It's a shame.
I feel so frustrated.
Even a hundred pages of a will would not be enough to express the turmoil in my heart.
But I have little time left.
So, I'll be brief and entrust to you only what needs to be conveyed.
Major Touri Lowe. …My dear sister, Iris Valou.
With your strength, Austin will surely overcome this ordeal.
And you will be able to make that detestable woman vomit blood, filled with regret and anguish.
I have already told everything to Remi.
She's a sharp woman, so I'm sure she will assist you.
I know you despise me.
I'm not asking you to clear my regrets.
However, if you still hold any family affection…
Please understand the feelings of this brother of yours that I couldn't convey and save Austin in my place─
***
"What is this nonsense?!"
I couldn't help but scream as I continued reading Bern's letter.
Had this man become delusional in the face of death?
Or was there something he stood to gain by fabricating a sibling relationship with me?
I was plunged into a state of utter confusion.
"Major Curley! I can't understand the contents of this letter! I'm an orphan, raised in the Noel Orphanage, a commoner with no family. And yet this letter is incoherent and makes no sense─"
"Please stay calm, Major Touri."
"How can I possibly stay calm?!"
"No matter what you think, the fact remains that Major Touri and Bern-sama are related by blood."
He apparently had anticipated my outburst.
"…Bern-sama wrote that will only after confirming the truth."
Major Curley continued in a calm, reassuring tone.
"When did he conduct such an investigation?"
"Two years ago. Bern-sama ordered me to investigate Major Touri's origins."
"Why…?"
"He said it was to use as a bargaining chip to recruit you as his subordinate."
According to him, when Bern tried to recruit me two years ago, he planned to use information about my relatives as leverage.
To pressure me by saying, "Don't you want to know about your real family?"
"…And?"
"These are the family registers and a list of missing people in the area around Noel Village at the time you were delivered to the orphanage."
Major Curley followed Bern's orders and obtained copies of the census records from the Marshdale government office.
It was only then that he realized that Bern and I were related by blood.
"Within a month of your arrival at Noel Orphanage, eight girls went missing around the Marshdale area. Of those, three were unaccounted for, with the others almost certainly deceased. Among those, only one girl went missing near Noel Village."
"…One?"
"Yes. It is highly likely that the missing girl is you, Major Touri."
Groaning, I read the name written in the family register.
Perhaps that was my real name.
────The younger sister of the demon Bern, the girl who bears the surname Valou.
"Incidentally, that person was Bern-sama's younger sister, Iris Valou, who had been affected by the disaster."
***
"Whaaat!?!"
Apparently, even Bern never imagined that I could actually be his younger sister.
When Major Curley reported it to him, Bern was so shocked that he cried out in surprise.
"Curley, are you messing with me? There's no way something like that could happen by chance."
"…Indeed, there is no concrete proof. But, if I recall correctly, Bern-sama, your hometown is—"
"Wait. Yes, if Iris were alive, the nearest place would have been the Noel Orphanage, wouldn't it─"
After repeatedly comparing the date I was delivered to the orphanage with the surrounding missing persons' reports, he finally held his head in his hands and collapsed on the spot.
"Oh no, this is the worst."
"The worst?"
"She'll never believe this, no way. And it had to be me of all people. Damn it."
Upon hearing this information, Bern actually held his head in his hands.
It was obvious to everyone that I despised Bern.
"Your long-lost brother was alive. And guess what, it turns out to be me! Is it really going to be me who has to tell Touri?'"
"That's correct."
"Hahahahaha!! This is… this is priceless!"
At first, he looked dejected, but then…
"She'll just kick me out and be done with it!"
Eventually, he burst into laughter as if a dam had been broken.
***
"And that is how I discovered you are Bern-sama's sister."
"This has to be a lie…"
Even after hearing this story, I was still skeptical.
In that story, it just so happened that Bern's sister went missing around the time I was sent to the orphanage.
