The God of Jesters
Chapter 392 - 7.01.2 Bait.

Chapter 392: 7.01.2 Bait.

But unlike Amir, none of them had the leisure of taking it all easy.

To them, this was a do-or-die situation where they could only do as they were told, or face a fate worse than death.

This was the face of Cynark. A land ruled by nobles and the powerful. A land where the life of mortals doesn’t matter much.

But somehow, they still remained at the center of the Brihma continent, successful despite the flaws that remain in their system.

And Amir knows of those flaws, the weakness that would be the cause of this country’s doom. A doom he looks forward to with some conflicting emotions, considering he was a Prince of Cynark himself.

He was meant to be the one to rule these men who showed him some displeasure, but as Amir turned to look at them, none of the soldier’s dared to look him in the eyes.

Instinctual fear. They can see that Amir’s clothes are not simple which goes to show that his background was special and something they can’t contend against. So it’s better to act as nobody in front of figures like Amir.

Who understood this fact very much. He had seen similar scenes in Planc Colony and experienced the undeserving fear that the commoners held for him. So he was not surprised, just disappointed.

Sighing to himself, he walked into the headquarters that was built below ground to defend against any enemy attacks. Entering the tightly locked door one by one he came across a room with busybodies handling papers.

"I never expected there would be so much written work involved here."

"There needs to be someone to sort out all the vital information on the border." Said the Commanding General of this facility.

An old man whose height didn’t even reach Amir’s chest. But only a fool would call him a dwarf for that.

"General Gedevera Cartha, it’s a pleasure to meet you." Amir bowed down lower than usual to match the man’s height, it was his way of showing his respect.

But instead of a proper reply, all Amir got in return was. "It seems you are not happy over being sent here?"

"Then I am not much different than most here."

At such a direct response, the eyes of Gedevera turned golden for a moment before he suddenly smiled. "A lot bolder than your cousins." He spoke before asking Amir to come to his office.

"Is there a need for discussion? The Grand General has ordered me to gain experience in this place. And not do small talks."

"Then he must have told the Prince that your Royal Identity is nothing on the battlefield, and you have to listen to your superiors?"

"..." There was not much Amir can say. This was the battlefront, though there were no open skirmishes as of yet. But for the last six months, the borders’ security had been on high alert. Becoming the reason why there were supplies and conscripts coming every week at this point.

Not to mention, if he were to act like a true prince and go against the words of the General, it wouldn’t look good on his Grandfather. Not to mention, the bigger issue was what if his mistake cost the lives of other soldiers?

Even if it was as little as not listening to General Vera when he was acting so amicable on the surface.

As for how it might impact him during the war. Amir didn’t wish to speak much besides this. But all he knew, was that he had to have an amicable relationship with this man. Or at least a neutral one.

"It’s good that you understand." General Vera spoke while pouring some water into the glass and pushing it to Amir, who was curious about why the General called him here.

And he soon got the answer. "The reason is just potential. I offer this glass of water to all those with potential, and you are one of them." General Vera had a simple habit.

Ignoring those who came here to gain experience in name only and never actually put down any effort. The ones who came here with a goal in mind, with a purpose toward where they put all their efforts. He would offer them a glass while learning about them on a personal level.

It’s through this that he comes to assess the minds of those under him and find an appropriate position for them on the battlefield. The best way for them to gain the kind of experience they require, but might not want.

This was the fun little activity he enjoyed while there was no war.

"Am I to expect, these positions to include support as well?"

"Do you intend to work in support and not frontline?"

"Not at all, I was just wondering if General Vera would dare to go against Grand General’s intentions, and it seems you would." Amir understood the nature of this old man.

He was just enjoying his life here. As someone with immense power, there was a low chance that he might fall, so to not get bored when there was no action, he found a hobby of sorts.

’This is going to be a drag.’

*****

Walking out of the Headquarters of the military barracks, Amir found an unfamiliar figure waiting for him next to a soldier who would have been his guide.

But now, that very same guide stood on the side with his head down in fear of the figure.

A figure who appeared as thin as a twig, but carried with him a blade much bigger than the person himself.

"Speak your name," Amir ordered, curious who would be so arrogant in front of a Prince-like him.

And he got his answer soon. "I Sarlen Tattka, the First Knight of Prince Ludwig Von Bloodcrow see Prince Amir Bloodcrow and hope if you would listen to a request of mine."

Hearing such words, Amir somewhat laughed. He knew who this Ludwig was. An infamous playboy among Amir’s Generation who had caused several controversies that even commoners were aware of.

As for him, even though Amir held no interest in Ludwig’s existence, due to his antics, Amir was forced to learn about him. And it was due to that reason when he heard the request, he could only laugh and say. "I wonder if you are a fool or just inconsiderate?" These words were directly aimed at Ludwig because it was apparent that whatever reason Sarlen was sent here, it had something to do with Ludwig.

Hence, turning to the guide, Amir ordered. "Lead me to the quarters." Amir was tired after the long journey. And due to certain circumstances, he didn’t dare to sleep in unknown places where there was no ward protecting him.

So this would be the first night after the long journey where he could get a good rest.

As for the Knight Prince Ludwig and the request of his Knight, Amir intends to ignore them.

But the Knight didn’t seem that much phased by Amir’s words, he just bowed his head down and asked again. "If Prince wants, I can act as your guide as well as a slave for a week. But I hope that you hear my request."

"Is it your request, or Prince Ludwig?... Forget it, don’t disturb me. Or I might get violent today." The hours on end talk with General Vera was already draining enough, and Amir didn’t wish for a repeat soon after he had found freedom.

So he ignored the Knight named Sarlen and followed the Soldier to his lodgings. Leaving the Knight behind, who suddenly when Amir climbed a Jeep. "My Master holds Cure for your Knight."

At those words, Amir paused, and then giving a simple look toward Sarlen, he said "Meet me tomorrow morning."

*****

Going back a few months to the moment after Hemant’s accident.

The Doctors did their best to find a way to get rid of the tree that grew on Hemant’s heart. With the support of a powerful Phytomancer Twilight Flower, the operation was partially successful.

The reason it was only partially successful was that although the bizarre tree and its remnants were taken out of Hemant’s body, so was Hemant’s heart.

The only reason he did live past the operation was because of the backup heart obtained from Prison.

But this kind of operation can only sustain Hemant’s life for a month or two at least before complications arrive including the need for a new heart. All due to the Knight’s blood being too potent and powerful.

As for using a knight’s heart? That was not possible considering the incompatibility between blood existed and there was a high chance that Hemant might just die during the operation alone.

Which put a lot of pressure on Amir.

Hemant was his First Knight. A knight who went on an errand under Amir’s request and faced such a fate that his existence itself has turned into pain.

Although it’s said that it’s Honorable for a Knight to die for their Master. But no one wants to die and no one proper would want to be Amir’s Knight in the future if he couldn’t save Hemant on time.

And while Amir was looking for potions that can grow an entire Heart. He received an absurd piece of news from a shady source that he doesn’t dare to ever speak about. ’You can save your knight if you go to the battlefield.’

And it was due to that message that he came here after much contemplation and even having a talk with his grandfather.

Both of them agreed on one thing.

’This is Rat King’s Bait.’