thisusernamething

He's the only one who truly cares about her progress.

I agree. However, just because you thought you're smarter would mean that you really are smarter than your opponent. You didn't even consider that Qiao Sang might just give a different command if the opponent really tried to do as what was said. Thus, it's not that Qiao Sang is not smart enough, because of the situation, all that was said was the right command and response.

We like a self aware side character (though he's more of an extra, lol)

I've been waiting.

LMAO 🤣

I thought so, lol.

*I have to brag

I was thinking that they'd ride on top of the beasts, but this is fine too.