While we were doing spy work in the Empire’s south, a rebellion broke out in the north. And not just a peasant uprising—this time it was the lords themselves rebelling.

Since they were on the side of the rulers, the political implications were completely different from some ordinary farmer riot.

“Apologies. I was delayed because I was hanging up the laundry.”

When I reported to the Battalion Commander’s office, the Commander smiled.

“As your superior, I’m very satisfied that I was able to give you time for your beloved laundry.”

“When things get busy, there’s no chance for laundry at all, after all.”

Behind Battalion HQ, laundry ropes stretched every which way, and my “spoils of war” fluttered like military flags: spare shirts and several days’ worth of underclothes. I even washed gloves and bedsheets while I was at it.