Free Web NovelChapter 193: Our Best
I looked in slight confusion at the old man standing right outside Ren’s tent as he smiled politely at me. Ren must have sent him to take care of me while he’s gone. So, this is my new babysitter. Although Ren joked that he would put Shin to the job, I knew that they would both be extremely busy. Ren couldn’t possibly let Shin babysit me when he had so many things that he needed to do.
“I’m Rin...nice to meet you,” I politely introduced myself.
“I’m General Chang. Sorry but...you’re stuck with me until we wrap up the war here and head back,” the general said with a laugh.
“Oh no...it’s my pleasure. Thank you for agreeing to do this...I will try my best not to be a burden to you,” I said humbly.
The old general burst out laughing at my directness. He had a low and booming voice which echoed everywhere. The way his face creased when he laughed and smiled made me feel that he must be a very kind-hearted man.
“I’m a general but I am a very old man. It’s enough that the crown prince still keeps me around,” the old man said as he stroked his silver long beard.
Despite his humble words, I could feel the pride and authority that radiated from his presence. So, it didn’t come as a surprise when I found out later that although general Chang did not participate too much in physical battles now, he worked a lot more in formulating strategies with the war council.
“Thank you for always supporting the crown prince,” I said before I bowed to him respectfully.
Currently, I was thankful to everyone that was working towards us winning this war. Most of all, I was thankful to everyone that was helping to keep Ren alive.
“It is my job, and I am honored to do so. Before we start working together, I would like to lay out some ground rules of understanding,” General Chang stated.
“Ok...” I said with a nod. ƒreewebɳovel.com
“The crown prince has ordered for me to keep you safe at all costs and I intend to fulfill my duty. So firstly, do not worry about anything. I will protect you with my life. Although I am old, I can take on ten soldiers without a fuss and I’m not just saying it. Secondly, you will do everything that I say without hesitation. Speed and time are of the essence in many situations, especially during times of war. If I tell you to run, you run. If I tell you to hide, you hide. Don’t ever hesitate. Do you understand?” he said as his eyes watched me intently.
“Yes, Sir...” I replied firmly.
“Thirdly, I will return you back to the crown prince’s tent before nightfall every day. After sunset, you are not permitted to leave this tent unless you have the crown prince’s permission. Is that clear?” he stated.
“Yes. It’s clear. I understand...” I replied with a firm nod of my head.
“Good. Well then, let’s start with your first day on the job!” general Change said excitedly and for a moment he looked years younger and so full of energy. freēwebnovel.com
Once we arrived at the main medical tent, the doctors had started their morning briefing session and I quickly joined in.
“As always, we will work in pairs. One doctor and one helper. All equipment has been set up since yesterday, so we’re ready to go. I don’t know how many patients will arrive here, so we’ll have to adjust our breaks and shifts according to the reality at the time. If worst comes to worst, there will be no breaks. I sincerely hope that it won’t come to that, but we must be prepared. Well, then...let’s get to work!” Doctor Kai said before he clapped his hand to boost the morale of his team.
Everyone clapped along with him before heading to find their partner and station. My helper shyly approached me. He was a middle-aged man who had a wide smile.
“I look forward to working with you. I’m kind of new at this so...please bear with me,” I said humbly.
“Not at all. I’ve heard of your accomplishments at the hospital. Happy and honored to work with you, My Lady,” the man said.
“I’m Rin...and you are?” I asked for his name
“I’m Mou. It’s my fifth time on the battlefield now, so you can trust me,” he said before showing me his broad smile.
I couldn’t help but smile back. Times ahead will get tough, but I was glad that I had the fortune to be paired up with such a friendly man.
"Let me know if you need any help, My Lady,” Doctor Kai said softly to me.
I turned to see him standing close by.
“Thank you, Doctor Kai. I’ll try my best not to disappoint you,” I replied, trying to sound calm.
“Don’t worry. We have a messenger that will bring news to us regularly from the frontlines...” Doctor Kai said reassuringly.
I wondered if my concern for Ren was written so clearly over my face. However, I wasn’t just worried about Ren, I was worried about the whole situation in general. I prayed that the war would not escalate and that it would come to an end swiftly.
Within an hour, we started receiving our first batch of patients and then the injured soldier slowly trickled into the tent. That was the signal that the battle had begun on the frontline. I’ve handled the wounded many times before but being here right in the middle of war made everything feel that much scarier.
“Hold down here. Push down harder!” I instructed Mou.
His large hand pushed down on the wound to stench the bleeding while I prepared the needle to stitch up the wound. The soldier was groaning loudly in pain. I could apply the medicine to numb his pain but that wouldn’t help ease his pain much. His wound was too deep, and the medicine only worked to numb the skin. Better to stitch him up to stop the bleeding and quickly get this over and done with.
“Please carry him over to the rest area. Next!” I cried out loudly.
--To be continued...
