Incompatible Interspecies Wives

Chapter 9: Compensation (1)

"Vice-captain Berg!"

As I placed flowers on the graves of the fallen members of the Red Flame, I turned around upon hearing a voice calling me.

Approaching me was my aide, Baran.

When our eyes met, he spoke.

"Captain Adam has returned."

"..."

I remained silent for a moment, then nodded and gently set down the last flower.

The time of remembrance came to an end here.

"Is there anything special?"

I wiped the dirt off my hands.

"Nothing, except that captain is looking for the Vice-captain."

Adam Hyung had left our hideout for a while two weeks ago to accept a new request.

All I knew about this client was that they were a noble.

I had no information about who they were, their race, or how high-ranking of a noble they were.

However, based on my intuition, it seemed likely that a significant battle was on the horizon.

In the first place, it was rare for Adam Hyung to meet the client in person.

The fact that he had gone to meet them indicated the importance of this particular individual. And clients of such stature didn't offer easy contracts.

As we entered the cemetery, Baran handed me the sword I had set aside.

Without hesitation, I secured it around my waist and turned towards Baran, who walked beside me.

"What about the recruits' training?"

"..."

There was no immediate response. I gave Baran a sharp look and repeated my question.

"What about training?"

"Well... it's not yet..."

"What?"

A sudden surge of heat rose in my head.

Baran continued his excuses without even meeting my gaze.

"...Vice-captain, you need to understand..."

"..."

"The members haven't even recovered from yesterday's intense training... and the families of the members are getting restless..."

"Ignore it. Training comes first."

"You should also consider the morale of the members! Haven't we been training them too harshly since Captain Adam left?"

"..."

"Vice-Captain, instead-"

"If there are casualties because you neglected the training, will you take responsibility?"

"..."

"Get ready. You will handle it on your own."

Leaving Baran standing still, I move forward.

After a while, Baran followed me belatedly.

A refreshing breeze swept through the air as I walked, slowly taking in the scenery surrounding me.

It had been five years since the founding of Red Flame.

We had set our roots in the expansive plains of Stockphin—a beautiful place adorned with lush meadows and towering trees scattered throughout.