The Amber Sword

Chapter 12 – The lake

Both factions spent the night in high tension.

Tarkus waited for his plans to attacks to unfold, while Brendel was worried that he was unable to gauge how much time was left. Madara’s army and the eleven youths from Bucce moved through the silent darkness, their destiny closely intertwining while they moved away from each other.

Eventually the sun rose. The first ray of light hit the ground to indicate morning was here, and it seemed to pass by in a flash. The militia did not encounter even the most common brown bears in this region, and they appeared to be safe from enemies.

Afternoon came.

The militia in front of Brendel parted the obstacles in front of them with a swishing sound from the vegetation, and he squinted his eyes. The golden sunlight seemed to pierce through the dense vegetation. He followed the voice and looked up from the stretcher he was in, and the surface of the scenery in front of him looked like a mirror, with the reflection of light entering into his eyes.

A lake.

It was like a dazzling emerald that was placed here with the surface shimmering in the midst of trees and mountains.

“Let’s talk about what you saw when you left Bucce, so that we can understand more about the enemy to– Shit, Mackie, not so forcefully.” He hurt so much that his eyebrows trembled.

Freya sighed when she saw this scene: “I’ll do it, move away, Mackie.”

Brendel looked on in surprise as the girl with the long ponytail walked right to him. She lowered her and carefully removed the bandages.

“Is there a problem to distribute all the food like this?” She hesitated for a while before asking quietly.

“What problem?”

[This bastard obviously know what I’m talking about!]

Freya gritted her teeth in annoyance, but Brendel found it funny when this kind hearted girl did not dare to make any sudden movements her hands.

“You know what I’m talking about right? We’re not going to Fortress Briedon?” Freya lowered her voice to a whisper that almost could not be heard.

Brendel studied Freya carefully, and he thought that long ponytail with its light brown color suited her very well. He thought for a moment and asked: “Your aunt and uncle should be in another party right?”

Freya hands stopped as she buried her head downwards.

“Sorry,” Brendel sighed: “If there’s a chance, I’ll do something about it. But I can’t guarantee anything and shoulder this responsibility. It’s too big.”

“Thank you.”

It was a hushed reply.

“Freya boss-neesama, Brendel onii-san, what are you guys muttering to each other?” Little Fenix’s voice rang out with awful timing. He was sitting under a tree and looking curiously at the two. Freya was someone he had always admired, and Brendel was his new idol. (TL: Just so you know, if I was to translate it in full English, it would be boss big sister Freya, and big brother Brendel. Except that every time I TL Fenix doing it, I hear Yugioh’s English dub for some reason. Just… * shudder * no. I blame Fenix.)

His words successfully attracted everyone’s attention and turned over at the same time to look at them.

Freya’s face turned crimson, as she realized he was too close to the cad, and stepped backwards to explain: “N-nothing, j-just discussing……” Unfortunately, this innocent girl did not understand that it was better not to explain herself, but with her retreating step and explanation, everyone had their own foregone conclusion.

Especially that blushing face, when did the captain ever got shy?

Romaine rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up. She seemed to have just noticed what happened. Even though Freya was afraid she might misunderstand something, she tried to signal her for help, but the merchant girl had her head in the clouds and smiled freely: “It’s fine Freya.”

“Et tu, Romaine—” The girl with the pony tail could not finish her sentence, and her words seemed to choke.

She glared at Romaine, and wanted to march up to her and strangle this damn girl.

But Brendel noticed a worried gaze over to him from the youth Neberto. He was slightly taken back. Could Neberto be interested in Freya?

[If you lack bravery that would not cut it.] He shook his head.

“Alright that’s enough,” He interrupted everyone: “I’m discussing the question of food distribution with your captain.”

Brendel’s words were like the natural authority from a lord, and everyone stopped and focused their attention on him.

[So Miss Romaine, can you explain why are you looking at me with shining eyes? Are you looking at loot?] He shook his head for the umpteen time.

He continued: “This amount of food, it’s not enough even if we ration it. Besides, we need to keep our strength up to handle any enemies we encounter.”

“But-” Freya only said one word and saw Brendel shaking his head at her.

“The Green village is not far ahead, and we can travel there to find something to eat. The undead does not need to eat, and this food originally belonged to us humans. We have the right to take it back.” He said.

“The green village? Isn’t it overrun with Madara’s troops?” Erik was sitting on the ground when he asked. His injuries on his legs were bandaged with the help of Brendel, and he had nearly recovered fully.

The bandaging effect was a hidden recovery value. It would slow down after a period of time to indicate that the bandages needed changing. The time to recover HP was nearly a day in this world, so a change of bandages was only necessary until then.

“Of course there are enemies. But we are moving in a small group, and we might not encounter them directly.” Brendel answered. He had established an escape route and was prepared.

“A small group, you mean we’re sneaking in?” Little Fenix became interested.

“Yes, I’m going to pick a few to go along with me.” Brendel nodded and he looked at everyone: “Erik and Vlad are injured, Mackie and Neberto are to stay behind to take care of them. Romaine, you stay behind and take care of Bella. As for the others…. Irene and Freya, the two of you go along with me.”

“”NO!”” Little Fenix and Freya objected at the same time.

“Irene and I can go, but Brendel you need to stay behind.” She inhaled deeply.

Did this guy even know how bad his injuries are.

“I’m going to go too.” The brat was the first to jump up.

Brendel looked at them and sighed: ” Very well, I’ll answer your questions.” He bit the bandage in his mouth as he wrapped the other end around his body tightly.

A faint green [+2] floated from his body.

He breathed in deeply and felt his strength gradually returning to his body. Even though he was still weak, especially feeling the debilitating poison in his body that was consuming his strength, he could manage to move by himself.

He lifted his head up and asked: “So, Miss Freya, what reason do you have for keeping me here? Injuries?”

“It’s good that you know that.” She turned her head away with a scoff.

Brendel smiled faintly, with his teeth barely showing.