Idle Asides, No. 7, Cercis’ Perspective — Mr. Fisalis’ Division Returns Home

✦✦✦Idle Asides, No. 7, Cercis’ Perspective — Mr. Fisalis’ Division Returns Home✦✦✦

A military conference room, Aurantia:

Following our victory, the Flür military, along with various civil servants, had occupied the Aurantian royal palace—processing war criminals, establishing an interim government, and that sort of thing. Corydalis and I had decided some venting about the civil servants plowing their way through stacks of paperwork to our side was in order.

“No more work for us.”

“You got that right, Commander. It sure is a good thing we got our jobs done quickly.”

“All that’s left is up to the civil servants to finish, so it’s completely out of our hands.”

“Ex-actly.”

“Shall we pack up and go, then?”

“Well, that is the reason we got everything done as fast as we could.”

Corydalis and I were about to exit the room, having come to the conclusion that we were clear to leave (and that we ought to pack up and make a break for it) when:

“Did you say you’re going home?” Several civil servants raised their heads.

What now? Aren’t we allowed to leave yet? Our work is done! Why should we stay to just watch you all work? We have all the knights on guard duty for that. At this point, that’s all they’re good for.

We are not mere overseers!

“Yes. Our work should all be done now.”

“We’re beat, too. We were slaving away down here long before you guys got here. It’s been two and a half months. Sheesh,” Corydalis tried to reason with them, cracking his neck in a display of just how exhausted he was.

“You’re right. There’s no comparing what we’ve been through to marching in after the war was over. Aside from the guards, the regular troops have already returned. I’d like to send my men home soon, too, in appreciation of their hard work.”

“Aww, Commander, you do care!”

Wouldn’t you know it, though, the civil servants didn’t so much as reply.

I see how it is.

“...Fine, you can leave,” a consul reluctantly agreed.

“Thanks. I’ll leave the rest to you.”

“Woohoo! We’re outta here!” Corydalis cried, pumping his fist in the air.

Our little charade had worked.

“I’m going to go pack up. Inform the others.”

“Roger!”

I got on my horse, who was waiting outside, and rode off as fast as he would go.

“YAAAAAAY!” was the reply I received when I told the other division members. I’m with you on that one, guys. I can’t wait to get home, either!

“I’m aiming for a new record for the fastest time home! Wait for me, Viola!”

“Wait for me, ○○○!” most cried, as well—inserting their own lover or spouse’s name, of course.

“Oh, shut up, would you?! Some of us are single, you know!” yelled one man, tears streaming down his face. Apparently he didn’t have anyone to go home to. He should be more optimistic... When he does get home, he can get started on the dating game.

“All of you! Quit your yelling! Shut up and ride!” Mr. Fisalis shouted at them, with a look on his face that said heads were going to roll if they didn’t obey. Why are you angry? I thought you wanted to go home, too. Oh well, none of my business.

And so, we took off down the road at a full gallop, our sights set on the capital.