Even if the position was forced on me, I had a duty to fulfill as the second in command of the Dark Knights. While I pondered on how to ease Mayers mood, the camp was set up and dinner readied. Each squad gathered up in a circle. Sitting like this, the characteristics and ranks of each group were clearly visible. Squad Darkfall shared a solid atmosphere of their own. To the side, the Red Wolves were raucous like they were holding a college drinking party. On the other side, squad Purity was busy being careful around the rest. As for the members of the special unit, each one was doing as they pleased.

Vice-captain, over here! We were waiting to eat with you! Sevi called out to me, hand raised high. It was a kind of custom for squads to have meals by themselves. But as I was on my way to where the kids were, I caught sight of Mayers tent. It was set up by itself; unlike the others, the captain would eat alone. For some reason, though, I felt he was more like an outcast than a leader enjoying his special privilege. Although I didnt know who was leaving out who The man usually exuded an atmosphere that didnt welcome others, after all.

I sighed softly. Anyone could tell that this wasnt a desirable situation at all. I considered bringing him out to have his meal with everyone else, but bringing out the superior who was in self-quarantine? It would be too horrible for the others. Theyd end up suffering indigestion, no doubt. I couldnt sacrifice the other corps members for Mayers sake, or else everyone might end up in a terrible condition due to belly aches. Making up my mind, I said to Sevi, Nah, you guys eat by yourselves.

What?

Ill be having dinner with the captain.

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As soon as I spoke, the merry-making atmosphere died, replaced by a dreadful stillness. Axion forgot to even swallow the bread in his mouth as he asked, With His Excellency?

Yes. It feels a bit wrong to let him eat alone, you know, I spoke in a matter-of-fact tone, but the others didnt seem to agree. They looked at me as if I were some champion standing before a decisive battle. Come on, it was just having dinner. Why were they acting like I was walking into a lions cage or something?

The leader of squad Purity foolishly scratched the back of his neck. Deeply concerned, he asked, V-Vice-captain. H-His Excellency must be in the middle of his meal Wouldnt it be better not to disturb him? He looked genuinely worried about me in case I ended up provoking Mayers ire. I did choose Puritys squad leader because he looked like a nice person, but It had been a long time since I felt goodwill from someone I wasnt familiar with.

Hes right. The captain looked cranky all day long too Axion added. Everyone seemed to think that Mayer would chase me out. Still, to beard a lion, you had to go into his den.

Mm Ill try asking once.

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With an awkward laugh, I took my meal tray and headed over to Mayers tent. The attention following me was making me embarrassed. After clearing my throat with a small cough, I carefully called out, Your Excellency. Its me, Jun. May I come in?

There I stood, before a lions cage, or a tigers den There was a moment of silence from the foreboding tent. Everyone held their breaths, waiting for the voice that would come out. Before long, Mayer answered, Come in.

Yeek!

All the doubters who were sure Id get a fierce reprimand looked between me and the tent in amazement. Meanwhile, August, the special unit, and Vegan were calm as if they had seen this coming. They had all seen how Mayer acted up around me.

Well The vice-captain even drinks together with His Excellency. He probably wont even mind having his meal interrupted much, Sevi remarked with a spoon in his mouth.

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Right. I bet hell be happy if she suggested eating together, Robur added in agreement. Julieta nodded quietly as well.

At that moment, a member of Darkfall who had been eating quietly interrupted to ask Sevi, A moment, please. Will you tell me more about that?

Sorry? What are you talking about?

Uh, about the vice-captain drinking together with His Excellency.

Squad Darkfall didnt get along well with the others and that could be why they were unaware of the rumors going around Nochtentoria Castle. I glanced their way in anxious worry. It would be bad if Sevi said something strange and I ended up in Darkfalls bad books.

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Jun?

But Mayer was waiting for me inside the tent. As I couldnt delay for long, I could only walk in, hoping that Sevi would deliver the story with some sugar coating.

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