Chapter 4: The Shadow Reemerges, Arthur’s Initiative

Chapter 4: The Shadow Reemerges, Arthur’s Initiative

Looking at the cheerful Cain, Arthur smiled and continued, “Also, I’m going to be away from the camp for a while. You can handle everything that happens here at your discretion.”

Now, after all this time, he had truly fulfilled the promise he made to Cain.

Delegating some responsibilities of the army to Cain granted him genuine authority.

Though power within the army was crucial, all Arthur needed to control was the core aspect of it.

He had other matters demanding his attention.

He couldn’t focus entirely on the army anymore.

Therefore, it was necessary to entrust some of the army’s power to Cain, a person he somewhat trusted.

This way, he would have more time to pursue other interests.

“Commander, aren’t we leaving soon?” Cain asked, puzzled.

If Arthur left now, what if he didn’t make it back in time?

After all, they weren’t the military of the Georgia Kingdom; once the two nations decided when to depart, they had to adhere to that schedule—neither too early nor too late.

If Arthur didn’t return promptly, decisions would be out of his hands.

“Don’t worry; I’m just stepping out to handle a few minor tasks. I won’t be long. Besides, who knows if anything unexpected will happen in the meantime?”

Arthur wore a mocking smile.

The dwarves had already been sent back, and the captives had been exchanged.

Yet, they hadn’t retreated from the Georgia Kingdom.

Not just them, but the armies of the Nick Kingdom and the Axi Kingdom had also stayed, continually stationed near the capital of Georgia.

The implications were obvious.

Though their deployment was justified as aiding the Human Race, it was unrealistic to expect the Georgia Kingdom not to bear some cost in return.

Thus, a negotiation was necessary.

Each faction had incurred losses in this war, and they would all seek some compensation from Georgia.

Arthur wasn’t interested in that at the moment.

Fortunately, someone from Machia was handling this matter.

He only needed to take care of the army.

Now that he had entrusted the army’s affairs to Cain, he was naturally free to attend to other matters.

After Cain left, Arthur changed into casual clothes, donned a layer of chainmail, strapped two longswords to his back, and rode out of the camp, heading toward the capital of Georgia.

Though the war had ended, the area around the capital still looked desolate, as it had been previously affected.

Arthur had developed a degree of immunity to such sights by now.

This was the cruel reality of war.

Along the way, Arthur didn’t head directly to the capital of Georgia.

Instead, he stopped outside a small grove.

Looking at the eerily quiet grove, seemingly devoid of any life, Arthur dismounted and led his horse slowly into the woods.

After venturing deeper, he glanced around and shouted, “Come out, Shadow; I know you’re here.”

From the darkness, a cloaked, mysterious figure emerged, barely giving off any presence.

At least, Arthur wasn’t aware of Shadow being right behind him.

“Long time no see, Axi—no, I should call you Lord Axi now!”

Only when Shadow spoke did Arthur notice him, turning with a wry smile and saying, “We don’t need all that, Shadow.”

“What do you want to discuss with me? Besides, your current identity isn’t exactly suitable for interacting with me.”

Arthur paused, momentarily taken aback by Shadow’s reminder, then replied, “I want to ask you for another favor.”

“What is it?”

“I’d like you to help me gather information about Ailia.”

Seeing Shadow’s agreement, Arthur quickly continued.

Although Airael had left a letter saying that as long as he persisted, they would meet again, Arthur didn’t want to remain passive any longer.

It was time for him to take the initiative and find Ailia.

“That girl who was after you before? But she hasn’t been around you lately, has she?”

Shadow rubbed his chin as if reminiscing.

“Yeah, she left. I want to find her.”

Saying this, Arthur’s mood dipped.

“You’ve fallen for her.”

Shadow seemed surprised: “Wow, I never thought you’d actually develop feelings. Did you only realize you liked her after she left?”

“No.”

Seeing Shadow suddenly ignited with gossip vibes, Arthur couldn’t help but feel exasperated.

“Then what’s the reason?”

“She left on her own, saying she had her own matters to attend to.”

“Is that really the case?”

Shadow appeared skeptical.

He thought the reality was pretty close to his earlier guess.

“Absolutely! Also, Shadow, when did you become so nosy?”

“I’m not being nosy; I’m just curious about you. Axi, your transformation is quite surprising.”

Shadow’s tone shifted to seriousness.

“People do change, don’t they?”

“Indeed, like your strength now is significantly greater than before. While I can still hide my presence near you, I feel like I’ll get found out the moment I get close or show hostility.”

“Let’s not stray too far off-topic; let’s put my strength aside for now. Can you help me with Ailia’s matter?”

Arthur didn’t want to discuss his strength with Shadow any longer and swiftly redirected the conversation.

“You really want to utilize this opportunity for a woman who’s been chasing you?”

“She’s the woman I care about; I want to find her.”

“Since she left you on her own, even if you find her, there’s no guarantee she’ll come back to you.”

Shadow shook his head, a hint of mockery in his voice.

They say love makes women foolish, and it seems men are just as bad.

Arthur paused at those words, then resolutely stated, “Still, it’s better to know than remain clueless. Maybe I can assist her with something, and then we could reunite sooner.”

“Well, you make a valid point. So, are you sure about this?”

Shadow nodded, not contradicting Arthur this time.

“I’m sure.”

“Great! Then we’re clear on this.”

After receiving the affirmative response, Shadow immediately felt relieved.

“You haven’t completed this task yet.”

“This is all just a little thought. Though she might be lost in a vast sea of people, I can find her quickly, no matter where she’s hidden on the continent.”

“I’m looking forward to your good news. Besides that, I have another thing to ask you.”

At the mention of another task, Shadow fell silent, and the atmosphere around them suddenly turned serious.