Certainly, there is a possibility that I could be Bern's sister, but there shouldn't be any concrete evidence.
"There is no proof that I'm Iris Valou, right?"
"There is circumstantial evidence."
"…May I hear it?"
"Of course."
Thinking that, I tried to somehow deny my blood relationship with him.
Major Curley then placed two pieces of paper on the desk with a knowing look.
"17 years ago, this was the date when Bern Valou-sama, who had been chased away from his village, was rescued in Marshdale. This was just three days after Major Touri was delivered to Noel Orphanage."
"…"
"Based on the dates, the most plausible candidate for Iris Valou is you."
…17 years ago, when I was just three years old.
Although Austin and the Sabbath were not at war at the time, skirmishes were frequent.
Under the pretense of "actions by bandits rather than regular troops," they were attacking each other's territories.
Then, around summer, there was an incident where bandits from the Sabbath went on a rampage near Noel.
I lost my parents in that incident and was sent to the Noel Orphanage.
However… Bern Valou also lived with his family in a village near Noel during that time.
While he was working in the fields, Sabbatian soldiers suddenly attacked.
He decided that there was no time to reunite with his family and fled alone to Marshdale, seeking protection from the guards.
"Afterward, Bern-sama volunteered for the military. He served as a boy soldier, and his talents were recognized. He was given a guardianship and enrolled in the military academy, and eventually rose to the rank of staff officer. As you know, he continued to achieve remarkable military successes."
"…"
However, his disposition drastically changed after this attack.
He became aware of his devilish instincts, finding excitement in witnessing massacres.
"Bern-sama had accepted the loss of his family. That's why, when he suddenly learned that his sister was alive, he didn't know how to handle it."
"…No way. Bern wasn't that kind of guy."
"From my perspective, Bern-sama was surprisingly sensitive."
There was a strong sense of admiration in Major Curley's eyes as he looked at me.
It was as if he were seeing the reincarnation of Bern Valou.
"That's a lie, I don't believe it. If it were Bern, he would have used that blood relationship to persuade me more skillfully. He's a man who uses whatever he can, with no family affection."
"When he said he would be absolutely rejected if he told you, Bern-sama laughed sadly."
"…That's absurd."
"I thought the same thing. Even if he had told you this truth, I doubt you would have responded well."
I didn't know what expression to make at that moment.
Suddenly confronted with the fact that my real brother was alive.
It would be no exaggeration to say that the man I hated most in this world was Bern Valou.
And that man passed away quite recently.
"…Isn't this insane?"
The family register document given to Major Curley indeed had my name on it.
The date Touri Noel entered Noel Orphanage.
The date Bern Valou was taken into protection in Marshdale.
The date that Bern's younger sister, Iris Valou, went missing.
These all pointed to a high probability that I am indeed Iris Valou.
"In a situation like this. At such a timing. Even if you tell me about my birth…"
"Bern-sama probably wanted to keep it a secret as well."
Major Curley pushed up his glasses.
"If you're to take command of the defense of Winn, this information will need to be made public. Otherwise, no one would be convinced."
"…I'm supposed to take command?"
"Yes."
He gave me a creepy smile as if he were worshiping a god.
"Major Touri, who is Bern-sama's real sister. You are the proud hero of Austin who has accomplished many miracles!"
"Uh, well…"
"You are the only one who can save Austin from this crisis. Only you can do it."
"Well…"
"Please, Major Touri, lead us!"
***
It was blind faith.
This man, Major Curley, was a fanatic of Bern Valou.
That's why he believed in Bern's final plans without question and even worshiped me as his "real sister."
"That's impossible for me."
"You can do it. No, only you, Major Touri, can do it. Please, don't abandon us. Protect Austin."
"But I don't have the skills for that…"
"It's alright. Your great older brother has left behind a special plan. So please, guide us."
I felt afraid of this man.
His intensity seemed to be looking at me, but he was not truly seeing me.
