Even if the Dawn Abandons You - Chapter 7

The next day, Anais went to Rue after spending a sleepless night.

It had only been a few weeks since she had arrived in Bathbourg.

Rue was the main battleground between the Revolutionary Army and the Imperialist Restoration Resistance, and it included Dunang and Verdois. The city of Rue, where the Revolutionary Army was stationed, was located right next to Belize. The revolutionary army had set up military camps in the plains behind the city, including the old building of Rue City Hall.

As Anais arrived at the military camp, she was recognized by people here and there. She had to stop several times to greet each of them kindly.

The sight of soldiers wearing navy uniforms representing Philippe’s forces and the black military uniforms of the old imperial army, now called the Republic Army, mixed together created a strange atmosphere. It still bothered her that the only way to distinguish between the Republic Army and the Imperial Army was the Revolutionary Army badge worn on the chest.

“It’s been a while, Anais.”

The voice of Auguste Germain, one of the three revolutionaries who came down here by President Renicourt’s decision, interrupted Anais as she looked around the military camp. She recognized him by his characteristic soft voice and turned her head to greet him with a smile.

“Yes, Mr. Germain. You did well…oh!?.”

Anais was surprised because Auguste looked completely different from what she was used to. The Auguste Germain she knew was always impeccably dressed, even during the days when the Revolutionary Army was on the run from the Imperial forces. He used to stride along the main street wearing a neat suit and vest, with his pomaded hair perfectly styled. But today, he was walking in a shirt without a vest, his suspenders clearly visible, and his hair unkempt.

Anais felt a sense of unease, realizing that the situation here was not easy. There were many things to attend to, but she couldn’t help but worry about Leonard. As exhaustion and anxiety crept in, she felt her already poor physical condition deteriorating further.

“I’m managing just fine. As you can see, I’m not injured. You seem to be the one who seems to be invulnerable. Did you sleep well?”

Anais was stung by Auguste’s harsh words and confessed the truth.

“I did get some sleep, but…”

“You reap what you sow. Where do you think you can fool adults?”

Auguste, who was only eleven years older than Anais, clicked his tongue and playfully ruffled her hair.

“Sorry, I’m just really tired. It’s hard to sleep when things are so difficult, you know?”

“Don’t think I don’t know you. There are always countless reasons why you can’t sleep. Pretending to be fine is not a good habit, Anais.”

Anais felt a pang of guilt at Auguste’s words and admitted her true feelings.

“I heard that you’re staying in Dunang and taking care of the wounded. Don’t work too hard.”

“It would be easier if I just opened up a hospital, huh?”

“If you had really hoped for that, wouldn’t you take payment for your treatments right now?”

Anais bit her lip, feeling a sting from Auguste’s words, and laughed bashfully. Despite her shyness, Auguste was a comforting presence for her. During the meeting about the execution of the imperial family, he was the only comrade who spoke out against the execution, alongside Anais. His position, similar to Ariane’s original opinion (who eventually abstained), was that a trial should precede any decision.

Anais recalled that moment when she was dismissed for not having the time or need for a trial at that moment. Auguste changed the subject, dismissing it as mere fatigue.

“By the way… the President?”

Auguste, a junior of Enjolras, and one of Frederic’s last pupils, was from the same legal background. Frédéric Belmartier, a law professor at the University of Beauharnais, had taught both Auguste Jockey and Enjolras, and the two juniors had a close relationship.

“Other than worrying about this and that, he’s doing well.”

“Is that so? It’s a relief and unfortunate at the same time. As you can see, the situation here is like this.”

“I know, right. I was also surprised. According to what Edmund told me, it’s…”

“Miss Anais!”

Anais heard a familiar voice calling her from a short distance away.

One of Philippe’s men seemed to be approaching quickly. Philippe ran towards her, calling her name with a hint of exaggeration. Anais turned her head and waited for Philippe to reach her, then greeted him with a smile.

“Hello, Mr. Ardinand.”

