127 New Leader (1/2)

”Somebody help him.” Neola ordered, and some of the bandits went to take care of Enzo's wounds.

Then she felt Lucien's hand on her shoulder. ”We have to leave quickly. How many of your people are here?”

Lucien could hear about six hundred people inside the old fortress. Most are women and children while there are about three hundred strong men and women outside, in addition to the hundred who were captured by the Light Empire army.

Still, he knew there should be other groups like those hundred in the forest, so he asked Neola, who quickly answered him.

”We are about one thousand and one hundred here, but there are still about three hundred of us divided into three groups inside the forest, hunting and…”

Neola didn't know what to say, but Lucien understood. ”Plundering, In Bluewind?”

She had a worried expression. ”We are not strong, and Bluewind is the closest place to here…”

”It is not right to steal from them, but we were not able to get what we need to live from the forest. The beasts are very dangerous, and we have no place to farm.”

Lucien would like to know more about the story of Neola's people. Among the bandits, there are people with different skin colors and different characteristics.

Even though they are all humans, it is evident that they came from several different places. Then Lucien concluded that they did not have good opportunities and ended up living like bandits in the forest.

Still, Lucien could not simply forget about the crimes they committed against the people of Bluewind. But as they would be his troops, they would fight for the good of both Bluewind, as well as Portgreen.

Lucien looked at Neola with a solemn expression. ”Your people will have to work hard with Bluewind. Those who are already there will be captured or killed by my group, but as soon as we return, I will allow you guys to begin a new life as my army.”

Neola believed in Lucien because it made no sense for him to save them just to deceive them. But she is also curious about the position he has in Bluewind.

”Are you some kind of noble? I heard that the Bluewind royalty people have blue hair.” Neola looked at Lucien's beautiful red hair and then had an idea.

”Ah! Maybe you married to the princess? You certainly must have caught the attention of a royal with your fantastic looks.”

Neola did not stop talking while Lucien looked at her with a vague expression. Lust and Ghilanna couldn't help but roll their eyes.

Alden thought they would soon miss this opportunity if Neola didn't stop bothering Lucien. ”What are you doing, you fool?! How long will you interrogate him?”

Lucien ignored the embarrassed Neola and spoke to Alden. ”Send someone to gather your people who are still in the forest. If you are going to follow me, I will not leave anyone behind.”

Alden and Neola can't help but smile. They lived a long time without help, so being in the care of someone as reliable as Lucien is undoubtedly encouraging.

”I sent messengers and scouts to find all our people and call them back to the fortress. If they are not captured, they will soon arrive.” Alden reported respectfully.

Lucien only has compliments for Alden. Everything would be easier if he was the leader with Neola instead of Enzo.

Anyway, from now on, Alden could start to take a leadership position in the male part of the group, of course, always following Lucien's orders.

”Good job, Alden. Now tell everyone to get ready for the journey. Just bring essentials, because I will give you everything you guys need in Bluewind.”

Alden went to supervise his people as they prepared to leave. Neola also gave orders for her people to get ready. Everyone in the fortress started to pack up their essential belongings and gather in the courtyard.

Lucien spoke to Neola while looking at the bandits getting ready. ”Tell me more about Alden.”

She made a friendly expression. ”He is certainly a good man. He's strong and trustworthy. Despite being very admired by our people, Enzo still has more sway among the men.”

Then Lucien spoke in a sarcastic tone. ”So is your fiance a nice guy and have you been together for a long time?”

”No, no!! We don't... Yet... I meant... That's not like... I'm still…” Neola panicked.

Lucien couldn't help laughing. ”I know you are a virgin. I asked how long have you guys known each other.”

”What?!?! How do you know that?!?!!” Neola was even more embarrassed when Lucien started talking about her virginity in front of everyone.

He looked up to down at her body. ”I can smell your virgin scent despite the…”

Neola's face was so red that it seemed to burn. ”FUCK OFF!! Won't you stop saying that I stink? And what kind of person can smell that?! What kind of pervert are you?”

*PAH*

Lucien slapped Neola on the ass. Although he was not wearing the gauntlet, the slap was still loud enough for everyone to hear and hard to leave a mark on her butt under her leather armor.

”...” Everyone was silent while Neola wanted to hide in a hole because of how embarrassed she was.

Lucien spoke calmly. ”Don't yell at me when I'm talking to you normally. Also, don't call me a pervert.”

”Mm.” Neola nodded and made a quiet sound in agreement. She knew she shouldn't be ungrateful to Lucien after all he did for her people.

But, she easily turns furious when he talks about her scent. She never cared about how she smelled before, but after meeting Lucien, she became conscious of her feminine side.

The bandits continued preparing their stuff while Lucien asks Neola about more about them.

”Oh, you are an excellent archer. I saw you kill two soldiers with headshots.” Lucien praised Neola, and she couldn't help but blush.