The Journey (2)

After that night at the campfire, Yurien's manner and conduct had undergone a complete change. He became more polite and understanding towards his superiors. His temperament also became milder, he was much friendlier than before to his other comrades.

It was truly a shocking thing that happened to a prideful Yurien. Though the knights were shocked, deep down they were secretly happy. The superiors too were relieved for Yurien to grow more mature. No matter what the trigger is, they would accept it as long as the result was good.

Thus, they turned a blind eye to Yurien's obvious changes. The other veteran knights also thought the same. They never tried to lecture Yurien.

The only one who felt depressed was Azares. He vaguely senses that Yurien was targeting him, as Yurien's eyes were practically glued to Azares.

The most annoying thing was, Yurien didn't try to talk to Azares at all. He just silently kept his eye on Azares. Wherever Azares goes to, Yurien's would stealthily follow.

Even when they were marching to the next destination, Yurien would rein his horse and kept his distance not far away from Azares.

At this point, Azares was getting irritated. He wished to grab the guy and tossed him out of his sight. Fortunately, his rationality was rather good to hold on to any kind of situation. Otherwise, he would have done so from a long time ago.

The troops quickly passed through the Uralian City. They didn't stop by and kept going faster. They take some time in between to eat, then resumed the marching speedily.

The next day, they could finally see the border of Red City. Some heaved a sigh as there will be extra time to rest, while some lamented that they could still move forward a little.

In the end, Eugene decided to build a camp in the borderland of Red City. He instructed Aaron to send a message through a magic device and notified Count Bernt as the ruler of the land. They had to give a report of their position and condition whenever they stopped, just in case there's an emergency.

As soon as the message was sent, they immediately got a reply. It was weird because the reply came in the form of a warning from Count Bernt to be extra careful. Everyone was puzzled. Each time they went for subjugation, the Count would never tell them something like this. At most, Count Bernt would reply with an affirmative answer.

It's a pity the device couldn't send a long message so they couldn't ask for the details. Eugene thought carefully. If they send a messenger to Red City and find out what happened, it would be safer. In return, it would also delay them. However, if they didn't, they had to take a risk from an unknown danger.

A meeting was held urgently in order to figure out the problem and find the best course to take. Each person spoke their own assumption and suggestion. The meeting was soon turned into a heated discussion.

Adrian who had been silent from the beginning voiced his opinion, "It should be fine."

"They would station some guards at the border to remind us if it's really that dangerous."

Hearing this, they quietened down a little.

"Yes.."

"That's true."

"I think so.."

"Right! Right!"

"Of course! Even if it's dangerous, I don't think we would be put at a disadvantage."

Redian was pretty confident about himself as a capable Elementalist and the troops they brought, so he didn't put much thought into losing.

Eugene frowned a little uneasily. He actually agreed with Redian, however as a leader he had to consider everything thoroughly before making a decision.

After long consideration, Eugene made up his mind, "I will send a squad to Red City."

"Ah?"

"Hm?"

The captains were confused but Eugene acted as if nothing was wrong.

"Regardless of the situation, we will gather again at Savana's Eye."

Although the others thought it would a waste of manpower, they still adhere to the Duke's command. They then dispersed and began to prepare for the necessary people and instructions to be passed down.

When the people left, the tent instantly turned quiet. Eugene and his two sons stayed in the tent, waiting for dinner to be delivered. Normally, the Duke's family was used to eat in their own tent and didn't make any effort to interact with anyone. But today, Eugene generously told his sons to remained behind and stayed for dinner.

Lately, Eugene had been preoccupied with Azares that the image of his other sons slipped out of his mind. Now that he had time to breathe, he ultimately remembered them. For Adrian and Redian, Eugene could be considered a good father as he carefully nurtured them and paid close attention to their matters. So they didn't have any objections.

The two Young Masters who didn't know that they had been forgotten, was forced to sit beside their father and wait for the knights to delivered their meals. While waiting, none of them wanted to open their mouth. It was fine as they were like this whenever they had a meal together.

The mood grew increasingly quiet until Redian couldn't handle the silent pressure.

Redian who had been suppressing his curiosity babbled with excitement, "Father, do you really not want to let me know?"

"I did watch over him, but I didn't go after him at all!"

Redian leered into his father and brother's face. Redian was convinced they knew who he meant by 'him', but their face showed no movement. They didn't even flinch at the mention of Azares.

Redian inwardly felt impressed.

'Very good. This stoic mask was very good.'

"Sigh.."

"Is he still the same Azares we knew?"

"He seemed so obedient and calm."

"He even 'captured' that haughty Yurien! He.."

The more Redian rambling about Azares, the more scrunched up Adrian's eyebrows. Adrian's face crumpled unsightly.

"Even the kni-"

"..Why now?" Adrian stared directly at Eugene with a hint of iciness.

"Mm? What do you mean brother?"

"He seemed different the moment he was aware of father's plan."

"Does he want to get your pity?"

When a knight politely came into the tent, the atmosphere was tense. He flinched. He put the food down and escaped outside as fast as he could.

Eugene calmly faced Adrian, "I don't know."

Adrian was dissatisfied with Eugene's answer so he seriously asked

"If somehow you pity him, will you withdraw the petition father?"

Eugene's hands stopped mid-air, the fork he held trembled slightly.

"...No."

Adrian narrowed his eyes. He clamped his mouth for a long time, before skillfully changing the topic.

---

In the morning, Aaron announced four people from the first division and six from the second division to form a squad. This squad was responsible for collecting information in Red City, while the rest of the troops would resume the journey.

Azares silently watched from the back. He got Sylph to eavesdrop at last night's emergency meeting. Therefore, he knew the squad's intention.

He pondered about the warning from Count Bernt. He had been feeling a bad premonition for a couple of days so he was very sensitive towards the warning.

For now, it was better to let Sylph scout the surroundings up ahead every time they moved.

Since the troops had finished reorganizing, they stepped up their game and started to move energetically.

Around this time was a breeding season for monsters. With the breeding season ongoing, monsters need a lot of food to feed the females in their tribe, so that they could give birth to a, particularly strong monster. The food they hunt wouldn't be enough to satisfy the females as the competition between tribes was fierce, that's why monsters would attack the nearby village and city as an option.

Huran City was located beyond Savana's mountain range, Its location was very remote and inconspicuous, yet filled with abundant resources such as rice, potatoes, exotic fruits, and winery. This city was an extremely important piece of the Empire. Thus, there would be a regular subjugation scheduled to help them fend off the monsters who are eyeing the resources.

Their duty was to protect the city along with reducing the number of monsters. If the monsters' number were cut down heavily, it would be of great help to the next subjugation.

In the previous subjugation, they precisely did this. So now, they were thinking lightly of those monsters. Although there was news that the south was viciously attacked, nobody completely believed it.

Right at the moment when they were approaching the Savana's Eye, Azares' dull eyes glint with a strange light. His expression hardened visibly.

Azares pulled the rein and his speed rapidly slowed down. Without saying anything, he turned around before racing back to the path where they come from.

As Azares had always remained at the back, no one noticed his bizarre behavior.

No one but Yurien.

Yurien felt conflicted seeing Azares broad shoulders from behind. He looked back and forth, between the troops who were running forward and Azares who ran backward.

In the next seconds, Yurien gritted his teeth then chased after Azares. He called out to Azares desperately

"Young Master Azares!! Please wait!"

"Wait for me!!"

He didn't believe Azares would cower from fright and run away.

'There must be something!'