What is your plan at this mont?
As soon as they entered the accommodation, Demians voice struck his ears, almost reprimanding him. It was irritating enough to cause discomfort in his ears. He was well aware that the current situation was far from ideal, or to be precise, they were in serious trouble.
However, Raciel remained silent. Instead of responding, he surveyed the accommodation they had been led to. True to their promise, the field tent was surprisingly spacious and luxurious. However, it lacked security.
Shh.
He pursed his lips and made a hushing gesture with his index finger.
In response, Demian flinched.
Just then, they noticed paper, ink, and a pen on an improvised field table. Raciel alternated his gaze between Demian and Gardin, then pointed at the writing materials.
Soone might overhear us. Lets communicate in writing.
They nodded.
Did they understand? The two of them drew closer.
Raciel took the pen in hand.
Well, even I wasnt aware of this. Ive apparently gained fa as a saintly military officer, thanks to my exceptional healing abilities during blood transfusions. I assud the rebels were after for my healing skills. Ah, darn.
He set the pen down at that mont.
Next, Gardin picked up the pen.
However, Your Highness, as youve witnessed, it doesnt seem like they want to entrust their wounded to you. This is a significant issue. There must be a considerable number of wounded individuals here waiting for your care.
Demian swiftly grabbed the pen too.
Thats what Ive been saying. Instead of making rash attempts, it would have been wiser to return to the Star Palace.
Tsk. Did I foresee this?
Raciel clicked his tongue.
His pen moved swiftly across the paper.
Did I ever imagine that they would use as a propaganda tool for political purposes? Its unfair to . I wanted to find a sense of accomplishnt in treating the wounded here. Thats what I truly wanted.
It was a genuine sentint.
He had hoped to continue a life similar to the healing camp of the Kingdom Army even after arriving here. His plan was to heal the accumulated wounded and extend so extra lifespans.
But the rebel leader Javillon, that guy, hes sothing else.
He demanded Raciels declaration of support for their revolution. He provided a date and place, and all Raciel had to do was deliver an impassioned speech. No need to deal with rotten flesh or imrse himself in blood.
It felt like they were considering him.
As if it were the utmost courtesy.
How absurdly polite it all seed. It felt like a mismatch, like sothing had lodged itself in his throat.
He belatedly realized the situation.
Thats why.
He quickly responded, or rather, protested.
So I told him I dont like that. Taking care of the wounded isnt difficult. Its not cruel; in fact, I find it fulfilling. So, give the wounded, not political statents. Thats what I ca here for.
That was the truth.
The mont he heard Javillons shocking statent, he instinctively made such a protest, almost pleading.
He had a deep affection for the wounded. If he didnt care for them even for a day, it felt like thorns would sprout all over his body. He couldnt eat or sleep. So, if they brought a few carts of wounded right now, he would genuinely be delighted. Just entrust them to him.
He pleaded.
He fervently appealed.
But it was in vain.
Javillon looked his way and gave a aningful smile. He shook his head ever so slightly and, without even blinking, politely declined.
Sacred Officer Rihan, I understand your intentions. I also appreciate your noble sentints. However, theres a ti for everything in human affairs.
Ti, you say?
The opportune mont when sothing can be accomplished. For example
You cant be serious.
Youve caught on? I appreciate your quick grasp of the situation. Its even better that our thoughts appear to align.
So, youre suggesting that I can declare political support now, but tending to the wounded can wait for another ti?
Exactly.
Javillon maintained his polite smile, but his stance was resolute. He couldnt comply with this request. At this mont, a public political declaration was of utmost priority.
In the end, retreat was the only option.
Acceptance was also the only option.
Raciel continued to write with determination.
I have to accept it now. Weve been defeated, utterly defeated.
There was no room for negotiation.
Javillons resolve regarding caring for the wounded was too firm to be swayed further. Pushing the matter could potentially raise unnecessary suspicion.
So, the conclusion was straightforward.
Cut our losses.
Demian and Gardin looked puzzled at what Raciel had quickly added.
Since I dont see any possibility of making progress here, lets wrap it up and leave. Head to Star Palace.
I agree. However, theres a problem.
Demian snatched the pen and wrote down his query.
How do you plan to escape? The defenses here are far from lax. Even under the cover of the darkest night, escaping discreetly seems impossible.
Uh. I know that too.
This place was a legitimate rebel field command post, and it was the central area where the core commanders resided.
The security and defense were oppressively tight, not just because of the number of sentries. All patrol forces had overlapping lines of sight. There were almost 20 CCTV caras in every corner. Magical detection devices and traps also appeared to be abundant.
Escaping from here? Absolutely impossible. Unless Demian beca a Swordmaster, it wasnt even worth dreaming about.
However, hope was not entirely lost.
I have a plan.
You have a plan?
Yes.
Demian stared intently at him, and Raciel grinned in response.
Lets play sick.
Excuse ?
Perhaps it sounded too absurd, and Demian involuntarily responded aloud. But Raciel didnt reply. He was determined to execute what seed like the best plan at the mont.
It began the next day. Raciels feigned illness plan was put into action.
Ugh, cough! Cough! Choke!
Why are you behaving like this, Rihan?
Sorry, but Cough! Gag, choke!
On the morning after they switched to the rebel flag, Raciel began to cough violently as soon as he encountered Javillon. He diligently used internal techniques to heat up his face and forehead.
As a result, his face was covered in heat spots, giving the appearance of a fever. Seeing this, Javillon raised an eyebrow.
