Lord of the Oasis

Chapter 761: The Impending Farewell

“You guys, what are you chattering about? Quickly follow the formation!” Claremont stopped the discussion in time.

After seeing that the last row of soldiers immediately became well-behaved, Claremont sighed in his heart. Please don’t look at me while gossiping, okay? It was really too embarrassing.

Based on the few words that reached his ears, he deduced the entire process of the plot. It also allowed Claremont to have a brand-new understanding of his soldiers.

When the sky turned completely dark, the reconnaissance team stopped.

“The temperature outside tonight is too low, so we won’t extend the journey time. Everyone hurries up and build a fire.” Abel ordered the soldiers in the cold wind.

“Yes!”

When everyone dispersed to prepare for the camp. Austin stayed where he was and looked around at the desolate area. He asked Gilbert curiously, “Where did you go yesterday? Why didn’t I see people on the way?”

“I took a shortcut. You won’t be able to walk that way. People come here from time to time to pick agricultural products. It’s just that the snow just stopped, so there are fewer people.” Gilbert explained.

“I see.” Austin finally understood and led Gilbert to the place where everyone gathered. After receiving his share of the tools, Austin continued to ask Gilbert, “Then when can we reach the town?”

“Tomorrow. The town near the volcano is not far from here.” Gilbert said with a pile of firewood in his arms.

“Yes.” Austin replied. “I hope to arrive early so that I can buy you some suitable clothes.”

“Tomorrow, we will arrive at the small town of Cerrodi.” Abel said, pointing at a stronghold on the map.

“Have you been there before?” Devitt raised his head and asked.

“Yes. This town is under the care of the nomadic races near the volcano. When we went there, we also replenished some supplies there.” Abel recalled.

“Compared to the dwarf town, is there anything special?” Claremont continued to ask.

“It’s much bigger than the dwarf town, and the marketing areas of the various races are also divided,” Abel replied, “Maybe it’s easier to manage this way.”

“Sounds good.” Devitt nodded. “We won’t encounter any trouble on the way up the mountain, right?”

“Probably not.” Abel replied. “Everyone knows how difficult it is to advance from the edge of the island to this area. So, as long as you successfully reach the edge of the volcano, no one will come and make things difficult for you. This is also a rule of this small island. I only learned about it because I came here once.”

“I can finally feel at ease.” Devitt exhaled.

“Recently, due to the incident with the pseudo dragon, the status of the dwarf tribe has changed among the people around the volcano. We have to be careful about this.” Abel thought of what happened a few days ago and said solemnly.

“Yes.” Claremont also reacted and said, “When we set off tomorrow, we should inform the soldiers first: we must not reveal that we have passed through the dragon clan’s estate.”

“Yes.” Devitt nodded heavily.

At this time, a soldier first reported, then walked into the tent and informed the three people, “Captain Devitt, Captain Claremont, Captain Abel. It’s already dinner time. You can go and eat.”

“Okay.” Devitt nodded, then signaled for the soldiers to leave.

The three of them tidied up and walked out of the tent. The soldiers were having a noisy meal together.

Devitt caught a glimpse of Austin, who was helping Gilbert with the food. With a complicated expression, he said, “Gilbert will be going home soon.”

“Yes.” Claremont looked where Devitt was looking and replied, “Austin must be very sad.”

“In the past, Gilbert’s identity should have been that of the gnome’s prince. This time, he’s probably going back to fight for his throne.” Abel said.

“Although Gilbert’s ability is indeed very strong, and he’s much more mature than people his age, if he were to really get involved in the bloody storm of power struggles, he would be a little too thin,” Devitt sighed and said.

“Maybe there are people who support him, that’s why he wants to go back.” Abel replied. “I hope those people can share some of the pressure and responsibilities for him.”

“It is better not to tell Austin about our conjectures.” Claremont warned. “After all, up until now, Gilbert seems to have never told Austin about his origin.”

“Mm. Let’s keep it this way.” Abel affirmed.

After dinner time, snow began to fall in the sky again.

“The snow from last night hasn’t melted yet. It’s starting to snow again tonight.” Austin said, wiping his mouth.

“Yeah. Tomorrow will probably be as cold as today.” Gilbert said softly as he sat in his chair, looking at the volcano in the distance.

“Of course, you don’t have to worry about it tomorrow.” Austin smiled happily, he said, “When the time comes, we will definitely enjoy the warmth of the fireplace in the hotel room. I haven’t slept on a soft mattress for a long time.”

“Hehe.” Gilbert heard what he said and laughed softly.

Austin looked at the place Gilbert had been looking at and exclaimed, “So you can see the volcano from here. I was so busy eating just now that I didn’t notice it. Eh? There seems to be snow on the top of the volcano.”

“Yes, the volcano is in hibernation in winter. The altitude is so high. I guess the snow on it has frozen.” Gilbert replied.

“Your home is on top of this volcano, right?” Austin asked curiously, “Can you show me?”

“You can’t see it here. The gnomes live underground, and we live on the south side of the mountain.” Gilbert said with a smile and shook his head.

“How long does it take to walk from the foot of the mountain to your home?” Austin became sad when he thought of the upcoming farewell. At this moment, his expression was a little gloomy.

“One day.” Gilbert replied. He also had a reluctant look on his face.

“It’s quite close.” After hearing the answer, Austin nodded and said, “When we return from our mission, Can I come and see you?”

Hearing this, tears welled up in Gilbert’s eyes.

“Yes. If you can’t come to the Gnome Kingdom, I’ll wait for you in the small town at the foot of the mountain.”