Chapter 21: Winter Supplies Running Low

Chapter 21: Winter Supplies Running Low

Arthur was momentarily lost trying to keep up with Airael’s train of thought.

“I just took off my armor and you suddenly want dinner?”

But it was indeed dinner time now.

After some thought, Arthur decided to go along with Airael’s wishes.

It’s not a big deal—eating is eating.

Once Arthur agreed, Airael quickly hopped off the bed.

She felt quite embarrassed about her own behavior.

But what could she do?

This version of Arthur was really tempting to her.

Plus, she had already come to terms with it and was desperately in need.

Everything felt like it was hitting home.

So, let’s eat first; once we finish, there’s more energy for other matters.

And besides, there wasn’t anything else to do, so it would let her focus a bit more.

Compared to Airael’s urgency, Arthur casually slipped on a jacket.

Even though they got off the bed, the two didn’t leave the tent.

As high-ranking figures in the military, they naturally had their own personal cook.

If they wanted to eat, all they had to do was give the word, and someone would come and serve them.

After finishing dinner, Arthur’s gaze settled on Airael.

Airael knew he was still thinking about earlier.

In response, she snapped, “I’m not in a hurry, so why are you? Just remember, you’ll be serving me next!”

“Oh!”

Arthur replied softly.

“Let’s have someone clear away the dishes.”

Airael pointed to the utensils on the small table before them.

They had cleaned up all the food quite well, wasting not a single crumb.

Of course, most of it still ended up in Arthur’s stomach.

As a warrior, he needed a lot of energy, especially after a big battle.

Likewise, before such a fight, he should properly replenish himself, or he’d feel the strain later.

“Come in!”

Arthur called for the attendant waiting outside.

As soon as a few attendants came in, they began to clear the dishes and soon exited the tent.

After they left, the atmosphere inside became a bit awkward.

Arthur looked at Airael and asked, “Shall we begin now?”

“Not yet!”

Airael replied firmly.

Faced with Arthur’s confused gaze, she huffed, “We just ate, so we need to let our food digest. Besides, we have all night, so there’s no rush.”

Even though Airael had lectured him, Arthur thought it through and agreed; he didn’t say anything more.

Seeing this, Airael felt quite pleased.

Thinking it over, she looked at Arthur to continue the topic they had been discussing.

Since they were just sitting around doing nothing, why not?

“By the way, Arthur, who in the army is contending for the main attack position?”

“There are three people!”

“Which three?”

“Count Lukes of Mils Fortress, Count Halar from the south, and our later reinforcements commander, Count Boshia.”

“All big nobles, huh!”

Hearing those titles, Airael couldn’t help but exclaim.

But it made sense.

This world, while full of plots and plans, was still fundamentally a world where strength was respected; if you weren’t strong, you couldn’t be a leader.

“They’re all quite powerful, each backed by substantial forces.”

At this point, Arthur seemed a bit downcast.

Even though he had contacted some individuals while in Larna, his relationships with them weren’t very deep.

He had no idea how many would be willing to help him when the time came.

Seeing Arthur like this, Airael wanted to tell him he shouldn’t worry about those things because he had substantial backing as well, even more significant than theirs.

However, after careful consideration, Airael thought it was best not to say anything.

Andrew had his own plans, and she shouldn’t recklessly mess with someone else’s strategy.

If he had a change of heart, they wouldn’t have anywhere to cry about it.

This thought led Airael to realize that the Tower of the Archmage wasn’t entirely trustworthy.

Fortunately, Arthur didn’t remain trapped in such emotions for long; he quickly broke free.

He had known that choosing this path would be filled with difficulties and had prepared himself mentally, so he didn’t regret it.

He was merely expressing a feeling of reflection, wasn’t he?

Having someone to back you up really did lighten the load.

Many things were smoothed over by the people behind them, so they didn’t need to worry too much.

Airael was quite satisfied with Arthur’s proactive attitude.

Although he had no choice left, she certainly didn’t want her man to be a coward afraid of challenges.

When faced with difficulties, don’t be scared; be bold!

That’s what makes a real man!

Accordingly, Airael aptly bestowed her blessing: “Arthur, no matter who supports them, I believe you will triumph over them.”

Arthur felt warmed by Airael’s second encouraging remark.

Yet he was a bit afraid Airael would use this as an opportunity to impose more demands on him.

She had already made him feel some pressure once, and if it continued, he truly wouldn’t be able to bear it.

Especially if this went on indefinitely.

Seeing his expression, Airael rolled her eyes and said, “Don’t worry, I won’t impose on you again. Besides, even if I did, your brain wouldn’t figure out how to accomplish it anyway. You make simple things so complicated.”

Her last words were spoken very softly, almost a mumble.

“Ailia, what did you say?”

But Arthur did catch a few words, even though not clearly.

“Nothing, just mentioning that the weather is getting colder, so we need to be careful not to catch a chill.”

Arthur suddenly frowned.

This made Airael’s heart skip a beat.

“Arthur, what’s wrong?”

“We’re about to enter winter, but the supplies for the Winter in the army aren’t sufficient.”

Many in the military hailed from the south, and now they were up in the far north, which would make this winter especially harsh for them.

“Were there no preparations made earlier?”

“There were some preparations, but I feel that for some individuals, those supplies will likely not be enough.”

“What do you mean?”

“Many in the army are southerners, and the climate down south is nothing like up here. The other seasons are fine, but winter…”

Although Arthur didn’t express the rest of his concern, Airael quickly grasped the severity of the issue.

Sometimes, it’s not the enemies that truly defeat an army but the atrocious weather conditions they face.

She knew quite a few such examples.

“In that case, we can only request the Republic to send more supplies.”

After some thought, Airael provided her suggestion.