Chapter 97: Princess Givia Visits the Troops
Except for Leona, who was busy looking around, Abyss, Flora, and Rebecca all sensed General Howard’s distrust.
They didn’t comment. They were here to observe, not to impress this stranger. These exceptionally talented individuals didn’t care about the opinions of ordinary people. If someone underestimated them, it only meant they hadn’t witnessed their true power yet.
“Howard, I brought these heroes here so my soldiers can meet our valuable allies. They’re not members of the Restoration Army, but we share a common enemy,” Givia said, addressing the general. “Issue a command. Everyone must show them respect, regardless of their age.”
Howard, realizing that Givia had sensed his skepticism, blushed and quickly replied, “Understood, Your Highness. I wouldn’t dare disrespect them.”
Leona, overhearing their conversation, looked at General Howard’s white beard and said, “Orders won’t change their minds. If the soldiers don’t trust us, they won’t trust us, even if we run laps around the barracks. I say, let’s show them what we’re capable of. If they witness our strength, they’ll understand.”
“That’s not appropriate. You’re our honored guests. We can’t ask you to perform like circus animals,” Givia said, shaking her head.
“I think it’s a good idea. It’s an opportunity for your soldiers to witness our abilities firsthand. It will boost their morale,” Abyss said, agreeing with Leona. “The Restoration Army needs a spark, something to inspire them, to fuel their determination to reclaim Ossi.”
His words, devoid of any modesty, surprised General Howard. He had expected some polite demurrals, but Abyss’s confidence was unexpected, rendering his prepared pleasantries useless.
But he was a seasoned veteran, a high-ranking officer before fleeing Ossi with Givia, despite his current humble circumstances. He wasn’t easily swayed. Abyss’s confidence piqued his curiosity.
These young people looked like aristocratic children on a leisurely outing—a beautiful blonde woman, a seemingly pampered young girl, a well-dressed, scholarly-looking, and clearly wealthy young lady, and a pale young man, the type often seen among the nobility, his vitality seemingly drained by excessive indulgence. What abilities did they possess that made Givia trust them so implicitly?
“Do you require my presence, Your Highness?” Howard asked.
“No, General Howard. I know you’re busy. I won’t disturb you,” Givia said with a smile. “I just want to inspect the troops. I hope you haven’t disappointed me.”
“I’ve been diligently training our soldiers during your absence, Your Highness. Please, inspect them to your heart’s content,” Howard said, his voice filled with pride. It seemed he was truly confident in his army’s capabilities.
“Very well. I’ll look forward to it. You may leave,” Givia said, nodding, dismissing him. Howard glanced at Abyss and his companions one last time, then turned and left.
The soldiers had just finished their lunch and were enjoying a short break before resuming their afternoon training. Givia led Abyss and the girls to the new recruits’ barracks.
As the name suggested, the barracks housed the latest additions to the Restoration Army, mostly young Ossi men and women eager to reclaim their kingdom’s glory. They cheered when they saw Givia. These young people could have easily pledged their loyalty to the Western Empire, enjoying the benefits of their thirty-year preferential policies, but they had chosen to follow Givia instead.
Wherever she went, she was met with enthusiastic cheers, the officers’ attempts to maintain order proving futile. Givia held a special place in their hearts.
Finally, Givia herself ordered them to rest, and the enthusiastic youths calmed down.
Many of these recruits were formerly farmers or artisans. Givia walked among them, expressing her concern for those who seemed frail, instructing the kitchen staff to provide them with extra rations. These young people were thrilled to meet their princess, to receive her personal attention. Givia spent a considerable amount of time with the new recruits, boosting their morale, her encouragement inspiring them to train harder and alleviating their fears and anxieties.
The other soldiers didn’t know Abyss and his companions, only that they were powerful allies of Princess Givia. Abyss didn’t try to steal the spotlight, finding a nearby rock to sit on, patiently waiting for Givia to finish her interactions with the new recruits.
As they waited, they saw a figure approaching.
“Look, it’s Alva,” Leona said, spotting her in the distance.
Alva quickly approached them, her voice filled with gratitude as she addressed Rebecca. “Thank you for the potions. I feel much better after consuming one last night. They’re incredibly effective! I’ll repay your kindness someday!”
“It’s nothing. I’m glad you’re recovering,” Rebecca said, waving her hand dismissively. “Those potions didn’t require any rare ingredients. And I’m not a miracle worker.”
“The sooner I recover, the sooner I can protect Her Highness. I don’t want to be a burden,” Alva said. “I heard she was visiting the barracks, so I came to see her.”
“Where’s Haina?” Flora asked, glancing behind Alva.
“I sent someone to inform her. She should be here soon,” Alva replied. “Her mother came to visit her today. She’s quite old, over sixty, and she had a difficult journey crossing the border. Haina is helping her settle in. Her mother is missing an arm, which makes life difficult. If not for the assistance of our comrades, she wouldn’t have been able to make the journey.”
“Hmm? Why would an elderly, disabled woman travel so far?” Abyss asked, puzzled. Was Givia’s charisma that powerful, attracting even ordinary people across borders?
Leave a Reply