"Split in threes. One group looks for monsters in the outer regions. Second will set up camps. Third will be on standby in case there's a surprise wave. Am I clear? Don't enter the inner regions. The Duke has specified to only subjugate monsters in outer regions."
The knights moved swiftly into position, breaking into their designated groups.
Valac observed them from atop his horse, his gaze sharp as he scanned the teams. The air was calm but held a strange heaviness, like the forest itself was holding its breath, waiting.
"Set up the camps over there," Valac instructed, pointing to a clearing.
The ground was slightly elevated, surrounded by dense trees on three sides.
As the knights and mercenaries spread out, they worked in unison despite their obvious differences.
Cedric's knights moved with disciplined precision, each one slipping naturally into their roles. Meanwhile, Nico's mercenaries had a more relaxed approach, yet their efficiency was unmistakable as they secured perimeters and unloaded supplies.
Cedric glanced occasionally at Nico's men with a wary eye, but held his tongue. As a knight who held glory as his top priority. Mercenaries liked gold more than glory and honor.
Valac dismounted his horse, giving it a gentle pat before tying it near the temporary stables. He crouched down, his fingers brushing the soil, feeling the coolness beneath his fingertips.
The ground was softer here, untouched by the chaos that usually defined the subjugation sites. He allowed himself a brief moment of calm, inhaling the earthy scent of the forest.
"Lav, stay close," he murmured as the little dragon nestled itself against his neck, purring softly. "Tell me if you detect something."
Valac turned to Captain Cedric. "Ensure the area remains secure, and no one wanders off. I don't want any unnecessary losses due to careless mistakes. I still have to take care of my personal business."
Cedric nodded, his expression one of seriousness but lacked respect. Respect needed to be earned, how could a drunkard like Valac have it?
"Understood, Master Valac. We'll stay vigilant."
With a final nod, Valac moved to oversee the camp setup, occasionally offering guidance or issuing instructions.
He kept a watchful eye on Nico, who was leaning against a tree, seemingly relaxed, but his gaze was as sharp as ever, scanning their surroundings.
Nico pushed off the tree and joined Valac. "This calmness… it's unsettling, don't you think?"
Valac raised an eyebrow. "It's the outer regions. Nothing much happen here." He shrugged, his gaze drifting toward the deeper forest. "Trouble starts from the inner region. And, we have to get to Moonlit Cavern which is in heart of the forest."
Nico chuckled softly, folding his arms. "You know too much for a drunkard."
F**k!
Valac glanced back at him, his expression unreadable. "I am the duke's illegitimate son. Also, how are you so sure those were just rumors spread by Duchess?"
Nico's smile faded slightly, nodding in understanding. "Got it, Noctis. The more I talk to you, the more I grow to like you somehow. It's weird."
"I'm always weird. Be ready. We'll leave after lunch for the heart of the forest. I know a path, we won't meet monsters if we follow it."
"Seriously, the Duchess option feels more true now. Afterall, she did poison you."
"Just be ready."
As the men settled into their tasks, Valac made rounds, ensuring that the camp setup was progressing smoothly. He noticed a group of younger knights struggling to erect a tent that had snagged on its frame.
Without a word, Valac stepped in, grasping the corner of the tent and tugging it free. The knights looked up in surprise, quickly snapping to attention as he helped them secure it.
"Remember to anchor it tightly," Valac instructed, his tone steady but firm. "You don't want it collapsing in the middle of a wounded soldier resting if the wind picks up."
The knights nodded, "Yes, Master Valac." Before returning to their work.
Damn! I miss being Isis. Being God's Knight was fun.
Once the tents were up, Valac gathered Cedric and Nico to discuss the plans for the subjugation.
"We'll keep two men stationed at each perimeter point," Valac began, gesturing to the map spread across a tree stump. "Rotation every three hours. I don't want anyone getting too comfortable. Just because it's quiet now doesn't mean it'll stay that way. We just need to hunt three packs of monsters. Then, we're out. If you find a silver fox, capture it alive."
Cedric nodded in agreement, his expression focused. "Understood, Master Valac. The knights will handle the first rotation."
"Mecenaries will take the second," Nico added, his usual carefree demeanor replaced with one of seriousness.
Valac's gaze lingered on Nico for a moment before nodding. "Good. And remember, no one is to enter the inner regions. Stick to the Duke's orders. This is a routine subjugation, nothing more. Captain Cedric after lunch, me and Nico will go to take care of some personal business, the knights and mercenaries will be under your order. Don't lose a single one. Be it mercenary or knight. Am I clear?"
"Yes, Master Valac."
"Don't worry. We'll be back soon."
The meeting wrapped up, and Valac dismissed them with a nod. He stayed back a moment, his eyes drifting to the forest edge.
"Still planning on confronting The Duchess? I got information your mother is infected with Haldor's Venom as well." Nico's voice broke through his thoughts as he rejoined him.
Valac's eyes narrowed, jaw clenching. "She'll get what's coming to her. In due time."
Nico raised an eyebrow, his gaze thoughtful. "What are you planning?"
"Just thinking." Valac's tone was icy. "How nice it would be if her own son she's doing all this for would get rid of her."
They shared a tense silence before Nico offered a faint grin.
"You are pure evil."
Valac shrugged, a ghost of a smile touching his lips. "It's a skill."
Before the conversation could continue, Captain Cedric approached, saluting with a slight bow. "Master Valac, we're ready for lunch. Shall I have it brought to your tent?"
Valac shook his head.
"No need. I'll join the men."
Cedric hesitated but nodded, a hint of respect glinting in his eyes but it faded as quick as it came. "As you wish, Master Valac."
Valac followed Cedric back to the campfire, where the knights and mercenaries sat, sharing meals and quiet conversation.
The usual boundaries between them seemed to soften as they sat shoulder to shoulder, passing food and water among themselves.
These bastards… they were badmouthing me yesterday. But, they have cozied up to the mercenaries.
Sitting among them, Valac allowed himself to relax, if only slightly. He ate in silence, listening to the quiet hum of conversation around him, the crackling of the fire on which the food was cooked mixed with the distant sounds of the forest.
No one seemed to be bothered or disgusted by Valac anymore after seeing this new side of him.
After the meal, the men drifted off to their designated posts.
"Cedric, take over."
"Noctis, let's go. I've fed the horses."
Mom… hold on.