Berserk: The Prophet

Chapter 199 Thoughts

It seems that since the small fire last month, Kadi has not spoken in his mind for a long time. The tumor-like pupa-like feeling on his neck has also disappeared, leaving only a shallow scar on his neck. It feels like the wound has already closed up.

Green touched the scar on his neck, lost in thought. He had a feeling things weren't so simple. Why had Cardi suddenly become so quiet? Could it really be related to that dream?

Just as Green was pondering, a gust of wind blew by, and a slightly alcoholic smell wafted into his nostrils. He turned around abruptly and saw a familiar figure standing not far away.

"...Who is it?" Green asked warily.

The shadowy figure slowly approached, and its face gradually became clearer—it was Edward.

"It's you?" Green was somewhat surprised. After all, instead of resting properly after drinking, he had come to the city wall where he was. It was hard to say that he hadn't come specifically to find him.

Is it because of Hickel? Surely it's not worth tripping up a child over something like that...

Edward, looking calmly at the town outside the inner city wall with Green, slowly said, "General Kirsten has presented me with your strategic analysis report. In just half a month, you have been able to analyze such a brilliant strategic plan. You are already very talented."

Green was taken aback, not expecting Edward to bring this up. "Thank you for your praise, sir. I have only done my bit and can only sketch out a rough outline in my mind. The situation is constantly changing, and we still need your wisdom to make specific judgments and decisions."

"Yes, it's good that you know. In the midst of the battlefield, I believe that a general should make thorough pre-battle preparations, constantly observe the battlefield situation, and know how to adapt to changing circumstances in order to achieve the greatest results."

“Sometimes, a seemingly ingenious strategy may not achieve the desired results in practice.” Edward turned to look at Green, a hint of wisdom and calm flashing in his eyes. “War is never conducted according to plan. We need to adjust our strategies according to the actual situation. Only by being flexible and adaptable can we remain invincible on the battlefield.”

Green nodded slightly in agreement. He knew that Edward had extensive experience and exceptional wisdom in military affairs, and these words were also his insights from many years of combat.

"However, your analytical skills are truly amazing. I'm quite impressed with you now, Hanks." Edward praised Green without reservation, revealing a somewhat self-deprecating smile.

Green stared at Edward for a long time without speaking, because Edward's brows were always furrowed after drinking, as if carrying a hint of suppressed melancholy. He probably had more to say than just that; it seemed like he had something on his mind, Green thought.

"...You always manage to make Hickel smile."

Edward's tone was unreadable, and Green didn't know how to respond, so he could only turn his gaze to the outside of the wall.

A night breeze blew, and a subtle silence filled the space between the two.

“...Perhaps.” Green replied casually, after all, he was a newcomer and did not know just how deep the bond between them was.

He didn't want to dwell on the topic, especially since it involved Hickel.

However, Edward did not seem to intend to let him off easily.

“I envy you, Hanks.” Edward’s voice was calm as still water, but the emotion it contained made Green tremble slightly.

Green looked at him with a puzzled expression, only to see a deep loneliness and longing in Edward's only right eye.

“You possess something I lack—the ability to bring joy to others,” Edward sighed softly. “And I can only watch from the sidelines.”

Green listened quietly, a ripple of emotion stirring within him.

He began to re-examine the seemingly calm and carefree man in front of him, wondering if his true feelings were not as indifferent as he appeared on the surface.

Edward's gaze remained fixed on the town lights as he continued, "Hickel and I grew up together. I've always wanted to protect her smile, but for some reason, it's becoming increasingly difficult to do so."

Green pursed his lips and said, "Lord Edward, I think Sister Hickel understands your feelings for her."

Edward shook his head with a wry smile: "What good is understanding? I still couldn't make her as happy as she was with you or Gurunberdo."

Green was speechless for a moment, unsure how to comfort him.

At this moment, Edward turned his head and looked at Green seriously: "But I'm not jealous of you, I'm just reflecting on myself."

Green met his gaze and said firmly, "Lord Edward, since you and Sister Hickel have such a deep emotional bond, have you ever formally confessed your feelings to her?"

Edward's eyes dimmed as he gazed into the distance again: "Perhaps compared to Gurenbeldo, I... am probably just a coward who isn't strong enough in any way. I can sense that since then, Hickel... seems to have fallen for someone else."

