Lord of the Oasis Chapter 820End - The grand finale (VII)

Abel emerged from the office with a disheartened demeanor. The attendant who had been lingering by the doorway approached him.

“What you did just now was far too perilous!” The attendant, stealing a glance at the courtroom proceedings, cautioned Abel in a hushed tone. “If you had truly taken this gnome, the entirety of the monitoring station's soldiers would have been dispatched to pursue you. Even I would have faced repercussions!”

“My apologies...” Abel offered sheepishly to the attendant.

“Make haste and depart. Do not linger here!” The attendant gestured impatiently, ushering Abel and his soldiers away.

The group silently retreated to the leisure area. Several soldiers within the crowd subtly observed Abel's expression. One of the Elven soldiers inquired with evident apprehension, “Captain Abel, what course of action shall we take now?”

The journey back to the office had initially been filled with high spirits.

However, this recent ordeal had cast a somber shadow over everyone's mood.

“Await instructions here,” Abel stated softly. “We cannot permit the Gnome to be imprisoned.”

“Understood,” the soldiers responded in unison, exchanging glances.

Approximately half an hour later, sounds of commotion and movement emanated from the direction of the court. Abel promptly rose from his seat and exited the leisure area, his soldiers following closely behind.

The first figures to emerge from the public office were the judge and his retinue. As the judge passed by the assembled soldiers, Abel called out, “Esteemed Judge!”

“What is it?” Upon recognizing Abel, the judge's brow furrowed.

“May I inquire as to the verdict you delivered?” Abel asked, taking a deep breath.

“That Gnome harbored illicit substances and impersonated a soldier within the inn. Furthermore, he inflicted significant psychological and physical harm upon the inn's attendants,” the judge responded impassively. “The sentence could only be that of death.”

“This... this sentence... is there any possibility of its reversal?” Abel’s voice quivered as he posed the question.

The judge cast a glance at him but offered no reply, departing with his subordinates.

“Captain! We have apprehended the inn's waiter!” Just as Abel stood in a state of stunned silence, a Caradia soldier hurried forward to report.

“Where is he?” Abel inquired softly, his fists clenched.

“The fellow was attempting to escape our grasp, but he was intercepted by a soldier who happened to be heading to the restroom at that very moment. He is presently being escorted here,” the soldier explained in detail. “Captain, if we secure this individual, is there a chance the Gnome might be pardoned?”

“I cannot say,” Abel replied, shaking his head. “Let us not remain here. We shall return to the inn at once, and bring the attendant with us.”

“Indeed,” the soldier affirmed with a nod.

Abel strode towards the entrance of the surveillance bureau and boarded the inn's carriage. As he was about to embark, the attendant, now restrained by two soldiers, was brought before him.

“Release me!” the attendant struggled and cried out.

“Rascally worm! What did we warn you about? What foolishness have you committed?” The soldier holding him tightened his grip, admonishing the attendant. “Confess, who are you seeking revenge against with these actions?”

“Let him go. With so many of us present, this attendant poses no escape risk,” Abel instructed before boarding the carriage, not even turning his head to look at the restrained man.

Within Abel's heart, only a profound sense of confusion and sorrow resided.

En route to the inn, Abel gazed out the window, the scenes from the courtroom replaying vividly in his mind.

The intricate tapestry of human nature surpassed his comprehension. He struggled to grasp the waiter's motivations, and he couldn't even discern the factors that led the gnome to capitulate.

While Abel was lost in contemplation, the carriage came to a halt.

The group proceeded to an open-air teahouse and took their seats. The hour was late, and few pedestrians traversed the streets.

After dispatching a soldier to summon Kant and Bunduk from upstairs, Abel's gaze fell upon Nitte and his companions standing before the inn. He waved, calling out across the street, “Join us as well.”

After a moment's hesitation, Nitte's group slowly made their way toward Abel.

“Were you aware of his involvement in this?” Abel asked Nitte, indicating the waiter surrounded by soldiers.

“... Yes.” Nitte gritted his teeth and nodded.

