Chapter 439

Annoyed by Elettra’s constant nagging, Michael pointed to the tent on the far side. He said in a deep voice, “Go there.”

Elettra looked in the direction he was pointing, where a tent stood alone in the corner, swaying precariously in the mountain breeze. Her face turned pale instantly, and she shrank back, “I, I don’t dare to live alone.”

Having grown up in Pidence City since childhood, surrounded by luxuries, where had she ever seen such a desolate scene? The sound of wolves howling came from the mountain forest at night, scaring her so much that her heart was in her throat.

Michael took a deep breath, suppressing the irritability in his heart. ‘This young, delicate girl had never left Pidence City. How could she withstand such torment?’ If he really let her live alone in that small tent, and something unexpected happened at night, he would not be able to explain it to Giovanni. But it would be inappropriate if they stayed in the same tent. He was a rough man, and the rules of the barracks were stricter than the mountains. If the soldiers saw it, there could be gossip.

“General, how about…” The adjutant was about to suggest that Elettra squeeze in with him but was stopped by Michael with a look.

Michael walked to the largest tent in the middle, opened the curtain, and said in a deep voice, “Go in and stay.”

Elettra’s eyes lit up, but then she hesitated. “What about you?”

“I’ll guard outside.” Michael’s tone was unquestionable.

He turned around, took a long knife from the adjutant, and leaned against the tree trunk outside the tent. “Don’t come out at night, and don’t care what you hear.”

Elettra bit her lip, wanting to say something, but saw that Michael had already closed his eyes, looking like he didn’t want to pay attention to her anymore. She had no choice but to hold the package and walk in with her head down.

The tent was covered with a thick layer of felt, which also had the faint smell of gunpowder from Michael. In the corner were a water bag and some dry food, simple but clean.

She put the bundle on the stool, walked to the bed, and sat down. The bed was a little hard and cold. It was nothing like her own embroidery room.

However, Elettra didn’t feel bitter at all, and even a slight smile appeared on the corner of her lips. She was willing to endure. Elettra lay on the bed with her clothes on and covered herself with the quilt. Her small body curled up into a ball, but the cold still kept seeping into her body.

The night was deep, and the mountain wind grew stronger and stronger, blowing the tent cloth to rustle. Lying on the felt, Elettra tossed and turned, unable to sleep. She could hear Michael’s footsteps outside the tent; he kept pacing back and forth, as if he was standing guard.

“General Osborne,” she couldn’t help but lift the curtain and stick her head out.

Michael immediately opened his eyes and looked around warily, “What’s wrong?”

“It’s windy outside; come in and rest.” Although Elettra’s voice was soft, it was clear, “The tent is big, we can, we can sleep on opposite sides.”

Michael frowned, “No need, I’ll just keep watch outside.”

“But you’ll catch a cold.”

“Be good, go inside.” Michael interrupted her, his tone hardening, “If you don’t go in, I’ll send you back to Pidence City.”

Elettra knew he meant what he said, so she had to reluctantly pull her head back and put down the curtain. She leaned against the tent wall, listening to Michael’s steady breathing outside, and suddenly felt very at ease.

Michael stood guard outside the tent, the long knife in his hand was scalding hot. He heard Elettra’s even breathing from inside the tent, knowing she was asleep, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

“What a troublemaker,” Michael closed his eyes and leaned against the tree trunk, falling asleep.

The guards couldn’t help but giggle when they saw him like this. Everyone knew that General Osborne was not interested in women, but he couldn’t do anything about Elettra.

The night was pitch dark, and the mountain wind was howling. Everyone in the team slept around the campfire. Michael leaned against the tree trunk, holding a long knife in his arms; although he closed his eyes, his brows were still furrowed. At the slightest movement, his ears twitched. Although ordinary people didn’t dare to attack the army, it was hard to guarantee.

As the fourth watch approached, the bonfire gradually died out, and everyone in the camp fell into a deep sleep. But Michael slowly opened his eyes.

All around was silent, with only slight sounds. It sounded like wind rustling through the grass. However, within this sound, Michael clearly heard the sound of boots stepping on dead branches. Someone was approaching the camp. Moreover, there were many of them.

Michael sat up warily and kicked his confidant beside him. He lowered his voice and said, “Something’s up.”

The confidant immediately woke up and used a unique military communication method to spread the message around. These soldiers had all fought alongside Michael on the battlefield. Once the signal was received, they all closed their eyes and gripped the knives in their hands. When the bandits got close enough to smell the blood on their knives, Michael suddenly opened his eyes.

He wielded his long knife, aiming straight for the bandit’s throat. He eliminated a bandit almost silently. Only then did the bandits realize they had been tricked. These soldiers hadn’t been sleeping at all; they knew they were surrounded, but they waited until the bandits were right in front of them before taking action.

“Kill, kill them!” A bandit shouted in a rough voice. Instantly, the bandits swarmed forward.

Michael wielded his long knife with great power, and with each strike, a bandit was killed. Before long, a pile of bodies lay at his feet.

Elettra was dreaming when she was startled awake by the sounds of fighting. The sound of clashing metal outside the tent was like a thunderclap, shaking the threads on the felt. Her face paled with fright, and she covered her ears tightly. But all she could think about was Michael. ‘Is he in danger?’

Suddenly, the tent cloth was sliced open by a blade, and cold wind poured in with beads of blood. At the same time, the body of a bandit fell straight in front of her. Elettra screamed and ran out.

The moonlight happened to shine through the cracks in the clouds, illuminating the tragic battlefield. Michael stood with his back to her, his black outfit already soaked with blood. The long knife in his hand split open the chest of a bandit. Behind him, a bandit with a face full of fat was drawing his bow and aiming an arrow at his back.

“General Osborne, be careful!” Elettra exclaimed, and without thinking, she pounced forward, blocking Michael’s back.

The sharp arrow pierced through her flesh, causing Elettra’s facial features to twist in pain. Michael turned his head sharply and saw Elettra falling into his arms, her face pale. The light yellow clothes were quickly soaked with blood, and an arrow was sticking out of her back. He looked sharply ahead and saw a bandit trying to escape. Michael threw the long knife in his hand at the bandit. The bandit had just turned around when the long knife pierced his heart.