Chapter 9

The sun rises and sets, and the moon rises and sets for thirty nights.

After successfully conquering the Perdan Fortress, the Northern Duke and his soldiers proudly returned to their camp.

The remaining soldiers guarding the camp welcomed them with cheers and dances, while female prisoners, including Brody, confidently greeted them in front of the bountiful crops.

Although they returned victorious, the soldiers looked anything but well. Covered in sweat and blood, washing up became a secondary concern.

Even the Duke himself, despite his victorious return, sported a worn-out face and proudly displayed his tattered cloak.

Among them, Chief of Staff River seemed to be in the best condition, relatively speaking, but they all appeared exhausted and battered.

Nevertheless, smiles of pride and joy adorned their faces.

Mrs. Murphy, the gruff camp caretaker, was eager to wash them up, but the soldiers were more concerned about food and drinks.

They eagerly sat down anywhere in the camp, loudly expressing their hunger.

Those from the camp who received word of their impending return had already prepared and were now serving food, smiling as if they had anticipated this.

While meat was scarce, a soup filled with potatoes took center stage, accompanied by a side dish made from turnips.

The soldiers, overwhelmed by the unfamiliar crops, hesitated at first but erupted into cheers after tasting the food.

“The alcohol is flowing smoothly!”

Alcohol was among the spoils of war.

Although the food wasn’t considered luxurious, for those who had endured starvation and daily struggles, it was akin to a banquet.

Brody generously offered the harvested crops to the Duke, assuring him that the quantity wasn’t significant but that it could be addressed with further cultivation in the future.

If they continued to succeed in their military campaigns, they could secure provisions from areas unaffected by famine.

The Duke praised and encouraged the victorious soldiers before going into his tent with a serious expression.

Observing this, Murphy carefully watched and sent Brody inside with a basin containing warm water and towels.

‘I’m guessing Mrs. Murphy wants me to tell him to take a shower……. Mmm.’

Brody, nervously entering the tent, greeted the Duke without making eye contact.

“Brody!”

“Whoa! Be careful!”

Suddenly rushing towards her, Aidan nearly spilled the water basin.

Despite Brody’s protests, Aidan hugged her tightly.

Brody pulled away, embarrassed.

His face was flushed red, as if he’d been drinking heavily.

He smelled of alcohol……. No, not only that, but the smell of sweat and blood was worse than she could have ever imagined, and Brody involuntarily covered her nose.

Aidan pulled away from her at the sight of Brody like that, but instead of looking embarrassed, he smirked as if he found it amusing.

“Ugh……. I can see why Mrs. Murphy sent you here in a hurry.”

Brody was about to sit Aidan on the bed, but she changed her mind, concerned about the bed’s stability.

Instead, she fetched a low chair and had Aidan sit on it.

He was half-smiling with half-closed eyes, seemingly satisfied. Brody began removing his armor.

“Oh, phew.”

Brody, confused and trying to hold back laughter, responded, “I’ll start from your head.”

After energetically spitting out a breath, Brody placed the towel on Aidan’s forehead, covering it as she approached.

But she was taken aback when she saw his body, covered in numerous wounds, ranging from old scars to recent injuries.

‘To survive on the battlefield is quite remarkable.’

Although the smell was still strong, Brody’s heart softened a bit.

Carefully wiping Aidan’s hair, face, and neck, the towel quickly became dirty.

“This feels good.”

With his eyes closed, Aidan murmured in a deep, satisfied voice. A content smile hung on his face.

“You have every reason to feel good.”

Brody continued to wipe him with a new towel. Finally, the smell seemed to lessen.

“It’s a shame there’s not enough water.”

The thought of soaking in a warm bath would be wonderful. Well, not only the dust but also the smell.

After cleaning his head and face, it was time to wipe his upper body.

“Hmm…”

Feeling awkward enough to wipe his front, Brody turned to Aydan’s back.

His back was incredibly broad, and it felt like she needed both hands to wipe it, just like scrubbing a floor.

‘Truly a body built for life and death combat…….’

Brody thought as she observed the intricate shadows created by the well-defined muscles. She hesitated, thinking her towel might get caught in the muscles.

‘I can’t do this…’

Brody’s face turned red. Fortunately, she was behind him.

‘What am I thinking?’

‘Get a grip, Brody.’

Brody, whipping her own thoughts, quickly dried a new towel and handed it to Aidan.

“Hmm?”

Opening his eyes, Aidan looked at her with a puzzled expression.

“You still need to finish drying. I’ll get more hot water.”

“Ah…”

Before Aidan had a chance to say anything, Brody stormed out.

Because of the warm towel, Aidan regained some composure.

