chapter 33

At this moment, Jeanne, who was still on the ground, lifted her head and stared directly at Rémy. Their eyes met, and something in Jeanne's expression made Rémy hesitate for a moment. He lowered his spear and let out a sigh of regret, feeling ashamed for having been carried away by anger.

"I am no better than they are," he thought to himself. "I too am guilty of the violence and injustice that afflicts this country."

With a gesture of peace, he stepped away from the citizen and approached Jeanne, who was still lying on the ground. He picked her up and carried her away from the crowd, which was now dissipating, disillusioned with the spectacle they had just witnessed.

Jeanne looked at Rémy with gratitude and a hint of sadness in her eyes. "What happened to me was just a small example of the pain and suffering that people are experiencing in this country. But I believe that together we can make a difference," she said softly.

Rémy nodded, knowing that Jeanne was right. They couldn't change the past, but they could work together to create a better future for everyone. He promised himself that he would do whatever it takes to help Jeanne in her mission, and that he would never again be swayed by anger and revenge.

"Um, Rémy can you come back please? I haven't finished what I came to do," said Jeanne with flushed cheeks. Rémy frowned, uncertain of what she meant by that. He looked around and saw that people were beginning to leave the area. After a moment of hesitation, he nodded and gently set Jeanne back on the ground.

With a smile on her face, Jeanne walked back to the square. "I'm here if anyone wants to join me," she shouted, knowing it wouldn't be easy to find anyone willing to stay. "I'll be here until the end of the night before I leave!"

She stood, with the hot sun beating down on her face, with no intention of leaving. Her eyes shone with determination as she watched people pass by, hoping to find someone who could share their time to join her. She knew she could be alone, but she was willing to wait for those who could join her.

Rémy looked at Jeanne's back and approached her gently, sitting beside her on the hot ground bathed in sunlight. He felt a growing concern within himself, and decided to express it aloud: "I'm going to get sick, but don't worry, you'll heal me, right?" He sat very close to her, determined to prevent any mistakes he might have made before.

Jeanne, with a confident smile, replied, "Leave it to me. I'll take care of you, Rémy." She became more excited with Rémy's presence beside her, as always. Meanwhile, Jeanne's soldiers, who had been a bit distant before, began to approach.

"Well, today I feel like sunbathing," said Jean, a little behind Jeanne, with a smile on her face. The people who witnessed this scene were touched, some even forgetting what had happened minutes before.

Hours passed, and soon night fell. Many people joined Jeanne, helping her organize things to leave the city and move on to the next, even if it was in the middle of the night.

Jeanne and her group left the city in the middle of the night, with a renewed sense of hope and determination. They walked for hours, talking and planning the next stages of the journey.

Arriving in the next city, Jeanne was again received with admiration and support. She was able to recruit new followers for her cause, and her army grew in number and morale.

They prepared themselves to continue the journey to Orleans, knowing that it would be a difficult and crucial battle. But Jeanne was determined to fight for what she believed in, and her followers were willing to follow her to the end.

As they walked towards Orleans, Jeanne kept her spirits high, talking with her army and making strategic plans. She knew that the success of the mission depended not only on physical strength but also on the determination and courage of her team.

With a sigh of relief, Jeanne finally announced, "We have arrived." Her eyes fixed on the city ahead, she noticed that the darkness of the night covered everything, making their path even more dangerous. She and Remy had decided to stop a little before Orleans, knowing that the journey would be difficult to continue, especially now that night had fallen.

Jeanne looked back and saw the shadows of several people moving behind her. In addition to the soldiers who already accompanied her, she had managed to gather other people for her cause. She knew that the battle would be difficult but was determined to fight to the end.

With a calm and low voice, Jeanne announced her decision: "We will wait until morning to continue with our plans." Her words were repeated by a soldier for those who had not heard, and everyone agreed to abide by the decision.

Jeanne turned to meet Jean, who was approaching. "You have a plan, it seems," he said. Jeanne nodded, confirming his words. "Yes, I have several plans," she replied, "there is no way to end this battle in a single day, especially with the terrain we have ahead of us."

Jeanne looked at Jean and said, "For now, let's rest a bit. I'll keep watch tonight." Jean lowered his face, knowing that the approaching battle would be difficult and tiring. He went out to gather the troops and ensure that everyone had a little rest.

Remy then asked casually, "And what are your plans for me, commander?" Jeanne looked at him seriously and began to explain, "I will form combat groups, and you will be responsible for stopping any enemy reinforcements that come. This battle could last for hours, maybe days, and it is crucial that none of our soldiers are lost. I trust you to lead and protect our group."