He was looking at Bern Valou's figure behind me.
"That's right, you haven't read Bern-sama's plan yet, have you?"
"No, but…"
"I will step out for a moment. Please read Bern-sama's will, and then we can discuss it further."
With that, he gracefully bowed and left the room, leaving me alone.
"…"
Confusion, revulsion, and bewilderment.
The profile of Bern, smiling as he stares at me from his hospital bed, came to mind with a feeling of disgust.
Overwhelmed by various emotions, I slowly read through the letter.
***
First off.
Let me just say this in advance.
Regarding the blood relationship with Bern Valou, which had plunged me into the depths of confusion at the time…
────It was completely fabricated.
At that time, I was convinced and earnestly mourned for Bern, even offering my silent prayers.
I even went to the Sabbath and made a special effort to visit his grave.
It was only after the war that I suddenly thought, "Come to think of it, I should probably visit my parents' graves," and rechecked my own family register.
According to the Registry Management Department, "All records near Noel Village were destroyed and cannot be verified."
And when I confronted Major Curley about the family register that indicated my blood relationship with Bern…
He confessed that it was a blatant forgery that he had been ordered to create by Bern.
That's right. Everything Major Curley said earlier was entirely based on instructions from Bern's will sent to him.
In accordance with Bern Valou's will, he had forged official documents to make me out to be his real sister.
It was a clever trick. I was so confused that I couldn't see through the lie and believed it.
I was completely deceived by Bern and became an accomplice in his malice.
After hearing about the fabrication of our sibling relationship, I immediately went to the Sabbath to kick Bern's grave.
What "real sister?" What "family affection?"
Please stop toying with people's feelings.
…In the end, the roots of my birth remain unclear.
It seems that Bern Valou did live near Noel and did have a sister named Iris Valou.
So, just as he said, there was a possibility that I was his real sister.
He must have realized this and took advantage of it.
The name Bern Valou is famous. He is revered as a god of war in the Austin Army.
Thus, he used the idea of me being the "sister of the god of war' to give me credibility and force me into taking command, while simultaneously making it impossible for me to escape.
He even takes advantage of his younger sister, who was caught up in the war and went missing when she was a child.
Truly, everything that man does is thoroughly despicable.
***
"Ha, haha."
Alone in the Chief of Staff's office.
Having read Bern Valou's last will and testament…
"What an idiot that man was."
It was so absurd and foolish that I could only let out a dry chuckle.
Really, no matter how many times I think back on it, that man was completely messed up.
"…"
To be honest, I thought about refusing right away.
It was too much for me; I couldn't do it.
After all, I am not a smart person.
I realized this clearly after a year of serving as a major in a rear position.
"Ah…"
However, just before I was about to tear up Bern's will…
I actually inadvertently realized the hidden "intention" behind that last plan.
"So that's it. Damn it."
The malice embedded in Bern's plan.
And the reason why Bern Valou specifically chose me to be the commander.
"…What do you mean by a sure-fire strategy? It's more like a huge gamble."
Certainly, Bern had prepared a way for Austin to win.
It's a fragile thread of victory, smeared with malice and hatred.
And among the people in Austin, I was the one who could most effectively navigate that "winning" path.
"…"
If it had been the person I was until last year, I would have declined.
I wouldn't be able to bear the thought of causing so many deaths under my command.
Moreover, the fate of Austin would depend on how well I could follow the path to victory.
I, who had only been "caught up" in the war, would not have been able to endure such a heavy responsibility.
─────Is it really so hard for you to admit you're a bad person?
─────Don't hide your talents and take it easy just because you want to look good in front of others!"
These were words Bern once said to me.
It was just nonsense meant to persuade me, words with no heart behind them.
…But those words clearly articulated my own weaknesses.
Hoping for peace to come soon. Wishing for the end of the war.
Nothing will change if I continue to be a "good kid" and express such wishes as if they don't concern me.
