Chapter 715 - Meeting (1/2)
Rhode stood on the tall platform and gazed at everyone approaching him. He tidied his collar and descended the flight of stairs. At this moment, everyone finally saw the young overlord following Agatha’s lead.
“Greetings, Earl Rhode.”
Bayer flipped down from his warhorse. He took large strides toward Rhode, placed his right hand across his chest, and bowed respectfully.
“Shafir’s 13th local army, abiding by Royal Highness Lydia’s orders to provide reinforcements. I’m the army commander, Kolov Bayer.”
“Don’t stand on ceremony, Sir Bayer.”
Rhode’s expression remained the same as he nodded.
“I represent our Land of Atonement Fortress in thanking your assistance. It is definitely better to have more manpower to deal with the Undead Creatures and it is our fortune to have brave companions like you guys to battle alongside us.”
Bayer felt much more assured now. The nobles in the Munn Kingdom had been judging Rhode as an arrogant and conceited person. Besides, he didn’t appear to be someone who was respectful toward the elderly. Before Bayer’s arrival, he was worried that Rhode would be dissatisfied with his men. But it seemed that even though this young man was expressionless, his words sounded rather nice.
Even though Bayer felt relieved, he continued to put up a solemn expression and nodded slightly.
“It is our duty to defend against the Undead Creatures’s invasion. On the other hand, Earl Rhode, you’re so young and you led your men to defeat the opposition’s aggressive attack twice. It seems like an old man like me can’t keep up with the times.”
“You flattered me, Sir Bayer.” Rhode shook his head humbly. “There’s a saying in my hometown that old men have invaluable experiences of their own. Even though we have struck the enemies back, my men are only new soldiers, after all. They will surely be relieved to battle alongside experienced warriors.”
Rhode and Bayer exchanged looks and they realized the smiles in each others’ eyes. Even though this conversation was superfluous, this was a necessary motion for nobles to go through. Bayer flattered Rhode and the latter was well aware, which was why he returned the favor. Of course. In terms of official, polite set phrases…
This meeting between them was carried out in a friendly atmosphere.
They knew that this meaningless conversation was essential. The troops would be stationed in Land of Atonement Fortress for a long time and they might possibly become Rhode’s most reliable reinforcements. As the Battle Angel Army was powerful, they might possibly be mobilized to other stricken regions. When that happened, only the army from Shafir would be the ones fighting alongside Rhode in this fortress. If it was possible, Rhode didn’t wish for both sides to have a hostile relationship. Moreover, Bayer had expressed his goodwill and Rhode couldn’t possibly walk around with his nose in the air, unless he didn’t wish for future days of peace in his fortress.
At this moment, Rhode saw the young man with chestnut-colored hair striding toward him. Then, he bowed deeply.
“Greetings, Earl Rhode. I’m Frederick. I’ve heard your big name for a long time. I… Aiya!”
The young lady wrapped in white fur robe scuttled forward worriedly and obstructed him. She lifted her head and gazed at Rhode.
“My apologies, Sir Rhode. Please pardon his rudeness. He didn’t mean to…”
“You are…”
Rhode gazed at the young lady and puckered his brows.
“Miss Serena?”
“Yes, Sir Rhode. I didn’t think that you would remember me.”
The young lady revealed an astonished expression. Back then, they didn’t interact too much since she was in the diplomatic group, so she didn’t carry too much hope that Rhode would remember her. But it seemed that he still did, which left her surprised. She extended her hand hurriedly and bowed with the Mage’s etiquette.
“I’m truly sorry, Sir Rhode. Frederick didn’t do it on purpose. He’s just… erm…”
“It’s fine.”
Rhode waved his hand casually, at the same time gazed at the young knight. At this moment, Frederick was showing his cheeky smile. He looked at Rhode and stooped over slightly, but didn’t show any sense of remorse or fear. How interesting.
“I know Mr. Frederick has no ill intentions. I have also heard of him in the past.”
This time, Rhode wasn’t exchanging pleasantries. In fact, a large part of the reason why he remembered Serena was due to Frederick. In the game, they were a popular couple, especially Frederick. In the Munn Kingdom, Frederick was considered a capable battlefield commander who was an expert in ambush and guerrilla warfare, which was rather similar to Rhode in style. Such commanders were common, but Frederick stood out against the Undead Army. This was especially so since Frederick was an NPC and not a player. However, there were extreme views on this commander with decent capabilities. In the game, Frederick was always seen battling with his fiancée, Serena. He led his men and recruited players to accomplish his mission, which was not much different from other NPCs. However, there was something strange with Frederick and it was his personality.
No matter in which situations, this talented commander was always carefree while his fiancée was the serious type. The most hilarious point for the players was that the couple’s bickering resembled a crosstalk. Players played the game for fun and it was naturally a great thing for them to have additional entertainment during battles. Therefore, Frederick often had no lack of players under him. Many people had joined their forces for the sake of hearing their crosstalk. Besides, this young man had unique line of thoughts and often astonish others with his speeches.
Their fate in the game wasn’t all that tragic. After Lydia was defeated and the Munn Kingdom perished, Frederick didn’t form an army to go against the Undead Army like the others. Instead, he instantly led Serena and his men to the Mage Association. Then, he officially married Serena and became a member of the Mage Association with the identity of a Mage Guard.
Back then, many were surprised by Frederick’s actions. Some thought that this was a wise choice. After all, the Munn Kingdom had perished and he had done all he could. Since the nation which he vowed to protect was no longer around, it wasn’t wrong for him to take his personal love life into consideration seriously. Some judged him as laid back, sloppy, and had no loyalty and patriotism. Compared to the heroes who continued to fight after the Munn Kingdom perished, Frederick, on the contrary, had the mood and courage to sneak to the Mage Association and live off a woman.
But Rhode didn’t have much thought about this since everyone had their own ambitions. Besides, he more or less understood Frederick’s thoughts.
“You see, Serena.”
Frederick instantly revealed smiles of exultation.
“I’ve told you. I did well in the North and nothing can go wrong with me around. You see. Even Sir Rhode has heard of my name. Doesn’t this prove how capable I am?”
“You… shut up! Now isn’t the time for this!”