Chapter 128: Organizing a Banquet

After spending over ten minutes traversing the encampments of two barons, Vaelin arrived at a neatly organized military camp.

Beyond the necessary patrols, most of the soldiers were training in the camp’s drill grounds. Gazing from a distance, Vaelin spotted his paternal uncle wearing training gear, whip in hand, moving through the military formations to correct the soldiers' posture and explain the finer points of exerting force.

"Sir, may I ask your business here?" a knight stopped Vaelin, inquiring with a calm and polite tone.

Kyle stepped forward, presented the noble crest, and explained to the officer, "This is my lord, the nephew of Baron Alcott, here for a visit."

The knight looked at the eagle crest in Kyle's hand, immediately saluted, and replied respectfully, "Please wait a moment, my lord. I shall go report this to my master."

"Very well," Vaelin nodded in response.

Seeing this, the knight signaled to the officer at the camp gate not to show any negligence, then offered an apologetic smile to Vaelin before turning and entering the camp.

"How many men did my uncle bring this time?" With time to spare, Vaelin turned to the officer and asked gently.

"My apologies, my lord. It is my duty not to answer that question," the officer replied respectfully, revealing nothing.

"Hahaha, you did the right thing. My apologies for the intrusion," Vaelin smiled apologetically at the officer and then shifted the topic. "I see you are a warrior, Bronze-tier intermediate, how many years have you been with my uncle?"

"Replying to your lordship, I have followed the Baron for eight years now. Alas, my talent is limited, and I feel I have somewhat failed the Baron’s cultivation." The officer’s expression softened; seeing that the other party was no longer prying into military affairs, he became more forthcoming.

"How is your family situation?" Vaelin looked at his resolute face and asked with curiosity.

Hearing this, the officer replied respectfully, "My father is the Baron's stable servant, my mother is the head maid in the castle kitchen, and my wife is a maid at the castle. I also have an only son who is studying the way of the knight under the Baron's eldest grandson; he has more talent than I do."

As a listener, Vaelin noticed that when the officer spoke of his family, there was a smile on his face, though it was not very obvious on his swarthy complexion.

"What did your grandfather do?"

"His grandfather was named Kate. He was my warrior, and more than fifty years ago, he sacrificed himself during the early days of opening up the territory."

Hearing that distinct voice, the officer hurriedly turned and saluted, "Lord Baron."

"Uncle, long time no see." Vaelin looked at Alcott, who had appeared suddenly, and greeted him with a smile.

"It has been a year since we last parted. You’ve even been promoted to Baron; you’re much better than I am." Alcott looked at Vaelin with a complex expression, his face filled with melancholy.

Seeing this, Vaelin replied modestly, "It is thanks to the support the family provided in the beginning; otherwise, how could I compare to you, Uncle?"

"Even if you are a contemporary scion of the main line, the family wouldn't give too much. I don't know the specific reasons, but you must have contributed to the family to receive more support. In the end, it’s still your own capability. There is no need to be so humble before me." Alcott smiled and responded to Vaelin.

"Hahaha, Uncle, you are very open-minded."

Afterward, the two entered the camp, walking and talking.

"I heard you were assigned to the logistics troops again."

"Thanks to the help of Lord Medmunch, I was lucky enough to enter the logistics system. Otherwise, with my current strength, I would just be cannon fodder on the battlefield." Vaelin rubbed his head, his tone showing a hint of shame.

"That is also fine. Gain more military experience early on to refine your abilities." Alcott turned his head and urged, "Furthermore, there are descendants of military families from the capital and other noble scions in the logistics troops. Make more connections and expand your network."

"I understand, Uncle, but thank you for the reminder."

As they spoke, they arrived at the command tent.

"What brings you to me this time?" Alcott gestured for Vaelin to take a seat, ordered his subordinates to serve tea, and then asked.

Vaelin did not hold back and went straight to the point: "The 17th Legion, where my third uncle Bamond is, has been incorporated into the Serup Corps. He is now the Deputy Legion Commander. I plan to find a time for you, Uncle Edgar, my cousin, and my aunt to gather and meet each other."

"I just don't know when Lord Bamond will be free."

"January 10th, fourteen days from now. I have already notified Aunt Flora and the others."

"I understand. I will notify Edgar and Brian as soon as possible."

"Very good, Uncle."

As for Uncle Edgar and Cousin Brian, they had not yet arrived, and since Uncle Alcott was in the same corps as them, it was convenient to notify them.

Following this, the two chatted about the current situation for over two hours. Near noon, after finishing lunch with Alcott, Vaelin rose to leave the camp.

At the camp gate, Vaelin looked at the familiar officer, patted his shoulder, and said with a smile, "My Uncle Alcott still remembers your grandfather's name, which shows he still cares for your family. Tell your son to work hard and not let down the expectations your grandfather traded his life for."

The officer thanked Vaelin sincerely, "Many thanks for your reminder, my lord. I understand."

"Everyone has their own path; just work hard."

Having encouraged the officer he had known for less than half an hour, Vaelin took Kyle and left, wandering aimlessly through the encampment.

The following time was monotonous. Since the war had not yet begun, there were no transport missions, leaving Vaelin with nothing to do but instruct Kyle on how to drill troops, handing over three hundred auxiliary soldiers for him to practice with. During this period, Edgar and Brian arrived one after another, and the four had a small gathering to strengthen their bonds.

[Six months later, the seventh batch of exchange students from the Aishi Magic Kingdom will arrive at the Ilia Kingdom.]

The news brought by another nudge of fate seemed unrelated to him.

Time quickly arrived at January 10th. In twenty days, the Serup Corps would officially march toward the Gray Radiance Wasteland to launch a military vendetta against the monster clans.

On this day, Vaelin had the venue prepared, with food and fruit wine ready, waiting for his third uncle and the others to arrive.

Half an hour later, the guests arrived one after another. Following the etiquette of individual servings, they sat at the tables and waited quietly.

After a short while, Vaelin saw his third uncle’s figure and stepped forward to greet him.

"Third Uncle, I leave this banquet to you today."

"Rest assured, if your uncle couldn't even manage this small matter, I wouldn't be worthy of being your uncle." Bamond patted Vaelin’s shoulder, his tone full of confidence.

Seeing Bamond enter, Alcott and the other four stood up and saluted, "Greetings, Lord Bamond."

Whether in status, position, or strength, Bamond was above them, and it was only right that they salute first.

"Hahaha, sit, everyone sit. It’s rare for us to gather together today; don’t be so formal." Bamond walked straight to the head seat and addressed the five people present.

Two female swordsmen wearing cat masks knelt beside Bamond, attentively serving their master.

Seeing that his elders were all seated, Vaelin went to the seat below his aunt and sat quietly, leaving the stage to his third uncle and contentedly playing the role of a supporting character.