But even if my command results in many sacrifices.
Even if it leads to more lives being lost.
I want to protect Sedol and the others more than I do the lives of my enemies.
I want to ensure a future where Sedol and the others can live peacefully and quietly.
To achieve this, I will enlist the help of Bern Valou and carry out evil deeds.
I am now leading the war.
Even if I'm reviled as the devil, prioritizing my country's desires above all, and ruthlessly taking enemy lives with no emotion.
────That is war.
Thus, after several hours of deep contemplation…
I accepted taking part in Bern's plan.
***
"The decisive battle is likely to take place in three months."
And so, the stage of the war shifted to Austin's capital, Winn.
Major Curley published Bern Valou's will and handed over the position of Chief of Staff to me.
The second Defense of Winn finally broke out in the summer I turned 21.
"By then, we must build a large-scale defense line with the entire nation."
The Allied forces were primarily composed of the three countries: Aerys, Flamel, and the former Sabbatian government forces.
Including mobilization from small nations once colonized by Flamel and Aerys, the total number of troops reached 300,000.
This number of troops was the largest mobilization in this war and conveyed their determination to annihilate Austin completely.
On the other hand, the Austin side had about 20,000 regular troops, and with the addition of untrained women and children, about 30,000 in total.
In addition, about 30,000 reinforcements were sent in small groups from the Sabbath.
Although it might seem like just 30,000, it was considered to be the maximum they could provide given the situation in the Sabbath at the time.
Moreover, due to Prime Minister Fogman Jr.'s diplomatic policies, small countries with grievances against Flamel were brought into the fold.
These reinforcements from surrounding small countries amounted to about 15,000 for the Austin side.
Austin's total fighting strength was now 75,000. The Allied forces were about four times stronger.
But there was never a hopeless atmosphere.
Perhaps influenced by Bern's will, morale was high, with people thinking, "We have a good chance of winning."
The battle to defend Winn would become the largest battle in this war and the final decisive battle that would determine the outcome.
Sylph Nova, who struggled to save her homeland by using Austin as a stepping stone.
Bern Valou, the monster who was dragged into the war by his own desires and died in despair.
Arunoma Diskens, who was transformed into a hero by Sylph as the "protagonist of the story."
The role of witnessing the outcome of these fateful conflicts fell to me.
***
"…Touri? What's wrong? You look so serious."
"Lieutenant Gavel."
After informing Major Curley that I would carry on Bern's legacy, I walked through the capital city of Winn with Lieutenant Gavel.
"I've been asked to take on a very unpleasant role."
"What would make you look like that if you were forced to do something like that?"
He's accompanying me as my bodyguard.
Now that I'm a major, I can't walk around town without an escort.
"It's a state secret, so I can't tell you."
"Ah, you're having a tough time, aren't you?"
At a time when I had taken on an enormous task and was completely exhausted.
The casual conversation with Lieutenant Gavel was a bit of a relief.
I had so many things to think about, like my responsibility to my country, Bern's legacy, and Sedol's safety, that I was on the verge of panicking.
"Puku puku puku."
"Argie is in good spirits."
"She's always lively as long as there's alcohol. What a carefree way to live, really."
I decided of my own volition to take over Bern's plan.
Even if people call it ego, even if it means killing someone, I want to protect the people around me.
"Now that I think about it, I haven't seen Nauman around."
"Oh, those with families in Winn are allowed special leave."
In wartime, there's no such thing as pretty things.
The battlefield is a place where egos are imposed on others, with the mentality of "I don't want to die, so you die instead."
That's why soldiers on the front lines clap their hands and laugh after shooting and killing an enemy soldier.
Commanders in the rear look at the number of casualties and praise the soldiers on the front lines.
"Nauman said he's going on a date with his family today."
"…That's wonderful."
Thus, I went from being a "soldier caught up in the war" to a "soldier who volunteered for the war."
