The major's eyebrows went up at the mention of the woman's name. He did not think that she would really come to their rescue of her own accord, well he could always confirm it once they returned. He sheathed his sword then they left the place.
"So, is that woman still there?" Ginehart asked.
Astrophos could sense some dislike from that simple question from the man. "Yes, she was talking with your lieutenant when I left. Is there something wrong with her?"
Ginehart suddenly stopped and looked back, "Once we return, do not get too close to her nor entertain any questions from her, that is if you want to live comfortably in the future."
"What do you mean?" Cygnus asked. He was limping while being supported by Astrophos and he was also curious to know who this person was and why the major was saying those things.
"She's a dangerous woman," was his simple answer before he looked forward and continued walking.
Cygnus looked at Astrophos but the other shook his head. They figured out that it would be futile to continue asking the major since he was not willing to talk about it. It took them half an hour to finally reach the place where the others were currently resting.
Mr. C and Nina saw that the master was limping so they immediately went to support him. The lieutenant also went and gave the major a salute before pointing him to the direction of the captain. Even after the fight, the atmosphere was still a bit tense, add to that the major and the captain who seemed to be at odds with each other.
Doctor Sigmond came to look at Cygnus and bandaged him up. "You'll need to rest, all of us need to rest." The doctor mumbled after he did his job.
"Why are the two of them not on good terms?" Cygnus asked with pure curiosity while looking at the two people from afar.
Sigmond followed the direction of his gaze, "That's because the captain has a bit of a difficult personality and the fact that she used her father's status to enter the army."
Cygnus's forehead creased after hearing the doctor's reply. "Well, is there something wrong with using your father's status to enter the army? All she needs to do is prove herself then."
"Easy to say but the army is not a place where you can easily prove your worth when all you did was use your connection to enter the ranks. People inside that place are unforgiving and they don't really like how arrogant she was despite not having any results." The doctor gave Cygnus a hard stare which made the latter uncomfortable.
"Status has always been the basis of how people will treat you especially at the capital. In the rural areas it could not be felt to the point that it doesn't exist. But, if you have a low status or not part of any of the noble families, you will be looked down once you enter the capital." Astrophos interjected from where he was seated.
"Are you speaking from experience?" The doctor shifted his gaze to the mage who had his eyes closed while leaning on a rock wall.
"It also happens inside the Magic Tower, so yes, I am speaking from experience." He opened his eyes but his attention was now on Cygnus. "If you want to survive in the capital, you should at least have the title of a mage, at least people will think twice before messing with you."
As those words faded, the major and the captain finished what they were talking about then walked in their direction. The atmosphere tensed a little bit more. Both stopped a few steps away from them.
"Report on the injuries and casualties?" Ginehart was looking at the doctor who remained reactionless.
"We lost ten men and most of the injured are not that severe. I have already treated them so we can move out anytime," he simply answered.
Ginehart nodded, "Alright, let them rest for a few more minutes before we leave. The three of you can still use the carriage while I request for the Grand Mage to remain in front and alert throughout our journey."
Cygnus nodded since he did not have the energy to walk. Astrophos has no complaints too so instead of staying there, he left to help the others in preparing for their ride. The master's eyes could not help but be drawn to the person behind the major.
Ginehart noticed this so he stepped aside and introduced the woman. "This is my Captian Violett Cazal. She'll be assisting us while on the road to the capital."
"Oh, nice to meet you!" Nina was the first one to stand up and was excited to shake her hand. She walked towards her then stretched out her hands while introducing herself, "I'm Nina Vestial."
Captain Cazal only stared at her hands but she had no intention of shaking it. Nina felt embarrassed that she could only bow her head and slowly retract her outstretched hand. She returned to Cgynus's side and refused to speak any longer.
The master showed an unhappy face because of how the captain acted but he couldn't just straight away scold her. "I'm Rigel Anzel. Thank you for your help today."
She still did not react to their introductions, instead she looked at them from head to toe. They thought that she would not speak but then her words came out like a dagger that made Nina flinch and Cygnus frown.
"Do not thank me since it is my job and I hope that throughout the journey, you won't be slowing us down. You can use magic and yet you can't even contribute that much during a fight. How pathetic." She did not hold back with her words before she turned around and left them.
"Well, now you see what I told you?" the doctor commented from the side. He also left after that to fix his things for the journey.
"Remember what I told you? Don't get too close to her and don't provoke her or else your life at the capital will not be peaceful." Ginehart muttered before he too turned around and left.
Nina glared at the woman's back, "That woman, I can't believe she would really criticize us like that! If I am not acting, I would have pummeled her already."
Cygnus laughed, "Patience Nina, that's what you need and of course the right timing. People like her are bound to be destroyed at the end."
Nina looked at the master only to see him with his scary smile which only appeared when there was some kind of a plan running inside his mind. "Do you have a plan for her, master?"
"Maybe." His shoulders shook and there was the glint on his eyes that appeared for a second. "Why don't we look forward to it, since I might not need to intervene this time."
