stretch of the war.
“That is correct, milady. I will be fighting in the frontlines in the next battle.”
Lilina frowned but did little to speak out against this arrangement.
“I see… I guess that means we’ll be fighting together again, Ogier. I can’t remember the last time we did so.”
“It was during our battles in Ilia. It was thanks to your fire magic that we managed to brave the harsh cold.”
A giggle escaped the girl’s lips.
“I’m surprised that you remembered that. It almost felt like a lifetime ago with how much fighting has happened.”
She turned her back to Ogier, staring at the walls surrounding the two of them.
“...Truth be told, I’m worried about forcing you to fight again. You’ve already made more than enough from your efforts during the war.”
“Yes, but I fear that it won’t be enough, milady. Winter is coming soon and I want to make sure that my brothers want for nothing. It’s the least I could do.”
“I see… I suppose I was foolish for believing it’s enough,” Lilina sighed. “I still have much to learn until I can improve the conditions of the villages nearby Ostia.”
Ogier held his tongue, refrain from repeating the very same words from their last conversation. Unfortunately, he couldn’t do much to change her mind. Still, it would be an ideal future for his brothers.
“Ah, but enough about that. I’m not here to stop you… I would like to give you something that will help you in the time to come.”
Lilina walked to the corner where a large box was sitting. She kneeled to open to the box, revealing a sword that almost rivaled the girl in size. Instead of picking the blade, she gestured for Ogier to approach her. It didn’t take long for the mercenary to noticed the power radiating from the large weapon.
“Sir Barthe has been telling me of your progress in swordsmanship training. You’ve been training for over year now since the war started. In that sword time, you’ve managed to catch up with many of our skilled swordsman.”
She turned to face him.
“I think it’s best for you to wield Durdanal, Ogier. Use it to defeat Bern’s dragons and help Roy end this war.”
Ogier struggled to put together the right thoughts for this moment. A legendary weapon wielded by the founder of Ostia. The weapon that Lady Lilina and her descendants have spent many years trying to protect. There were plenty of skilled swordsman that would make better use of such a rare and valuable weapon.
“I… I can’t, Lady Lilina,” His voice barely whisper. “This weapon should be given to someone better.”
“I believe that you will make the best use of the weapon, Ogier. You’ve improved greatly over the time spent in this army. I know you can wield this weapon wisely. Please, I insist.”
Ogier sighed and turned his gaze away from Lilina. “I’m just commoner, Lady Lilina. I-”
“You’re more than just a commoner, Ogier!” Lilina raised her voice. “Don’t belittle your efforts just because of your statue… Please.”
Suddenly, Ogier felt something pressed against his shoulder. The young mercenary froze in place as he noticed the future Marquess holding onto his shoulder.
“Please… there’s no one else I would give this blade to. You’re a dear friend to me and I want you to survive this upcoming battle.”
Ogier’s tension began to fade as he realized Lilina’s true intentions. Legendary weapon or not, having Durandal will help him survive the final battle against the dragons. It will help him protect the people he cares about.
He was hesitant, but he couldn’t exactly go against his Marquess’ suggestions. Durandal belonged to Ostia. It belonged to Lilina.
The young man let out a deep exhale before placing a hand on the legendary blade, feeling the immense power coming from the dragonslayer.
“Very well. If Lady Lilina asks this of me, then I will use Durandal. I will make sure to protect you and the rest of our allies with this legendary sword.”
Lilina stepped back as Ogier pulled the powerful weapon from the box, wielding it with both hands. Just holding the weapon in his hands made him feel much stronger than before. If he didn’t know any better, he felt invincible. Was this how Roy and King Zephiel felt when they dueled with their respective weapons not too long ago?
“It suits you,” Lilina smiled. “Thank you for indulging my selfishness, Ogier. ”
“T-There’s no need for thanks, Milady. I’m just doing my part to help end this war.”
Lilina simply flashed him a smile before excusing herself to prepare for the battle ahead of them. It was the last conversation the two had before the Lycian army was thrown into the last stretch of the war.
