Odds and ends around camp

Busy times fly by, and it's already evening.

The Cavalry camp began to quiet down, and smoke gradually rose from the chimneys as people began preparing the day's dinner. All of this was observed by the surrounding Imperial Guard troops.

One of the Imperial Guard officers immediately turned and left, heading towards a building in the center of the camp to report.

He soon met his superior, the current commander of the Third Legion of the Imperial Guard, Moro, a short, stocky middle-aged man.

He saluted Legion Commander Moro: "Legion Commander, those guys are really efficient. They've already finished tidying up the camp and are now preparing dinner."

Do you think we should teach them a lesson?

Legion Commander Moro glared at his officers and then cursed, "Trying to show us who's boss? You really think these people are just a bunch of lousy soldiers? These are all sons of the Vela Nobles. If you really mess things up, not only you, but I'll be in trouble too."

Strange, I remember there was no food in the camp, not even enough firewood. How did they prepare dinner?

The officer thought for a moment and replied, "Did they use the timber salvaged from the dilapidated barracks as firewood?"

As for food, with so many vehicles carrying supplies, it's normal for them to bring some marching rations.

Moro stroked his chin. "We've already given them so many obstacles, and they've managed to handle them all. We really underestimated these young masters."

We can't exactly lead a group to their camp and beat them up, can we?

That Duke Golden Sunflower hasn't left Golden Tree City; he's still stationed here in the Royal Domain with the Vela Army. If I push Duke too far, and he comes to interfere personally, I can't afford the consequences."

The officer continued, "Then what do we do, Legion Commander?"

As per His Majesty's order, these men will become the new Cavalry force of the Third Legion, and most of our original Cavalry force will be disbanded. The brothers are very unhappy about this.

The previous discussions with the legion were supposed to lead to them leaving on their own, right?

"There's nothing we can do; it's His Majesty's decision, and we have no choice but to obey."

Moreover, judging from their current performance, these young noblemen are not just putting on an act; they seem quite respectable!

"Alright, I'll go find the other legion Legion Commander and discuss it further. Don't act rashly!"

After saying this, Moro stood up, picked up the fur cape and hat hanging beside him, and left the room.

However, the Cavalry camp was not as quiet as it appeared to outsiders.

Inside a tent, a group of Cavalry were gathered together, cooking dinner in small pots in front of them. The pots contained porridge made of dried meat and wheat, which was just beginning to bubble.

A young Cavalry complained to his captain, "Marquis, why are we still not allowed to leave Golden Tree City even though we've already come all this way?"

Even if we can't go shopping, wouldn't it be okay if we could at least go out and buy some food?

We're stuck in this makeshift camp, eating the rations we brought ourselves. We all have money, can't we just go out and buy some food?

The young soldier, also of noble birth, was complaining to his Squad Leader, who was none other than Victor's godson Brando.

"To carry out the orders, we must follow the arrangements of the two Dukes and not leave the camp without permission."

In particular, we must avoid any conflict with anyone. Our situation is unique, and many people are hostile towards us. Staying away from the outside will prevent us from being taken advantage of.

Don't cause trouble for the Vela Nobles. You'd better stay in our camp and eat your dry rations. At least you can get something hot.

The soldier stirred the pot with a spoon, muttering, "When will this ever end!"

Brando replied, "We'll be fine once our new captain arrives. He'll definitely have His Majesty's orders and will make further arrangements for us."

After saying this, Brando glanced at everyone and said, "I know everyone wants to visit Golden Tree City, and so do I."

But everyone should know that the purpose of our trip is not simply to deliver congratulatory gifts to the King; we are also to serve as His Majesty's bodyguards.

If we fail to demonstrate our prowess and uphold our strict military discipline, the kingdom's native nobles will certainly look down on us, the Vela Nobles. Let's all be patient!

Brando looked around at the Cavalry who had gathered around him. These were all soldiers from his squad, and many of them knew him. They were also noblemen from Suffolk County. Although they were not entirely satisfied, they all accepted his explanation.

"Alright, since the Marquis has said so, let's all calm down!"

At this moment, a slightly older-looking Cavalry stepped forward and addressed the people around him. The others nodded and returned to their positions to wait for dinner.

Brando sigh of relief and looked at the tall Cavalry, saying, "Juke, thank you so much!"

"Marquis, don't blame your brothers so much. We've all traveled a long way and worked so hard to get to Golden Tree City. It's only natural that we want to go out and have some fun and eat some good food."

After all, we're all only this age. Even I couldn't help but feel a surge of excitement when I saw the street scenes of Golden Tree City.

"I know!" Brando sighed.

Like Juke, Brando was also from Suffolk County, but he was the eldest son of a viscount family and the heir to the family fortune.

He was one of the oldest among this group of aristocratic children; he was exactly 20 years old this year.

He joined the Guard Corps this time because his father is still in good health and can work for many more years.

So Juke also wanted to come to Ryan's homeland to see the world and get some training, which is why he signed up to participate.

Because of his position and age, he became Brando's second-in-command and the vice-captain of the squad.

"I don't know when we can leave the camp. Staying cooped up in the camp eating marching rations isn't a solution. At least we need to get everyone out to buy some fresh food!"

"Marquis, don't worry too much. I believe that with Duke Victor here, these matters can be resolved quickly."

Brando nodded; he, too, had complete faith in his godfather.

Just then, he suddenly said to Juke, "Just call me by my title. It's not good to keep calling me Marquis in front of everyone."

Our Battalion Commander will arrive soon, at which point our identities will no longer matter; we'll just be ordinary Imperial Guard Cavalry.

Juke nodded.

Just as the food in the pot was almost cooked and the two were preparing to distribute it to everyone, a commotion suddenly arose outside the camp.

Everyone inside the tent immediately stood up and looked outside where the sound came from. Many people thought it might be those unfriendly Imperial Guard soldiers causing trouble, and they all grabbed the weapons at hand.

However, the noise soon turned into cheers, as everyone was curious and it was clear that something good had happened.

Brando told everyone to stay put, and then he led Juke and a few others toward the camp gate.

Soon, they saw several soldiers running happily into the camp. Brando quickly stopped one of them and asked, "What happened at the camp gate?"

Why is everyone so happy?

The soldier was initially a little unhappy, but upon seeing that the person who had pulled him was Brando, he immediately gave a brief bow and said to Brando, "Marquis Excellency, it's Duke Golden Sunflower. He personally brought fresh food and wine, saying he's here to express his gratitude and to give us a welcome feast!"