"Lamb and Xienni's squadrons..."
Roland studied the two names mentioned in the document, deep in thought.
The fall of the royal palace had not been their fault as soldiers.
But a defeat was still a defeat, and they had suffered some repercussions.
At the crucial moment, Rosa put in a word for them. "When they heard they would be fighting for you, they rushed to the front. That was why the demons caught them by surprise and forced them to retreat."
Roland knew perfectly well that this was the proverbial pillow talk.
Still, he had to consider that their decision to march out and suppress the rebellion showed their loyalty to him.
Men like these could potentially become trusted subordinates. They were worth helping.
That was precisely why he had found an opportunity to transfer them here.
He nodded. "Have them come to my office. I want to meet them."
No one knew the details of their private conversation.
But when Lamb and Xienni emerged from Roland's office, there was a spring in their steps.
Their excitement and enthusiasm were plain to see, stronger than any spell's effects.
"I told you His Excellency Roland wouldn't forget us!"
Lamb looked at his colleague Xienni, brimming with confidence.
"You blamed me back then, saying I'd dragged you into this and made your life miserable. Nothing to say now, have you?"
Xienni rubbed his nose sheepishly.
He could not help feeling relieved that their misfortune had turned into a blessing.
The gears of fate had already begun turning during the battle at the royal palace.
To the west, in Northsen Territory.
Vian and Pamir were still gaining experience in Jonis's Mercenary Corps.
That day, just after their routine patrol, Jonis summoned them and said with a smile, "Good news. His Excellency