The Forgotten Field Novel - Chapter 99
## Chapter 99: THE FORGOTTEN FIELDS (NOVEL)
The lord of the castle, who was observing Varkas’s reaction with a tense expression, let out an awkward laugh and scratched the back of his neck.
—I have spoken too much. I beg you to forgive me if I have offended you.
Varkas looked at him with icy eyes and crossed the inner courtyard.
In front of the castle gate, the cavalry was already formed and ready to depart.
After glancing at them, Varkas stopped his steps upon seeing Talia walking on the dirt path.
Her light brown hair, neatly braided, shone like pure gold under the autumn sun.
Varkas carefully observed her pale face, which showed signs of fatigue, and left his horse in the care of a squire to approach her from behind. Feeling his presence, the woman, who was holding the carriage handle to climb inside, looked at him with caution.
—What… what is the matter…?
Varkas, who was going to help her up into the carriage, slowly withdrew his hand.
His wife looked like prey before its natural predator. Upon meeting her blue eyes filled with fear, he felt a slight spasm in some deep part of his entrails that he could not clearly identify.
He observed her face in silence with narrowed eyes and took a step back.
Seeing how the tension left her body, as if she finally felt relieved, a bitter taste invaded Varkas’s mouth.
Ignoring that strange physical reaction, he spoke in a calm voice.
—Starting today, I will move on horseback. I have assigned additional escort guards to the side of the carriage, so call me if anything happens.
A slight flash of relief crossed Talia’s face. As if to hide it, the woman lowered her long, thick eyelashes and responded sharply.
—Do what you want.
Act of following, she got into the carriage as if she were fleeing.
Varkas, who was watching the scene standing by the door, let out a slight sigh and turned around. It seemed that all the effort invested in trying to get her used to his touch had been in vain.
Remembering his impulsive behavior from the previous night, it was not such a strange reaction.
“…It will be better not to touch her for a while.”
She was a woman as sensitive and skittish as a wild filly.
For her to lower her guard, it would be better not to approach recklessly for a while.
Sensing that the bitter taste in his mouth was intensifying, he mounted his horse’s saddle in one leap.
—Once again, thank you for accepting the invitation, Grand Duke.
The lord of the castle, who was waiting a short distance away, approached again. Varkas nodded slightly as he turned his horse’s head toward the vanguard of the long line of riders.
—I will resolve the problem of the looters as soon as possible.
—Thank you. Then, I will visit you in Kalmorre soon —the man shouted with a powerful voice.
Varkas spurred his horse immediately.
As they crossed the castle gate, the cavalry warriors followed him, maintaining formation. Their bodies gave off a dense smell of wine, as if they had enjoyed a rather noisy night.
Varkas calmly examined the faces of the riders and spoke coldly to Tyron, who was riding right next to him.
—Bring Lucas to the front. I will supervise him myself until we return to Kalmorre.
The man directed a look full of concern toward him.
He seemed to wonder if Varkas was planning to hurt that rookie boy.
Varkas let out a slight mock and added coldly:
—Do I have to repeat it?
—…I will bring him immediately.
The man turned his horse and headed toward the rear of the formation.
Shortly after, Lucas approached riding with a rigid face.
Varkas scanned his younger brother with a dry look and pointed forward with his chin.
—From now on, you will be the guide. Get to the front.
On his youthful face, where some facial hair still remained, a clear expression of tension arose. He seemed to have perceived the trial that was coming upon him.
Varkas pointed with his head again.
—What are you waiting for to get to the front?
After hesitating for a moment, the youth shook the reins and positioned himself at the vanguard.
Varkas added with severity, speaking to his rigid back:
—From now on, you are not allowed to leave the formation of your own free will or go out of my sight. If you do not fulfill your role, you must also assume responsibility for it.
—Grand Duke, the young master still lacks experience…
—Tyron El Dracan.
The man who was trying to intercede imprudently closed his mouth immediately.
Varkas launched his first and last warning.
—If you interrupt my words one more time, you will pay the price for it.
A gélid silence extended among the riders. They seemed to have understood that his warning was directed at everyone present.
After scanning the riders with a sharp look, Varkas looked at Lucas again.
—Now, let us depart.
Lucas, who was looking at him sideways over his shoulder, spurred his horse. Varkas followed him immediately.
They planned to skirt a large part of the northeastern region before heading south.
After traveling to the border of the ancient Kingdom of Arex, they would turn west again to inspect the southeastern region. Finally, after traveling around the northwest and arriving at Kalmorre, the tour of the territory would end.
If a generous amount of time was taken, it would be about two weeks.
It was enough time to discipline his immature younger brother.
He followed close behind Lucas, observing the surroundings with attention. His intention was not to interfere in his brother’s guidance unless there was a greater danger.
Fortunately, Lucas found the path with dexterity, without deviating too much from the established route.
However, due to his lack of experience leading a group, he often ventured into remote paths without taking into account those who followed him.
In the end, Lucas finished having to retrace the path traveled, which left him visibly discouraged.
—Asegúrate de memorizar bien el mapa. Mañana debemos llegar a las cercanías de Brinac.
Near sunset, upon arriving at the camping site, Varkas spoke to his brother with severity.
—If the itinerary is delayed, it will be entirely your responsibility. Maintain concentration and fulfill your duty.
—…Why is it my responsibility?
Varkas, who was getting down from the saddle to lead the horse toward the water, stopped and turned toward his brother.
Lucas was looking at him with rebellious eyes.
—The delay in the schedule is the fault of the immature tantrum you had yesterday, brother!
The sound of several people catching their breath was heard around them.
The tension was also reflected in Lucas’s face. However, as if believing that nothing would happen to him, he kept his neck upright with firmness.
Varkas let out a long sigh and approached him slowly.
Lucas committed the imprudence of lifting his chin and looking at him with ferocity.
Varkas released a dry laugh and extended his hand to brush the messy dark brown hair away from the youth’s forehead.
As if surprised by the sudden gesture, Lucas’s shoulders tensed. Varkas grabbed him by the back of the neck and brought his head close to the face of the youth, who had turned pale.
—If my intention were to take it out on you for yesterday, instead of this annoying effort, I would have put you in the training field.
The blood disappeared completely from Lucas’s tanned face. Varkas added softly, in front of that imperturbable face that had never known responsibility:
—Be grateful that you are not yet an adult and that you are my brother, Lucas. If it were not so, instead of putting you in my path, I would have put you in the same place as Alec Gutban.
—……
—If you have understood what I mean, you must formally apologize to your older brother.
—……I am sorry, brother.
—Good. I forgive your disrespect.
Varkas continued speaking softly.
—Soon you will also have to apologize for having moved your tongue lightly before my wife. For now, I only leave you in peace because she does not even want to see your face.
Lucas bit his lip.
Varkas observed in silence that face flushed with humiliation before releasing him with a gesture of disdain.
—Now, go do your work.
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