Restart:Untalented Man

Chapter 286 Strained Passage

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On the following day, the sun ascended to the sky, casting a warm glow on the land. Like any other city, Norish awakened from its slumber.

Its streets are slowly filled with activity. Merchants set up their stalls, townsfolk hurried to their daily tasks, and the air buzzed with a sense of renewed vitality.

Meanwhile, farmers began to make their way out of the city to tend to their fields that lay beyond Norish's walls.

However, today was different. Today, they moved under the protection of the Inver soldiers.

During the entirety of the night and until now, the guards of Norish remained vigilant.

They didn't let their eyes stray away from the camp out of fear that the thousand of Inverloch soldiers may be plotting something. The tension was palpable throughout the night.

While the Inver's soldiers are in a state of tension and stress, Bain rouse from his bed early as he always does. After doing some stretching and light exercises to invigorate his body, Bain prepares himself for the day ahead.

Shortly thereafter, the same guard who had argued with him the previous day approached him again at the camp. "Our commander wishes to speak with you." the guard informed him.

"Is that so?" he responded. It was fortunate that he didn't have to waste several days waiting. Bain nods, acknowledging the guard's words. "Lead the way," he says calmly, ready to meet with the Inver's commander.

They make their way out of the camp, passing rows of tents and soldiers going about their morning routines before finally arriving in front of the city gate. 

The commander of Inver's forces turned to him and extended a greeting, albeit unsure of his name. "Nice to meet you... Bain Lawrence? This is the second time I meet Ryntum's commander."

"Yes, it's me," he confirmed and promptly corrected the Inver's commander, "The last one is a mayor, though."

"Is that so? the commander continued. "Anyway, I heard from the guard that you wish to lead an Inverloch passage." 

"Yes," Bain affirmed, nodding in confirmation.

"I believe you are familiar with the relationship between Inver and Inverloch, correct?" the commander inquired.

"Yes, I am aware of it," Bain replied.

"Good," the commander said, seeming relieved. "It makes it easier for me to explain. You see, it's not that I don't want to grant your request, but Inver soldiers simply cannot allow their Inverloch counterparts to pass by them and walk off casually like that. It is our duty to harm the Inverloch soldiers."

Bain frowned, sensing a potential rejection looming once again.

Sigh-

"Can't you forget about the bitter relationship between the two of you and make my job easier? he reasoned.I think you should take a look at

The commander contemplated the request. After a brief pause, the commander nodded, considering a compromise. "Very well," the commander agreed. "You may proceed, but under the condition that you guys pass through the city in small groups."

Bain's expression softened with a mixture of relief and gratitude. "Thank you, Commander," he replied earnestly. "We will comply with the conditions and ensure a peaceful passage."

The commander nodded, his gaze firm yet somewhat resigned. "Make sure there are no incidents," he warned, aware of the delicate nature of their undertaking.

"I will, commander." Bain quickly cast a glance at the guard he debated with yesterday. Clearly, he still held a grudge for halting his travel by a day. 

With gratitude in his heart, Bain returned to the camp and share the details of his discussion.

He instructed them to prepare themselves for the journey ahead, emphasizing the need for compliance with the conditions set by the Inver commander.

As they entered the city, the atmosphere shifted from the serene calm of the morning to the vibrant bustles of activity.

Narrow cobblestone streets meandered through the city, flanked by rows of charming buildings with wooden facades and thatched roofs. Vibrant flower boxes adorned windowsills, adding splashes of colour to the scene. The air carried a distinct scent, a combination of fertile soil and the sweet aroma of blooming flowers.

Farmers and vendors bustled about, their stalls overflowing with an array of freshly harvested produce. Baskets filled with plump, ripe fruits such as apples, pears, and berries tempted passersby. Vegetables, from crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to bundles of leafy greens added to the variety of the products.

The wide arrange of farm-fresh produce showcased the status of Norish as a thriving agricultural hub, a place where the price could go as low as it could be. 

While Bain and the Inverloch soldiers passed through the bustling streets, the Inver's guards are watching over them. Their reaction was a mixture of disdain and restraint. They cast glances of disapproval at the sight of the Inverloch soldiers walking amongst them, their expressions hardened with underlying hostility.

The tension between the two factions was discernible.

"Don't mind them and move quickly," Bain whispered, his voice firm but calm.

The soldiers nodded in unison, their expressions determined despite the uncomfortable environment. 

The guards, on the other hand, loyal to Inver and its interests, felt a deep-rooted hatred towards the Inverloch. Their eyes narrowed and jaws clenched, their bodies tensing with the desire to retaliate.

The presence of the Inverloch soldiers stirred within them a mix of resentment, anger, and a longing to unleash their frustrations.

"Tsk, why do we have to let them pass through?" one guard scoffed, his voice dripping with scorn. "They think they can just waltz in and out of the city as they please?"

A second guard, his grip tightening around his weapon, sounded frustrated. "It's an insult to all of our fallen brothers who died in their hands! We should teach them some lesson they won't forget!"

The old guard, more seasoned and level-headed, intervened with a cautionary tone. "Hold your tongues and restrain yourselves for a moment," he advised with a voice laced with an undercurrent of resignation. "Be patient everyone. We must abide by our commander's decision for now."