What?
The real Princess Iria already died?!
When Vienna Mareyi thought about it, she realized the news she heard a few days ago. The friend of the Crown Princess died while the annual tournament took place and... Iria also got sick.
Was that friend... Princess Iria Aventine?!
Lady Vienna still had many questions but... when she noticed the Commander staring at the outdoors, she saw the sadness beneath her blank face. As such, she decided to not ask her more about it.
It must be really hard to lose a friend while being away.
* * *
In the Royal Army Camp, Crown Prince Arin was staring at the map which showed Qalagon and all its borders. General Hanson Lorin was also standing beside him with his gaze fixated on the exact map.
"I wonder why the King of Alora is so confident in attacking us," Arin muttered, glancing at the part of the map which covered the Alora Kingdom. "Even if they used years for preparation, it's not like they are free of wars and other conflicts during those years."
"Are you suspecting that someone might be backing them up?" General Hanson asked.
Arin Helev shifted his gaze to the lands which used to belong to Nardodia. "Maybe, but no matter how much I think about it, I don't know who it might be." He thought for a while and shifted his gaze to Hanson. "What about the remnants of Nardodia? Royals, officials and any other who is powerful enough to get involved?"
The Crown Prince shifted his gaze to the map and said, "I think King Declan have another reason for choosing this time to launch an attack against us."
"If an unidentified supporter is a reason for King Declan's confidence, then it's a disadvantage for us. We don't know what cards he has in his possession," Hanson Lorin promptly stated.
When the Crown Prince continued thinking of the possibilities, a soldier walked inside the tent and bowed. "Your Highness, the Prime Minister and the Minister of War came to see you."
"Let them in."
Arin turned around when Prime Minister Casar and Minister of War, Dilan Lorin walked inside his tent.
"His Majesty told us to check on your camp. After this, we will visit the camp of the Petrus Army," Prime Minister Casar explained their visit to the Crown Prince.
"You came on time. Please have a seat," Crown Prince Arin said and they all took a seat on the chairs.
"Is there any problem, Your Highness?" Prime Minister Casar promptly asked the Crown Prince.
"General Hanson and I were wondering if there is any unknown supporter of King Declan from our side. Judging from the close relationship between Alora and Nardodia, perhaps the remnants of Nardodia?"
"The scope is vast, Your Highness," Minister Dilan Lorin replied to the Crown Prince. "When Nardodia fell 5 years ago, all the people were spared and they continued living in their own places as the citizens of Qalagon. If we have to go through the remnants of Nardodia, the amount is huge."
"I know that," Arin Helev quickly said. "But I wonder if there are any royals or officials which we missed? We all know that the situation was a mess at that time and it was hard to handle everything perfectly."
"It's been 5 years, Your Highness. It will be hard to recall," Prime Minister Casar said and gave a quick thought. "I will look into the records and try to find out if there is anyone we missed."
Crown Prince Arin nodded in agreement. "That will be great. We will soon run of out time, so I hope we aren't too late."
After they exchanged a few more chats, General Hanson brought his father to watch the training of the soldiers while Prime Minister Casar stayed behind in the Crown Prince's tent.
"I truly hope that we could avoid wars, Your Highness. It will weaken our economy and the people will be the ones to suffer again," the Prime Minister said to the Crown Prince. His concern for the people was more than evident in his expression.
"I hope for that too," Arin responded. "However, it's been a decade since my father started offering the peace treaty to King Declan and he rejected us each time. So, I think we have done enough. If he wants war, then I will fight him and make sure that he won't attack us again."
"I have no doubt in you," the Prime Minister stated. "The Crown Prince of Alora is known for his skills and intelligence. I'm sure that he will lead the soldiers this time. So, please be careful. You're the future of our Qalagon."
There was a subtle smile on Arin's lips when he heard the Prime Minister. "Don't worry. I won't die or lose. If King Declan insisted, I won't hesitate to make Alora suffer the same fate as Nardodia."
Arin Helev paused and added, "If I don't cut the tree from its roots, it's bound to grow again. So, I won't show any mercy."
Casar Mareyi only smiled with a nod but one thing instantly crossed his mind.
Did his advice only waken up the cruel side of the Crown Prince?
He knew the Crown Prince well as he was the one who taught him and gave him advice since he was young. He also knew how he was merciless when it comes to dealing with his enemies.
"By the way, Your Highness, my daughter went to visit the Crown Princess today. But it turns out that Her Highness isn't feeling well and Vienna decided to stay with her for a few days. I heard the news in the afternoon and since you are away from the palace, I allow her to stay with Her Highness," Prime Minister Casar informed the Crown Prince.
The Crown Prince expression instantly changed when he heard what the Prime Minister said. "Iria isn't feeling well?" he asked. His once calm face was replaced by an anxious one in the blink of an eye!
Prime Minister Casar blinked. He didn't know? He tried to speak up but...
"Let's talk again later," Crown Prince Arin promptly said and stormed out of the tent. He mounted his horse while Antony rushed to him.
"I'm returning to the palace. I'll return at night," he quickly said and left the camp before Antony could utter any single word.....
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