“No, Lord Edward,” Green retorted. “You are not a coward, just someone who expresses himself differently. Besides, love is not solely determined by strength.”

Edward raised his head slightly, staring at Green, as if pondering his words.

Green took a deep breath and continued, "If you really care about Sister Hickel, you should bravely tell her how you feel. Even if the result isn't what you hoped for, at least you tried and won't have any regrets."

“Thank you, Hanks.” Edward’s only eye seemed to brighten for a moment as he said softly, “I think I’ll find an opportunity to go to Hickel and tell her my true feelings.”

"So, all these years, you haven't married because of Sister Hickel?"

Edward was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "Perhaps that's why. She has always been in my heart, and no one can replace her."

Green nodded slightly and said, "I hope you get what you want."

Edward gave a wry smile: "I hope so, but I don't know how she really feels about me."

"But... if you don't even try, how can you let Sister Hickel know that you've never forgotten that childhood engagement with her that ultimately fell through?"

Hearing Green's words, Edward was slightly taken aback. For him, it was really difficult to talk about feelings with Hickel in person. It was easier to go to the battlefield to fight or to joke around than to have a formal topic.

What if he was rejected and couldn't even be a friend anymore? He knew that even if Hickel rejected him, he still wanted to stay by her side like he did when they were children.

Looking at Edward's silence, Green knew that he must be a sensitive and timid person emotionally, and he wondered if it was related to his family environment.

“But… I’ve been trying so hard to be myself in front of her.” Even so… Hickel’s eyes still lingered on that man.

Even though he handled all the affairs of the army, everyone's attention was still focused on that enormous "fire dragon." And he, perhaps, was just an insignificant little mouse who could only squeak and offer random ideas.

“I know what you’re worried about, Edward.”

“But I think that even if Hickel rejects your feelings, given the bond you’ve had since childhood, he wouldn’t deliberately distance himself from you. Even if you’re not lovers, you’re already closer than family, aren’t you?” As the saying goes, those involved are often confused, while bystanders see things clearly; based on Green’s observations over the past few days, his words make perfect sense.

Edward frowned slightly upon hearing Green's words, falling into deeper thought.

After a long while, his brows finally relaxed a lot, and he slowly said, "Maybe you're right, I've been thinking too much and worrying too much."

"Haha, it's good that you've come to your senses. Don't put too much pressure on yourself. Have you forgotten what you taught me? To tame a stray horse, the first thing is to approach it confidently and boldly, and mount it in a place where it can see and is aware of you. That way, even if it doesn't recognize you as its master at first, it will gradually be conquered by your boldness."

"Pfft, hahaha, you're right, Hanks." Edward burst into laughter at Green's words, never expecting his quote to be used here.

"...Then she must be a wild and untamed horse, always so full of energy." Edward's eyes gleamed with anticipation.

"Hmm, so if Sister Hickel really has someone she likes, since that person hasn't responded to her for so long, maybe he's just a dim-witted, heartless man."

“I hope you will boldly pursue happiness, because I believe you are the one who would least want to see Sister Hickel hurt.” Green looked at Edward with unwavering eyes, as if he were absolutely certain.

After all, Green had observed Edward's eyes, which had almost never left Heechul; they were like eyes gazing at a precious treasure. When she smiled, he smiled too.

A touch of emotion appeared on Edward's face as he said, "Hanks, thank you for telling me all this."

Green smiled and replied, "Lord Edward, it's nothing. I just sincerely hope you can be happy."

Edward took a deep breath, as if he had made up his mind: "Okay, I think I won't hesitate any longer."

Green climbed up the crenellations of the city wall like a little monkey, and patted Edward on the shoulder with a smug look on his face: "That's right, I believe you can do it."

"Besides, I'll definitely be the perfect matchmaker and bring you two together. We're friends, after all! What if Sister Hickel is so happy that she agrees to your proposal?!"

"Ahem, well, I think I can handle this on my own. I need to plan this out carefully." Edward coughed, a suspicious blush rising on his face, but the corners of his mouth were already turning up slightly, and he had already made up his mind.

"Well, don't be shy then, Lord Edward. If you need my help, just call me anytime." Green replied gossipy, his eyes narrowing into slits, before jumping off the battlements and turning to leave.

Edward remained standing in the same spot, gazing intently in the direction of Heckler, motionless for a long time.

On this quiet night, a seed of friendship seemed to have been planted between the two men, one tall and one short.