Third Arc (Fallen Heart) - 182. The King's Game of Chess IV
The forest was filled with a palpable sense of exhaustion as the battle ended. The soldiers, who had fought with all their might, now appeared depleted and depleted of energy. Rose was no exception, her face pale and drawn, a testament to the grueling fight she had just been through.
Frost approached Angel, his steady steps echoing in the silence of the forest. "Your Majesty," he began, his voice low and measured. "I think the soldiers need to rest before we continue. Their alertness is waning and if we persist, our enemies will take advantage of their weakness. Furthermore, we must be prepared for the final battle that lies ahead."
Angel looked to Rose, his eyes taking in the sight of her fatigue, before returning his gaze to Frost. He nodded in agreement, his eyes reflecting his own exhaustion.
Frost turned, his voice carrying a sense of authority as he announced to the rest of the soldiers, "We'll take a rest for ten minutes. All of you, gather your strength for what lies ahead." He then set off to check on the rest of the soldiers, making sure that they were all in good condition before the next stage of their journey.
Angel turned to Rose. He could tell that she was trying her best to hold her ground, but the battle had taken its toll on her, and it was evident by the way she was struggling to stand.
"Rose, sit down and take a rest," he implored her, his voice filled with concern for her well-being. His hand gestured towards the rock, inviting her to take a seat.
Rose hesitated for a moment, her eyes flicking from Angel's hand to the rock. "I'm fine," she protested, "you're the one who's hurt. You need to rest more than I do."
Angel shook his head, his eyes fixed on Rose's face. "I know you're not used to battles that last this long. It takes a toll on the body and mind. I just want you to take a moment to catch your breath and gather your strength. We don't know what challenges we'll face next."
As Angel gently pushed Rose towards the rock, she could feel the concern and care in his touch. After she sat down, Angel did not move away from her. Instead, Rose grabbed Angel's hand and held it tightly. His hand was rough and calloused from years of training and fighting, but it was also warm and comforting.
"Then you have to sit with me," she said, her voice carrying a hint of concern.
Angel merely chuckled, his deep and rumbling laughter echoing through the clearing. "Don't worry about me, Rose," he said, releasing his hand from hers. "Besides, it's only enough for one person." He gestured towards the boulder, indicating that it was too small to accommodate the both of them.
But Rose was not to be deterred. "But I can't let you sit on the ground," she reasoned, her eyes fixed firmly upon Angel's. "What would Frost and the soldiers say if they saw it?"
Angel raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement playing upon his lips. "Hmm?" he said, the corners of his mouth curving upwards into a small smile. "I will not sit on the ground. I will stand," he explained, his voice carrying a note of finality.
Rose couldn't believe what she was hearing. 'That's even worse,' she thought to herself, her mind racing as she tried to think of a solution to the problem at hand. Just as she was about to speak again, Angel interrupted her.
"Due to the crystal, I have more stamina and energy than ordinary humans," he said in a calm tone. "Don't worry."
With a nod of her head, Rose finally agreed to Angel's words, signifying the end of their discussion. Their eyes then turned toward the soldiers in front of them.
The soldiers were tending to their wounded comrades, their hands moving with practiced efficiency as they administered medical supplies and tended to their injuries. The air was thick with the sounds of groans and whispers, the moans of the wounded mixing with the quiet words of encouragement from their fellow warriors. Bottles of water were passed around, each man taking a hearty swig to refresh himself after a long day of battle.
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