Being a knight is not easy

Chapter 365 Anonymous
An indescribable sense of oppression hung over the border legion's base.

The campfire crackled, and the leaping flames illuminated the young but furrowed brows of Vice Commander William.

He stood outside the temporary commander's tent, his gaze like a tangible probe, fixed on Chamberlain, who had just lifted the curtain and stepped out.

"Commander!" William's voice was filled with barely suppressed anxiety as he strode forward, almost face to face with Chamberlain. "Are the teachers... really alright?" He spoke quickly, each word heavy with anxiety. "What trouble have they encountered? Why haven't we received any definite news for so long?"

Chamberlain felt a throbbing sensation in his temples.

The clueless young man in front of them was none other than William, the anonymous student whom Robin had secretly taken in and mentored.

William was indeed very talented. He broke through to become a full-fledged knight through sheer perseverance, which is the biggest reason why Chamberlain still kept his gossipy ways—talented people are rare.

If it were someone with mediocre talent who talked so much, he would have kicked them out of the army long ago.

“William!” Chamberlain’s brows furrowed into a deep frown, his voice deliberately lowered, carrying an undeniable air of authority and deep impatience. “I’ve said it many times! Lord Roland and Miss Wind Chime are both safe and sound!” He emphasized the words “safe and sound,” trying to use his authority to suppress William’s suspicions, but William still keenly caught the slight pause in his tone.

"But the specific location and mission details are top secret! It's not something you can ask about!" Chamberlain's tone was almost reprimanding.

“Peaceful? Confidential?” William’s face was full of disbelief, and his voice rose an octave. “What about the recent conscription order issued by the capital? And that suddenly appearing ‘ghost general’!” He practically spat out the name through gritted teeth. “You know perfectly well that this guy’s background is unknown, and his men act strangely and domineeringly, repeatedly reaching under our noses! But why…why do you still cooperate with him? Even relinquishing some of the patrol rights at important supply points?”

William's questions were like piercing awls, each one hitting the nail on the head.

The appearance of the Ghost General was like a cold undercurrent, causing unease to permeate the previously united legion.

This is not only because of the different style of the other party, but also because of its power level and the forces it may represent, which seem to be superior to the local army.

Chamberlain, as the acting head of the delegation, seemed to adopt a more tolerant and even cooperative attitude towards this.

This not only frustrated the core members who were loyal to Robin, but also made young and ambitious generals like William, who had absolute trust and admiration for their mentor, feel humiliated and angry.

Looking at the undisguised stubbornness and doubt in William's eyes, Chamberlain felt a splitting headache.

He took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed his anger.

Dealing with someone so stubborn, loyal, and difficult to actually fight, he could only be patient. "William!" Chamberlain's voice softened slightly, but still carried the steely strength of an old-school knight. "Think long-term! Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!" He raised his hand to stop William's potential rebuttal. "Who the Ghost General is, where he comes from—that's none of your concern! You only need to know one thing: his current objective aligns with Lord Roland's overall strategy! That's enough!"

William wanted to argue further: "But..."

"No buts!" Chamberlain slammed his sword against his waist, the clanging sound interrupting William and drawing curious glances from several soldiers nearby. Chamberlain glared sternly at William, his sharp eyes seemingly piercing his soul: "Remember this! We are soldiers! We are the sword and shield that defend our oaths and order! Obeying orders is our duty! Our trust in Lord Roland is an unquestionable ironclad rule! He left me here to oversee the situation for a reason! Your current duty is to train the troops and maintain stability in the defense zone! Not to gossip like a long-tongued woman, asking about things you shouldn't be asking about! Nor is it to question the coordination arrangements of your superiors!"

These words were not only spoken to William, but also implicitly addressed to the soldiers around them who were listening intently.

Legions need stability and the support of conviction, especially when storms are brewing.

Seeing William's tightly clenched lips and his still defiant yet hesitant demeanor, Chamberlain's tone finally softened slightly, carrying a hint of barely perceptible weariness and earnestness: "As for Lord Roland and the others... be patient. The most reliable information I've received is—they're at a crucial juncture! They cannot be disturbed! When the time is right, they will naturally come to join us!" His gaze swept over William's clenched fists. "Until then, keep your sword under control, keep your men under control, keep your mouth shut! Steadfastness! That's the greatest contribution you can make right now!"

Chamberlain stopped looking at William's frustrated face, turned and strode back to his tent. The curtain fell, shutting out the damp, cold air and those stubborn eyes. He needed some peace and quiet to weigh how best to control that "ghost general."

William had just stepped out of the tent when the cold rain hit his face, as if trying to extinguish the flames of restlessness in his heart.

He subconsciously rubbed his eyes, which were sore from the rain and his frustration, and casually glanced at the muddy, rainy campsite illuminated by the dim light of the campfire.

A familiar figure stood at the edge of the rain curtain not far away, exuding a strange, serene aura that seemed to blend into the environment.

The figure was clearly outlined, standing like a reef amidst raging waves.

William froze instantly! It was as if he had been struck by the strongest static electricity, a shock running through his entire body from his scalp to his toes!

"William, I heard you've become a full-fledged knight." The figure turned around, Robin's face bearing a familiar smile, gentle yet slightly weary, yet containing an incredibly reassuring power.

He wore a simple cloak, and the rain slid down his smooth shoulders and back, seemingly unable to affect him at all.

"Teacher...?!" William's incredulous exclamation almost pierced through the rain, the sharp, powerful sound exploding throughout the camp!
The shout, filled with shock and ecstasy, pierced through the layers of tents and the sound of rain, clearly entering Chamberlain's tent behind him, which had just been quiet for a moment!
The tent flap was violently flung open with a "whoosh"!

Chamberlain charged out like a lion whose tail had been stepped on, about to scold William for yelling!
But the moment he saw that tall figure in the rain, his usually serious face, filled with worry and pressure, melted completely in an instant, like ice being melted by lava!
Surprise, relief, disbelief, and finally, pure, overwhelming joy! His eyes shone with an almost frightening intensity!

(End of this chapter)