Chapter 12
In the afternoon, a temporary military meeting was taking place in George’s large tent.
There were four people present: George, the army chaplain, Jima, and Eve Frostleaf. Under the bright light sphere, a brand new map was spread out on the wooden table.
“Lord Frostleaf, Lord Frostleaf.” An elven maid lifted the tent flap, poked her head inside, and sniffed the air as if she were a dog trying to uncover infidelity. “You’re holding a meeting and didn’t call for me.”
Eve Frostleaf waved her hand, making a gesture for her to go away.
The elven maid, not detecting anything suspicious, withdrew her head and left.
Kneeling next to the wooden table, Jima was holding a sweet-sleeping orange cat and intently studying the map.
Opposite her, the army chaplain, a middle-aged man with an unkind expression, had his head bowed, quietly praying to the divine.
“Not bad, George. I didn’t know you could draw maps.” Jima pointed at a mountain located in the forest. “Deadwood Mountain, yes, that’s the spot. We should be able to find the materials or knowledge I need there.”
The army chaplain raised his head and said, “It’s a good place for an ambush.”
“Then that’s something you all need to consider,” Jima said. “The contract states that if you’re unwilling, I’ll have no choice but to leave the party and find someone else to do it.”
George said, “We need Jima’s divination; we can’t keep wandering in the wilderness.”
The army chaplain said, “Wandering in the wilderness is better than being ambushed in the unclear forest by the demon tide and dying.”
“She speaks the truth.”
“She has deceived the camp detection system before,” the army chaplain said. “I don’t trust her, nor do I trust you, Brother George. You’re headstrong, allowing a succubus to join the holy army.”
“That’s my power as a commander.”
“Then what’s there to discuss?” the army chaplain said. “I just hope that when misfortune befalls this small army, more of us can escape.”
Jima asked, “By the way, what’s your name?”
The army chaplain said, “I’m not telling you, succubus. Who knows whether you’ll write my name on a puppet, drive a nail through it, and curse me to death? Or maybe you’ve already collected my name, my hair, my nails; my little bit of vigilance only invites your mocking laughter.”
“George, is he very pessimistic?”
George replied, “From the beginning, he’s been mumbling that our army is bound to fail.”
The army chaplain said, “Elven ally, you also have a right to oppose.”
“I agree with George.”
The army chaplain sighed, “This world is crumbling bit by bit. The proud elves, who consider themselves the upper class, are starting to tolerate working with succubi.”
Jima ignored the pessimistic army chaplain and looked at George. “So it’s settled?”
“Yes, we depart tomorrow,” George said. “Later, I’ll also discuss battle plans with the soldiers. You have a right to participate, and since you can enter dreams, it’s best to use that ability to find out if there are ambushers along the way.”
“I know this well.”
“I haven’t asked, what exactly do you want?”
“The divination tells me that Deadwood Mountain has the knowledge or materials I seek,” Jima said. “As for what that knowledge is? Who knows, maybe it’s carved into stone or written on animal skins.”
Before long, the army chaplain shook his head and left, and a soldier entered.
“Soldier, I want to lead the troops to Deadwood Mountain,” George said. “Is there enough food and water?”
“Enough for half a month,” the soldier looked at the map. “It’ll take about five days to get to Deadwood Mountain, but this area is very dangerous.”
The soldier pointed at a cluster of dots behind Deadwood Mountain. “Latest news: this village and this village have been destroyed by beastmen. Deadwood Mountain is very close to where the beastmen are active.”
George picked up a pencil and marked several crosses on the human villages.
Jima couldn’t help but ask, “What about the army of the Duchy of Karsen?”
“The knights lost a battle,” George said. “But I heard the duke has already begun calling for a ‘chivalric war.’ The righteous knights from other duchies are hurrying here; it’s been many years since we faced such a strong horde of beasts.”
“How many years is that?”
“Nineteen years.”
“Only nineteen years?”
“Yes,” George said. “During the last great upheaval, most of the towns, except for the big cities, were burned down. It wasn’t until the king led the army that we defeated the besieging beastmen.”
“The people of the Knight Kingdom of Barto are truly strong.”
The soldier said, “I suggest we prepare to cross the war zone. The army can rest at Melon Village now.”
He pointed to Melon Village by the river. “Their melon wine is quite good as well; the soldiers can have some before the battle to relax their nerves.”
“How many days’ journey is that?”
“Just two days.”
“Isn’t that too close to the war zone? What if the beastmen attack?”
“Melon Village has many people and wooden walls with traps; it’s a stable point that doesn’t require much worry,” the soldier said. “Moreover, the war zone is still quite far away. Optimistically, even if we get to Deadwood Mountain, we probably won’t encounter the beastmen, considering that the beastmen army is still expanding. Commander, what do you think?”
“Very good.”
Jima also became optimistic. “Then this task is quite simple. I can scout ahead at night to find the location of the beast groups.”
Eve Frostleaf suddenly interjected, “Do you have your own tent?”
“As you can see, I wasn’t carrying a tent while riding today,” Jima replied, glancing at George’s tent. “Speaking of which, your tent is quite large; it shouldn’t be too cramped to accommodate a cat and a succubus, right?”
“I have an extra tent.”
“Mainly, as a succubus, shouldn’t you have one person keep watch?” Jima said. “Look, I’m thinking about you. Undoubtedly, a former hero who killed a demon lord in his bedroom with a sword, righteous and brave, is the best choice.”
George furrowed his brow, contemplating why Jima was lying.
Eve Frostleaf coldly replied, “I can keep an eye on you too; I’m not weak.”
Jima felt a surge of joy.
Tsk, tsk, the jealousy of women… they’re practically delivering themselves to you.
Jima suppressed her inner delight, pondered for a moment, and deliberately put on a false smile. With a provoking gaze, she stared lasciviously at Eve Frostleaf’s chest and thighs, saying:
“Okay, big sister. But my living habits aren’t very good; George and I are used to living together. You might not be able to handle my—”
Eve Frostleaf raised her smooth chin and met Jima’s gaze. “I’m not picky.”
Jima’s eyes crinkled with a smile. “Alright, then it’s settled.”
George remarked, “I find it strange that you both argue over such trivial matters for so long.”
Eve Frostleaf immediately replied, “It’s none of your business.”
Jima replied cheerfully, “After all, it’s nothing serious.”
George couldn’t shake the feeling that Jima was smiling like a fox, perhaps plotting another scheme.
