The giant entered the tent, allowing Apolo to see how spacious its interior was. It was filled with furniture on the sides, all loaded with books and rolled-up scrolls. In the middle of the room, there was a massive wooden table whose surface resembled a chessboard. Surrounding the large table, there were numerous chalkboards with maps and blueprints, which seemed to have been used by the individuals in the tent to explain their plans or doubts.

The table itself was quite tall and had no chairs, making it seem like the people who used it had to stand. Nevertheless, they had managed to place some chairs with planks under their supports to make them a bit taller and provide a view of the table.

There were only five people in the gigantic tent, which highlighted the impracticality of its size. It was also bothering the giant, who immediately asked:

—Where did you hide my captains, Isidoro?

Apolo could recognize the man wearing the peculiar broken bone armor in the tent. The soldier was quite easy to spot since he was the only one in the tent wearing such an unusual suit. Besides, the man had a very dashing mustache that was unforgettable. As for the other four people in the military tent, they were also unforgettable, but not because of their facial features. Rather, it was due to their appearances. These individuals were likely representatives of some of the six main families of the empire.

—Shouldn't you discuss war plans first with the highest-ranking people in the military camp before informing your captains, General? —Isidoro asked calmly.

—Of course, that's the way it should be, which is why I'm asking you to bring my captains here. I don't plan to discuss anything; I'm going to give an order! —The giant shouted, causing most of the people in the room to cover their ears.

—Why don't you discuss the order with us, Cristobal? We don't have to obey you. We only came to "participate" in the conflict on behalf of the families we represent. It's not like we're actually going to take up a sword —The only person in the tent besides Isidoro who didn't cover their ears responded calmly. Apolo couldn't identify which main family this person represented, as their appearance didn't remind him of any specific one. This individual had a well-toned body and was shirtless, covered in intricate tattoos. The most distinctive feature was their lack of eye sockets; they simply had skin where their eyes should be.

Stolen novel; please report.

—I wouldn't expect anything from any of you, and I certainly wouldn't expect anything from a mercenary. All I care about is that your men follow my orders, which shouldn't be up for discussion... —Cristobal replied as he approached the table. It seemed that the giant had resigned himself to having to explain the plan in his head if he wanted the help of the men guarding these individuals.

—So, what are the orders you want our men to follow, Cristobal? —Asked a boy who couldn't have been more than 11 years old. He was the youngest in the room and clearly too young to be sent to war. Apolo could see that this young man had the most striking appearance of all present. He looked like a terminally ill child: his skin was completely pale and dry, with cracked lips. Many parts of his body seemed to have dead skin, similar to what you'd see in a sunburn. However, the most heart-wrenching aspect was the numerous tumors growing all over his body. In fact, it seemed that these tumors prevented him from walking, as the poor boy was in a wheelchair. Despite all this, Apolo knew that the boy was in perfect health and that this moribund appearance was how all members of his family were born. This unfortunate child was none other than a member of the Silverfields family, a member of the imperial family.

—General, young man! You call me General! You're not a mercenary, and you belong to the army, so you address me by my rank! When we finish this mission and you leave the army, you can call me whatever you want, but while you're in here, there's a discipline to respect! —Cristobal yelled angrily, pounding the table, though he took care not to break it. It was clear that the giant only wanted to make noise.

—Sorry, General! —The boy responded, sounding somewhat frightened.

*Cough, cough*... Tea and Isidoro coughed a few times, as if trying to indirectly indicate to Cristobal to lower the volume of the conversation, but the giant seemed unfazed.

—Pay attention and listen to the order... don't interrupt me until I finish speaking... and then we'll discuss it... —Cristobal said, forcing himself to be patient. He picked up some white crystals from a jar on the table and began placing them in scattered holes on the large table.

After he finished putting the crystals in place, noticing that everyone was quiet and paying attention, the giant ran his hand over the table and muttered:

—Recreate the map of the area.