Story 58. The World I Didn’t Choose (3)

Chapter 99

When Camille and I called out her name, the girl lowered her eyes and stiffened. She didn’t look very confused or awkward. I knew her enough that she would say her mind without hesitation.

“There was an urgent order from the El Hwenia commander. All the mid to high ranking officers are to report to the strategy room immediately. He also ordered me to contact the priestess too, so I think it must be very pressing. I think you guys should get going.”

By this time, I had my shirt and pants on, so I could look at her without blushing and ask, “Do I have to go too? That’s not my department…”

“Yes, you too, Juya. It would be good if the prince can come as well. If you aren’t busy, that is.”

Fatima then left, leaving the three of us behind.

***

As soon as we arrived at the headquarter, we were greeted by loud yelling.

“You are useless, you idiot!”

“…! Sir! El Hwenia! I’m sorry!”

We saw one of the unfamiliar councilors being kicked out of the room. We were confused, so we asked one of the guards, “Why is the commander so angry? What happened?”

“Well…”

He refused to answer, and instead, he moved aside to let us in. Inside, we saw that most of our colleagues have already arrived. The commander, frowning angrily, was throwing his paper at everyone.

“Gosh…! They should have listened when I said I would slay them all. I told them I could take care of it, yet they refused to let me! Now, they want to call on the reinforcement?”

The commander sat at the head of the table as Eriez asked him, “Are you telling us that we will be going to war?”

“Yes, of course! They all call themselves El Hwenias, but they are all useless! We have no choice but to go and save them all, I guess! I’ll bet that once we win, they will claim that it was their victory, but what else can we do? They were underestimating the enemies, calling them weak pirates, but I hear they are losing this war.”

“…”

“We will pass the Galmine to get to Permaris.”

Our master commander El Hwenia, Akarid, was a 25-year-old young man known for his mean nature. He was, however, a very talented commander and a good-looking man. His features were very sharp with his pointy chin, neat hair, and piercing eyes. When he glared like the way he did right now, no one could stand up to him.

This was our leader, and he has never lost a battle in his life.

He grumbled, “They are so stupid. Did they really think they could last just with their divine power? Anyone who fears pain shouldn’t even bother following me. Do me a favor and stay behind. I am going to kill everyone.”

The commander began to explain his strategy for this war. Some of us didn’t agree with him, and I wasn’t sure it was because of fear.

“But El Hwenia, if we do what you say, that will look like we are ignoring the local military force. The law in Permaris states that direct use of divine power is prohibited…”

“So? The locals are losing precisely because they were following that rule! So what should we do then?”

“…”

“Why don’t I just break your arms and legs and disallow you to see a healer? You won’t get treated with the divine force. How would you like that?”

The officer who questioned the commander looked embarrassed. He remained quiet, and Manar spoke up, “Commander, none of us here are afraid to die for you or any of the El Hwenias, but this isn’t about that. What we are worried about is how this new policy might scare the lower-ranking soldiers. We are not sure how their fear may affect our success rate. We should certainly have plenty of military priests ready, but perhaps we shouldn’t discuss our strategy too extensively.”

The commander nodded, “That makes sense. Alright. I will let you know of the details at a later date. You are all dismissed.”

However, when we were about to leave, several women were waiting for us outside. The one who led them was the priestess. Hawaki was covered in many layers of semi-transparent white clothes.

“Oh, Akarid, I do not like you at all.”

The commander glanced at her quickly before focusing on his map again. He replied without looking at her, “It sounds like you heard about the news already, Priestess, and if that’s the case, you should do your part and make sure to appoint more military priests and priestesses and get them ready.”

“The retired soldiers from your military all complained about the same thing. They tell me that anyone in your army ends up having a part of him die. I realize the divine power protects Hwen, but it is not right to make your soldiers fight like machines. No one can endure your battle plans. Half of your soldiers always end up going mad. Do you not care about your men at all?”

“I can’t help the fact that there are so many cowards in the army. What do you suggest I do?”

“Akarid!”

Their conversation went on for a while like this. The priestess was a strong woman with a lot of say in the church, but she had no authority in any military matters. Our commander ordered simply, “Escort the priestess out.”

Hawaki glared at him, but she had no choice but to have the soldiers drag her out. The prince and Eriez stood around awkwardly before leaving as well.

Eriez said to the soldiers who were taking the priestess out, “Come on, you guys! She is the priestess, so don’t be so hard on her. Be gentle, you idiots!”

The prince said to the priestess, “My Priestess, I understand what you are trying to say. I will talk to my brother later and see if I can convince him, so please be patient and understanding.”

I was about to follow them when the commander called my name, “Oh, Juya. You should stay.”

“Pardon?”

“I need you for a moment.”

I knew what he wanted from me, so I stood still and sighed. The truth was, Eriez wasn’t the only man who wanted my body.