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Watching over You

Infiltration

Leroy awoke feeling a little dazed. He felt like he had forgotten something important. Was it in his dream? He could not recall his dream as soon as he returned to the world of consciousness. This has happened for some time, but he was still unable to figure out what it was that he missed.

Today Stanley would be going to the castle to begin whatever plan he has to confront the Maou. Leroy did not feel that it was right. Yet, he had no better suggestion to make Stanley abort his plan. That left Leroy only to support Stanley in silence, while wishing that no harm would ever be done.

Well, enough of all these thoughts, time to get up and...

"Good morning," a familiar husky voice alerted Leroy to look at the door.

"Excuse me for coming so early," Conrart smiled as he took a step into the hut, "Seems like you just woke up."

"Ah, Sir Weller! Pardon all this messiness," Leroy got up from his bed and in a light-speed, tidied his bed up, washed his face, and made tea for the two of them.

'Phew! Achievement for me, I did not spill anything,' Leroy mused.

Leroy and Conrart sat across each other in the small dinette in Leroy's hut, just like the night before when Leroy sat with Stanley. Without realising it, Leroy had fallen into another daydream state. He stared at nowhere and stayed motionless like a stone. Conrart remained quiet knowingly, waiting until Leroy would finally say what was on his mind.

Deciding that the 'stoning' competition should end, Conrart finally spoke up, "I just want to know how you're doing."

Leroy immediately looked up, as if he just realised that there was another person there with him.

"When you left the castle, you were not that well yet. So I want to check if you're already fine."

"Ah yes, I'm fine now. Thank you so much for your concern," Leroy flashed his signature cheerful smile.

"That's good then, you..." Conrart's voice trailed as he found out the boy had become a stone again within seconds.

"Is something bothering you?" Conrart asked Leroy, snapping him out of whatever spell cast on him.

For a moment, Leroy was contemplating whether he should tell Conrart about Stanley. He was really worried for Stanley, but he knew if Stanley found out that he had told Conrart to help Stanley, surely Stanley would be upset. However, he also believed that Conrart was of a discreet soul. He knew somehow he could always trust Conrart.

"Ermm... Do you remember my friend... who was rather..." Leroy's voice diminished as more words flowed out of his mouth, "rude... at you?"

"Oh you mean Stanley? Yes, I do," Conrart answered gently, emphasising the point that he was not offended at all at that time.

"He-he is going to the castle today," Leroy continued, uncertainty obvious in his speech.

"Oh is he? For the soldier recruitment?" Conrart guessed, to which Leroy nodded weakly.

"So is there anything you would like me to help you with? You're worried for him, aren't you?" Conrart's guesses always hit the mark and again Leroy nodded, facing down on his lap.

"It's okay, there's nothing dangerous for new soldiers. He wouldn't be assigned for mission until we are sure that he is prepared. We would take a good care of every single soldier in the castle," Conrart assured the boy.

"That's not it... I mean I know you would take a good care of him just like you took care of me. But what I'm worried about is... him..."

"You're afraid that he would do something rash?"

"Uh, something like that... He doesn't really like mazoku, especially those with power."

"Alright, I understand," Conrart patted Leroy's shoulder softly, "I will watch over him."

"Thank you," Leroy muttered, feeling relieved, "very much."

Conrart smiled again and took a sip of his tea, "Meanwhile, what are you planning to do today?"

"Oh I'm going back to work again," Leroy said enthusiastically. He loved working with the villagers. Even though it often left him exhausted, he thought that the time they spent together was worth of his every bit of his strength. Somehow, he wanted to spend as much time as he could with them before separation – like what happened in his past – forced him away from those he cared for.

"Then I shall take my leave now, so that you won't be late. Take care, Leroy," Conrart finished the last drop of his tea.

"I will, thank you very much, Sir Weller," Leroy stood up and went to the door with Conrart.

Before he left, Conrart made a comment, "You care so much for him."

Leroy looked at Conrart with his round eyes and smiled sweetly, "Yes, I do. He's an important friend of me and I think you would be one soon."

"Say, did we ever meet before?"

Conrart was taken aback by Leroy's last question. It was like the first time he met Yuuri, but he was pretty sure this time that he had never known a boy like Leroy before.

