Chapter 51: Fratina’s little temper
“Lord Lucius, can you define ‘innocent’?”
Fratina looked at Lucia, puzzled.
The Church taught that everyone was born to atone, so no one was truly “innocent.”
To most, not doing evil meant innocence.
But could anyone live without ever doing wrong?
Seeing Fratina’s confusion, Lucia realized the Hero had never deeply questioned this.
She’d always acted on simple values: punish evil, uphold good.
Lucia spoke up. “Do you think Londe’s officials, dying to defend against invaders, are innocent?”
“Of course.”
“And if those same officials were killed by oppressed citizens or a righteous warrior for exploiting them, are they still innocent?”
“…”
Lucia’s vivid words painted a clear picture in Fratina’s mind.
“…Maybe not.”
“The same people, but their deaths’ context changes the outcome.”
Lucia disliked preaching, but to shift Fratina’s bias against the bandits, she guided the topic carefully.
“You kill bandits who rob and murder defenseless people—those aren’t innocent.”
“But these bandits, seen as friends or saviors by so many, if you rashly kill them and others suffer, aren’t you harming the innocent?”
“It’s not the same. Don’t those bandits kill caravan soldiers? Don’t those soldiers have families, children? Aren’t they innocent?”
Fratina seized a flaw in Lucia’s argument.
“They do, but these bandits oppose Londe. They minimize casualties during raids and don’t harass civilians. You saw—the villages here are more prosperous than elsewhere in Londe. They must have their reasons for turning outlaw.”
“…”
Fratina fell into a long silence, then, almost petulantly, said, “Fine, then you handle this commission, Lord Lucius. What use am I?”
Lucia couldn’t help but smile at Fratina’s adorable sulk.
She hadn’t expected Fratina to get so huffy, like a child, and it was almost endearing.
“No, Fratina, this task is still yours. My identity can’t be revealed. To talk to them, we need your Hero title to keep them in check.”
Fratina initially felt upstaged, her role overtaken by Lucia’s meddling. But hearing she was still needed warmed her heart.
“Then… Lord Lucius, can I ask one thing?”
“Hm?”
“Next time you do this, can we discuss it first? It’s better than being left in the dark.”
“So you’re upset because I didn’t consult you?”
“…Yeah.”
Fratina mumbled.
She’d thought Lucia was just curious about her commission, but her growing interference made Fratina feel sidelined.
After their discussion, Fratina felt better.
“Alright, I can agree to that.”
Lucia said, pulling the blanket over herself. “Let’s rest. I bet they’ll take us up the mountain first thing tomorrow.”
*
Bandit Camp, Main Hall, Late Night
Christine studied reports from Notting City spies under dim lamplight.
A commission to hunt bandits had been taken at the guild—someone bold had accepted it.
Rubbing her temples, Christine sighed.
Her group was becoming too noticeable. Raiding Londe’s caravans had drawn attention, and now they were hiring strong adventurers to deal with her.
Regular armies didn’t worry her; their movements were predictable, giving her spies time to prepare.
But adventurers were elusive. Even without attacking the camp, killing her warriors in the villages would crush morale.
Only Emmeline and a few others knew her true identity. The rest followed for profit.
Footsteps approached, and Emmeline entered. “Your Highness, you’re still up.”
She stepped inside, concern in her voice. “Your health is fragile. You shouldn’t stay up so late.”
“I’m fine. I know my limits and rest when I need to.”
Christine smiled. “You didn’t come just to nag me about sleep, did you?”
Emmeline nodded. “Harvest Town sent word. Notting City’s intel was right—an adventurer took the commission and reached the town.”
“Who?”
“One’s the Hero, Fratina. The other’s unknown, cloaked, but Fratina shows them great respect.”
Christine’s pen dropped.
She’d expected tough adventurers, but the Hero Fratina?
Standing, she said urgently, “Emmeline, alert all warriors in the villages to return and prepare defenses. It’s the Hero—we can’t underestimate her.”