Saying thank you was something you could only say because you knew what had happened and it meant appreciating that effort.

"That is true. Thanks as always, Rohen."

"No, this is part of my job."

"Thanks to you too, kid."

"I have not properly introduced myself yet. It is a bit late, but my name is Qiong Xing."

With that, they finally exchanged proper introductions.

"Even though you have worked this hard until Rohen is exhausted, those at the top who know nothing only evaluate the captain, and Rohen is not properly recognized."

That had not been his intention.

It had simply become normal for Rohen to handle the difficult paperwork for him.

"Then please make sure you fulfill your role in combat."

He had been relying on Rohen, even while complaining, because Rohen still did it for him.

But that understanding only existed within their circle.

The higher-ups likely knew nothing of it.

"It is not that I am telling you to do everything because it is your job. Everyone has things they are suited for and things they are not. Even if you rely on Rohen, you should not leave everything to him. Help within your own capacity. If you do not understand something, you can ask. Working as two people will progress faster than working alone, right?"

He had not expected to be lectured by a younger boy, but it was not a matter of "this is your job so do it."

He was told he could do what he could without pushing himself, and that made sense.

"You two trust each other enough to assign and rely on one another. That is wonderful. But what about the other soldiers who see that and grow up watching it?"

What would happen?

"If they reach the rank of captain in the future, is there not a possibility that they will also think it is fine to just leave work they do not like to someone else?"

"..."

That stung.

As Narka and the others fell silent, Qiong Xing gave a wry smile.

"It is only a possibility. I believe everyone here properly understands the two of you."

Although they were work colleagues, the people who spent most of the day together had become something like family to Narka.

Because of that, even seeing the captain being scolded by the vice captain, a sight that would normally look pathetic, did not feel strange to show.

"This is just my opinion, only a suggestion. But I think anyone would be happier hearing ’let’s do our best together’ rather than just being told ’do your best,’ don’t you think?"

"...Yes, that is true."

Struggles are meant to be shared.

That was what it came down to.

Supporting each other did not mean leaving everything one could not do to someone else.

It meant trying in one’s own way even when something could not be done, and then helping each other and leaning on one another when it still could not be achieved.

"Also, you say you do not really like planning strategies, but even you, captain, at least think things like ’I can leave this area to that guy’ when you are fighting, right?"

"Well, of course."

It was his job to judge who was good at what and who could be trusted with certain roles.

"Strategy meetings are just an extension of that. Instead of thinking about how to pull off a surprise attack, you should think about how to make use of their talents."

I see.

If he thought in terms of "this person can do this" or "that one can handle that, so I will assign it to them," it was not that difficult.

It was something only he could do because he knew exactly what each person was capable of.

"It is a shame that you are not one of our comrades."

"Right? So, why not join us?"

"I refuse."

There was no room left for negotiation with that dazzling smile.

Even so, thinking "maybe next time," Rohen and he nodded to each other, deciding to gradually keep trying.

"Also, why is Rohen called by his name, but I am ’Captain’?"

"Is it because you do not want to be called that?"

"No way! That is not it... I think."

His confidence immediately faltered.

"No, it is simply easier to call you Captain. Also, everyone here was calling you that anyway."

"Then Rohen could just be called ’Vice Captain’ too."

"Hey, please do not drag me into this. Qiong Xing, you do not need to worry about it. From now on, you can keep calling me Rohen casually."

Hey, you!

He glared at Rohen’s smug expression, but Rohen did not seem bothered at all.

"Understood. Then from now on, Captain Narka and—"

"That is why I said stop sticking ’Captain’ on everything!"

He did not like being called "Captain," so why was it still being added there?

"Is it really alright for someone like me to call you by your name?"

"If the person himself says it is fine, then it is fine. Besides, you call Rohen and Prince Bratislav by name, so why am I the only one who cannot be called that?"

Even Prince Bratislav was addressed casually, so why was he the exception?

"’Then I’ll call you Narka from now on’?"

"Hmm."

It had been suggested as a great idea, but he did not understand why he still asked him like that.

Still, as long he could said it, then it could not be helped.

For now, he would definitely punch Rohen later who was laughing loudly beside him.

"From now on, please take care of me. Also, about the sword, would it not be better to modify it into a magical tool?"

Even while lecturing him, Qiong Xing had apparently been thinking properly about it.

"And if we make it something that can be fitted when used, it should still work normally in everyday use."

That is good.

To discuss it in detail, he and Rohen decided to cooperate and finish their work quickly.