Jeanne knew that the battle would be difficult, and many challenges would come ahead, but she was determined to ensure victory for her team. She looked at Remy with a firm gaze and said, "You can count on me to support you in everything you need during this battle. Together, we will win."

Remy showed confidence in his abilities when he said, "I believe I don't need reinforcements to deal with enemy efforts. I can handle this alone." Jeanne agreed but made sure to offer help if needed: "Okay, but if you need help, just call me." Remy replied firmly, ensuring that he was in control of the situation, "You can count on me. If I need help, I'll call you. But for now, I think I can handle it alone," while pulling a strand of Jeanne's hair. She agreed but not without making it clear that she was willing to help, "Okay, but don't hesitate to call me if you need help."

Remy asked Jeanne, "I will certainly call you if needed, but are you going to sleep?" Jeanne looked at the dark sky and replied, "No, I'll stay watch tonight, even if there's nothing to see." Her determination to protect and care for her army was as strong as the darkness of the night.

Unexpectedly, Jeanne offered a comfortable place for Rémy to rest: "Why? Do you want to sleep? If you want, you can sleep on my back," she said with a smile. He was surprised by her generosity, but politely refused: "I don't think it would be very comfortable for you, since I'm much bigger than you, and I don't want you to get hurt."

Rémy looked around for a place to sit and rest. The dark and uneven ground didn't seem very inviting, but he was happy to be with Jeanne.

"I'll just sit here on the ground. I hope there's nothing around here that could bother us," he said, settling on the dusty ground.

Jeanne spoke, smiling. "Are you okay? You don't seem tired," she said, looking at him lovingly.

Rémy laughed, feeling good-humored. "No, I'm not tired. I just wanted a place to sit and enjoy the night by your side," he replied, looking at her with a smile.

"I'm also happy to be here with you," said Jeanne, sitting down next to him. "I don't think there will be anything to bother us. And if we're lucky, we might see some stars."

Remy agreed, feeling grateful to have Jeanne by his side. "That would be great," he said. "But if you want, you can sit on my lap. Since you're so light, I won't feel any weight."

Jeanne laughed, feeling comfortable with the intimacy between them. "You're a gentleman, Remy. But I think I'll stay here on the ground next to you," she said, looking at him affectionately.

Remy smiled, feeling happy to have Jeanne in his life. For a few moments, they sat in silence, enjoying the peace and tranquility of the moment.

Finally, Remy broke the silence. "Thank you for being with me, Jeanne. You're a very special person to me," he said, looking at her with admiration.

Jeanne returned the smile, feeling grateful to have Remy in her life. "I'll always be here for you, Remy. That's what people who care do," she replied, putting her hand on his face.

And so, they stayed there together, while the world around them disappeared into a sea of bright stars.

"They're pretty confident, don't you think?" Remy spoke to Jeanne beside him, he turned his head back where the soldiers are sleeping, along with the citizens who are probably already asleep. "They must be tired from the journey." Jeanne replied beside Remy also looking towards where the soldiers are sleeping.

Remy and Jeanne were sitting side by side, observing the people around them. Remy broke the silence with a curious tone, "Have you noticed how they trust us?"

Jeanne turned her head to look at Remy, feeling confident in his leadership. "Yes, it's true," she agreed with a smile, "I'm not surprised. I know I am capable of leading and guiding this group to success."

She had no low self-esteem and firmly believed in her leadership abilities. The confidence that people placed in her was encouraging, but it did not surprise her. Jeanne knew she had the ability to keep everyone safe and achieve their goals.

Remy noticed Jeanne's confidence and smiled in response. "You're a strong leader," he said, "and I'm glad to be by your side on this journey."

Jeanne felt even more confident with Remy's words of support. She knew that leading that group would be a challenge, but she was determined to show everyone that she was capable of guiding them successfully towards the ultimate goal.

"You're pretty confident, aren't you?" Remy commented, admiring Jeanne's determined gaze. "Yes, God is with me. I know nothing will go wrong. But if it does, God is with me, as well as you," Jeanne replied, smiling and looking up at the starry sky.

Remy appreciated Jeanne's unwavering confidence and faith. He thought she was an inspiring example of how belief in something greater can give strength to face life's challenges. He also couldn't help but notice how beautiful she looks under the starlight.

"You're amazing, Jeanne. Your confidence in God is so attractive," says Remy, feeling drawn to Jeanne's beauty and strength. "I know I can count on you too, Remy. Together, we can face anything," Jeanne replied, demonstrating confidence in their friendship and partnership.

With their belief in God and in each other, Jeanne and Remy find strength to face the challenges that life brings them. Jeanne's beauty and determination attract Remy, who feels inspired to be a strong and reliable partner for her.

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