“Slap!” Abel raised his hand and struck Nate across the face. As a common orc attendant, Nate was ill-equipped to withstand a blow from an elf of Abel's caliber. The impact against his face caused a ringing sensation in Nate’s ears.

“Abel!” Kant and Bunduk, who had hurried over, cried out in unison upon witnessing the scene. Abel's motion ceased. The inn attendants facing them silently helped Nate, who had collapsed to the ground, without uttering a word of condemnation against Abel's actions.

“What happened?” Kant inquired, walking between the two.

“That Gnome was given a death sentence by the judge,” Abel replied with a helpless sigh, hands covering his face.

“What?” Bunduk exclaimed in shock.

“That servant suddenly accused the gnome in court, claiming he was also involved in the fight,” a soldier explained for Abel, stepping forward.

Kant’s gaze fell upon Nitte and the servant behind him, his expression growing stern.

“I apologize, Lord Kant…” Nitte mumbled, head bowed. “It’s just that we truly cannot condone the actions of those individuals.”

“Knight, did you not notice? You have overstepped,” Kant said softly, shaking his head. “We could hand that gnome over to you, even give you the chance to push him toward the executioner’s block. We could also rescue him from his impending doom. However, you have utterly forfeited our trust.”

Without further explanation, Kant turned to Abel. “Let’s go. I have something extremely important to discuss with you.”

“Yes.” Abel nodded and followed Kant into the teahouse.

“Everyone, return and rest. You’ve all had a taxing day,” Bunduk instructed the soldiers nearby.

Once the crowd dispersed, Bunduk glanced at Nitte and the others who remained, sighing before walking up to them. “Take care of yourselves,” he advised.

Chapter 918: A Decision Must Be Made

“Your Highness, what is this important matter you wish to discuss?” Abel asked after they entered the inn’s guest room.

“The West City Guild received word from our spies: the Dark Side will initiate a war against the Gnome troops stationed at the monitoring post within three days,” Kant stated, settling into a chair in the main hall.

“Who is ‘someone,’ Your Highness?” Abel inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“The spies the Dragon Clan has embedded within the city,” Kant replied. “Gilbert and his associates have also been informed. The Gnomes, the elves, and the Dragon Clan are currently holding an emergency meeting to deliberate on this operation.”

“Your Highness, why were you not present?” Abel questioned, sitting beside Kant.

“Because I chose not to attend,” Kant replied, closing his eyes. “The waters are too treacherous; we must keep one foot firmly on dry land.”

“I understand. Then, Your Highness, what are your intentions?” Abel asked after a prolonged silence.

“Bunduk and I conferred. Caradia will be involved in this conflict,” Kant revealed, his gaze fixed on Abel, a hint of worry in his voice. “However, the Elf Kingdom’s stance remains uncertain, and thus…”

“Indeed.” Abel nodded thoughtfully. “Before we departed for the battlefield, we gave our word to your Highness the Elf King. No matter the circumstances, we pledged to stand with Caradia.”

“If that is the case, I urge you to depart from this island immediately,” Kant said with all seriousness. “Return to your homeland and inform the Elf King that your mission here is complete.”

“Your Highness…” Abel’s eyes, a mixture of sadness and surprise, met Kant’s. Words faltered on his tongue, unsure how to express them.

“Do not refuse me,” Kant placed a hand on Abel’s shoulder, a smile gracing his lips. “Return and contemplate this, or discuss it with your soldiers. I shall grant you two days to provide your answer.”

“Yes…” Abel responded, lowering his head.

“We will find a way to resolve the Gnome’s predicament. Do not carry such a burden,” Kant assured him. “Those orcs at the inn were excessively ignorant.”

“Yes.” Abel nodded, then bid Kant farewell.

After watching Abel retreat to his room, Kant quietly rose and approached the entrance. Opening the door, he beckoned to Bunduk, who was standing in the corridor. “Come in.”

“I overheard what Your Highness and Abel were discussing at the door, so I waited nearby,” Bunduk said gently, closing the door behind him. “Your Highness, how did you know I was out there?”

