81 A Pleasure Serving With All Of You (1/2)

”Captain Bai, you can't be serious? Working alongside the Tuhan? That's practically suicide!”

Standing in front of the broad table, Rin and a group of generals gathered within the provincial office. After her discussion with An Sun on his negotiations, Rin called all her trusted men to inform them of their agreement.

”As risky as it may sound, it's our only option to ensure the citizen's safety as well as the soldiers. I can't allow harm on any more innocents.”

”But…captain, what about you?” The general's expression furrowed.

Looking up at the men, Rin faintly smiles, her hands clasped lightly behind her back. ”I'll be able to handle myself just fine, don't worry. Even so, to protect the citizens and people is worth it.”

Lowering their heads the general's hearts beat fiercely toward the young boy's words. The sacrifices and harsh battles that took place all embedded itself deeply into the men's hearts.

”As for the citizens, don't inform them of this matter. All they need to know is of our peaceful and achieved surrender.”

”Yes, Captain Bai.”

Bobbing her head, Rin smiles gently at the group of men. Her emerald eyes remained firm and fearless as if everything that took place, never happened. As if she wasn't about to sacrifice herself into the claws of a ferocious wolf.

”It was a pleasure serving with all of you.”

…

Wrapped in furred coat, Rin stares quietly at the stone graves at the top of the snowy cliff. Engraved with the names Tao, the sturdy stone embedded itself deep within the ground.

At that moment, Rin was standing in front of the graves of Governor Tao and his wife.

Forever would he be looking down at his citizens and watching over them from above. As promised, An Sun ordered his men to create a decent and proper burial for the two – specifically placing them on the cliff.

Unsure if it was an accident or not, but it appeared An Sun knew very well the proper place to bury the honorable Governor Tao. As he had formerly said, he was a courageous and honorable man. It seemed even if they were enemies, he still respected the strong and brave.

”Cough--! Cough--!”

Rin covers her mouth, before bending down gently to kneel onto the snow-covered ground. Lowering her head, Rin's eyes closed.

”The citizen's lives as you hoped for were spared, no harm will come to your people.” Rin softly spoke. ”Your daughter has been sent away safely to live with her relatives. This favor is the best I can give you for your noble sacrifices.”

Tugging at her coat edges, Rin's eyelids tighten.

”I thank you, for saving me and offering me valuable insight into those around me. I will eternally remember your words.”

Looking up, Rin slowly stands up to take a white, blooming flower from her pocket and gently places it on the top of the governor's grave. The chrysanthemum's petals fluttered elegantly through the chilling wind.

Nobility. Strength and elegance.

”You deserve this more than I do.”