Chapter 25: Differences in Thoughts

Chapter 25: Differences in Thoughts

Because he bore the brunt of the punishment, he looked worse off than the others.

His body was covered in glaring red marks, stained with his own blood.

Not only that, but even the whip used for the beatings had been tainted with his blood, splattering droplets as it swung through the air.

Such a sight was undeniably chilling.

Seeing Sal, who was being punished, Airael couldn’t bear to watch.

She lowered her head.

She wasn’t unfamiliar with Sal or the others who were being punished.

During the previous battle at Mils Fortress, Sal and his comrades fought alongside her.

Arthur, on the other hand, looked completely unbothered.

His expressionless face gave off the impression of a stern and unsympathetic commander.

Finally, the fifty lashes assigned to Sal were complete.

Once freed from his restraints, Sal collapsed to the ground.

Arthur shot him a glance, then looked at the other punished soldiers, and finally turned his gaze to the surrounding soldiers watching, saying, “When we first met, I made it clear that you must abide by military regulations. A nation has its laws, a family has its rules, and an army has its discipline. Since you are soldiers in the army, you must follow the army’s rules. If anyone dares to break them again, there will be no mercy.”

His words made everyone lower their heads.

Arthur swept his gaze over them again, landing on Sal and a few others, saying, “Especially you lot, this time it’s just a light punishment to make you remember. If you dare to offend again, don’t blame me for turning ruthless.”

“Th-thank you, Captain…”

The few of them replied weakly.

They were honestly a bit relieved.

As long as they were alive, it was fine!

“Everyone disperse. I hope you can firmly keep today’s events in mind as a lesson to constantly remind yourselves.”

“Yes, Captain!”

The soldiers replied in unison.

Arthur nodded and left with Airael.

After they departed, the soldiers also scattered.

Back in their tent, Airael sat on the bed and looked at Arthur, saying, “Though Sal and the others were indeed at fault, wasn’t that punishment a bit too severe?”

“That was already light.”

Arthur responded, his tone not friendly.

Sal had truly disappointed him.

Airael didn’t mind Arthur’s harsh attitude.

She knew it wasn’t directed at her.

“Arthur, no one is perfect. Don’t take it too seriously. Besides, nothing major happened, right? And looking at Sal and the others, it seems they didn’t let gambling harm their camaraderie; if anything, it even brought them closer.”

Airael’s soothing words calmed Arthur somewhat, but he still felt some anger: “What you say is true, but gambling is gambling, and such behavior is absolutely not allowed in the army. So, once discovered, it has to be punished severely; only then can the soldiers understand the importance of following military regulations.”

Airael nodded and then smiled, “But I still think we should be a bit more humane, right?”

“Humane? What do you mean?”

Arthur asked, confused by the new term.

“Simply put, we should put people first. People are living beings, while military regulations are rigid. If there are truly special circumstances, we should show understanding.”

Arthur nodded, appearing to somewhat comprehend.

However, he didn’t take it too much to heart.

Airael, realizing this, didn’t press further.

After all, there were bound to be differences in thought between her and Arthur.

Things she could understand might not work with Arthur.

So, Airael wisely changed the subject: “Let’s not talk about that anymore; let’s discuss what we should do next?”

“Sorry, Ailia, but I might not be able to accompany you for a while.”

Arthur said apologetically.

“What’s wrong?”

“Didn’t I mention that things are not yet finalized? So, we have to continue the meeting today. In a bit, I need to join the meeting again, and I’m not sure how long it will go on.”

“Okay!”

Hearing this, Airael felt a bit unhappy.

But she had no choice but to accept it.

Unknowingly, Airael hadn’t realized she had begun to cling to Arthur.

She had developed a certain possessiveness toward him.

After Arthur left, Airael felt quite bored idling alone in the tent.

Though she could practice, she didn’t feel like it.

She decided to do something else.

She took Celia and Aurora to the outside of a tent.

This tent wasn’t just any tent; it was the very one where she and Arthur had caught Sal and the others gambling.

This tent was also Sal and the others’ quarters.

Upon arriving, Airael and her companions immediately caught a strong medicinal scent.

“Let’s go in.”

Airael said and stepped inside first.

Upon entering the tent, they saw Sal and the others almost mummified and lying on the bed.

“Ailia! Hiss—!”

Upon seeing Airael, a few of them looked surprised.

Some attempted to rise to greet her, but just as they moved, they winced in pain and gasped.

“You all stay put; I’m not too concerned with those formalities.”

After that, Airael turned her focus to Sal and continued, “Sal, the punishment you received from Axi today might have been a bit heavy, but I hope you can understand him.”

“Ailia, what the Captain did was right; we were in the wrong for gambling in the barracks.”

Sal replied, appearing quite repentant.

Airael smiled, “I’m glad you think that way, but I hope you don’t just say it. Gambling is strictly prohibited in the army. If you get caught doing it again, the consequences will be far worse than now.”

“We understand, Miss Ailia.”

“Good, then I won’t stay here any longer. Also, here are some healing ointments; they should help speed up your recovery.”

As she spoke, Airael took out a vial and handed it to Sal through Celia.

“Thank you so much, Miss Ailia!”

Sal and the others expressed their gratitude earnestly.

“We won’t make the same mistake again.”

This time being caught had truly taught Sal a lesson.

The earlier sense of luck had been harshly corrected by reality.

Some lines should be avoided at all costs; otherwise, you’ll suffer the consequences.

After leaving some healing ointment for Sal and the others, Airael exited the tent.

Outside, she sighed, thinking: I hope Sal truly is a broad-minded and generous person!