"No, I don't think so," Conrart replied, keeping his face straight despite the sudden reminder that he still has not found Yuuri.

"I guess it's just my feeling then," Leroy grinned sheepishly, scratching the back of his head, "You reminded me of someone I could not recall."

"One day you'll surely remember."

"Ah yes, thank you."

"Alright, see you next time, Leroy."

"Yes, take care, Sir Weller," Leroy waved Conrart goodbye and went back inside his hut to get ready for work.

He could not believe it that he had come to trust Conrart so much so easily. Yes, he had many friends, but none of them is as close as he is to Stanley. Unbelievably, Conrart had managed to rival Stanley within few days and it was not like Leroy and Conrart always saw one another every single moment. Conrart was really an amazing man that Leroy was so attached to him, enjoying his presence and the calming atmosphere surrounding him.

'Sir Weller, I'm counting on you and Stan, don't do anything reckless...'

Reaching back Blood Pledge Castle, Conrart was immediately involved in the soldier recruitment process. Well, he was one of the head commanders in the army, so it was obvious that he had to be there. From what he saw, this year there were more people applying and a large number of them had a well-toned body. He was waiting to assess those people based on their agility and basic swordsmanship.

The recruitment process went rather fast for Conrart. As usual, every year for sure, most people failed at his station. Those people were either failing because they did not have the right reason for joining the army – that was to protect the country – or they simply were not trained sufficiently. Having a keen eye, Conrart made sure to allow those with potentials to get a second chance and those with selfish motive? Sent them home to have their own introspection.

Conrart knew that Shin Makoku has become a gracious country ever since Yuuri reigned. Nevertheless, for this one aspect, he could never be gracious. Recruiting soldiers, who would eventually bear the duty of protecting the King, would never be compromised with things like allowing selfish soldiers to be recruited just because they had a very polished swordsmanship. No, Conrart would make sure that the applicants were all-round before he admitted them.

Stanley was rather quick to notice. From the first time Conrart saw him, he reminded Conrart of Yozak. Stanley had a sturdy build like Yozak, which might imply that he could be stronger than Conrart himself. He was also good at wielding sword, always having that firm grip and efficient movements, even if he was not that well-trained. Conrart decided to accept him and keep an eye on him just like he promised Leroy.

Once everything was settled, the new soldiers recruited were allowed to rest in their respective quarters. Some soldiers were in their rooms, arranging their belongings, while some were seen talking to get acquainted with one another. Among all of them, Conrart could not find Stanley. Just where did he go to?

Passing the corridor towards the main office where all advisors would usually have a meeting, Conrart caught a glimpse of a familiar person. Stealthily he hid in the shadow and watched the figure creeping closer to the office door, seemingly trying to listen to the ongoing conversation inside.

If Conrart's ear was not trained, he might not notice another person with firm and fast steps approaching them from the opposite side of the corridor, just like what happened to that man who was too engaged in eavesdropping.

"Just what are you doing there?" Wolfram reprimanded the person who did not realise that he was there until he spoke.

"A-ah, Sir... I'm sorry. I-I got lost, Sir!" Stanley stuttered, caught red-handed.

"You're a new soldier, aren't you? Your quarter is that way," Wolfram pointed to the direction where he came from, "Now go and do your duty!"

"Yes, Sir!" Stanley stood straight and quickly took a step to get away from the dangerously glaring prince.

"-and don't let me catch you again..." Wolfram added quietly, voice steady and calm, but his point was made very clearly. He made note to himself to investigate more about this new soldier. He could be a spy who could potentially disrupt the safety in the castle.

Stanley resumed his steps, heart beating fast from the sudden rush of adrenaline. He was not expecting to be caught within hours he got into the castle. He mentally cursed himself for his ignorance towards his surroundings. Next time he needed to be extra cautious because he had successfully made it into the prince's blacklist.

Conrart appeared out the shadow as Wolfram entered the office. He decided not to confront Stanley right at that moment, wanting to observe more on him.

Hey hey! I ammu bakku (I am back)!

I'm sorry for the looooong absence... No excuse over here. My internship has taken all my energy and time. :(

Hopefully, now that my internship has ended, I can update regularly! So yep, next chapter's coming soon!

Thanks jayfeather63! Here's the update! :)