11 A Small Villages

"We must go immediately, Miss..ehem..Sasha."

"Yes, Jackson."

Adeline begins her journey to recruit new people. They leave secretly after the banquet with the Crown Prince. They left only on horses, carrying sufficient equipment, and money for emergencies. Wearing a hooded robe to cover the face and changing they name so can't make anyone suspicious. Adeline even tied her hair to move better.

The forest was so vast, I could only see trees and animals roaming. We rested for a while because night was coming. Andreas lit a bonfire to warm himself while I checked our supplies. After completing our respective duties. I headed towards Andreas who was looking at the map.

"First, where are we headed?"

"We're going to a big city. There is a guy named Ryan. He's a pretty smart guy. He can be your brain or mind."

The trip to a big city will take a long time. Andreas explained that they had to pass through a small village beside a river before reaching the big city. Adeline just followed Andreas words for their safety.

"Why did you want to gather these people?"

"My strength is still not enough. I can't rely on you all the time. I need more help and so do you."

Andreas is fascinated by Adeline. She smiled and then Adeline finally took a break. For safety's sake, they will take turns to guard at night.

Early in the morning, they got up to continue their journey. Adeline walked ahead on her horse while Andreas was behind her. On their way, they found a small village. The village was not their destination. They ignored it and then continued on their way. At that time, an old woman forcibly stopped their horse and asked for help.

"Young Lady...Sir...,please help me, please. My grandson is sick. He needs help. Please help me, please."

Adeline and Andreas saw a old woman. She was emaciated. Her clothes were also very worn and dirty. Andreas gave the old woman a ride to her house.

The villagers houses that are shabby and uninhabitable. They enter the messy house, a bed in front of it with a small child lying weakly on the bed. Adeline opened her hood and check the child. Ordered Andreas to get a water and cloth.

This child's body is hot. We have to lower the heat first. I asked the old woman when and how long the little boy had been sick. The old woman replied that it had been more than three days. She had neither medicine nor water to cure her grandson.

Andreas returned with water and cloth. She started treating the child slowly. After several hours, the child's condition began to improve. The old woman was so grateful. she didn't know how to thank to Adeline.

"You don't need to repay me with money. All we need is a information in from this village."

The woman explained that this village had a leader who was greedy. He raised the taxes. While this village is just an ordinary village. Making the villagers miserable because they don't have money to support their families.

Adeline started wearing her hood again and then walked out of the house.

"Sasha, do you want to go see that person?"

"Yes, we can't allow this village."

"But, we don't have much time. You don't forget our reason?" He while holding her shoulder.

Adeline was silent when Andreas said that. She looked at him and his face looked irritated.

"But, we can't leave the people here. Look! This village is suffering a lot. I'm confused, this is still a Empire domain. What are the Emperor and Crown Prince doing?"

"Miss....?"

Adeline gaze left Andreas speechless. Her face looked serious, the eyes that saw him. He apologized to her because of that.

"Forgive me."

After speaking, Adeline and Andreas headed to the center of the village. The villagers were gathered there. They talking to a noble man. They seemed to be begging him. The nobleman looked annoyed because that man touched his clothes. He kicked That person to the ground.

"Wait, we don't interfere. We have to look at the situation."

I stop Andreas who wanted to help that person. I saw the surroundings, this village really? Why this have to happen to them? What is the Empire doing to solve this problem?

Looking for more information. I approached a middle age man and asked him. He explained that that person was the leader of this region. He's a noble with the status of a viscount. Viscount of the Davidson family.

Since he was appointed regional leader. He ruled the village arbitrarily. All villager already reported it to the palace, but the palace haven't sent any assistance.

"Can you take me to the village chief in this village?"

"Of course, with pleasure."

A few minutes after talking with the middle age man. We met the head of the village. He's a friendly, kind person, and gave us a place to stay here for a while. But for kind of reason, I have to shared a room with Andreas.

"Thank you."

Their room is cramped. Only one small bed is use. Andreas decided to sleep in front of the door, but Adeline insisted to sleep together. She couldn't bear to see him sleeping outside in cold air. He entered the room after changing clothes, saw her who was arranging her long hair.

"Jackson? are you done?"

"Yes, Miss Adeline."

"Don't call me by that name. We're undercover. Call me Sasha, Jackson, and don't be so formal when you talk to me."

Adeline tied her hair back and decided to go sleep. Andreas felt awkward and then trying to sleep peacefully. They are close to each other because of the small bed. As Andreas tried to sleep, She turned to him, and hold his hand. Andreas face blushed like an octopus. He tried to be quiet. He couldn't sleep all night because of it.

In the morning, She woke up and not seeing Andreas next to her. She looked for him out. He practice sword in a quiet place.

"Jackson?"

"Good morning, did you sleep well?", Said Andreas as he put down his sword.

"Yes, how about you? Did you sleep well?"

Andreas didn't answer at all and his face became red. Adeline was worried. She want to approached him and suddenly...

"KYA!"

At the same time, they heard woman screaming. Adeline and Andreas went to the source of the sound. They saw a young woman with the owner of the territory.

"Please forgive me, Viscount. Please spare me, please."

"Noisy! early in the morning it made a me feel mad. Look at my clothes!! it's dirty because you fell on me. What are you going to change for these clothes?!"

The Viscount ordered his guards, then took out a sword. No one dared to stop him. That woman kept pleading with him. He was angry and even wanted to kill her.

"Wait!"

I stopped him without fear and I dare to walk towards him. 

"Viscount, forgive that woman. She did it by accident."

"Who are you...? Hm, You are beautiful. Perfect to be my new display, hahaha."

The Viscount said with a chuckle. He come to Adeline and then pulled her hand forcefully. Andreas stop him with a sword. He brought Adeline in his arms.

"Don't you dare touching her."

End Chapter 11