The last few battles were the most grueling fights that Ogier had been through in his entire life. Despite King Zephiel’s death, the last remnants of his forces fought the Lycian Alliance to the bitter end, leaving a sour taste in everyone’s mouths. Yet, they couldn’t linger on the events as the true test of their might was just ahead.
The Dragon Sanctuary proved to be Ogier’s most significant challenge to date. The entire army was beset by countless dragons standing between them and the Dark Priestess. While the legendary weapons proved to be quite a boon for the army, the dragons were still quite the force to be reckoned with.
The entire battle was a blur for the blue-haired mercenary aside from one particular moment. As he slew another dragon, he noticed Lilina in the range of one of the dragon’s fire breaths. He couldn’t recall what happened aside from the fact that his feet moved on his own. Before he knew it, he was engulfed in flames after going for one last drastic swing.
It was the last memory he had before walking up in the same area, seemingly alive after that reckless action. It was only after the battle that many of his allies told him that he was saved by Saint Elimine’s staff, healing him just before the flames took his life.
Burn scars aside, Ogier’s condition was good enough for him to jump back into the battle without hesitation. He continued to use Durandal to cleave a path for Roy to face off against the Demon Dragon herself, using Harmut’s blade to finally free her from her suffering. Soon after, the sanctuary collapsed and the army was able to escape with little to no casualties. The war has finally ended.
Ogier mainly kept to himself during the celebrations at camp. While there was much to be done to help Elibe heal, he couldn’t blame the army for celebrating a battle won. After all, it was likely the last time most of the army would see each other before going back to their homes.
He just couldn’t bring himself to partake in the celebrations. While today was a good day for many reasons, Ogier couldn’t help but think about the future now that his fighting for the army and Ostia had ended. Could he make it on his own without the support of his allies and friends?
“Ogier?”
A soft voice broke Ogier’s thoughts. Lilina stood a short distance from him, watching him with a concerned gaze.
“Yes, Lady Lilina? Is there something you need?”
“I… I never got the chance to thank you for earlier.” She closed the distance, sitting down beside the mercenary. “You saved me from that dragon. You got hurt because of me.”
“An Ostian soldier must protect their marquess. Ostia needs you and I couldn’t let you die.”
“Still… I was so scared. What would your brothers think if you didn’t come home? We… I didn’t want to lose you,” Lilina said the last part in a whisper. “I don’t want to lose another friend.”
Ogier’s cheeks burned red after hearing Lilina’s confession. Friends… Normally, it would go without saying, but he still had trouble believing it. Especially after realizing how much he truly wanted to see her smile.
“How are your wounds?” Do you still need more healing?” Lilina’s eyes lowered to Ogier’s right arm wrapped in bandages.
“Milady, please… I’m fine. You don’t need to be worried about me. You should focus on gathering your strength. There’s much to be done once we return to Lycia.”
“Ah, right… You’re going to go back to mercenary work, right?”
“Yes… I’m sure that there’s going to be plenty of work out there. As long as I can still fight, I will continue providing for my brothers.”
Silence followed Ogier’s statement. It was always the answer he told everyone when they asked about his plans… but…
“...That’s not entirely true.”
“What do you mean?” Lilina tilted her head.
“I want to get strong, Lady Lilina. Wielding Durandal has shown me that I still have a long way to go until I’m a great warrior. I need to travel the world and fight without the help of the knights and everyone else here. I need to get strong enough to be able to stand on my own.”
“Ogier…”
“It may take me a long time to do this, but I will get stronger still. I’ll get strong enough to protect my family, my friends… and you, Lady Lilina.”
Ogier turned to face Lilina, his eyes focused on hers. It was the first time that Ogier had given himself a goal that wasn’t just fighting to provide for his family. He had his goals to achieve. He wanted to become a hero who was strong enough to protect the ones he cared about.
He wasn’t exactly sure how Lilina felt after this confession of his. She was mostly silent during it, her expression was difficult to read. The young was worried that he may have overstepped his bounds until a soft hand touched his bandaged one.
“Then you’ll come back, right? You’ll come back to Ostia? To us?”
“...Of course. I will return.”
He took the soft hand, grasping it tightly.
“That’s a promise.”