“I merely had a premonition that you would return here sooner rather than later,” Kant mused. “How are Nate and the others faring?”

“They all departed with long faces,” Bunduk replied, his brow furrowing at the mention of the subject. “Those individuals have truly gone too far this time.”

“They have indeed gone too far. Yet, from our perspective, we cannot fault their reasoning,” Kant remarked, pouring himself a cup of hot tea and taking a sip. “We have visited the monitoring post several times and are somewhat aware of the situation. It is proving quite difficult to overturn the death sentence imposed upon the Gnome.”

“I inquired with the teahouse waiter. The execution day at the monitoring post on this island is set for the end of the month. There are still approximately three weeks before the Gnome faces the guillotine,” Bunduk stated, his expression somber.

“We must still find a way to untangle this knot. We need to seize an opportunity to loosen the tongues of those orcs at the inn,” Kant sighed.

“Count on them?”Bunduk’s eyes widened upon hearing this. He shook his head and said, “That group of people should be assuming the gnome will be executed on the spot.”

“We cannot discount the possibility that they will also show leniency. After all, they are merely a group of simple-minded children. The shopkeeper and the accountant have hardly ever allowed them to stray from the safe boundaries they've set,”Kant replied. “Moreover, this matter can only be set aside in light of the ongoing war on the island.”

“Yes.”Bunduk concurred with Kant’s assessment of the potential outcome.

“Has the soldier sent by Adonis arrived?” Bunduk inquired.

“We have already dispatched the dragon soldier to escort them. They should be arriving in this small town shortly,” Bunduk responded.

“Indeed, for now, we can only await their arrival before proceeding with strategic deployment.” Kant nodded and added, “Gilbert will provide more detailed news tomorrow.”

“Your Highness, you should also return to your chambers to rest,” Bunduk suggested.

“Yes.” Kant set down his teacup and said to Bunduk, “You have worked hard today.”

The two men retired to their respective rooms. While bathing, Bunduk’s mind replayed the day’s events—the feeling of being deceived when probed by Gilbert and the others, and the shocking, devastating scene at the inn upon his return.

Upon recalling Nate, Bunduk’s expression turned complex.

“Abel must be feeling even more sorrowful than I am...” Bunduk murmured to himself.

Their grief stemmed not only from the perilous situation of the gnome but also from Nate, who had orchestrated the entire affair. Based on the inn attendant, both Bunduk and Abel could not envision a bright future for the inn.

“Are you alright?” After his bath, Bunduk, genuinely concerned, approached Abel’s room. As anticipated, the candlesticks inside were still lit. Bunduk suppressed his own emotions and inquired softly through the door gap.

“Come in.” Abel rose from his bed and opened the door. “Come in,” Bunduk continued without looking back.

Bunduk ambled towards the room’s dining table and took a seat. He observed Abel and asked, “Why are you still awake so late?”

“I cannot sleep,” Abel replied, pursing his lips.

Whenever he lay in bed and attempted to close his eyes, the turbulent emotions within his chest relentlessly assailed his nerves.

Their presence was impossible to disregard.

“It has already happened. We did all we could,” Bunduk offered comfort after a moment of silence.

“I know,” Abel confessed, covering his face. “But I still feel so disheartened.”

“Rest early.” Bunduk looked at Abel, a thousand words poised on his tongue, yet only a single word of solace emerged.

“Yes, I will,” Abel affirmed, rising to his feet. “Don’t worry about me. Go back and rest.”

Chapter 919: Contemplating Carriage Rental

After Bunduk departed, Abel remained seated by his bed for a while. He then rose and extinguished the candelabra in the corner. Shortly after, the sound of a closing door echoed from the other end of the corridor.

A wry smile touched Abel’s lips. As he lay back down on his bed, he closed his eyes, exhaustion weighing him down.

The following day, when Kant and the others awoke, the sun was already high in the azure sky.

“It’s getting later and later now,” Bunduk mumbled, drawing back the bed curtains and retreating further into his blankets.

Before he could enjoy a moment of peace, a knock sounded at his door.

“Bunduk, Get Up!” Abel’s voice called from outside the door.

