"Manage my territory, strive to earn battle merit, and raise my noble rank." Velin held his bowl and smiled at Krell.
Krell drained the wine in his bowl in one gulp and said with a hint of drunkenness, "Your goals are certainly clear."
"Of course. Since I chose this path, I have to see it through. Even if not for myself, then for those who follow me." Velin shrugged as he replied to Krell.
"Responsible." Krell praised him without reservation. "Once we return to Baxia Great Camp, I'll introduce you to a friend of mine, my lifelong best friend."
"I look forward to it."
The two raised their bowls and clinked them together, then drained the wine in a single gulp.
As the sky gradually darkened, Krell's two attendants helped him back to his own camp.
With Kyle supporting him, Velin lay down on the bed and fell fast asleep.
Looking at the mess inside the tent, Kyle took a deep breath and quietly began cleaning up. Afterward, he extinguished the oil lamp and left the tent.
At noon the next day, Velin rose clutching his head and muttered to himself, "Next time, I absolutely can't drink so much with Krell."
"My lord, a messenger from Lord Olcott has arrived," Kyle reported as he lifted the curtain.
"Let him in."
Velin sat up in bed and swept the hair blocking his eyes behind his head, revealing his handsome face.
"Lord Velin, my lord invites you to his tent tonight for a private banquet." The messenger entered the tent, dropped to one knee, lowered his head, and spoke respectfully.
"I understand. Tell my uncle that I will attend," Velin told the messenger.
"Yes, sir. I shall take my leave."
The messenger rose and backed out of the tent with his head