Lord of the Oasis

“The stronger the light shines on us, the deeper our shadows will become.” Claremont took a deep breath and said, “I can only get used to it sooner.”

The two did not stay outside for long. After chatting for a while, they returned to their own tent to rest.

“You’re very strong today. I see that you’re a lot ahead of that soldier.” Austin brought a basin of hot water to the bedside and said to Gilbert, who was sitting on the edge of the bed.

Gilbert looked at the hot water under his feet and frowned. He was not in the mood to listen to Austin’s words at all.

“I heard from the other soldiers that we can walk smoothly for the next few days because the route Captain Abel took us to an open space that no one is in charge of.” Austin was still talking to himself.

“What’s so good about an open space that no one is in charge of? It’s abandoned by others.” Gilbert checked the temperature of the water and quickly retracted his feet. At this moment, he wrinkled his nose and said to Austin.

“How can you say that? Every piece of land has its own benefits. It can only be said that these open spaces are not very suitable for the residents of this island.” Austin retorted casually. Then, he placed a low stool in front of Gilbert and sat down.

“This is so hot.” Gilbert used his chin to point at the hot water beside the bed and said in disdain.

“Only hot water can kill bacteria.” Austin did not care about Gilbert’s protest and continued to persuade him, “I didn’t check your body these few days. But your toenails are so black, and you still haven’t washed them. You might get sick.”

On such a disagreement, Austin would always put on a very reasonable and confident look and win an overwhelming victory in the end.

“Okay.” Gilbert glanced at Austin, curled his lips and said.

Then, he slowly immersed his feet into the basin. From time to time, he would make irritating calls.

Austin sat on the low stool and pressed on Gilbert’s lower leg.

After a while, when Gilbert got used to the temperature of the hot water, he could submerge his feet in the basin without Austin watching.

“Does it feel different now?” Austin asked with a smile.

“It does feel different.” Gilbert replied while moving his feet.

“Soak in the water for about ten minutes. The water will be cold by then. I’ll help you wipe your feet.” Austin reminded him.

Then, Austin put a towel on the railing beside the bed and walked out with the bowl that had not been washed.

Gilbert looked at the water in a daze. He did not notice the passage of time at all.

“What are you thinking about?” At some point, Austin came back with the bowl that had been washed.

At this time, he was wiping the water droplets on his hands with a towel.

“I’m wondering if I’m too much like a human.” Gilbert answered.

“Huh? Why did you think of this?” Austin walked over and asked.

“The water is cold.” Gilbert saw Austin walking over, and his eyes seemed to focus back. He raised his feet and said.

Austin could only forget about his own problem. He placed Gilbert’s feet on his thighs, which were covered with a towel, and helped him wipe off the water stains.

“Whether you’re like a gnome or a human, I still hope that in your heart, the person you’re comparing yourself to now will be your past self. Whether it’s something you like or hate, at least you can make your own choice. Isn’t that enough?” After a moment of silence, Austin said earnestly.

Gilbert raised his head and looked at him, his eyes seemed to be shining.

“Austin…” Gilbert whispered.

“Hehe.” Austin laughed softly. “Actually, at the age of a human, I’m barely an adult. It’s quite embarrassing to always say these big words in front of you.”

“I understand.” Gilbert nodded slightly and replied.

Austin placed Gilbert’s legs back on the mattress. He raised the foot washing water, which was already black, and said in a clear voice, “You rest first. I’ll come in later and help you turn off the lights.”

“Okay.” Gilbert pulled the quilt over and covered himself. He closed his eyes.

The moment Austin walked out of the tent, tears fell from his eyes. When Gilbert asked that question, he looked at Gilbert’s expression. He already had the thought that the Gilbert would disappear at any time.

Although they had only been together for about a week, when Austin thought that Gilbert would leave him, his heart sank into sadness.

He poured the used water into the water tank in the camp.

Austin walked back to the tent that was still lit. When he saw that Gilbert had already fallen into a dream, he put out the candlestick and left.

Early the next morning, Gilbert stood in front of Austin’s tent and waited.

The soldiers who passed by were all surprised by this scene. They rushed back to the tent and woke up Austin who was still sleeping soundly.

“Austin! Your son is waiting for you outside!!”

“Son… What!” Austin rubbed his eyes and reflected for a while. After he figured out the content of the words, he quickly got up from the bed. He rushed to the door with his upper body naked. When he saw Gilbert, he shouted, “Ah!”.

“Good morning.” Gilbert said.

“Why are you here? Who put this on you?” Austin squatted down and looked at Gilbert carefully.

“I’m standing here waiting for you. Why aren’t you wearing any clothes?” Gilbert answered seriously, “I wore this clothes myself. I’ve learned it since you helped me wear it so many times.”

Austin still had a look of disbelief on his face.

“Austin! Why are you standing there without your armor?” the captain of the third team walked over and berated him.

“Yes! Yes! Captain, I’ll come out when I’m ready.” Austin replied in a panic. After glancing at Gilbert who was standing in the same place, he lifted the curtain of the door and walked back into the tent.

“This shouldn’t be a dream…” Austin said to himself as he put on his clothes. “But how did he suddenly become like this?”

With doubt, Austin quickly put on his shirt and brought his weapon. He walked out.

Today, Gilbert didn’t have to stand at the front to lead the way, so he returned to the seat beside Austin as usual.

“Today, everyone can relax a little. There’s no need to hurry like two days ago.” Abel stood in front of the line and spoke. “However, you still have to remember to keep up with the main group. Don’t let down your guard completely.”

This was the decision that Abel, Devitt, and Claremont came up with after discussing it with each other yesterday. After all, they had run for two days in a row. They still had to relax and rest.