“Got it!” Bunduk replied loudly. He barely managed to lift his upper body, beginning to don a coat.

After finishing his ablutions, he appeared in the main hall. Kant and Abel were already partaking in breakfast.

“It’s already ten o’clock. Why are you up so late today?” Kant asked Bunduk, raising his head after sipping his black tea.

“Perhaps I slept exceptionally well,” Bunduk responded with a chuckle.

“Hurry and join us for breakfast,” Abel beckoned. “We still need to head out to welcome the soldier.”

“Have you made up your mind?” Bunduk quickly grabbed a chair and sat down, a look of pleasant surprise on his face as he asked Abel, “Will you remain here?”

“Not yet,” Abel smiled and shook his head. He replied, “But before I make that decision, I still wish to complete the mission alongside you.”

“I see.” Bunduk nodded. He refrained from further inquiries, instead dedicating his attention to the waffles on his plate.

Their breakfast concluded swiftly. Ten minutes later, the trio emerged at the room’s entrance, dressed in plain attire.

As they descended the stairs, Kant recalled something and inquired, “By the way, the soldier has been undergoing training recently, correct?”

“Yes,” Bunduk nodded and elaborated, “They’ve been training in the inn’s backyard. I wonder where they will relocate their training now.”

“What about the elven soldier?” Kant continued his questioning.

“They don’t typically train in the mornings,” Abel stated with a helpless shake of his head. “They are likely still in their rooms, conversing.”

“The elven soldiers’ training methods are certainly not the same as human soldiers’,” Kant responded with a nod. Significant disparities existed between the elven physique and that of humanity. Kant felt he lacked the standing to offer guidance to the elven soldiers on such matters.

“Your Highness Kant, please do not fret. While they might indulge in a bit of laziness in their daily routines,” Abel reassured him. “Their dedication to spell research, however, will not waver. After all, their spellcasting is evaluated annually within the troops.”

Kant simply nodded at Abel’s explanation, offering no further comment.

Bunduk, who had been walking ahead, was engaged in a discussion with the teahouse staff concerning carriage rental. Upon noticing Kant approach and halt beside him, Bunduk turned his body. “It appears the inn we stayed at was perhaps too accommodating,” he remarked, sounding exasperated. “I truly didn’t anticipate that renting a carriage in this small town would prove so challenging.”

“What seems to be the issue?” Kant inquired, his brow furrowed with concern.

Bunduk gestured towards the teahouse manager, who could only offer a contrite explanation. “My lords, I am truly sorry. The carriages in our establishment are utilized for transporting tea leaves. We are unable to lend them out.”

“That is understandable,” Kant mused for a moment before addressing the manager. “However, would it be possible for us to visit the stables and inspect your carriages?”

“This…” The shopkeeper appraised Kant, then seemingly made a decision. “Very well. My attendants will escort the lords to the stables.”

“Thank you kindly,” Kant replied courteously.

“Think nothing of it,” the shopkeeper responded with equal politeness. “Sewell, lead the lords to the stables for a look around.”

“Stables?” The attendant, summoned casually by the shopkeeper, appeared visibly taken aback and questioned with a hint of confusion.

“If I told you to go, then go!” the shopkeeper commanded sternly. “What is it? Do you not know the way?”

“Yes, sir!” Under the shopkeeper’s direct order, Sewell bowed to Kant and the others. “My lords, please follow me.”

“We appreciate the trouble,” Kant nodded at Sewell, then proceeded to follow him.

Abel cast a glance at the shopkeeper before departing as well.

“Your Highness, if we cannot rent a horse, why are we proceeding to the stables?” Bunduk asked, moving closer to Kant with evident puzzlement.

Kant offered no immediate reply. Instead, he brought his hand to his lips, forming a gesture of silence.

Sewell led Kant and his companions past numerous stables. Despite his own inner uncertainties, he meticulously explained the purpose and features of each carriage to Kant and the group.

“Can this particular carriage be utilized by us?” Kant inquired, stopping before a stable and pointing towards a carriage housed within, his question directed at Sewell.