…It’s burning.

My precious hometown, where I belonged. My people, whom I cherished—

—Every single memory, burns into ash…

◇◇◇

My name was Iris Lowenberg. I was the eldest daughter of Count Lowenberg. I had a sister who was six years younger than me.

“Iris, please, think this through…”

The country we were born in—Paides, was at war with Elda. Elda was blessed with an abundance of magical ore veins which could be used to power street lamps, cars, and firearms.

In fact, that was the purpose behind the war.

Paides underestimated Elda for being a small country. However, Elda—possessing a surplus of magic ores—had plenty of weaponry. If anything, Paides was at the disadvantage because it still had to import magic ores. Nevertheless, as a big country, Paides had many assets.

For the sake of war, Paides brought weapons and magic ore from various resources.

As the war dragged on, our forces declined. The dead couldn’t be resurrected, and the children weren’t likely to become adults in a single night. On the battlefield, lives that had taken more than a decade to nurture could be ended in an instant. There was no respite for the army.

—Thus, the country enacted a conscription.

A minimum of one person from each aristocratic family—regardless of age—had to enlist in the military.

Although, it wasn’t without a loophole. So long as the family paid a hefty sum or sent a mercenary, the family could remain whole.

Unfortunately, neither was an option for the Lowenberg family..

Not only was our territory located on the outskirts of Elda, our assets had been exhausted by the drawn-out war. As expected, we didn’t have enough to hire anybody, let alone afford the exorbitant price asked for by the country.

Because of the war, my father lost a leg and both of his arms. My delicate little sister, Alice, was only 6-years-old. Therefore, I, the eldest, had to be drafted.

My mother wailed upon hearing my decision.

“You’re only 12-years-old—!”

“Yes, which means I’m old enough.”

“T-then, I’ll take your place—!”

“Mother, don’t. If something happens, you have to protect Alice and father. As a child, that’s beyond my capabilities.”

Clinging tightly to the hem of my dress, my mother broke down in tears and refused to let go.

Perhaps, she had the premonition that once I enlisted, we would never see each other again.

I think so, too.

I had no prior experiences, nor did I ever wield a sword or a gun. There was no way I could survive on a battlefield.

In truth, I couldn’t bear seeing my family cry. At the same time, the tears they shed were for me. It was the testament of their love.

As much as I loathed parting with them, rules were rules.

As the daughter of a noble family, I had to adhere to the government’s laws.

“—Please, Iris. Don’t go, please. I didn’t give birth to you just so you could die. I didn’t raise you just so you could carry weapons and kill others—!”

—I understand, Mother.

Still, I took my mother’s trembling hand and gently pried it off my dress.

“Thank you for giving birth to me. Thank you for raising me.”

“…Iris.”

“Looking back, I grew up with a lot of love. To this day, I can’t think of any greater happiness than being born as your daughter. I love you, Mother. I wish you happiness. Truly, from the bottom of my heart. Please, stay healthy.”

—We are unlikely to see each other again.

From now on, I’ll be disappearing from their lives.

As tears rolled down my cheeks, I turned my back on my mother as she called my name over and over again—

“—Sister…”

My sister, who was still young and couldn’t understand what was happening, anxiously looked up at me. I suppressed the urge to pull her into a hug.

“Please take care of your mother and father.”

Instead, I left her with those words.

—Iris Lowenberg, 12-years-old.

After exchanging those parting words with her cherished family, she left to partake in her first battle.

---

***T/N: OHOHOHOHOH DID YOU GUYS FEEEEL THATTTTT OHHH MY GOD, I’M SAVORIGN THIS WELL-AGED, REFINED TASTE OF ANGST, HMMM OHH IT MELTS IN MY MOUTH, LEAVING A RICH AFTER TASTE.

Guys, try out my other angsty reads

Regret it Yourself ~Be Happy with the Saint you Chose~ (WN) – American Faux

The Executed Villainess Travels Back Through Time for Revenge (WN) – American Faux

Everything you Acquire in the Future Shall be Thrown Away by Me (WN) – American Faux

Now That I’m Dead, are you Satisfied? (WN) – American Faux

The Day I Disappeared (WN) – American Faux

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