Published at 7th of November 2020 11:43:29 AM
That night, we prepared a last supper . Me and Manager and even Daniela . A few Jades who knew how to cook helped us as well .
And once everyone carried their bowls of food, Adlus stood up . We all knew what he was going to say, but we fell silent and listened to the report all the same .
“I’m sure you’ve all heard the news . Tomorrow, we will attack the abandoned city . The number of goblin scouts who roam the outside perimeter is dwindling . We can assume that things are worsening for them in the city . ”
Steam rose in the air, as well as the appetizing scent of spices . I could feel it, and so could Daniela .
“It’s not the best thing to bring up around such a splendid meal, but these goblins have continued to eat each other . This means their numbers are declining . That should make things easier for us . But don’t let your guard down . This is a place where the light won’t reach . There will be many obstacles underground . Even your comrades might be an obstacle . And so we must select who will go down there, and who will not . ”
Damn, this was getting very long… Daniela was already disassociating . Her eyes were fixed on the meat in front of her .
“First, is Asagi . This plan works because of his presence . Next, is Rindo . Her magic shows its true worth in the darkness . And then we have Daniela . Her magic is in a league of its own . You three will be leading the group that I select . Of course, if things get too dangerous the rest will fight…”
Adlus began to announce the names of the Jades who would be going . With every name he called, the colder our dinner became .
“Daniela, not yet . ”
“I cannot wait…”
“He’s almost finished…”
“I might die before then…”
Her face was getting closer to the meat . She seemed like she would starve to death at any moment now .
“…It is these twenty that will be descending into the abandoned city . The rest will stay on the surface in order to take out the goblins who try to escape . Obviously we will try our best to avoid them from getting out, but this is a necessary precaution . You may not have a lot to do, but I ask that you stay vigilant . ”
As Daniela approached her limit, I scanned the scene . The others were also fixed on their food .
“…I’m sorry to have to speak for so long, but this is all very important . If you would continue to lend me your ears…”
At that, the Jades all raised their heads . I looked up at him as well . Not Daniela, though .
Adlus looked at all of us and sighed .
“I am truly sorry that the food you made for us is getting cold… Well, I’ve told you the most important part . If you have any questions, you can ask me later . Now, let’s eat . ”
“Finally!”
Daniela practically shouted as she picked up her knife . The Jades also nodded and began to eat .
Adlus sighed again and sat down . But no one was paying any attention to him .
Giving a speech before a meal was the worst thing a person could do . What did he expect?
Still, this was a group of brilliant Adventurers, and everyone knew what their role was . A few did walk up to Adlus later with their questions . There was something comforting about being in such good company . Such were my thoughts as I picked up my bag and headed off to Namila Village .
I whistled and the door opened .
“Mister Asagi . Good evening . ”
“Hey, Silket . Are the others inside?”
“Yes . We’re having dinner . ”
“Ah, so I was too late then . ”
“Hmm?”
The chief’s house in Namila Village . It was here that Silket and Marcel were staying as they protected the chief’s son, Felz . I had brought food for them, but due to the feast, I was a little late in arriving . As I was one of the people that would be leading a team, I couldn’t slip out too early .
“Oh, it’s Mister Asagi . ”
“Asagi!”
The two looked at me as they stuffed what looked like noodles into their mouths . Felz had sauce all over his face .
“We’re going to launch the attack tomorrow, so we had a special meal . I brought some for you guys, but it looks like I was late . ”
“I can still eat more!”
“Me too!”
“I could eat a little…”
They were clearly just being polite… This was embarrassing .
I put down my bag and took out the food and put it on the table . Felz looked at it with shining eyes, which made me a little happy . Though Marcel had a similar look as well .
While it was a little awkward, they ended up eating everything that I had brought . What made me especially happy, was that they really liked the soup that I had made . It was simple but also something I put a lot of effort into, and so it was nice to see that they appreciated it .
And in spite of the fact that I had already eaten, I found myself nibbling as well . It was a pleasant atmosphere, like a family dining around a table . Felz would tell us amusing stories about the village while Marcel would make strange jokes and Silket would make good ones . It was really nice .
“Ahhh…I’m stuffed…”
“I’m glad that you liked it . And you guys ate everything too . ”
“Well, it was all so delicious that I couldn’t stop . ”
All four of us had eaten well . Felz must have gotten drowsy after eating so much because he quickly went off to bed . It was just us Adventurers now .
“So, we’ll be invading the nest tomorrow . ”
“I thought you would . ”
“It was written all over your face . ”
I see… I scratched my cheek and laughed .
“Still, I want you to continue to stay here with Felz . Is that alright?”
“Of course! It’s true that I wish I could join the others, but I understand we have an important mission as well . ”
“Yes . This is the Namila Liberation Frontline . Protecting this place is part of the job . ”
“Thank you . Well, I should go then . ”
I got to my feet and Marcel and Silket followed . They were going to see me off . That was nice . I was like their old superior that they were fond of .
I opened the door and stepped out into the cold night air .
“Woah . It’s so cold!”
“It really is…”
“If only you could stay inside…”
We chuckled .
“Well, we’ll all come back to see you when the battle is over . ”
“I understand . We’ll keep this place safe until then . ”
“As much as we can, anyway . ”
“Thank you . Good luck . ”
I said as a tousled Marcel’s hair and patted Silket on the head .
“You were nicer to Silket!”
“You reminded me a little of a dog, and Silket reminded me of a cat . So that might have affected me . ”
“You’re terrible!”
She said and then laughed . I almost regretted leaving, but I needed to rest up for tomorrow .
“Well, gotta go!”
“Goodbye!”
“See you later!”
I activated Legs of the God Wolf and rose into the air . The platinum and jade wind pushed me up and launched me back towards the frontline as the two watched .
It was for them and Felz, and the villagers that fled to the Imperial Capital . And really, for the Imperial Capital as well, that we had to succeed in tomorrow’s mission . It was with this thought in my mind, that I headed for the forest .