Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Messengers?” Raphael was puzzled. “Messengers from where?”
“They are in charge of collecting some individual letters on the harbor,” Claremont explained. “When we walked to the harbor, we met people who were sending the letters. They showed us the way.”
“I see.” Raphael said. “Actually, you don’t have to send the letters yourself. You just have to send them to the mailbox in front of the camp. The messengers will come to collect them.”
“It seems that we are too impatient.” Devitt shook his head and said with a smile.
Claremont sat down at the table and took over Devitt’s words. He continued, “Everyone should be thinking about going home. At least I am eager to return.”
Raphael glanced at Abel and said apologetically, “Actually, in order to keep an eye on the news on this island, Captain Abel will have to stay here for a period of time.”
“What?” Devitt said in surprise, “Abel, aren’t you coming back with us tomorrow?”
Abel sighed and nodded. Actually, in his heart, he really wanted to go back. After all, he had an agreement with Devitt and Claremont to meet up in Cumberland.
However, Raphael’s suffering on this island was no less than the suffering of them who traveled outside. Since the Raphael had already suggested it, Abel had no choice but to agree. Moreover, the two of them had been good friends for ten years.
After receiving Abel’s affirmation, Devitt exchanged a glance with Claremont and did not say another word.
The atmosphere at the dining table became silent.
Raphael sized up the expressions of the people around him and said to Abel, “Abel, why don’t… Why don’t you let me stay on the island and bring the soldiers back first?”
“No, no, no.” Abel denied in a panic. “Let’s go with the plan. I’m fine with it.”
“Are you sure you’re fine with it?” Raphael asked.
“It’s fine.” Abel said firmly. When he thought about how his own emotions made it difficult for Raphael, who had suggested the plan, Abel felt ashamed.
“Then… Alright.” Raphael nodded slowly and said, “As for the matters regarding the camp, I’ll discuss them with you in detail after dinner tonight.”
“Alright.” Abel replied.
Devitt and Claremont sat by the side and quietly listened to their conversation. Naturally, they also noticed Abel’s embarrassment and helplessness.
“Since Abel has already decided to stay here, then we should stay with him as well. Let the soldiers return first.” Claremont suggested to Devitt.
“But we don’t have the position to stay here anymore. The human soldiers are only here to provide reinforcements to the elves. According to Raphael’s personality, he definitely won’t let us stay in their camp.” Devitt had already known Raphael’s domineering personality, he said awkwardly, “Besides, if both of us don’t return this time, then who will go to the palace to report to His Majesty?”
After hearing Devitt’s words, Claremont’s expression also became conflicted.
He glanced across the dining table and saw that Abel and Raphael were enjoying themselves. He compromised with Devitt and said, “Alright then.”
At that moment, Abel stood up and toasted the three people on the table. “I’ll drink to this cup of wine first. I wish you all a safe journey home this time.”
As he spoke, he downed the wine in his cup in one gulp.
Raphael, Claremont, and Devitt also raised their wine cups and smiled as they drank their wine.
After dinner, everyone returned to their rooms early. They made preparations for their departure the next day.
Raphael stayed in Abel’s room, and the two of them talked until late into the night. Only when he was so sleepy did Raphael bid farewell to Abel and return to his room.
Under the moonlight, when Raphael walked through the door, he found a figure sitting on a chair in the room with his back to him.
Raphael walked to another chair and sat down without any expression on his face. He said, “Don’t come in and out of my room casually next time.”
“I got the letter.” the figure took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Raphael.
“Okay.” Raphael nodded and answered. Then, he tore open the envelope that had “Drondheim” written as the delivery address. He read the contents of the letter carefully.
“Why don’t you let that man named Abel go with you? What if the people in Caradia get suspicious?” the person who brought the letter asked.
Raphael tightened his grip on the letter and said in a cold voice, “I’m not like you. For the sake of rights and interests, you wouldn’t even care about the lives of your own people. Besides, I know what to do this time. You don’t have to worry about it.”
“You can protect them for a while, but you can’t protect them forever.” the man turned around and said, “If they choose to involve in the end and stand on the opposite side of us, they will still be eradicated. Take care of yourself.”
After leaving this sentence, the man disappeared in the shadows.
Raphael got up and walked to the candlestick. He lit the letter in his hand and threw it into the fireplace.
Looking at the burning flames, Raphael sighed. “At the moment, we can only take one step at a time.”
The next morning.
The Caradia soldiers bid farewell to the elven soldiers who came to see them off at the dock.
Devitt smiled and said to Abel, “I originally thought that you were the only one left here. In the end, all your soldiers stayed with you. In that case, we can rest assured.”
Abel shook his head and said, “These soldiers all want to go home, but they stayed for me. I’m really sorry to them.”
“It’s nothing. I heard that everyone is willing to stay.” Claremont waved his hand and said, “Don’t look so sad.”
Abel nodded and said, “Yes. When you return to Drondheim, you must write to me.”
“Of course.” Devitt and Claremont nodded.
“Okay. The ship is about to leave. Take your luggage and go up.” Abel hugged the two of them and said with a smile.
“You have to pay attention to your safety while you stay here.” Devitt said. “When you return to the Elf Kingdom, we will ask for leave to drink with you.”
“Alright, it’s a deal.”
Raphael stood on the deck of the ship and watched the scene of the two groups of people separating. A hint of reluctance flashed in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
“Boss, the bombs have been installed.” an elven soldier walked forward and reported to Raphael.
“Did you install them like I told you before?” Raphael asked.
“Yes. It’s all in the engine room..” the elven soldier replied with a nod.
