David Clark only then realized that the ten or so enemies had already been subdued by his own people, and not a single one of his side was injured. It seemed these were all elite soldiers, perhaps even William Scott's personal guards.

　　Emily Reed gave William Scott a deep look, then took the lead and walked eastward. Only then did everyone notice that the hand she held her sword with had a split at the base of her thumb.

　　...Lin, when I see you again, will you still remember me? Maybe... farewell...

　　After the figures of Emily Reed and the others disappeared, William Scott finally mounted his horse and led the group westward.

　　The road west would probably take until tomorrow afternoon to reach their destination, the second prince's last city—Gukou City.

　　That afternoon at dusk, the group chose a place to set up camp. Of course, it was again the soldiers' responsibility to hunt for game and gather various fruits for dinner.

　　Since spring had just arrived, night fell early. After dinner, everyone lay down around the campfire to rest.

　　David Clark lay on a small slope, his eyes gazing at the sky.

　　Maybe, I mean maybe, if there were less human activity, the Earth would be healthier. Like this grassland before me, and the air—I swear, the 21st century never had such a clear environment, even the starry sky is so vivid.

　　"Sorry, am I disturbing you?" A silvery voice, with a charming tone.

　　It was the princess who always wore a fine veil. But why did she even cover her eyes?

　　"No, it's fine... um, is there something you need?"

　　"Can we talk? Sorry, maybe I'm bothering you."

　　Something she needs? What could it be? Does she want the gun in my hand? That's my only weapon now, especially in this world full of superhumans.

　　"No, that's not it. I just want to chat with you. Hehe..." Maybe David Clark's expression was too amusing, or too easy to read, so the princess couldn't help but laugh.

　　"Sure, haha, princess, what do you want to ask?" Her voice was beautiful—if her looks matched her voice, I wonder what kind of beauty she must be.

　　"...Can you tell me why you hate killing? And why did you recover so quickly afterwards?"

　　"Killing?" David Clark lay back on the grass, gazing at the stars. "Isn't that just destroying a life? No one has the right to control or destroy another life, not even gods, because that is a right inherent to all living things, isn't it?"

　　Then, without waiting for the princess to speak, he continued, "I understand, princess, you must be as sad as I am, grieving for the loss of life. But, princess, we're not destroying other lives—we're just struggling within our fate. We have our responsibilities. So, I grieve for the dead, but I don't regret it, because I have my reasons."

　　The princess seemed very moved, her body trembling slightly. After a while, she said, "I never knew these things. I really feel so sad, seeing everyone killing..."

　　"Yes, troubled times... Princess, maybe I will kill in the future too, but I will only kill those who deserve it, whether it's my duty or my position."

　　"Duty and position?"

　　"Yes, princess, do you remember the previous battle? Why did more than ten enemies survive, and only their horses died? Maybe it's because I said to spare lives and not kill. But that was too dangerous for our own people."

　　"..." The princess fell silent.

　　"So, I will still mourn for lost lives, but I will also rejoice for the rising sun."

　　"...Young master, thank you. I've never met a wise man like you, nor heard such heartfelt words. Thank you. Also, my name is Rose Harris." The princess lowered her veil a bit, revealing her eyes, as if wanting to see David Clark more clearly.

　　Hehe, of course—I studied psychology, after all. And I know many things you don't... So beautiful!

　　Rose Harris's eyes were blue, as blue as the sea, like a bottomless abyss, or like blue gemstones, shining with a mysterious light. At a glance, it felt as if your soul was being drawn in.

　　"Hmph!" Rose Harris saw David Clark staring at her in a daze, blushed, and deliberately snorted.

　　"Uh, um, haha, sorry. Would you like to listen to some music?" He saw Rose Harris lower her veil again and couldn't help but feel disappointed, but she nodded.

　　David Clark smiled, picked a blade of grass, put it to his lips, and played a very old song—one that no one here had ever heard before.

　　"...The spring breeze doesn't understand romance, it stirs the heart of youth..." The melody drifted through the camp, and everyone looked up. It was the most beautiful tune they had ever heard.

　　Behind David Clark and the princess, William Scott was lying there.

　　You really are a remarkable person. Are you just a child? Maybe your wisdom could even change this chaotic world...

　　The spring breeze blew, and in the wind there was song—the song of the divine youth, guessed at for countless years by later generations.

　　Chapter Five: The Reason for Battle