Moenia wall, Afriki
Fourth week of the first month of 576
With trembling eyes, Kazet wandered his gaze over his notes on the table, throwing some away, writing on others.
'Everything must be perfect,' he thought over and over, not sure if everything was finished, or, if for the worse, something was missing, like improving the wall once more, bringing in supplies, or more soldiers.
"My lord."
"Ah!" The papers fell to the ground, and he jumped when he heard the sudden voice of one of the guards in his tent. "Wha-what's going on?"
"Someone is looking for you, my lord," he spoke in a calm tone, not wanting to get him more excited.
"We-well, let he in," we swallowed, bending down to pick up the papers in a hurry.
The guard agreed and withdrew, with noticeable concern on his face as he saw Kazet's deplorable state. His eagerness to perfect everything was slowly consuming him.
"Fuck, wha-what el-else am I mi-missing?" He rested his hands on the table, looking over and over at his notes.
"Kazet?" A thin man with a backpack, beautiful brown hair and gray eyes entered the tent. "Is everything all right?"
"Huh?" He took a few steps back, he didn't think he would see him again for a while. "Pra-Praefectus Rufo, what are you doing here?" He took a few steps towards him, and, afraid to look him in the face, ducked his head. "I thou-thought you were reinforcing the capital."
"Of course...? After facing some terrorist attacks, we managed to surround Anko with great walls, stationing three legions to guarantee its security."
"Good to know that, sir...."
With the capital already reinforced, the council began to entertain the idea of creating its own Senate in order to keep the control of the powers at bay. However, it has not been possible to carry it out due to the fear that those who make it up will be dominated by ambition."
"How have you been doing? Tell me about it," he approached the table, glancing at the questioned person's notes."
Still looking down, he answered:
"We-well, the wall has a very high hardness. We had more soldiers and supplies arrive. I cou-coulld say that everything is ready," he swallowed, preferring not to tell him that she was worried about the fact that things might be missing. He didn't want Rufo to think he was inept or someone incapable of working on his own.
Prisco nodded at his words, analyzing them delicately, to which, at a slow pace, he approached Kazet.
"If everything is ready... Why are you getting overwhelmed?" His question, speaking of you, cut like a knife in Kazet's heart. "The guard told me that, in the last few days, you have been very stressed because you wanted to perfect everything."
He didn't answer, but his body began to tremble.
"Raise your head."
His desire to stay bent over did not overcome his eagerness to please people.
When he looked up, he revealed his tired eyes, framed by large dark circles under his eyes and puffy eyelids.
"I... don't think I have the right words to give you good advice, but I can tell you that you don't need to worry anymore."
From his backpack he took out a rolled up piece of paper and a decoration.
"And that?" He asked with little hope, his brow furrowed and his eyes narrowed.
"You asked me what I was doing here, and well... At magister Philipart's request," his face lit up a little when he heard that, "I give you this validation, and a medal that is given to you as compensation for all your efforts."
He held out the objects, and Kazet, unable to fully process what was happening, took them.
With some difficulty he fastened the medal to his shirt. And fearful for the contents of the paper, he opened it and read:
Kazet Noman, former regent of the legions of Philipart, currently in charge of the defense of the Moenia wall, and now... Commander of the Protection Corps! That's right, your grouping has been approved not only because of the function it would perform: that of defending the border, but also, because we have seen the great efforts you have made to ensure the security of the region. We thank you and wish you the best.
Signed: The members of the Anko council.
His eyes filled with tears, he did not believe it, for them his work was already perfect.
Excited, he wanted to thank the one who had brought the news:
"Mr. Prisco!"
When he turned around, he realized that the man was no longer there, he had already done what he had to do.
With his lip twisted, he turned his eyes to the table, where he saw a note that had not been written by him.
And grabbing it, he read:
The rest is in your hands, do not burden yourself any more, Kazet Noman.