The Refuge of Fate

Chapter 149 - Borders

Just like other nights, it was quiet throughout the military camp situated right at the Belmaid Empire's borders. The once blood-soaked plain field, now a peaceful expanse, echoed with a serene tune that could lull anyone into a deep slumber. The cries of the crickets hidden in the grassy plains sounded like whispers signifying peace.

However, the whispers and murmurs of the knights keeping watch over the border disrupted the solemnity of the atmosphere.

"I heard the Young Duke of the Perez Duchy and the Young Master from the House of Masters in Taron are coming here tomorrow," said a young knight named Edric Hawthorne. They were just outside the base, gathered around a campfire like animals desperate for warmth amidst the cold winter snow.

The other knights, who had been keeping to themselves or conversing with the person beside them, paused. Their eyes lingered on the newly arrived young'un from the empire. Edric stiffened under their stares.

"Is that so?" responded Aldric Ironhart, an older man sitting beside him who is also the Knight's Captain that led the group, without looking up from the skewered salmon he was grilling over the fire.

"Y-Yes, sir... I heard it from a couple of relief assistants yesterday," Edric replied honestly. Honesty was greatly valued in the military, where they treated each other like family, having each other's backs from the moment they were stationed for patrol duty. They were also the first responders to the threat of war.

"I see," said Aldric, turning the skewered fish over. Silence engulfed the previously cheery atmosphere, confusing Edric.

"Is there something wrong, sir? Shouldn't we prepare for their arrival?" Edric asked, looking around at the men who were now avoiding his gaze. Aldric sighed, knowing that what he was about to say wouldn't be pleasant.

Looking at Edric, he said, "They can come and go as they please. They're powerful nobles, after all." Edric's face was now marked by even more confusion. What was that supposed to mean?

"Then shouldn't we prepare for their arrival—"

"They're not just nobles, Edric. They are nobles who stand on par with the Royal Families of their respective territories. I'm sure they can bring a nanny or someone to take care of them while they're here. We have enough on our plate as it is." Disheartened by the captain's words, Edric's expression worsened.

"But haven't you heard, sir? They are the future of Taron and Belmaid. They are heroes!" At this point, everyone knew it. Not a single soul in the entire Eastern Continent was unaware of Pier Belmiunde and Lysander Perez. Besides Pier's extensive background of heroic acts during the great invasion in Taron, his victory in the annual Hunting Competition further proved his capabilities as a war hero.

His power was said to know no bounds. Aside from his extremely rare affinity for ice magic, he could also wield other elements as if they were second nature. A library erected in Taron's palace dedicated to his deeds attested to this.

He had created an enormous ring of fire to trap the enemies, allowing his aide, the War Commander, to kill every invader. He was recognized as a once-in-an-eon existence across territories and cultures.

Lysander, too, was seen as the light of the empire. Simply being an awakened light magic user marked his place in the history of Belmaid. Together, the two had given their respective countries a sense of eternal security and peace.

Edric was a huge fan of the two. Before joining the Border Patrol Battalion, he had greatly admired Pier Belmiunde, even from Belmaid.

"And if that's true, all the better. Maybe this war can finally end," said Godfrey Thorneblade, another knight. "Heroes do not inconvenience others for the sake of their comfort." Even Edric could taste the bitterness in Godfrey's words.