POV: Olivier Panderas
The fortress teetered on the edge of collapse, a perilous situation that posed a threat to any remaining survivors. Despite successfully fending off the enemy invaders hours earlier, the aftermath was anything but peacefu-
"YOU FUKING IDIOTS!!"
Navigating through the chaos, I heard a voice filled with anger and frustration pierce the air. It belonged to Hanz, a man known for his sharp tongue and temper, Despite this, he still commanded respect among Sir Casimir's men for his medical skills.
Hanz's stern lecture to the young recruits he was training was difficult to listen to, but I understood that it was coming from a place of care. As he struggled to maintain order in the makeshift medical area, filled with injured soldiers from the battle and survivors of the fortress with severe burns.
"Good day to you Hanz," I greeted him as I approached. He released the young lads, who greeted me with a respectful bow.
"Olivier," he responded with a hint of irritation in his eyes, giving me a quick nod.
"You seem more agitated than usual. Is everything alright?" I inquired, genuinely curious.
Letting out a long sigh, he turned around and wiped the sweat off his forehead with a piece of cloth. "It's just... there are more injuries than I anticipated, and I'm not sure if we have enough medical supplies."
"I understand. I'll have a conversation with Sir Casimir and reach out to Mirthrall for additional supplies. It might take a few days for them to arrive, though," I reassured him, feeling a slight headache coming on.
"Thank you, Olivier. I should be able to hold on for a couple of days as long as those incompetent fools don't mess things up," Hanz said, a scowl forming on his face, his assistants visibly shivering and trying to make themselves appear smaller.
Feeling a drop of sweat trickle down my face, I realized it was time for me to take my leave and report back to Sir Casimir. "Well, it was good talking to you, Hanz, but I must return to my duties."
"The pleasure was mine, Olivier," Hanz replied, turning around and walking back to tend to the injured.
I made my way through the tents and makeshift shelters, passing soldiers who were either resting or making their way to receive rations. Finally, I reached a large tent in front of which Sir Casimir sat on a tree stump, writing in a small book with a leather cover.
He paused for a moment, acknowledging me with a look before returning to his writing. As I approached within a distance of 2 or 3 meters, he greeted me. "Good to see you, Olivier," he said, setting the thin charcoal down and closing the book, now focusing his attention on me.
"Likewise, Sir," I replied.
"So, any casualties on our side?" he asked curiously, but with a monotone feel to his voice.
"About 300 casualties on our side from the attack, and more than half of the troops in the fortress are dead, while the rest are severely wounded," I reported, my voice cold and formal as I struggled to maintain my composure.
"I see... Let the men rest for a few hours before gathering the corpses of our fallen for a proper funeral. Tomorrow, we'll gather the corpses of the enemy soldiers and burn them... We don't want to cause any plague," he stated, his gaze distant.
"Yes, Sir. Also, Hanz wanted me to inform you that he's running short on medical supplies."
"Oh, I see," He sighed. "I will have a conversation with the Supreme Commander then." As he spoke, his attention shifted for a moment to the vast horizon. "Make sure to compile a report with our fallen brethren names," He instructed . "I will send my regards to their families when I find the time."
Sir Casimir seemed to have lost interest in me, his gaze fixated on the stars above. Without hesitation, I decided to join him in admiring the celestial beauty. The night sky was clear, allowing the stars to shine brightly and cast their enchanting glow upon the world. The two golden moons, like the eyes of the gods, proudly illuminated the dark blueish expanse.
Lost in the mesmerizing view, my attention was abruptly brought back to reality by the sound of approaching footsteps. It was a tall man, with long dark curly hair and a distinguished mustache. Clad in simple chain mail armor, he was the second in command of the fortress, if my memory served me right.
Sir Casimir, too, noticed the approaching man and raised an eyebrow in curiosity. As the man reached us, he bowed deeply before Sir Casimir, a sign of respect and deference
. "Hello, Sir Casimir, I have something important to discuss on behalf of myself and my soldiers," he said, his voice trembling slightly.
"We are immensely grateful for saving our lives," he continued, expressing his gratitude.
"It is my duty," Sir Casimir replied, his expression remaining neutral.
"But what you have done goes above and beyond our expectations, sir," the man continued, bowing once again. "Without you, we would not be standing here today," he declared, his voice filled with emotion.
"What is your name?" Casimir asked firmly.
"My name is Alphonse Patras, and I am nothing more than a common soldier," he answered, his voice filled with respect.
"Patras... That sounds familiar. Have we fought together in the past, Alphonse?"
"Yes, sir. I was part of one of the Regiments led by Sir Norvis in the attack at Mender Valley a couple of years ago, sir," he answered, his voice filled with pride.
"Ah, I remember now. You were one of the survivors from that attack. Excellent work in defending that treacherous battlefield," Casimir acknowledged.
"Thank you, sir. It was my honor," Alphonse said, a smile forming on his face.
"Oh, drop the 'sir.' Just call me Casimir," Sir Casimir said, a smile appearing on his face, while I couldn't help but feel a wave of annoyance.
"How could I do something like that, sir? Not even Sir Olivier, who is closest to you, simply calls you by your first name," Alphonse said, his voice tinged with awkwardness.
"Oh, don't worry about it. Olivier is just a stubborn son of a bitch. Unless we're in a meeting with higher-ups, there's no need for formalities," Sir Casimir said with a smirk, clearly intending to annoy me.
"As you wish, sir, I mean Casimir," Alphonse said, a slight smile on his face.
*Cough* *Cough* I coughed to get the attention of both of these fools.
"Olivier, is there something you need?" Sir Casimir said, his tone mocking.
"Yes, first, Alphonse, I would appreciate it if you refrain from addressing General Casimir by his first name. Second, YOU have to report to the Supreme Commander, sir," I said, trying to keep my anger in check.
"Oh, right. See ya around Alphonse" Sir Casimir got up from the tree stump and right as i blinked he vanished on the spot, Alphonse looked confused before he bowed to me and left as well.
I released a long sigh, i have been working for this man for over 6 years but he still manages to get under my skin so easily.