Chapter 285: Souvenirs and a Sudden Crisis

"And there are also rice balls and pickled vegetables, and then..."

"Eh? No, we cannot possibly accept that much—"

As more items were handed over one after another, he hurriedly stopped him, thinking it was not right for them, who had made the request, to receive so much.

"I am not sure if they turned out well, but I would be happy if you ate them. Please invite me again."

It sounded as if he had just gone out for fun, but that was far better than someone crying and saying they never wanted to go again.

Although such opportunities were not frequent, Rohen himself had enjoyed it, so he was already looking forward to the next training session.

"Please do join us again. These may be wasted on the captain, but I will make sure to deliver them properly."

"I would be happy if you also try them and tell me what you think next time."

He could not help but feel humbled by Qiong Xing’s consideration.

After promising that he would, he returned to the castle while carrying a large amount of souvenirs.

"You are late! And why do you look so happy when you just got back from training?"

It was not exactly the kind of greeting one would expect for returning subordinates, but since he was indeed in a good mood, he did not deny it.

"It was a very fulfilling training session. I am glad we asked Qiong Xing."

"You... while you were out enjoying yourself, I have been getting scolded by the prime minister every single day."

Narka glared resentfully, but in his case, it was entirely his own fault, so Rohen chose to ignore it.

"For you, Qiong Xing prepared some souvenirs. Of course, I will give them to you after you finish your work, so do your best."

"You are a demon."

Rohen let out a small laugh at that comment.

He briefly considered keeping everything for himself, but as if sensing that thought, the captain started grumbling while getting back to work.

Rohen decided to help as well and got to work.

"Delicious! What is this!?"

"It is very good. As expected of Qiong Xing."

That night, after finishing their duties and returning to the barracks, they held a small drinking session using the souvenirs Qiong Xing had given them.

"This fish is amazing. Is this what you call soy sauce?"

Captain Narka who usually preferred meat seemed to have taken a liking to the fish and ate it enthusiastically.

He asked for the meat to be grilled as well, but when told to save it for tomorrow, he obediently backed down.

"I had never heard of it until he explained it, but the flavor is really well absorbed. It is truly delicious. Now I understand why Qiong Xing wanted it so much. It goes well with meat, fish, and vegetables. It is remarkable."

Rohen truly felt that bringing him along had been the right choice.

The meals along the way had all been delicious, and since the preparation was not particularly difficult, it had also been a learning experience.

It was probably the first time training, which usually left them exhausted, had been this enjoyable without fatigue.

"If I had known, I would have gone instead."

"Would it not be a problem if the captain left? I will go again next time, so please do not worry about it."

There was no way he would give up such a delicious training opportunity.

"You are getting more twisted by the day."

That was quite a harsh thing to say.

If anything, he thought the captain should be grateful to have a subordinate who was so considerate.

It had been a long time since they could sit together like this, drinking, eating, and exchanging complaints.

Back when they were still low ranking soldiers, they used to do this almost every day.

However, after becoming captain and vice captain, such moments had become rare.

There was not only paperwork, but also meetings, training the soldiers, and taking care of them.

There was simply too much to do, and most days he returned exhausted.

However, after meeting Qiong Xing and learning to cooperate with one another, the soldiers had gradually begun to change.

Not all burdens had disappeared, but now they could share drinks like this and enjoy good meals together.

"We should be grateful to the prince who brought Qiong Xing here. It is remarkable that someone like him came to this country."

If other nations learned of Qiong Xing’s abilities, they surely would not leave him alone.

Creating magic swords and introducing new methods such as combat training exercises were things no one had ever thought of before.

"Seriously. Right now he is acting as the prince’s tutor, but it feels like a waste."

If possible, they would rather keep him close.

Rohen also felt the same way.

"After all, he managed to change that insufferable brat of a prince into what he is now."

"You... if he heard that, you would get in trouble."

There was no problem as long as he was careful in front of Qiong Xing.

It was also an unconscious effort not to let the boy hear such crude language.

"Captain, you are already beyond saving. You should focus on not being disliked."

"You really have a terrible personality!"

That is none of your business.

Rohen simply decided that as long as Qiong Xing did not find out, it was not a problem.

...

The one who came to pick them up after they made contact was not Iseul as promised, but his older brother, Raon.

"What happened to Nura?"

"He is... bedridden."

"...What?"

Both Qiong Xing and Albe froze, unable to understand.

They were told they would understand once they returned, and were carried back home.

"Mama!"

"Qiong Xing!"

They were greeted with a tight embrace, so strong that he nearly lost consciousness from both joy and suffocation, but it made him truly feel that he had returned home.