Along the way to the fortress in Nepal, I observed the surroundings. Dead soldiers filled my vision once a while, along with some armored vehicles engulfed in flames. About a few kilometers to the right was a Neo African air bomber that had crashed onto the ground. The body was split into four parts and a huge black smoke covered the cockpit from within.
I closed my eyes for a moment. It was not like I was refusing to see my own soldier's dead corpses or the destruction that filled my entire vision. Rather, I was thinking about how to face those people that would grieve from the deaths of their beloved ones. Being at the top came with equal responsibilities for those who were below. Taking care of their needs and making sure you spent some time to interact with them directly, these were all necessary to tighten the relationship between a ruler and his citizens.
"If you don't care about them, then don't expect anything good to come to you," said my mother once. "We treat people with kindness, and they will return it equally, if not more. But some may not like it, and even pretend you didn't care about them in the first place. Even so, you must never stop caring for them. After all, being kind to others is a virtue, my son. Don't forget it."
I sighed. The faces of those citizens as their hearts were filled with anguish popped up in my mind. They would ask why their husbands or fathers had to go to war, and why I didn't protect them. And, the government officers would try to take advantage of the situation somehow, pulling the citizens to rebel against me.
A few of those officers tried it once when a month had passed after the C.U first attacked Neo Africa. There were a lot of casualties, most of it being the Neo African soldiers that bravely died during duty. At that time, the citizens were shocked to the core. Ever since Neo Africa existed, there had been no rebellions in the country. I didn't really care much about the rulers before my father, but I was sure most of the citizens loved them.
But, a few government officers twisted the media in order to pull everyone away, and against me. Nonetheless, nothing happened, since it was the C.U who attacked Neo Africa. I didn't instigate them or did anything of that nature, so the fault was clearly on the C.U.
Though, it was different for this Great Transcontinental War. The C.U reached for an ultimatum, so the consequences were quite clear if Neo Africa refused. The announcement from Amathelia was broadcasted worldwide, so the fact that I, the ruler of Neo Africa refused the request made my citizens question everything.
Is Gheele Folami about to sacrifice his entire country just because of his selfishness? Does he even care about the safety of the citizens, since refusing the alliance will bring about a whole new war? Will Neo Africa even win this war?
I was asked these questions the whole week after the announcement. Coming from my own citizens, it was a bit... depressing. My heart twisted each time they asked.
Of course, I explained to them after that about the disadvantages of the alliance in the long run. Amathelia would execute the A.V.A plan for Neo Africa if the alliance was agreed upon. Also, there was no telling if she wouldn't use my citizens to accomplish any hidden objective.
I couldn't let the country that my mother and I loved so much being handed to Amathelia. If she really wanted my Neo Africa, then she would've to walk over my dead body first. When this war ends, I would do whatever I can to gain back my citizen's trust since they are the reason why Neo Africa was so peaceful until now.
I would do it no matter what.
"Master Gheele!" said the driver to my right.
I snapped back to reality and shook my head. "Er, sorry I didn't hear you."
"We have arrived at the fortress. Everyone is waiting for you to give them orders."
I exited the military truck and a bunch of soldiers and servants spilled over to surround me.
"Master Gheele! What is the situation?!"
"Is it true that you went to fight all by yourself?! Are you all right?"
"Please, you mustn't push yourself, Master Gheele. We need you. What will we do if you die on the battlefield and leave us!"
"That's right! What will we do without you to guide us?"
A barrage of questions was thrown at me and I stood there, somewhat stunned.
"You people . . ." I sighed. "If I leave you people to your own, then what will the ones waiting for all of you to return back will say? There is no chance that I will let myself be killed. If that indeed ended up happening, I am still not certain that the Lutalo Aegis squad will make up in time to cover for me here. I promised to guard this eastern front, and I will do so without fail."
A round of applause boomed all of a sudden as they called my name. They were smiling and laughing. My chest felt warm from seeing them acting that way.
"Go back to your station. I will brief you people after this, so don't worry. We will not lose this eastern front," I said as I held my head high.