Knight's Journey

"Did you need something from me?" Lord Soren asked, exhaling a sigh. It seemed he wasn't upset by Caesar's interruption.

"I mainly want to discuss tomorrow's battle mission and report on the list of squad leaders," Caesar replied.

"You can handle the squad leader list yourselves, you and Jelson can sort it out," Lord Soren waved his hand. "Tomorrow, the troops will march out. We won't reach Phalanx City until the afternoon, and there likely won't be any battle. I'll be with the cavalry, and you two will be in charge tomorrow. If anything comes up, just come to the cavalry camp and call for me."

"Understood," Caesar replied.

"Anything else?" Lord Soren asked, sensing there was more.

"My lord, the Red Sea Flower you gave me last time is very useful," Caesar finally managed to say after hesitating.

"Heh, you want more Red Sea Flower?" Soren was taken aback. "This flower is only useful for entry-level knight attendants. It speeds up the circulation of fighting energy for those nearby, and eating it raw can also increase fighting energy. But it's only useful for entry-level knight attendants. Once you reach the peak of that level, it's ineffective. While I no longer need it, it's still a valuable treasure."

It was a clear refusal, but understandable—such a rare treasure, especially one that enhanced training, wasn't something Soren, the son of a baron, would give away easily. If used wisely, it could secure the future of descendants.

"If you achieve something significant, something that pleases me, I might consider granting it to you," Soren said, changing his tone. "Although the Red Sea Flower is precious, it's not impossible to acquire through other means. I wouldn't mind gifting it to you, but there are conditions."

"Yes, my lord. I won't disappoint you," Caesar said, excitement evident in his voice. This was his way of becoming stronger.

After a brief conversation with Soren, Caesar bowed and left.

At 10 AM, Caesar arrived at the training grounds behind the camp, where a few people were already practicing. Over the past few days, Caesar had gotten to know the various squad leaders.

Colleen, the deputy leader of the first squad; York from the second squad; Dal, the deputy from the third squad; and Jelson from the fourth squad were all regulars at the training grounds. They came almost every day to train. Commander Monte and Knight Will were more sporadic.

Other squad leaders who didn't train much were said to not be particularly passionate about improving their strength. For example, old Carl from the second squad would say, "I'm getting old. I'd rather save my strength for battle. No need for extra training."

When Caesar arrived at the training grounds, everyone else was focused on their training, so he quietly moved to a free spot to begin his own practice. Caesar didn't just focus on fighting energy—he also practiced weapon combat, as this skill had kept him alive before he started training his fighting energy.

After being promoted to squad leader, the camp had issued him a half-body armor and a sword. He had given his previous sword to Tom. The half-body armor was a quality item—one wouldn't even find the cheapest versions for less than 20 silver marks.

The armor Caesar received was even better—crafted from black-patterned stone and crown ore. It was both sturdy and lightweight, a rarity in the kingdom, and worth at least 80 silver marks on the black market. Caesar's current salary was 20 silver marks, including 10 from the military and 10 from the baron's personal contributions. With some recent "gray income," he could expect to earn around 40 silver bucs a month—almost what he used to make in an entire year.

Having the potential to earn more meant a better future. Caesar wasn't overly ambitious—he just wanted a good life for his family. Now, he added another goal: to gain strength. Things were going in the right direction, and Caesar felt content. Holding a weighted longsword on the training field, he began his exercise.

At noon, after the training, the squad leaders laughed and chatted as they headed toward the mess tent. The camp lacked entertainment, so even though the squad leaders held important positions, they spent their time training. They often did so together, and despite any hidden grudges, they maintained a cordial outward demeanor. Moreover, the baron required all the squad leaders to dine with him, fostering good relations within the camp.

Caesar joined them, keeping a humble attitude as the youngest. Uncle York had been deliberately building a closer relationship with him, and the other squad leaders quickly accepted him. This was all part of preparing for the future. Uncle York had once told him, "Don't think that everyone's position is equal now. Colleen might be a commoner, but he has connections with nobles. Dal, though younger than me, is stronger in fighting energy because his family is one of the biggest merchants in the baron's domain. Chris is even rumored to be marrying into the baron's family. They're all impressive."

