We found a place with a steady supply of clean water and plenty of food. Deciding to use the lake as their base, we immediately began searching for a place to sleep.
While trying to avoid being easily spotted by other cadets, I needed a location where I could still spot them first.
Unfortunately, such a spot didn’t exist in this dense forest. Any place we could see others, others could see us.
Ultimately, to avoid detection, I had no choice but to dig into the ground.
“I never thought I’d have to dig here, too…”
Memories of military service resurfaced as I began to dig.
During my service, I’d often dug trenches until exhaustion took over, then slept in them. However, I doubted the others would accept this arrangement as easily.
“…What?”
“I want you to dig into the ground and sleep,” I said plainly.
“Why?”
“Why? What other choice do we have?”
At my reasoning, the two girls with no camping experience fell silent. Their lack of knowledge was evident; they had never done such work before.
Observing their hesitation, I realized the purpose behind this test.
Most cadets were nobles, sheltered individuals who had never faced hardship. But after graduation, they would have to venture into demon territory, where danger lurked unpredictably. If they clung to their pride instead of adapting, they might not survive.
“Still, digging into the ground and sleeping there…” one of them protested.
“What? Do you see any beds or blankets lying around? Digging into the ground is the safest and warmest option we have,” I retorted.
Eventually, Stella relented, albeit reluctantly. She seemed to sense that I knew what I was doing, so the authority—and responsibility—was pushed onto me.
I led them to a slightly sloped hill I’d scouted earlier. With time on our side, I summoned Anna and Theresia, instructing them to help dig.
“Master, how do you know about this?”
“Do knights camp like this too?”
“Of course. Our knights are guerrilla-trained. When infiltrating enemy camps, we can’t exactly bring beds along.”
Thanks to my experience and some professional techniques, the camp was ready in no time.
After digging out the ground, Stella used her abilities to remove the moisture. We layered leaves for insulation, and I offered my jacket to the women for added comfort.
Theresia camouflaged the area with branches and leaves, creating a well-hidden campsite.
When the camp was complete, Stella and Dinua stared at it, wide-eyed, as if they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.
“…Are we really sleeping here?” Stella asked.
“Do you see a tent anywhere?” I replied.
“No, but… Fine. I guess it’s better than sleeping out in the open.”
Grumbling, she carefully crawled into the pit.
I followed, and finally, Senior Dinua joined us.
The pit, snug enough for three people, helped retain warmth. We lay shoulder to shoulder, gazing at the night sky through gaps in the leaves. The sun had set, and the stars sparkled above us.
As the quiet settled in, Stella and Dinua fidgeted slightly on either side of me.
“…What is it?” I asked.
“No, nothing,” Stella mumbled.
“Yes, just forget it,” Dinua added.
I shifted my position, thinking perhaps they were uncomfortable in the confined space. Still, it wasn’t exactly easy to sleep soundly in such conditions.
Resigned to the situation, I closed my eyes, letting the sound of insects lull me to sleep.
***
[Third Person POV]
Russle—Russle…
The noise of insects filled the air, mingling with an unpleasant rustling sound. A cold draft seeped into the pit, adding to the discomfort.
For Stella, who had spent her life in soft beds and warm rooms, this experience was nothing short of a nightmare. Yet, despite her discomfort, she tried to endure.
‘Do I… do I smell bad?’
Nervously, Stella tugged at her collar and discreetly sniffed her clothing. While the faint scent of fabric lingered, she couldn’t be sure it was truly fresh. After sweating all day and then cramming into such a confined space without washing, the possibility of smelling bad was unavoidable.
Meanwhile, Ian was blissfully unaware of her struggles, lying peacefully and even snoring lightly.
In a way, it might have been a stroke of luck that he was fast asleep.
But soon, Stella faced her second challenge of the night.
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Check out my other projects: Rehabilitating the Villainess, Pushover Extra Trains the Villainesses, I Picked Up an Amnesiac Witch, My Wife is the Devil, Transmigrated as the Butler of a Defeated Heroine
MC mental Age is a lot more than the implied 20 something.
Thanks for chapter