His words successfully grabbed everyone's attention, and all eyes turned towards him simultaneously.
Frey's face turned bright red abruptly, realizing just how close she was to the guy. She quickly took a step back and explained, "It's, it's nothing, just, just discussing…" Unfortunately, the simple-minded girl didn't understand that her retreat and explanation only made things worse, seeming to cover up in the eyes of the others.
Especially with her face flushed so red, when had the captain ever been this shy?
Romantic rubbed her sleepy eyes and sat up from the ground, like she just figured out what was happening. Even though Frey was afraid she might misunderstand and kept giving her looks, our Merchant Lady smiled nonchalantly as if her thoughts were all wrong: "It's okay, Frey."
"Romantic, you—" The ponytailed girl couldn't get the words out and turned red with frustration.
She glared at Romantic, almost wanting to strangle her.
But Brand noticed a worried look within the crowd cast this way; it was from the young man called Nipetto. He was slightly stunned. Could it be that he was interested in Frey? Lack of courage wouldn't do, though. He couldn't help but shake his head.
"Alright," he interjected, "I was discussing food distribution with your captain."
When Brand spoke, it brought a natural authority that made everyone stop and turn their attention to him.
However, Miss Romantic, what's with your sparkling gaze, he thought. Are you looking at a pile of treasures? The young man shook his head and continued, "This little bit of food, even if rationed, won't be enough for us. Besides, we need to maintain our stamina to handle possible enemies."
"But—" Frey had just said half a word before Brand shook his head at her.
"Qing Village is not far away. Why don't we go there to find food? The Undead don't need to eat. Besides, those things originally belonged to us Humans. Naturally, we have the right to take them back," he replied.
"Qing Village? Wasn't it attacked by Madara?" Aik, sitting on the ground, asked. The bandage on his leg, applied by Brand, had almost healed by today.
The bandage's healing effect was a potential recovery value, which over time during its effect (reapplication) would slowly take effect. In the game, it activated every six minutes, but in this world, the recovery period extended to a day. Thus, wounds would slowly mend over a day until the bandage was changed next.
"Of course, there are enemies, but we can act in small groups to avoid direct confrontation," Brand answered confidently, having already planned the escape route.
"Small groups, does that mean infiltration?" Little Phenix immediately showed interest.
"Yes, I'll choose a few people to go with me," Brand nodded, his gaze sweeping over everyone: "Aik and Vlad are injured, Markmi and Nipetto, you stay behind to take care of them. Romantic, you stay with Beisha. As for the others, Essen and Frey, you two come with me."
"No!"
"No!" Frey and Little Phenix protested together.
"Essen and I can go, Brand, you must stay behind." The ponytailed girl took a deep breath. Did he even know how serious his wounds were?
"I want to go too." The naive young man was the first to jump up.
Brand looked at the two of them and sighed, "Alright, I will answer your concerns one by one." As he spoke, he bit into the bandage, wrapped it around his body several times, and tightened it.
A faint green +2 appeared on him.
He took a breath and felt his stamina slowly returning to his body. Although still very weak, especially with the corrosion still eating away his vitality, at least he could barely move on his own for now.
He looked up and asked, "Miss Frey, what's your reason for making me stay? Because of my injuries?"
"As long as you know." The ponytailed girl turned away.
Brand smiled slightly; that might not be the case.
...
(PS. Desperately begging for recommendation clicks and favorites. I feel like my performance has been penalized, is it just my eyes?)