I became the executor of the plans of Bern Valou, the greatest villain of the century.
"Lieutenant Gavel, the next battle will probably be the last."
"Oh, is it okay for me to hear such things?"
"Yes. The newspapers will prominently announce tomorrow that the Defense of Winn will be the decisive battle."
The city of Winn still had a lot of life in it.
Although young men were fewer, the streets were filled with women and the elderly.
There were still citizens working with their lives on the line, believing in our victory.
"We will win the decisive battle."
"Yeah, of course."
There are many people I must protect.
Sedol, Anita, and other people I became friends with in the Sabbatian Special Economic Zone.
Reitalyu and Cale, who spent sleepless nights with me in the medical department.
My comrades who fought alongside me, like Lieutenant Gavel and Nauman.
Those who have guided and directed me up until now, Verdi and Renvel.
"I want them to have a peaceful post-war life."
With that said, I closed my eyes.
Next, I remembered my fallen comrades and offered a prayer.
"…Please lend me your strength."
My first comrade, Salsa.
Rodri, Senior Gray, Senior Allen, and Platoon Leader Garback, who survived the Western Front with me.
Head Medic Gale and the other senior medics who taught me so many things in the field hospital.
The absent-minded Lakya, the kind Aria, the cute Lenalee, and the humorous Gomuji.
Maeve, who was a bit scary, and Carol, who was very brave.
And the legendary monster Bern Valou, whom I believed to be my older brother at the time.
"Please watch over my inexperienced self."
They are the people who have protected me up until now.
And now, there are those I must protect myself.
I am standing here carrying the hopes of many people.
…With this renewed determination, I set my sights on the streets of Winn.
Could this also have been according to Bern Valou's plans?
***
"Hey, isn't that Nauman?"
"Hmm?"
However, there's one thing I still don't understand that still bothers me.
If I'm not his real sister, why was Bern Valou so fixated on me?
"Oh, he tried to kiss Anna and was rejected."
"…Hasn't he been kicked in the shins by his daughter?"
There must have been many better approaches if he really wanted to use me as a pawn.
Surely there was no need for him to be so overly familiar with me, knowing he would be hated.
"Seriously. I went through the trouble of giving him a break, and now he's being disliked by his daughter."
"…"
However, his approach towards me was excessive.
It's odd unless he was convinced that I was his little sister.
"What a foolish old man. That's what happens if you cling to a girl of that age…"
"Yeah…"
────Adolescent girls sometimes develop a physiological aversion towards relatives of the opposite sex."
"Well, that's not our concern. Let's leave it to Naumann."
"That's true."
Smiling at the heartwarming everyday life of the Nauman family, I returned to the headquarters with Lieutenant Gavel by my side.
…In the end, I don't understand Bern's thoughts.
The only reliable information about him is that he had a younger sister named "Iris Valou."
He lived near Noel when he was young and liked dandelion tea.
And how, when he was a child, his family was killed by the Sabbatian Army and he fled alone to Marshdale.
That's about it.
"…Touri?"
"No…"
When I was a child, I was delivered to Noel Orphanage by someone who called himself a resident of the same village.
For some reason, that man did not reveal his name and disappeared somewhere.
He left me at the orphanage and that was it.
If Bern was certain that I was his real sister…
And if there is someone who could be sure of my identity as his sister, even though my family registry was lost and no information remains…
It could only be the person who delivered me to Noel Orphanage.
────Goodbye, Iris.
────No!
It may be a memory that is a delusion.
A memory of someone who looked like a young Bern, patting my head and leading me by the hand to the entrance of the Noel Orphanage.
────Don't go─
I cried desperately, reaching out for Bern who was walking away…
"…Sorry. I was just a bit lost in thought."
"Pull yourself together."
I suddenly came to my senses.
I decided to forget about it, thinking it as a memory that didn't actually exist.
…No way, right?
End of Arc 9