Are you feeling unwell?
Im really Cough! Gag! I apologize Gag!
He put on quite a performance.
While coughing, he deliberately opened his mouth wide. Thanks to spending the night carefully saring and drying his lips, they cracked perfectly on cue. Blood even trickled down at an opportune mont.
Cough, cough! Cough!
Officer Rihan.
Yes, cough! Choke! Im truly sorry, but I need so ti to recover
Feigning illness wont work.
Are you planning to use illness as an excuse to leave now?
No, thats not it.
Then?
I just dont feel like working today we arrived just last night, and Im still quite tired
Then rest today. Well et tomorrow.
Raciel closed his mouth.
Javillon smiled faintly, as if he had a clear grasp of the other persons thoughts, and added a comnt.
At the mont, I dont have an imdiate task for you. However, maintaining this attitude for another ten days will beco a problem.
What do you an by in ten days?'
On that day, I will request a declaration of support from you on the plain where Balua Fortress is visible.
I hope youre in good condition that day.
Javillon subtly left a pointed remark and turned away. But Raciel was determined. He didnt give up just because he was brushed off once. Driven by the desire to resign passionately, he attempted a new approach the next day.
Excuse , I have sothing to discuss.
As dawn broke, he sought out Javillon. This ti, he didnt resort to exaggerated coughing. Instead, he wore a very serious, solemn, and slightly stern expression.
Actually, I have an elderly mother.
Your mother?
Yes.
He promptly answered Javillons question and prepared to deliver his rehearsed lines. However, Javillon spoke just a half beat faster.
Dont tell youre going to say that your mother is very frail, suffering from an incurable illness, and that you need to take care of her. That you feel guilty for not being by her side at a ti like this, and you think its inhumane, so youre considering going back ho?
Exactly.
Raciel froze, resembling a mannequin. The corners of Javillons mouth twisted slightly.
I know youre not being truthful. Step back.
Understood.
Another failed attempt. But his efforts didnt stop the following morning.
Lord Javillon, the truth is, I have a girlfriend.
A girlfriend? You an a lover?
Yes.
Doesnt seem like it.
I do have one!
The more you insist, the less convincing it is.
Dont tell you cant bear the separation from your lover and want to visit her briefly sothing like that?
Thats correct!
And you wont return?
No, I will.
Why did you seem to nod your head just now?
Officer Rihan.
Yes, My Lord.
I understand whats on your mind.
Javillons watchful gaze remained fixed on him. Unconsciously, Raciel shrugged his shoulders under that scrutiny.
Javillon continued speaking.
As I ntioned before, I understand that you want to tend to the wounded. You want to fulfill your role in that way. However, you must also understand that I cannot entrust you with that task right now.
Why not?
Because it would be problematic if you were exposed at this mont.
No way.
Youve grasped my intentions again. I appreciate your quick understanding.
A satisfied smile appeared on Javillons lips. He inquired, gesturing to that smile.
Do you believe that if my involvent is exposed before the political endorsent I have to deliver in 7 days, it will diminish the impact of the endorsent?
Youve hit the nail on the head.
Javillons smile grew even more pleased. He went on,
Your endorsent will be a turning point for the revolutionaries, a stepping stone for a coback. It must be that shocking. It has to be sothing no one could have predicted. Thats why it would be problematic if your affiliation with the revolutionaries were to beco known before your endorsent. It would diminish the impact.
I understand.
I assu you want to avoid spoilers. But another question has crossed my mind.
Why dont you have make the endorsent right now?
Because the timing isnt right yet.
What do you an by timing?
Rihan, its when you genuinely hold even the slightest support for my cause.
Raciel remained silent. Honestly, it was an answer he hadnt anticipated. Javillon continued,
Thats what I believe. Even if a hint of sincerity is evident in your endorsent, that would be beneficial. In fact, its necessary.
Why is that?
Only then can we truly touch peoples hearts. Only then can we inspire voluntary involvent to the point of moving people emotionally. Only then can we lay the foundation for a revolution that will make Anbouaz a great kingdom.
Just delivering an endorsent because I instructed you to? It might be doable. But it wont move people. If shallow endorsents were sufficient, I would have employed different thods long ago.
What kind of thods are you talking about?
I could have used drugs or magic to brainwash you.
But that wouldnt yield good results. It might attract public attention briefly, but it wouldnt take long for people to realize that the endorsent wasnt genuine, as thats how brainwashing operates. In the worst-case scenario, it could even lead to a backlash that negates the value and spirit of the revolutionaries. I dont want that outco.
Then
So, I wanted you to closely experience the essence of the revolutionaries for ten days and to empathize, even just a little, with my ideals and goals. I had hoped that a degree of sincerity would co through in your endorsent. However, now I feel that perhaps my thoughts and hopes were sowhat naive, and I regret that.
Regret?
Hmm.
Javillon nodded.
Theres sothing foreboding about it.
Dangerous.
Why do ominous premonitions always turn out to be spot on? Javillon looked at Raciel as if he could read his thoughts, and with eyes that seed to pierce through people, he spoke without blinking.
So, Ive co up with a good alternative. Officer Rihan?
Yes.
Be my personal physician.
What?
Just staying in your quarters wont give you a proper opportunity to comprehend and empathize with my ideals and goals. Therefore, beco my personal physician and remain by my side 24/7.
What do you say?
What on earth?
Raciel felt like crying.
(To be Continued)
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