Chapter 96: Visiting the Barracks
Givia repeated her daily routines and habits for Abyss, who meticulously memorized every detail. Soon, he could transform into her, his impersonation flawless.
Givia addressed her soldiers in Ossi. This wasn’t a problem for Abyss. Although he wasn’t accustomed to speaking the language, he was fluent in it. By mimicking Givia’s accent and intonation, he could easily pass for a native Ossi speaker.
Despite her current hardships, Givia’s every movement exuded a regal elegance, efficient and precise. Leona, observing her closely, felt a pang of shame. She was a princess, yet she knew nothing about proper etiquette.
Abyss tested his transformation, walking around the town and even chatting with Givia’s guards without being recognized.
“It should be perfect now,” Givia said to Abyss, who had just returned. “I’ll inform you of my itinerary in the next few days. You’ll ride my horse and visit several guerrilla units near the border and within the kingdom.”
“Don’t worry, Your Highness. I won’t disappoint your soldiers,” Abyss said, nodding.
“By the way, do you have any plans for today? I’d like to take you to visit the barracks in Shodo Town,” Givia said, quickly finishing the last of her meal. She had been so engrossed in discussing their plans with Abyss that she had almost forgotten to eat.
“A visit to the barracks?” Leona asked, her interest piqued. “I love visiting barracks!”
Flora also seemed eager to go. She wasn’t familiar with military life. As a Saint of the Church, she had rarely been involved in military affairs. She was also curious about Haina, the young mage who admired her, and wanted to see how she lived in the barracks.
Rebecca was indifferent, but she was always happy to explore new environments, hoping for inspiration for new potions.
“We don’t have any pressing matters to attend to,” Abyss said, shaking his head. “We completed our tasks before coming here. Will your reports be alright?”
“I’ve finished reviewing them, including the ones that arrived this morning,” Givia replied. “I’m now fully aware of the current situation. Staying here would be a waste of time. It’s time to visit our people and our soldiers.”
She was a true leader, understanding the importance of connecting with her followers.
“If it’s on our way, we’d be happy to accompany you,” Abyss said, smiling. “I believe our presence at the barracks will boost their morale.”
“Of course. You’re all incredibly powerful individuals. Your presence will inspire them,” Givia said, nodding. “Everyone wants strong and reliable allies. Knowing they have such powerful friends will reassure them.”
After obtaining their consent, Givia changed into her military attire, applied her makeup, and, accompanied by her guards and Abyss’s group, left the headquarters.
Everyone in Shodo Town recognized Princess Givia. As she walked through the streets, people gathered to catch a glimpse of their beloved leader.
Abyss and his companions also attracted attention. People whispered among themselves in Ossi.
“That gray-haired boy looks younger than my little Jim. Is he really a powerful mage?”
“Yes, they all seem so young. That silver-haired girl looks barely ten years old! I heard she’s a knight? What kind of kingdom knights a child?”
“Hmph, you don’t understand. They might look young, but they could be much older.”
“Oh? Why do you say that?”
“Think about it. Powerful mages like them can easily reverse their aging. If they get old and frail, they can simply cast a spell and become young again.”
“That makes sense. We ordinary folk can’t understand the ways of these powerful individuals.”
“Anyone Princess Givia trusts must be extraordinary. If she says they’re powerful, we’ll believe her. We can’t be wrong.”
“Exactly!”
Having reached this consensus, they no longer questioned Abyss and his companions’ youthful appearances.
Their whispers, however, didn’t escape their keen ears. They were indeed young. Excluding the time they spent as undead, Leona, at eighteen, was the oldest, while Abyss, at sixteen, was the youngest. They weren’t using magic to maintain their youth. They were simply naturally gifted.
Surrounded by the townspeople, Givia led them out of Shodo Town, towards the military camp outside the town walls.
The camp was still within her territory, its location not far from the town. The townspeople didn’t object. Many of the soldiers were their sons and daughters. Although they couldn’t visit their families freely while serving in the army, it was comforting to know they were close.
“Her Highness approaches!” the guards at the camp’s entrance shouted, opening the gates and sending a messenger to inform the commander.
An elderly man, his build large and muscular despite his age, hurried towards the entrance. Abyss hadn’t met him before, but judging by his physique, he guessed he was another of Givia’s trusted generals.
“Your Highness,” the old man said, kneeling before Givia.
“General Howard, there’s no need for formalities today. I’m here to inspect our troops, to see how their training is progressing, to ensure our new recruits are mastering the necessary combat skills,” Givia said, gesturing for him to rise.
“I understand, Your Highness. I thought you had some important orders to deliver personally,” Howard said, glancing at Abyss and his companions. “These must be the heroes you brought with you. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You all have an impressive aura.”
Despite his polite words, his tone hinted at a hint of skepticism. Although Abyss and his companions were dressed appropriately and possessed a commanding presence, they were simply too young.
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