Soul Nexus. Volume 2: The beginning of the forced adventurer

27

Night fell over the valley. An outpost was formed, and the tents were raised. The paramedics and nurses who arrived moved about quite organizedly, I must say. There were a great number of wounded to attend to, many of them lying on blankets stained with their own blood, covered in bandages all over their bodies, constantly complaining of the torment they had to endure.

Although suffering and agony from the pain were palpable in the atmosphere, they were encapsulated by the heavy calm brought by the night sky and the campfires warming us on the cold, harsh night. Weary soldiers quickly found solace by the fireside, enjoying pleasant conversation and a good (though simple) dinner among comrades, a well-deserved rest after a hard-fought battle.

As I continued to supervise and tally the number of wounded we had, I came across a certain young girl of heavy and grouchy character, serving as a nurse in the camp. At first, I didn't recognize her, as it had been a long time since I had seen her, and I even thought we would never cross paths again. But as soon as our eyes met, I realized it was her.

Roef: 『 Hey, what are you doing here? 』

Veronica: 『 But what kind of greeting is that? Couldn't you be a bit more respectful? Honestly, you haven't changed at all. 』

Roef: 『 I thought you had stayed at the Cleric Siar's refuge. 』

Veronica: 『 I didn't like being there. The nuns were nothing but a nuisance and never allowed us to play. They always told us that we had to learn to behave like adults because sooner or later we would have to get married and have children. 』

Roef: 『 And isn't that true? 』

Veronica: 『 Of course not!! I don't need to get married or have to take care of anyone! 』

Roef: 『 That's what you say, but here you are, having to take care of and tend to the wounded, aren't you? 』

Veronica: 『 Th-This is different!... It's true that I no longer want to be a child. I want to have enough strength to fend for myself, and I know that I must mature even more for that... That's why I offered to help Dr. Martel, to learn as much as possible from him and become a true adult as soon as possible. 』

I don't think that's how one becomes an adult, much less so quickly or at such a young age. But if that's what she wants, she'll manage on her own then. I didn't have time to worry about a girl who thought like that.

Jean: 『 Hey, Roef! So you're here, huh?! What are you still doing on duty? You should come with everyone and celebrate our great victory. 』

As smug as ever. Jean looked so carefree, thinking we were in just a mere celebration. He was toasting and joking along with the other soldiers, with quite a lot of excitement, as if the battle of a few hours ago had never happened and the wounded we had beside us didn't exist. I detest this side of him when he ends up getting drunk; he becomes more annoying than usual.

Jean: 『 Oh? But if it isn't little Veronica! It's been a while since we've seen each other! Tell me, what brings you here? 』

Veronica: 『 Hmph! I don't have to explain it to you. You're too foolish to understand. 』

Whenever these two end up meeting, peace and tranquility disappear. Veronica, who tries to be as composed and proper as possible, detests Jean for his lax and mocking attitude. She always argues with him and scolds him endlessly, but Jean pays little attention and irritates her even more with his irreverent comments.

Jean: 『 Oh, come on! Don't say that! It wounds me to think that someone as pretty as you would hurt my feelings like that. 』

Veronica: 『 P - Pretty? What are you say- ?! 』