Episode 60

The waves roared loudly beyond the frosted window.

The person bustling around the kitchen didn't bother to glance back as the conversation commenced.

"Are you awake?"

"Ugh, could you tone it down? I feel like vomiting this early in the morning."

"What brings you up so early today? Here for breakfast?"

The man standing awkwardly in the living room frowned deeply. He scratched his tousled hair and snapped back.

"I don't desire to hear such cheesy morning greetings right after waking up."

"Can't help it if I'm naturally kind."

Today's cook shrugged nonchalantly. The way he stirred the ladle and adjusted the heat was deft.

"Lapis, with your free-spirited nature, wouldn't understand."

"Seriously annoying..."

"So, are you having breakfast? I made plenty."

"Hah... What's on the menu?"

"Potato soup."

"Not eating."

"Alright then. Sonnet and I will enjoy it together."

His golden eyes gleamed intensely. Ignoring the fierce gaze, Ute changed the subject.

"The newspaper should be arriving soon."

"What newspaper?"

"Don't you remember? From a month ago."

"Oh, that. If you're curious, why don't you check the mailbox?"

"I need to stir the soup so it doesn't stick. Can you do it?"

"You go out. Ugh, it's cold."

The old barracks had thin walls, so drafts came through easily. While the young master from the East searched for a blanket, the creaking sound of stairs echoed.

"What's wrong, Lapis? Why aren't you sleeping more?"

A clear voice devoid of sleepiness.

The two who had been bickering since morning turned their gaze towards it.

"I woke early to swim in the waves reflected in Sonnet's eyes."

"So we're having breakfast together?"

"If you allow me the honor."

"Yeah, you look a bit thin."

"I've never heard that before..."

An awkward smile hovered on her pale face.

Sonnet passed by the young master, a head taller than most boys his age, and headed towards the kitchen.

"Need any help?"

"It's alright. Just sit and relax."

Despite the gentle offer, Sonnet voluntarily put the kettle on the stove. Her hands were swift as she pulled out three teacups.

"Come to think of it, the newspaper should be here soon."

"I'll check."

The golden head wrapped in a blanket popped out and headed outside.

Ute chuckled at the young man's newfound agility compared to five minutes ago.

Regardless, the man who had just graduated from the academy focused solely on Sonnet as he ran over.

"It's here, Sonnet! Look!"

"Okay. Ute, let's see it together."

A beige newspaper was spread out on the living room table.

The logo 'Monthly Guardian' was clearly printed at the top.

Monthly Guardian.

A newspaper created by and for soldiers.

Each month, it featured interviews with those called to serve from different regions. Four weeks ago, they were selected for an interview.

As Sonnet quickly flipped through the pages, she stopped and fixed her gaze.

"Here it is...?"

〈One boat every fortnight, two hours to the market… "But it is worth it."〉

Drooping eyebrows rose.

"Who said it was worth it?"

"Not me."

"Not me either."

Then who said it?

The three read the article, each harboring the same question in mind.

Q. Any memorable anecdotes?

A. It was something that happened in the summer. The barracks were swarming with mosquitoes. I didn't know what to do, but thanks to a colleague's words, I was able to survive the summer. (Lapis)

Q. What were the words?

A. Every life has its purpose, so don't be too angry. (Lapis)

"Me?"

Lapis pointed to himself in surprise.

"As much as the defense newspaper is known for exaggeration, this is too... Ah."

"What?"

Understanding dawned on the man as he scratched his head and explained.

"It was when Sonnet wasn't around. I was getting annoyed at being constantly bitten by mosquitoes, and Ute said that all blood-sucking mosquitoes were females, so I should take it with humility."

"And you really endured because of that?"

"Yes. They really spun it like this..."

Sonnet and Ute exchanged quick glances.

Since the interviews were done separately, they didn't know what questions the others were asked or how they answered. Most of the article was filled with fabrications, exaggerations, and omissions.

But...

Q. Are there specific moments when you relied on your comrades?

A. When Sonnet caught a bug the size of a forearm. (Ute)

One was running away, and another almost used unauthorized magic. (Sonnet)

Sonnet is amazing. She catches fish, helps with farming, and even tames runaway livestock. Anything… (Lapis)

I do it. (Sonnet)

Sonnet does it. (Ute)

Q. Sonnet, have you ever relied on your comrades?

A. Relying… Just their presence gives me strength! (Sonnet)

There were rare instances where the truth was printed verbatim.

A. I sprained my back while helping with the harvest in the fall. Ute properly treated and nursed me back then. I was very… grateful. (Lapis)

Ute snickered as he read Lapis' response.

"This one is spun differently? What did you actually say?"

"…That."

"What?"

"I said exactly that."

A faint blush spread across his glowy cheeks.

Sonnet glanced sideways and observed her embarrassed comrades.

But the warm atmosphere did not last long.

Q. How is your relationship with your comrades?

A. I'm grateful to both of them. (Sonnet)

Thanks to Sonnet, I can guard the place with ease. (Ute)

I think joining early was to fulfill my duty to the nation alongside Sonnet. (Lapis)

"Did you two decide to omit each other's presence?"

"I'm really glad Sonnet is here."

"I am grateful every morning."

Their answers varied according to their personalities, but not all were disjointed.

For example...

Q. Do you miss your family? How often do you contact them?

A. We don't keep in touch. Given the distance... (Sonnet)

I do not. (Ute)

Now that I think about it, I forgot. (Lapis)

The three looked at each other simultaneously.

Sonnet muttered nonchalantly.

"If something happens, they'll contact us first, right?"

"No news is good news, they say."

"There's no point in bothering busy people. They probably aren't curious either."

Even if they took a few days off, it was difficult to travel to the mainland.

All three spent their days off catching up on sleep, and the only mail that arrived at their barracks was this monthly magazine.

Q. Lastly, a word to your team.

A. I'm really glad to be with you guys. Though you're overly afraid of ghosts and bugs... Let's hang in there until discharge. (Sonnet)

Let's continue this connection we've made. (Ute)

Having Sonnet makes every season—spring, summer, fall, winter— (omitted) Ute, live well on your own. (Lapis)

[▲ From left: Lapis, Sonnet, Ute]

The answers, as well as the photo printed at the bottom, were full of character.

Lapis tried to keep a distance from Ute, while Ute tried to put his arm around Lapis' shoulder. In the middle, Sonnet smiled as if nothing was happening.

She covered the newspaper completely and laughed.

"So where's the 'worth it' part?"

---

New Year's Day.

We stayed up all night to watch the sunrise.

'It's been a while since I've done something like this.'

Watching the sea and making New Year's wishes was a tradition in the South. I glanced sideways at my comrades and clasped my hands together. Blue sunlight filtered through my closed eyelids.

'Another year goes by like this.'

Discharge was not far off.

Once I finish my military service...

My black shoe tips kicked the black pebbles. Ute, who had been staring at the ground instead of the waves, solemnly spoke.

"Lapis."

"Yes?"

"I don't want to make things awkward between us, but please listen without prejudice."

"Nothing will be more uncomfortable than what you said just now."

Lapis' lips curled into a sharp smile. It was a stiff reaction, but compared to his past habit of ignoring, it was a great improvement.

As the deliberate silence stretched on, golden hair was impatiently ruffled.

"Ah, what is it?"

"Let me work at your mansion."

"Excuse me?"

"Please get me a job."

---

Prev || Toc || Next