And as he became aware of reality, his face turned red.

He had just been washed by Brody’s hands, like a child, and he even enjoyed the touch. He had gone so far as to say it out loud.

Aidan quickly stood up and dried his upper body with the towel.

Then he took off his boots and pants, wiping his lower body as well.

He was surprised to find that his feet and legs were dirtier than he had thought.

“It’s no wonder they’re so dirty.”

Even though it was a common occurrence on the battlefield, it felt somehow embarrassing to show such a sight to Brody.

By the time Brody returned, Aidan was already dressed in a new pair of pants.

Brody noticed that the Duke’s eyes and expression had returned to normal.

“Have you come to your senses?”

Aidan smoothly accepted the basin Brody brought, ignoring Brody’s doubtful gaze.

Brody looked him up and down suspiciously. “You’ve already finished cleaning up?”

“Yeah.”

“Hmm, it must have been hard for you to wipe it all down in that time.”

“It’s… fine. I’ll do it later.”

Pretending not to hear Aidan, Brody squeezed the towel into the water that he had just brought and handed it to him.

“Clean your upper body more.”

Then, she awkwardly sat Aidan back in the chair.

“I won’t ask you to take off your pants.”

While neatly folding the hem of Aidan’s pants, Brody said, “Give me your feet.”

“Why…?”

Ignoring Aidan’s confusion, Brody brought the basin to his feet. Placing the towel in the water, she wrapped his entire foot in it and began to wipe.

Aidan frowned as he watched the water and towel get dirty.

“I can…”

“Just clean your upper body quickly. Or should I clean it for you?”

Brody said without looking up, and Aidan closed his mouth, quietly starting to clean his upper body.

However, due to Brody’s hands wiping his feet, he couldn’t concentrate. It wasn’t a task that required much concentration, but still.

Aidan’s feet became clean under Brody’s touch. The touch of the towel, combined with its coolness, made him feel good.

“Bree.”

“…”

‘Ah, Bree, that was my fake name.’
When Brody responded to the call after a moment of hesitation, Aidan spoke quietly.

“I brought some loot. There are lots of pretty clothes. Since I don’t have an eye for these things, take a look and pick what you want.”

Aidan watched Brody’s expression closely as she spoke.

But her expression wasn’t clearly visible as she stood there wiping his feet. It wasn’t clear, but it didn’t seem like she was particularly happy.

‘Loot… Such a strange word. Winning in war means someone else lost again.’

Winning meant gaining things for the victor, but it was an unfamiliar concept for Brody.

Such thoughts might be considered luxurious in this world.

But Brody was grateful for Aidan’s thoughtfulness, so she smiled and stood up with the basin.

“I’ll pour out the water.”

Seeing that Brody didn’t seem excited about the loot of pretty clothes, Aidan stared blankly at her departing figure.

“I thought women loved gifts of clothes. What’s the matter? Maybe it’s because I’m still too dirty.”

He wanted to see her smiling face, just like when he saw her in the field before leaving.

After a while, Brody returned.

Aidan sat there, unsure of what to do, staring blankly at her.

After a moment of silence, Brody couldn’t hold back and finally spoke.

“Are your wounds okay?”

“Yeah, I didn’t get seriously hurt.”

“Should I apply some medicine? I don’t know about bruises, but cuts should be treated properly.”

“Are you good with medicine?”

“I’m decent with plant-related things.”

“I see. You’re good with plants.”

“Yes! Have you seen our fields?”

Proudly, Brody spoke.

Aidan smiled in response. “Yes, they are excellent.”

“Well, we’ve also achieved our goal safely. You won’t have to worry much about food in the future.”

“Yeah, yeah. Your contribution is truly significant. I’m more pleased with this than winning the war.”

Blushing at his praise, Brody looked cute to Aidan. He watched her with a smile, her eyes twinkling.

When Aidan looked at her with somewhat hazy eyes due to the lingering effects of alcohol, Brody’s heart began to race.

‘Now’s the time. Don’t hesitate. Say it now while his mood is good.’ With determination, Brody clasped her hands in front of her chest.

“Your Grace, do you remember the oath you took before leaving? You said you would grant me a wish if I completed my mission.”

“Of course.”

Aidan nodded. How could he forget? The expression she had at that time was unforgettable.

“Can I tell you my wish now?”

“Sure.”

Aidan felt excited. If he granted that wish, Brody would likely show him that bright smile again.

“I…… my wish is this, Your Grace.”

What the hell is she taking so long to say? It wasn’t like her to hesitate, he thought, expecting an afterthought.

Finally, her mouth opened.

“Give me freedom.”