Chapter 698: Conditions for Becoming a Leader
Austin was supported by Claremont and another scout soldier to the resting place that Derrick mentioned.
“Hey, if you can’t sit in the carriage, you should have told us earlier. Everyone would be in a mess because of you.” the soldier complained to Austin after he settled Austin into a chair in the resting room.
“It’s my first time riding a carriage. I didn’t expect it to turn out like this.” Austin replied with his head lowered. His tone carried a hint of guilt.
“You can rest here. Commander Derrick said that the kitchen will prepare some light meals for you. We’ll be leaving first.” Claremont instructed.
After seeing Austin nod, Claremont led the soldier beside him out.
When the two of them went to the banquet, the banquet had already begun.
The scouts and the local soldiers of Durandal were getting along well. They were joking with each other.
“Why did you start eating so quickly?” The soldier behind Claremont walked to the table of his familiar comrades and said discontentedly.
“Come, come, come. Let’s eat together.” the soldier who was sitting greeted them without a care.
The moment Claremont entered the hall, he noticed that Derrick and Devitt were waving at him from their seats.
Seeing the empty seat beside Derrick, Claremont walked over silently.
“Thank you for your hard work.” Devitt said, consoling him.
“It’s fine.” Claremont replied.
“I’ve been chatting with Captain Devitt for quite a while. You’ve only just arrived. I’ve already told you to leave the unconscious soldiers to my soldiers.” said Derrick.
“How was your chat? Have you drunk?” Claremont sat down in his seat and changed the topic.
“I’m not drinking today. I’m worried that I’ll delay your journey.” explained Derrick.
“I’m currently consulting with Commander Derrick on how to do my job as a captain.” said Devitt with a smile.
“By the way, we were just talking about this when you came.” Derrick nodded at Devitt, then turned to Claremont and said with a smile, “Claremont, can you tell me about your opinion on the qualities that a leader should have?”
“I…” Claremont raised his teacup, and his eyes couldn’t help but sway as he said, “I’m still learning so I’m not very clear.”
“Okay.” Derrick didn’t continue asking him, but instead turned to ask Devitt the same question. “What about Captain Devitt?”
“I feel that as a leader, you should do everything well. You can always make the right decision at the critical moment,” answered Devitt. “You must be a perfect person.”
“Hehe.” Derrick said with a smile, “That can’t be a good leader.”
“Why?” Devitt asked curiously.
Claremont also looked at Derrick, hoping to get an answer from him.
“You have to know that our lives are always filled with contradictions. The power of contradictions allows us to live. Therefore, if you blindly pursue perfection, you won’t be able to overcome the problems brought by the contradictions of this world. The team behind you will also be destroyed.” Derrick took a sip of tea, he continued, “Whether it’s your advantage or a shortcoming that can’t be exposed, a leader is the existence to perfect the entire team. Only when you connect yourself to the team, others will notice your team when you s.h.i.+ne. This way, you can become a powerful force that could be recognized by this world through time.”
When Devitt and Claremont heard what Derrick said, they fell silent for a moment.
“I never thought that Commander Derrick’s beliefs is such a calm insight.” said Devitt with a sigh.
“There are many people in this world who have become a commander. There are many types of geniuses among them. In their hearts, they also have a different definition of the position of a leader. I only said what I felt when I sat in this position. For all of you now, the most important thing is to have confidence. Don’t fantasize about the ending at the beginning. The rest of you will be staying outside the borders of Caradia for about half a year. Don’t let this group fall apart at the very beginning.” Derrick was a little embarra.s.sed by Devitt’s praise, he then said to the two of them. The last sentence was specifically said to Devitt by Derrick. His eyes were filled with incomparable determination.
“Yes, Commander Derrick.” answered Devitt seriously.
“Does every leader need to have the vision like yours, Commander Derrick?” Claremont asked curiously.
“Actually, I don’t think I’m suitable to be regarded as a leader.” Derrick smiled. “A leader’s vision is looking into the future. And I don’t have that kind of talent. So, I can only look into the past. I want to explore the origins of things and come up with some principles that can sustain life.”
“I’ve learned my lesson.” Devitt noticed that Derrick’s mood seemed to be a little low, so he immediately raised his teacup to Derrick.
“I hope that you will have a safe journey after your departure tomorrow.” replied Derrick.
The three of them raised their cups and drank their tea.
“You can’t drink too much tea either, or you won’t be able to sleep tonight.” Derrick joked.
The next day, early in the morning.
The military camp had sent over supplies. When the scouts were still was.h.i.+ng up, they kindly helped them load the supplies onto the camels.
After the soldiers finished their breakfast, they went out and saw the camel caravan that was parked in front of the door with a full load of supplies.
They all thanked the Durandal garrison.
“No need to thank us. This is what we should do.” the soldier representative replied. “To go to the Elf Kingdom, we need to go out through the west gate. After travelling for four to five days, we can see the Elf Kingdom’s official road. Let me lead the way for everyone.”
After saying that, the soldier representative dismissed the rest of the soldiers and let them return to the barracks.
Devitt led all the soldiers behind the soldier representative and set off towards the city gate.
After they reached the city gate. Devitt happily thanked the soldier representative once again, “Thank you for your hard work.”
“I wish you all a safe journey. When you return, I hope that I can see you all return safely along this road four months later.” the soldier representative said goodbye.
More than twenty soldiers mounted their camels and lined up neatly according to the order of the squad.
They set off towards the desert.
“We’ll reach the Elf Kingdom in five days, right?” Devitt said.
“Yes,” Claremont replied. “We’re about to meet up with the elven soldiers.”