Lord of the Oasis

After hearing Kant’s words, Aubrey heaved a sigh of relief and said, “That’s good. There’s no big problem.”

Kant nodded and said, “I originally asked Bunduk to look for me today. Why are you here?”

“Commander Bunduk set off with the escort team to Durandal. They couldn’t find anyone else in the military camp. Your Highness’s guards came to me.” Aubrey answered in embarrassment.

“Bunduk went to Durandal? Why didn’t I know?” Kant asked, slightly puzzled.

“Your Highness, you didn’t know?” Aubrey widened his eyes. He had a premonition that he might have gotten himself into a big trouble, he stammered, “I heard that Commander Bunduk went there because he heard that Commander Derrick won’t be returning to Drondheim at the end of this year. After all, the two of them used to be comrades-in-arms.”

“I see. Then, who is in charge of the matters in the military camp now?” Kant asked.

“… Adonis.” Aubrey replied.

“Okay.” Kant said indifferently without any displeasure on his face.

Aubrey followed Kant for the rest of the journey with trepidation and escorted him back to the palace.

After walking out of the senate, Aubrey thought to himself, should I send a message to Bunduk or something.

However, thinking that Bunduk should be on his way back with the escort team, he gave up the idea.

“What should I do?” Aubrey looked at the sky and sighed.

It was two days ago, when Bunduk had just arrived in Durandal.

Bunduk walked down from the camel and took off his woolen hat. He said to the surprised derrick, “Long time no see.”

“Why did you come?” Derrick walked to Bunduk’s side and asked happily.

“Since you won’t return to Drondheim, I have no choice but to come here to see you, is that alright?” said Bunduk.

Derrick waved his hand and said, “Why do you say that? I’m just staying here to celebrate the new year. How many days are you planning to stay here?” As he said that, he took Bunduk’s luggage.

“We have to set off tomorrow. His Highness doesn’t know that I’m out yet. I have to hurry back.” said Bunduk as he patted Derrick on the shoulder.

“Ha, you sure have guts.” Derrick loosened his grip, and his luggage fell to the ground.

“It’s fine. His Highness won’t find out. Adonis will cover for me.” said Bunduk. “Ah, this bag is my cotton-padded jacket. You’ll be responsible for it if it gets wet. Quickly pick it up.”

Derrick was stunned for a moment. Then, he picked up the luggage bag that had fallen in the snow and followed Bunduk’s footsteps. The two of them walked side by side.

“When you go back, you’ll see how His Highness will deal with you.” said Derrick.

“I came just to see you.” Bunduk shook his head nonchalantly and said, “You have to be honest. You’re not going back this time because you want to stay here. But is it also because of the letter I wrote to you?”

Hearing this, Derrick took a deep breath, the corners of his mouth curled up into a smile as he said, “Yes. When I first heard that His Highness was planning to relieve my position, I was angry. But after thinking about it, perhaps there’s nothing wrong with this. Claremont is more suited to try it than I am. My wish is to stay in Durandal and complete the project here.”

“This is completely different from the purpose for which I wrote you the letter.” Bunduk said.

“Then, what were you thinking when you wrote the letter?” There was still a long way to go, so Derrick didn’t mind the topic continuing.

“Of course, I wanted you to return to Drondheim and make some achievements. This way, His Highness wouldn’t remove you from your position as commander. This way, we can continue being colleagues and wait for the next time we charge into the battlefield together.” Bunduk voiced out all the thoughts in his mind.

“Thank you, Bunduk.” Derrick’s eyes were red as he said, “However, I’m also very happy to support you from the position of a subordinate.”

“No…” after Bunduk reacted, he said, “How did you…”

“I didn’t have the determination to compete with others. Do you still remember? The first celebration banquet we held when we returned from the Elf Kingdom,” said Derrick, “At that time, my desire to win was at its peak. I was able to make a name for myself as a leader in a battle I had just won. At that time, I had enough confidence to become an even more outstanding commander than you. That’s why I wanted to express myself in front of you.”

“Wait, a celebration banquet? How long ago was that?” Bunduk said with a frown. “Derrick, you are really excellent as a leader. However, sometimes, your meticulous thoughts can actually trouble you.”

“I know,” answered Derrick. “Anyway, I no longer have the confidence to stand in the position of a leader.”

Bunduk looked at the side of Derrick’s face and realized that the usually calm and composed Derrick actually had such a stubborn and fragile side to him. Derrick, Derrick, Derrick… He couldn’t help but sigh in his heart.

After returning to Durandal’s military base, Derrick was in a hurry to bring Durandal’s men to help unload the goods. He didn’t have the time to welcome Bunduk. Bunduk stayed in his guest room until evening.

“Commander Bunduk! It’s almost dinner time!” a soldier knocked on Bunduk’s door and said.

“Got it.” Bunduk replied. After drinking the last mouthful of tea in the porcelain cup, he walked out.

The building they were staying in tonight was newly built near the military camp. When they walked to the door of the lobby on the first floor, they could see that the soldiers in the military camp were gathered together noisily.

“Commander Bunduk, please follow me,” a Durandal soldier said.

Bunduk followed behind him and walked to the banquet table. Derrick was sitting there as well.

“You’re here,” greeted Derrick with a smile.

“Yes.” Bunduk squeezed out a smile. To him, Derrick had become a complete stranger.

Less than two hours had passed since the dispute in the afternoon. Bunduk really couldn’t imagine what Derrick’s smiling face meant.

The banquet began. As representatives of both parties, Derrick and Bunduk each made a few remarks.

When Bunduk spoke, he had no idea what he was saying. After saying, “I wish everyone a good meal”, he sat in his seat and drank a glass of sake.

The empty glass was filled to the brim.

Bunduk looked up and saw Derrick. Derrick still had a smile on his face. “Don’t drink so quickly. Let’s eat first.” Derrick said

“I don’t… feel like I can eat.” Bunduk said with a wry smile.

“Then, I’ll drink with you.” Derrick replied with a sigh. Derrick said.

With that said, he took his glass and sat down in front of Bunduk.

“Come.” said Derrick to Bunduk as he filled his glass with wine and raised it in front of him.