''What happened''
''The abyssal were already informed about our route and I believe they also knew about our numbers as well Sir'' Said Robert.
''Are these the only survivors'' Asked Archduke Asriel.
''Yes'' Said Robert with a solemn voice.
Despite the bombshell that was thrown, the people in the room handled the news rather well. That didn't mean they didn't panic, but with the tight leadership and the fact that most of the people present were either trained soldiers or veteran adventurers, they were quick to adapt.
Asriel examined the 17 people present in Robert's group.
His eyes finally landed on me, he rose his eyebrows in curiosity. It was expected to be a little surprised to find out a first-circle mage survived something like this when even all the two-circle mages were dead.
''Robert, I'd like to express my condolences to those who did not make it, I know how you treat your soldiers.
They will receive compensation.
You all can leave now''
Raising his hand, he permitted us to leave as General Solomon started giving his report about the work that was assigned to him. A little soldier like me wouldn't be able to participate or even listen to their discussions.
It was already unprecedented to even meet such a figure being so weak.
''Even in my real life, I've never met someone of his calibre'' Augustus thought
''You all must be tired after all the fighting and the journey. I know we lost many people, but such is the life of a soldier. You should go celebrate the fact that you're alive and aim to be stronger. Especially you kid, I know you're young and this was the first time you were experiencing these things, they will happen often no matter what you do. So, aim to be stronger and achieve your goal to survive the war''
Robert said the last part looking towards me. Seeing the faces of these people who try their hardest only to survive, I now understood how lucky I was to be born in peace.
'I will not disappoint you''
He smiled lightly at my response before leaving.
Basil, who was standing beside me put a hand on my soldier and said
''Leo, It would be a while since we'll be summoned to go on a mission again so, I'll be training you from tomorrow'' He said with a firm voice and a serious expression that I didn't expect from him.
''Sure, I want to be stronger too'' I said nodding my head.
''Enough of that, let's go eat something first'' Said Leah, ruining the moment.
''She is pretty candid'' I thought looking towards her.
After Leah's suggestion, we went together to a tavern called 'Skål'.
Entering the building which is not as grandiose as inns, but able to hold a significantly larger number of people. The medieval tavern had multiple rooms. It was a very busy and loud place, most people seemed to be drunk and there were a few who were even gambling a lot.
The tavern seemed like a comfortable meeting place for the masses to indulge in delinquency. Most people were soldiers who were most likely either celebrating the fact that they were alive or crying over the fact that only they remained alive.
Sitting on a table and ordering some ale as Leah called it, I asked
''What does the name mean'' I asked.
''Cheers'' Said Basil
''Um.. yea cheers too but what does it mean''
He looked at me like I was a monkey and Leah laughed loudly which confused me
'' 'Skål' means cheers you stupid brat'' He said before also laughing.
I was a little embarrassed but the alcohol saved me from it. Looking around the atmosphere, it held so many emotions. People getting wasted, some were gambling, some were crying and some were celebrating.
I wanted to find out about the Abyssal and get some knowledge about it but I didn't waste the moment getting that information. Looking at the drinking faces of Leah and Basil, I too got lost in the moment and started enjoying myself.
'I'll find out about it tomorrow' I thought before finishing the glass of ale in my hand.
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After hours of drinking which made me almost wasted, I stopped drinking and looked towards the other two who still seemed to be right in their head.
It was maybe due to the fact that they are stronger than me that they could not get intoxicated that easily.
After spending a few hours in the tavern, we left the place to go home which I had no idea of. But I thought I lived with Basil knowing I was his nephew.
After taking a carriage to where we live, we headed home and I was quite surprised to know that Leah was also coming with us and was our neighbour.
'This is probably why she was so friendly all the time' Augustus thought.
After about 15 minutes, we finally reached the destination.
The timber-framed manor house with rosy ochre colored plaster walls and dark tiled roof. It was a little towards the outskirt of the camp and was a little small but was really beautiful and felt warm.
After waving Leah goodbye, Basil opened the door and I followed him inside.
After finding my room, which was on the second floor, I said goodbye to Basil and went inside the room. It was a pretty simple room with a bed in the corner with little to no decorations.
Sitting on the bed which was surprisingly very comfortable, I closed my eyes to sleep.
'Tomorrow would be the start of my new life in this place'.