Vol 9 Chapter 99 (2/2)

“Yes, on paper, but we have since split our unit in half.” Zi Long replied.

“It started out as just 2 small battalions that have slowly grown to our present size. Continuing as a single unit would not be realistic.” Chen Dao nodded and gave a relaxed smile as she said so. However, this expression would only make me view this issue more seriously.

“Would that really be alright?” I asked softly as I looked at Feng Xian and Wen Yuan who were now in the courtyard and stretching before going to the encampment. Would this not be equal to an internal split?

“What kind of problem would there be?” Zi Long seemed puzzled at my question, “a mediocre individual like Xuan De should not be belittling warrior generals. Sure, we do our own thing most of the time, but when we need to work together, there is no ‘I’ or ‘you’ and there is only ‘we’.”

Zi Long’s words stung but this made me less worried. Being straightforward is better than the alternative after all.

“Alright! Let’s go!”

“Yes, let’s go then.”

Just as we finished, 2 firm voices could be heard from the outside. When I turned to look, I saw that Feng Xian and Wen Yuan were headed for the main door with their horses.

“Feng Xian, Wen Yuan! Be careful!” I yelled out. Wen Yuan waved back at me while Feng Xian swung her halberd and shot me a glance before they both galloped out.

“Well then, we’ll be heading to the encampment as well.”

“Eh? You’re both going too?” I asked.

Zi Long gave a stiff smile, “Didn’t I say it just now… We’re still a team.”

“Ah, ah, I understand.” I hurriedly nodded and saluted her, “Well then, see you in a bit.”

“Yes, see you in a bit.” Zi Long saluted, seeming a little lethargic. It cannot be helped that she is a little downcast from not being able to partic.i.p.ate in this battle.

“My lord! See you later!”

“Oh.”

Chen Dao was as energetic as ever. I do not know if it was my misconception but she surprisingly looked away and seemed shy when I looked at her. Does she feel that she owes me for my gift to her?

“Chen Dao.”

“Yes.”

“Where did you buy that protective chest piece of yours? It’s quite pretty.”

“Ah, ah!! I-I bought this with my own savings!!”

“Hei~ I never thought a crude, blockheaded ruffian like you would have such exquisite tastes…”

“Thank you for your praise!”

“I’m not praising you…”

They continued to exchange words as they left the room. I was rather nervous when Zi Long asked about the protective chest piece. Chen Dao’s acting was really bad but Zi Long did not pay too much attention to that and merely hummed meaningfully which made me feel that Zi Long had caught wind that something was up.

Of course, her tongue is as poisonous as ever.

“Xuan De.”

Eh? A voice came from the side and I instinctively turned to where it came from–

Wah! Yuan Zhi was standing right in front of me with her troubled expression. I have gotten used to it by now but this was the first time her face was this close to mine and I got a shock and leapt back.

“Xu-Xuan De, w-watch it!” Yuan Zhi seemed to have gotten a shock as well and blushed as she tugged her bandana.

“Ah… S-sorry.” I apologised first even though I was technically not at fault at all as this would probably be the best way to respond, “Umm… Is there anything?”

She pulled up her bandana slightly and looked at me before pulling it back down and turning away, U-umm, since everyone has left, let’s go up to the city tower.”

“Eh? To the city tower?”

Yuan Zhi nodded and then sighed to alleviate the tension in her heart.

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