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Emiliana was surprised to see that so many of the non-servants had accompanied Octavia and the others to the battlefield.

‘They’ll leave the fighting to the servants, of course,’ Chergoa explained. ‘Instead, they’ll provide operational support. Things like keeping civilians away from the battle, maintaining supplies, organizing teams and strategies--that sort of thing. Normal people can be particularly helpful when they observe the battle from a distance and feed information to the combatants via radio. Signal jammers are often deployed as a disruptive countermeasure, and then it usually becomes a contest of which side can neutralize the others’ jammers first. And that’s because in a fight between two forces of roughly equal size and strength, the more organized one almost always wins.’

Emiliana couldn’t help wondering something as she listened. ‘How many battles have you been in?’

‘Enough to make me stop counting.’

That made her think of another question. ‘Why did you decide to be my reaper?’

Chergoa paused. ‘Well, you and I were supposed to join the Vanguard. That was my reason for wanting a new servant. It was less about you specifically. I did observe you for a little while, though. You seemed nice enough.’

‘That is it? We’re bound together for the rest of my life, and that is all the thought you put into it?’

‘What can I say? I’m not very picky. So long as you’re not a violent psychopath, I’m not bothered about it.’

‘Wow... then, why did you decide to join the Vanguard?’

‘Ah. It was Axiolis who convinced me. He’d been trying to convert me for ages. Finally wore me down.’

‘You must be regretting it now.’

‘Pfft, no. Maybe it’s hard for you to believe, but I’m glad I’m here with you.’

Beneath her dark mask, Emiliana’s expression distorted. ‘Why?’

‘Well, if you didn’t have me, you could’ve ended up stuck with some dumbass who gives horrible advice. And then what would you do?’

‘Are you... making a joke?’

‘Yes, Emiliana. Yes, I am. Good catch.’

‘I was hoping for an actual answer...’

‘It WAS an actual answer,’ said Chergoa. ‘And it was also a joke. Multitasking, you see.’

‘I don’t understand...’

Chergoa gave a faint laugh. ‘Holy shit, girl. I’m saying that I’m glad I can be here with you while you weather this storm of bullshit. Don’t think for a moment that I regret taking you on as my servant.’