Book 12: Chapter 5


    Thank you for your service on the long flight. You can rest up at the town near the camp. Dont go too far because, as soon as you hear the warning, you need toe back to the hangar. We are at war now, understand?manded Oraina, letting the ocean breeze blow against her.


    Though the ce had be the air forces frontlinemand centre, war yet had to ruin the popr vacation spot.


    Roger!


    It had been three months, but Lin Chucheng was still apologetic to Oraina, hence the loud and respectful response.


    Dismissed!


    The soldiers erupted into cheers as they went back to their camps to grab their sunnies and dashing pilot jackets. They polished their shoes and even sneaked on some cologne. They jumped on a supply jeep to travel to the town to show off in front of girls dressed in risqu fashion.


    They were informed war had officiallymenced a week ago. The air forces tension eased off, though, as it was a peaceful week. There were no deaths or attacks since the announcement. News of the warmencing didnt even make it to the headlines in the newspapers for a second day. Lin Dongqings absence at Queen Sisis birthday banquet made the headlines, instead.


    Lin Chuchengs team flew a week over the ocean to reach this ce. Theyughed, jested, japed and enjoyed free beer and grilled meat every night.


    Lin Chucheng, nning to visit the town? Ive never been to this sort of vacation spot or seen the ocean, Alice enthused, choosing to stick to her ordinary uniform. The ind was considered the nobles vacation spot, so it was easy to see why Alice was unlikely able to afford visiting it.


    Lets go check it out, then. Its also my first time here.


    The two jumped on the back of a truck to leave the air forces base. The sky was as blue as it was everywhere else. The ocean breeze disseminated the aroma of grilled meat and fragrance women wore.


    Lin Chucheng desired war and a medal, yet he couldnt sleep the night war was dered due to fear. He shed tears when they were told to write their wills for it was the first time he realised how he reluctant he was to part with his mother, Anna, his grandma, Angelina, and Elven Queen Lucilia, whom once gave him candy Because of how peaceful it was, he didnt know what attitude to adopt in regards to war. If war was what it had been for thest week, how was he supposed to earn glory and a medal?


    This ce looks really nice,mented Alice, sitting up and holding her short hair in ce as she admired the blue ocean.


    The wind blew open Alices jacket, revealing her shirt inside and her globes contour. Since she leaned on the rails, Lin Chucheng, who was next to her, could see the top of her peach. Usually, she always had her head down, fixing essories and eating with everyone. As such, he never thought too much of her. While he had met countless women and girls before, he could feel his face burning. Although he turned away, the breeze wasnt enough to cool his face.


    I never expected a holiday when I joined the air force. I wish my brother was here to see this scenery. I reckon his minor asthma would be alleviated being near the ocean, Alice muttered to herself.


    Taking advantage of Alices mumbling to end the awkwardness, Lin Chucheng inquired, Your younger brother has asthma?


    Yeah. We live within the vicinity of a quarry, so his health has always suffered, answered Alice, smiling hopelessly. The medication that the doctors in the imperial capital prescribe is effective. Sadly, its too pricey. As a result, my brother can only keep it in check with herb medications doctors at our town prescribe. The problem is that the herbs are often dirty; I always find des of grass in his nose.


    If we are granted a vacation,e to my ce. We have a doctor. He can take a look at your brother.


    Thanks, but I cant afford it. Smiling graciously, Alice borated, The living expenses in the imperial capital are really high. I doubt doctors have it easy. Thank you for the kind offer, though.


    Lin Chucheng gazed at the ocean with brooding eyes. He had seen the life ofmoners before plenty of times during his time assisting in the tax department. Even though themoners had plenty of ways to write off taxes, they werent aware. They toiled assiduously, but it wasnt enough to have a cosy life in the prosperous kingdom.


    <em>Why does Alices family have to suffer while my father earns huge sums even though hes no longer prime minister? Why does my mother throw away clothing shes only worn once while Alices brother has to rely on herbs to live? Why?</em>