Chapter 30: Help Cleaning (1) (1/2)

Leonel lost his concept of time. The sun likely rose and set at least twice, maybe three times? He wasn't sure.

He didn't know where he pulled the strength from.

The truth was that kind of time didn't pass. Even if Leonel himself was surpassing the limits of a human, fighting for three days without rest was beyond him. Even when he stayed awake for that long in the Mayan temple, most of the time was spent sneaking around and avoiding large groups of Spaniards.

Still, his illusion of the sun rising and setting wasn't completely off. By the time Leonel slowly dragged his beaten and ragged body out, his spear in one hand, Aina in the other, the high sun had set and the hints of dawn had begun to creep up.

Leonel's spear and Aina's battle ax dragged along the ground, leaving deep marks in the dry land. He had no idea how Aina managed to hang onto that massive thing while cuddling up like a kitten, but the reality was right before him.

”… How'd I end up liking such a crazy woman…”

Leonel looked down at Aina who had her head buried in his chest. Her right arm was pinned against his body, but her left dragged the ax at an awkward angle. Leonel was worried that her frail arm would snap, but she struggled too strongly every time he tried to adjust her.

On the bright side, Aina's temperature had steadily decreased. At least she wasn't scolding to the touch anymore.

Leonel looked up to find General Franck standing before him with a look of fear in his eyes. It seemed he hadn't dared to retreat without Leonel's input.

”… They won't be attacking again…” Leonel started in a voice so raspy he hardly recognized it as his own. ”… We can head to Orleans in 48 hours. I need to rest. Don't disturb me.”

The general nodded profusely and even led Leonel to his personal tent.

”… Oh.” Leonel paused before entering the tent. ”Send two or three of your comfort women here.”

The general was speechless for a moment but didn't dare voice the questions in his mind. In fact, he even led two of his favorites over and sent them into the tent without the slightest reservations.

When the two French women entered, they carried slight blushes on their faces. Compared to the less desired comfort women, these two seemed to have just stepped out of a salon. Their clothes were simple and cheap, but clean. In addition, their beauty was enticing. It was obvious that they could pass for noble women had their birth not been so unfortunately low.

When they saw the rippling definition in Leonel's bare back, their blush deepened. They seemed not to notice the dirt, grime and blood that covered him. They were used to dealing with the poor hygiene of soldiers. Compared to them, Leonel was an angel.

”Oh, you're here.” Leonel turned back and nodded. ”Please help her clean up and lay her to rest. I'll wait outside.”

After saying these words, Leonel ignored the confused gazes of the two women and walked out of the tent.

”… Just think about it. Have you ever heard a man of God asking for a whore so openly? Maybe they really are the devil just like the Eng —”

The words froze when Leonel walked out bare chested. They shivered in fear, thinking that they'd be punished. But Leonel simply stood there, his arms crossed and his breathing even. He felt like he could collapse at any moment, but he stood tall.

Right now, he felt better than he had in a long time. Maybe better than he had in his entire life.