Chapter 347: Eve of Return (1/2)
”Step back, Aurora,” I order as I move forth and help Gazef get up from the ground.
Contrary to my expectations, the man has a rather blank look on his face instead of fury or amazement.
”Hey, are you alright?” I question the man while lightly slapping his face.
Suddenly, Gazef coughs a few times, along with which some dirt came out of his mouth. How wretched...
”Ah! Yes,” Gazef utters in a confused manner once he's done coughing, after which he turns his head to stare at Aurora.
”I hope that you can excuse her actions,” I state.
”It's fine,” he responds after releasing a deep sigh, ”Though I must ask, what is she?”
”A half-dragon,” I casually respond, not sure whether such a race exists in the first place.
”A half-dragon, you say?” he asks with narrowed eyes, to which I simply nod once.
It's the most plausible excuse that I could make. Dragons are known for being powerful, so it would make sense for Aurora, who has already exhibited her powers, to be such a being, especially so when said power is coupled with her appearance.
Fortunately, Gazef takes my word for it and seems to not be intending to inquire any further. Though, I was expecting him to at least ask why a half-dragon would be with me. Could he have figured out that it's a lie and just decided not to press any further? Due to my lack of knowledge regarding the races of this world, I can't properly judge his actions at the moment.
Deciding to think of this matter later, I turn my head to gaze at the scorched grounds and the deceased enemies' corpses - at least, what's left of them.
A strong scent of different burnt matter wafts in the air, which is undoubtedly disgusting to no end.
”Mr. Vincent, no, Lord Vincent, what do you plan to do?” Gazef's voice suddenly reaches me from behind.
”I'm not sure about that either,” I respond as I ruminate over what would be the best course of action to take henceforth.
For starters, I suppose I could question Gazef a little regarding the kingdom we're in and the surrounding nations. My objective was, after all, collecting information for coming here. Now that an opportunity is present, it would be a complete waste to let it go just like that.
”For now, let's head back to the village,” I say calmly, ”I would like to converse with you regarding a certain matter.”
”Very well,” responds the man with a slight hint of nervousness in his voice.
---
”Before we begin, I hope that you excuse my lack of experience and common sense, for I have realized that my knowledge and related matters are rather limited as a consequence of having been cooped up in my empire.”
Hearing my words, the two men sitting in front of me at the other end of the table look at each other for a moment before the one to my left says, ”That's not going to be an issue.”
The one that responded was Gazef, while the other one is the village chief.
The latter of the two was against being a part of this discussion, but I insisted on his presence since I have yet to leave an impression on the residents of this village. This discussion might just do that.
Still, it's quite a pain to converse in this manner of speech. Although I am already used to it a bit after having interacted with noble girls like Kurumi and others, it's still a little arduous to keep the act up continuously.
”Thank you for your understanding,” I say with a small smile before adopting a serious expression and asking, ”Earlier, you said that you're a warrior captain of... uh... Re-Estize?”
”That's correct,” Gazef affirms with a nod.
”I'm not sure how much power one with such a title would bear, but I do have an idea of requirements for being granted it, ”I say nonchalantly, ”Tell me, how much does your lord care about your words?”
Expectedly, my words appear to trouble Gazef for a moment as he begins to think of something before ultimately looking me in the eyes and saying, ”More than enough.”
”Good.”
It appears that the man in front of me is really valued by the kingdom. Though that makes me wonder what is he doing here exactly.
”Why did you and your men appear here? The capital should be quite a distance away.”
”We were merely responding to reports of the villages being under attack.”
”Even so, is there a need for someone of your caliber to take this mission on personally? Couldn't the work have been assigned to any general?”
As a response to my words, Gazef frowns as he remains silent for a brief moment before releasing a sigh and saying, ”The kingdom's soldiers are all occupied at the moment.”
”By what, if I may ask? What could be keeping the soldiers busy while the warrior captain and his men deal with such 'simple' missions?”
”War,” he responds bluntly.
As I expected... This kingdom is currently at war. Now, the question is with who and how is the state of the war.
”Neighboring the Re-Estize kingdom is the Baharuth Empire, which the time has neared for the annual war. For this reason, the kingdom's soldiers are training hard while saving up energy for the upcoming war.”
”I see. Best of luck in the war,” I say with a smile, clearly indicating that I don't plan to have anything to do with it.
Seeming to have realized my intention, Gazef smiles wryly as he says, ”Thank you.”
”Anyway, those men and the 'angels' with them... do you happen to know anything about them?”
”I'm afraid, I don't,” he responds with a sigh.
He's lying. Or, at least, he appears to have an idea but isn't sure of it. Unlike when someone lies directly, the 'deceit' I sensed in his voice is barely noticeable, indicating that he is doubtful of the matter himself.
”So, what are you planning to do?” I question with a small smile, ”Don't tell me you plan to stay the night here with your soldiers.”
”Of course not,” he responds calmly, ”We will be leaving for the capital soon.”
”Meeting with the king?”
”If possible, yes.”
”Send him my regards,” I say as I lay back against my seat.
With this, I make sure that the king of this kingdom gets to know about my existence. This could come in handy for future negotiations once it comes down to that.
Though, the idea of using a non-existent kingdom, yet, as a card is quite an unusual one.
”So, uh... Lord Vincent,” Gazef suddenly says in a serious manner as he straightens his back, ”Is there anything that I can help you with?”
From his tone and behavior, it's easy to tell that he is inquiring about my circumstances in a roundabout manner.
It's to be expected that he do so, after all, nobility at the current age is of extreme importance, let alone royalty. For all one could know, they just might offend someone petty with high 'power', inviting certain doom upon themselves and their loved ones.
”Hopefully, not,” I respond with a small smile, ”I believe my men will appear tonight.”
”Is that so? What makes you think that?” Gazef asks with a slight hint of curiosity in his voice.
”A little magic spell,” I respond nonchalantly, not planning to elaborate on the matter any further.