Under the Oak Tree - Chapter 181

Chapter 181

As soon as Max finished her talk with Hebaron, she immediately headed for the infirmary. Medrick was laying out numerous sacks of medicinal herbs on the floor, preparing medicine for the knights who were leaving for the expedition. She rolled up her sleeves and walked over to the desk to offer him help. Medrick was filling a small bag with herbs when he looked at her, concerned.

He sighed as he pulled a jar of plaster from the shelves.

He explained with a dark expression while mixing the thick ointment with a spatula.

Medrick’s eyes widened in surprise.

Max’s expression instantly turned grim at his question. It seems that Riftan’s personality was so domineering, that even someone who had resided here for less than a month knew exactly how he would react to her plans. Max shook her head in defeat.

She did not say that she fainted both times, and swallowed her words down. Both had certain circumstances anyway. The first was due to the stress of a possible divorce, she wasn’t able to sleep and eat for several days, and the second time was because she completely depleted her mana. But now, she was healthier and she had more control over her magic.

He explained, looking a bit embarrassed.

If she could convince Riftan, will she have to prepare food for the men and take care of the horses? Her face clouded at the thought, she had never cooked before.

Medrick pulled out a piece of parchment on the desk and drew two lines with his quill.

Somehow, Max felt subdued by Medrick’s explanation. She continued to question him while preparing the essential herbs that the knights would need to take with them. He patiently and generously gave advice based on his own experience, such as how to avoid being a burden to the knights when in combat, how to avoid nasty insects while camping, and how to use the stars for navigation. Max absorbed all of his teachings and was furious with determination.

She spent a long time in the infirmary and only came back for dinner after the sun had set. She wanted to talk to Riftan again, but when she thought about how stubborn he was, she became afraid to speak. It would be better to wait for Aderon’s report. She tried hard to sleep that night.

The next morning, she didn’t see Riftan anywhere. When she asked Rudis, he apparently had slept in the knights’ quarters. Max couldn’t tell if he was actively avoiding her or if he was busy preparing for the expedition.

She spent the day at Ruth’s tower, reading about monsters, maps, and familiarizing herself with the topography of the roads they would use on the trip. When she returned to her room, she asked Rudis to prepare some sturdy boots and leather pants often worn by apprentice knights.

The pants felt strange and didn’t fit very well, but they were surprisingly comfortable to move around. Plus, unlike dresses, she didn’t have to worry about tripping over her hem or letting the fabric drag across the floor or pay attention not to crease it when she sat down. Max quickly changed into her normal clothes and hid her pants and boots in a box, to avoid that Riftan could see them.

The next day, as soon as she opened her eyes, she quickly threw down a simple tunic and pants worn by the servants and ran to the training ground. The tension around the spacious field was higher than normal as they approached the departure date.

Max looked at the gentleman who was supervising the training. Realizing that it was a knight with whom she was not very familiar, she quickly turned towards the knight’s quarters. Looking through the conference room window, she saw several knights gathered around the long table talking seriously, a map spread out in front of them. Max looked around and found only Hebaron and Gabel, not Riftan. The moment she entered, everyone instantly calmed down.

Hebaron looked at her outfit and got up from his seat. He approached slowly.

He waved his hands and Max walked into the conference room that was filled with awkward stares and tension upon her arrival.

Max looked around the room, the knights’ faces filling with discomfort as Hebaron extended the invitation to join them. A gentleman immediately got up and brought her a chair. Max sat down, dwarfed by the huge knights, and looked around anxiously. The large map detailing the western continent was spread out across the large table. It was covered in intricate lines, like a cobweb, and several wooden models were strategically placed around it. It seemed the knights were discussing the route of travel.

Hebaron scratched the back of his neck and frowned.

Gabel, who sat opposite her, nodded.

Max tried to control the tremor in her voice.

A dark-skinned knight sitting in the corner looked at her, his expressions filled with doubt.

A young knight who was sitting with his arms crossed to his left stood up. He was a gentleman who frequented the infirmary for treatment.

Max smiled at him gratefully for coming to her aid.

The knights exchanged glances, as if communicating just by looking at each other. Max smiled when she realized that almost everyone was on board, when a cold, dark voice echoed behind her.

Max turned to look at the entrance with a stern expression. Riftan stood by the door, his expression filled with murderous rage. He prowled to the head of the table and bared his teeth menacingly.

Max immediately clamped her mouth shut at his icy gaze. Hebaron stepped forward, as if shielding her from his reverberating rage.

Hebaron frowned.

The two men glared at each other with murderous intent, neither willing to back down. Feeling struck by the violent atmosphere, Max was on the brink of collapse if not for Gabel, who threw himself between the two angry wild dogs.

Riftan gnashed his teeth.

Max sprung up from her seat, her expression indignant.

Note – : HEBARON FOR THE WIN! Anyone notice how Max is stuttering super less now? I’m proud of our baby Maxi ?

: Don’t mind me, I’m super pissed off. Ughh, I wanna punch someone