"Your mission will be to enter the Algahus Academy and study there." Lady Risha stated. Unlike before, her voice was bold and superior-toned.

"You will be doing a specific task there. More one that will be provided at the latter stages of the mission." She added.

It has been almost ten years since he had first met Risha. He was pathetic when she first encountered him. He didn't know why but from then, she took him with her, fed him, and taught him many things. She even allowed him to work with Huges but under certain conditions.

All these years, he did whatever she told him to. But the next task made him shrug. It was something he always avoided being a part of.

Seeing the confused Shain, a grin formed on Risha's cheek, which she tried to hide with her forehand. Emotions were alien for Shain, and him showing feelings was something Risha could entertain all day.

Seeing how things were turning, Huges remained silent and just observed them. He knew off all the things, going back to the Academy was something the boy would not accept very happily. Any other child would have rejected it the moment they heard about it.

But here, the boy was Shain, who would never go against his master's words, and Risha was his Master. Whatever he chooses, it will end up being what Risha desired.

He was looking down, staring at the muddy ground. He looked conflicted, worried.

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"As you wish, Master." Shain made his decision.

"Good. Your mission will begin exactly a week after the war ends. Reports will be handed in shortly. Till then, prepare yourself."

Hearing his answer, Huges sighed as it was what he expected.

"You can have your leave." She told the boy. Shain did as she told

"You always do things in the trickiest way." Huges started speaking. He sat near the maps and poured a cup of some old wine.

"You should, sometimes. That's how the world runs, dear General." The comment made his heart skip a beat but soon overcame it as it was Risha's usual. He finished the drink and started pouring another.

"That is why he treats you like this. Whenever he starts to open up, you shut him down just like you did now."

The prideful smile on her face vanished. He handed the wine-filled cup to her, which she accepted without any second thought.

"I know that. But the council decided it."

"You were the one who made this suggestion."

"And if I hadn't, the council pigs would have sent Shain into some mission for infiltrating the enemy country. At least now, we all can live in not just the same state, but also in the same city." She told, finishing her drink in a single sip.

Huges held the bottle to pour more but she shook it away.

"Living in Algahus will be the same as living outside the country. Once entered, he can only see the outside world once every year. We both know that." he commented.

They both gazed at each, remembering the old and news.

"It will be the same for parents also. Will Lady Tigen be able to handle that, not seeing her precious child for a year?" he asked, mockingly.

Her face was still clouded. She stood, making her face straight.

"I will be leaving. Have a fool's meeting tonight."

"The council?" he asked. She nodded and exited the camp.

Being alone, Huges poured a cup for himself and started looking at the war map. He took some wooden shapes, added them to the map, threw some out, and continued making strategies for the upcoming tries.