Scarlet Fate

24: Elafas

Akane's PoV

The Queen has begun mustering her forces, Yuito and I were ordered by Chiharu to subjugate a bandit group, the bandits have been terrorizing the nearby village of Elafas.

Twelve miles away from the village, Yuito ordered his soldiers to stop, after surveying his surrounding he ordered his troops.

"We'll make camp here. Cut down nearby trees, set up fortifications and scout the perimeter."

"Yes sir!!!"

The soldiers saluted and began their work, setting up fortifications around the encampment, distributing rations for the soldiers.

"I have another task at hand, I'll leave the subjugation of the bandits to you lady Akane."

"Yes sir."

I saluted Yuito as he entered his tent, upon returning to my quarters, Yuni, Ange and Yuka greeted me with a smile.

"I'm pleased to know that you've decided to cooperate with me Ange."

"I value my subordinates lives, they're like family to me, if it's for the sake of their safety, I would do anything."

"Is that so?"

I sat down a chair located near the table, Ange and Yuka sat on the opposite side of the table, facing my direction. After placing down a map, Yuka said.

"There are many possible places in which the bandits might be hiding, by this time, they should be aware of our presence."

"Yuka how many soldiers do I have at my command?"

"Around seventy five soldiers milady."

"Less than what I expected."

I sighed in frustration, Yuni placed a cup of tea on the table and smiled.

"Enjoy."

I took a sip of tea, a smiled formed on my face, Ange and Yuka glance at each other, both letting out a sigh as they told me in unison.

"You're way too relaxed!"

Ignoring the two, I turned to Yuni and asked.

"Refill please."

"Right away!"

Yuni giggled, and brewed another serving of tea. I turned to Ange and Yuka whom both had displeasure on their face.

"Could you flirt after we're done with our meeting, at this rate we won't get anywhere."

I clicked my tongue and asked.

"I heard reports that monster activity outside the forest increased, is this true?"

"Yes, we received several reports, Sir Yuito and his soldiers will subjugate the monsters near the village."

"Judging from how the bandits operate, they seem to know a lot about the geography of this area."

I took another sip of tea, I placed my hand on my chin and began reviewing information at hand.

Monster activities outside the forest has increased, it's probably caused by the bandit's, they also have knowledge of this region's geography. It's kujely that the bandits are hiding inside the forest.

"Yuka can I ask you you a favour?"

Confused with my actions she replied

"What is it?"

"Could you gather five of the best soldiers under your command?"

Yuka and Ange stared at each other, both having a confused look on their faces.

"Why milady."

"I have a hunch, it's likely that the bandits have spies inside the village, we'll use them to lure the bandits out of hiding."

"How do you plan on accomplishing such a task milady?"

With a grin on my face, I told the two whom had stern looks on their faces.

"It's simple, I'll ju-"

But before I can finish my words, Ange cuts me off.

"You're planning on doing something really stupid aren't you."

"Right Ange, I'm guessing that milady wants to go to the village, after all with her appearance, she would hardly be identified as a member of the army."

"H-How did yo-"

Before I could finish, I felt a cold shiver down my spine, I slowly turned around, with veins popping out her head, Yuni glared at me.

"Akane... You're planning on doing something reckless again, weren't you?!"

I gulped, I took a step back, however Ange and Yuka restrained both my arms.

"You're not going anywhere milady, we still need to finish our meeting."

"Ye-Yes."

I gulped as Yuni glares at me with a disappointed face.

After our meeting, I was scolded by Yuni for my recklessness for over an hour, Yuni sighed in defeat and asked.

"Is there nothing I could do to stop you?"

I shook my head, in response Yuni shrugged her shoulders and replied.

"If that's the case, I'm coming with you."

This all three of us was surprised with her words, before I can refute she quickly cuts me off.

"I'm ordered by Lady Chiharu to ensure your safety, that's my top priority for this job. Even if she didn't order such I think, I would have done the same regardless."

Yuni took a deep breathe and continued.

"If ever Akane decided to do something reckless, I can interfere with no repercussions."

"Chiharu actually issued such an order?"

Yuni shrugged her shoulders and nodded, yet I noticed a smile on her face.

"If that's the case Yuni may come along the operation, however we cannot guarantee your safety. Are you fine with that?"

"I won't al-"

"I'm coming Akane, you can't stop me."