“Good afternoon, Miss Anais. You don’t look well. Are you okay?”

“I’m just a little tired.”

Philippe frowned, realizing that it was more than just a little tiredness.

“It doesn’t seem like just a little. Come inside and close your eyes for a moment.”

“Looks like Ms. Belmartier is happy enough to abandon our heated discussion and run away, Mr. Ardinand.”

Philippe’s words, about to flow, were interrupted by a woman in a black military uniform who leisurely walked up behind him. Anais tilted her head and saw the woman standing behind Philippe. Her light, sand-colored hair was tied up in a bun, and her uniform hung stiffly over her shoulders. Anais recognized her.

“I hope you understand that the discussion with you was quite exhausting, Major Châtelet.”

“I thought we were resolving our mutual discomfort through that exhausting discussion?”

Major Celine Chatelet, who led the military forces that participated in the Great Revolution in Leans and now commanded the government forces in Rue, spoke. Her mere presence instantly silenced the soldiers passing by, and she crossed her arms, appearing displeased. Anais happily accepted her greeting.

“How is Major Chatelet doing?”

“I’m still alive amidst this chaos, so I suppose that counts as doing well. I owe a lot to my adjutant, Ms. Belmartier.”

“I was just doing what needed to be done.”

“I know you always say that, but in reality, you’re doing more than necessary. That’s why you don’t look that bad today, do you?”

Anais and Celine didn’t see each other as often as their comrades, but they had known each other for quite some time. Celine Chatelet had faced many challenges due to her status since her cadet days, which eventually led her to join the Revolutionary Army. Celine had a tendency, like Ariane Champollion, to deliver cutting remarks that left her opponents stunned.

Anais awkwardly chuckled at Celine’s sharp comment. Indeed, she had been doing more than necessary lately. She had her reasons for not wanting to think about anything else. Even without those reasons, her work as a doctor left her with no time to spare, as there were so many tasks in her back pocket and its surroundings.

However, Philippe interrupted Celine before she could say anything else, signaling that he had something important to discuss with Anais.

“Major, I have something important to discuss with Miss Anais, so would you please excuse us?”

Celine seemed to ponder for a moment, then smiled sternly and mischievously.

“Ah, in that case, I’ll take care of some youth business. Please don’t interfere.”

“I just have something to tell Miss Anais.”

“I see. Well, I’ll leave you two alone then. Good luck.”

Celine Chatelet pretended to salute roughly and walked away. As she moved farther away, the previously quiet surroundings began to buzz with activity once again. After confirming that Celine was no longer nearby, Philippe cautiously addressed Auguste.

“I-I’m sorry, Mr. Germain… …”

“Hey, man, I’ve received that kind of notice too. Don’t forget that I trust and rely on you, so please don’t do anything foolish.”

“If you’re worried about such nonsense, you really don’t have to.”

Philip responded deftly. Auguste Germain left a message to meet him later and quickly disappeared towards the old town hall of Rue City Hall. Anais shifted her gaze to Philippe, realizing that she should go to the district office after finishing her business with him.

With Celine and Auguste gone, Philippe placed one hand behind his back and extended his other hand towards Anais, gesturing to escort her. Anais placed her gloved hand on top of Philippe’s and followed quietly in his direction. He led her to a secluded alleyway with few people around, ensuring their privacy.

“Now, finally, it’s just the two of us. It’s quiet here too.”

“Mr. Ardinand, I’m sorry, but I’m here to meet Mr. Germain and the other comrades today, so I should eat something…”

“I’m not talking about that, Miss Anais.”

Anais had expected as much. She calmly let go of Philippe’s hand and waited for him to continue. Philippe Ardinand was a lighthearted man, but he had a serious side too. He wouldn’t have brought her to such a place without a good reason. And indeed…

“Yesterday…”

Unbeknownst to them, a solemn voice echoed in the empty alleyway.

“Did you meet the second prince?”

Philippe whispered quietly, as if sharing the most important secret in the world.