The Forgotten Field - Chapter 99

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 99
The Castle Lord, who had been watching Barcas’s expression with a rigid face, let out an awkward laugh and scratched the back of his head.
“I fear I’ve overstepped. If I’ve offended you, I sincerely apologize.”
Barcas, regarding him with cool eyes, crossed the Inner Courtyard.
Before the Castle Gate, the cavalry unit stood in formation, already prepared for departure.
As I surveyed them, I caught sight of Talia moving across the dirt path and halted my steps.
Her neatly braided hair, a pale golden-brown, gleamed like pure gold in the autumn sunlight.
Observing her pallid face etched with fatigue, I entrusted my horse to the head knight and approached from behind her. The woman, who had been gripping the carriage door handle to board, fixed me with a wary glare.
“What… what is it?”
I slowly withdrew my hand, which had been reaching to help her into the carriage.
My wife resembled prey confronted by a predator. Meeting her frightened blue eyes, a subtle spasm rippled through some indefinable depth within me.
I studied her face with narrowed eyes before stepping back.
Watching the tension drain from her body as relief washed over her, a bitter taste flooded my mouth.
Ignoring the peculiar reaction my body displayed, I spoke with measured composure.
“I intend to ride horseback from today onward. I’ll assign a Guard to accompany the carriage, so should you require anything, simply call for him.”
A faint glimmer of relief crossed her face. As if to conceal it, the woman lowered her long, luxuriant lashes and replied curtly.
“Do as you wish.”
Then she pushed herself into the carriage as though fleeing.
Standing at the door, I watched her in silence before turning away with a quiet sigh. It seemed all my efforts to acclimate her to my touch had come to naught.
Reflecting on last night’s hasty actions, her reaction was hardly surprising.
‘It would be best to refrain from touching her for a while.’
She was as sensitive and fearful as a young wild horse.
To ease her wariness, it would be wise not to approach her rashly for some time.
Feeling the bitter taste in my mouth intensify, I swung myself onto the saddle.
“Once more, I thank you for accepting my invitation, Grand Duke.”
The Castle Lord, who had been waiting at a distance, approached my side again. I turned my horse’s head toward the front of the long cavalry column and gave a slight nod.
“I shall resolve the bandit problem as swiftly as possible.”
“Thank you. Then I shall visit you in Kalmor soon.”
The man called out in a booming voice.
I immediately spurred my horse forward.
As I passed through the Castle Gate, the mounted warriors fell into formation behind me. From the revelry they had indulged in last night, a strong scent of wine clung to their bodies.
Scanning the faces of the cavalry, I spoke tersely to Tyron, who rode nearby.
“Bring Lucas to the front. Until we return to Kalmor, I shall personally oversee his training.”
The man’s eyes reflected concern.
Did he fear I might harm that green youth?
I let out a faint sneer and added coldly.
“Must I repeat myself?”
“…I shall bring him at once.”
The man turned his horse and moved toward the rear of the column.
Shortly after, Lucas appeared, his face stern, riding toward me.
Barcas swept his younger brother with a dry gaze before giving a light nod of his chin.
“From now on, you’ll serve as our guide. Take the lead.”
Clear tension bloomed across his youthful face, still soft with the down of youth. He seemed to sense the trials that awaited him ahead.
He nodded once more.
“Well? Why aren’t you taking the lead?”
Kael, who had hesitated for a moment, cracked the reins and moved to the front of the column.
Barcas spoke sharply to his rigidly tensed back.
“From this point forward, I cannot permit you to break formation on a whim or fall out of my sight. Should you fail in your role, you must bear the consequences for that failure.”
“Grand Duke, the young master still lacks experience….”
“Tyron El Drakan.”
The man who had interjected so presumptuously fell silent at once.
Barcas issued his first and final warning.
“Interrupt me one more time, and you’ll pay the price for it.”
A chilling silence fell among the cavalry. They all understood his warning was directed at every soul present.
Barcas swept the cavalry with a sharp gaze before turning his eyes back to Lucas.
“Now, depart.”
Lucas, glancing back over his shoulder, spurred his horse forward. Barcas immediately pursued his brother.
They were scheduled to make a wide circuit through the Northeastern Region before heading south.
After reaching the border of the old Arex Kingdom, they would turn westward again to inspect the Southeastern Region. After surveying the Northwestern Region as well, their territorial tour would conclude upon arrival in Kalmor.
At most, it would take roughly two weeks.
More than enough time to discipline his thoughtless brother.
He carefully observed his surroundings while staying close behind Lucas. He had no intention of interfering in his brother’s navigation unless great danger arose.
Fortunately, Lucas found his way with competence, never straying far from the designated route.
However, lacking experience leading a group, he thoughtlessly ventured down remote paths without considering those following behind.
Eventually, as Lucas retraced his steps back the way they’d come, his spirits visibly flagged.
“Study the map properly. Tomorrow we must reach the vicinity of Brinack.”
As dusk fell and Barcas arrived at the campsite, he spoke to his brother with stern severity.
“If we fall behind schedule, that responsibility falls on you. Keep your wits about you and fulfill your role.”
“…Why is that my responsibility?”
Barcas, who had dismounted and was leading his horse toward the water, paused and turned to face his brother.
Lucas glared at him with defiant eyes.
“We fell behind because you threw a petty tantrum yesterday, brother!”
Rough intakes of breath echoed from various points around them.
Tension flickered across Lucas’s face. Yet believing his brother could do nothing to him, his bronze neck remained stiffly rigid with defiance.
Barcas exhaled a long breath and slowly approached his brother.
Lucas raised his chin high and glared with fierce eyes, his audacity on full display.
A dry laugh escaped Barcas as he reached out, brushing back the disheveled dark-brown hair tied in a topknot. Startled by the sudden touch, Lucas’s shoulders stiffened. Barcas gripped the back of his brother’s head and tilted his face close, his expression darkening.
“If I’d meant to vent yesterday’s frustrations, I would have placed you in the training grounds instead of subjecting myself to this tedious effort.”
The color drained from his sun-bronzed face. Barcas spoke gently to that carefree visage of one who had never borne responsibility in his life.
“Be grateful that you’re not yet of age and that you’re my brother, Lucas. Otherwise, I would have placed you not before me, but in the same position as Alec Gutban.”
“….”
“If you understand what I’m saying, you owe this elder brother an apology.”
“…I’m sorry, brother.”
“Good. I forgive your insolence.”
He continued speaking in a measured tone.
“Soon enough, you’ll need to apologize to my wife for speaking so carelessly about her. For now, she doesn’t wish to see your face, so I’m simply leaving you be.”
Lucas bit his lip.
Barcas, who had been quietly observing the young man’s face flushed with humiliation, released his grip with a dismissive gesture.
“Now go about your duties.”

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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