Francisco sighed. "It will be fine… honestly, I'm just a little frustrated."
Karl nodded. "Let's walk around the camp while we talk."
Francisco agreed, and the two of them began walking. The camp was divided between the common grounds—where rows of small tents housed the soldiers—and an open training area. Even though there weren't many people around at the moment, those present were fully absorbed in their drills: some marching, others reloading their muskets, and a few practicing bayonet charges. No one was idle.
After walking for a while, they reached a small river behind the camp. Francisco picked up a stone and tossed it into the water. Karl watched the young master's playful gesture in silence and shook his head. In Germany, someone Francisco's age would likely already be married with children. Francisco didn't show that kind of maturity—probably because of his upbringing. Deep down, Karl couldn't help looking down on him a little because of it.