"Of course, you shouldn't be discouraged either. Though we're ordinary, as squad leaders, we'll at least be heads of towns when we return to the territories. We'll be part of the upper class. Eventually, they might need to flatter you. It's wise to build good relations now."

After the meal, the baron discussed the plans for tomorrow's departure. As for logistics, the baron took care of it himself; the squad leaders were responsible for the battle plans. Caesar noticed an interesting detail—almost all meetings were held at the dinner table, which helped foster cohesion in the camp. He admired Baron Kyle for this.

In the evening, Caesar went to Giza Town again. "I've made arrangements. Someone will come to pick you up tomorrow. Just wait in the military supplies camp, and I'll visit when I can," he said gently, patting Chassie's head.

Chassie gazed at him affectionately, nodding quietly. Lying in his arms, she felt a sense of calm.

The tavern had run out of alcohol, and there was nothing else for Chassie to do there. So, Caesar decided to take her with him. Although she was leaving the place where she had lived for years, her attachment to Caesar outweighed the reluctance. Even though they had only spent a short time together, Chassie could feel that Caesar genuinely cared for her, and she was willing to follow him.

"Will my brother…" Chassie whispered.

Caesar had met her brother, a simple, honest man whose rough life had left him with a dark, gaunt appearance. "Let him come tomorrow. I'll have him settle down with the people I've arranged, and after this battle, I'll find him some work," Caesar replied thoughtfully.

After spending a moment with Chassie, Caesar left the tavern. The baron would likely inspect the troops tonight, so he needed to return early. He couldn't afford to miss it—making a good impression on the baron was important.

The next morning, the camp, which had been quiet for almost a month in the eyes of the locals, rumbled to life like a massive beast. After a quick breakfast, the soldiers gathered with their squads, and the squads formed up into five columns. The thorny crown flag of the Garrel Kingdom fluttered in the center of the army.

"Ho!" A strong wind blew as the cavalry, the baron's prized force, set off. The horses, adorned with sharp nails and light chainmail, glistened with dark red stains. The elite cavalry wore armor marked with deep scars, their sharp spears shining with a blue glow. Everything about the cavalry exuded power and bloodlust.

The army began to march, leaving the camp slowly. If any locals were watching, they would recognize that the army was heading toward the nearby city of Phalanx.

After the army had left, the camp gate closed slowly. Only a small number of soldiers and logistics personnel remained. These, however, weren't something the nearby town's poor could challenge.

The locals, watching in fear, waited until the army had gone before sighing in relief. The intimidating Garrel Kingdom soldiers had left a deep impression on them.

Chassie, too, was watching the army depart at the town's edge. Unlike others who were fearful, she appeared worried. Among the soldiers, she spotted Caesar, armored and mounted on a warhorse. Though his face was obscured by a helmet, his deep, bright eyes were unmistakable. "I hope you'll be safe," Chassie silently prayed.

"Lady, I'm Henry from the logistics merchant group. Lord Caesar asked me to pick you up." A plump man with a weasely look said, his narrow eyes darting around. He spoke with exaggerated politeness.

Henry had come personally to show his sincerity. With the fall of Chassie's town, he hoped his family could make a big profit. There were six logistics companies serving the baron's camp, and his was only average in strength. However, he had used some underhanded methods to get closer to Caesar, a move he hoped would pay off.

Recognizing him as one of Caesar's people, Chassie followed Henry and his bodyguards toward the camp. The local onlookers, already terrified of the Garrel Kingdom soldiers, now parted to make way for the group. Henry, perhaps frustrated by their stares, barked, "What are you staring at? Get out of the way!"

Chassie, startled by Henry's outburst, quietly added, "My brother…"

"Your brother? Caesar never mentioned him to me. It's fine, though. Where is he? Bring him along," Henry answered eagerly, his tone servile.