Commander Iria just entered the meeting room in the royal palace as she was summoned by the King. The Prime Minister and the Minister of War were already in the room but King Tobias wasn't there yet.
"We heard that you arrived yesterday's morning," Prime Minister Dallas Vareky said to the Masked Commander. "It's great to see you again, Commander Iria."
Even when many officials were wary of her due to her growing influence and power, the Prime Minister was the one who always had her back. So, Iria always maintained a good relationship with him. Besides, the Prime Minister was also a good friend of her late father.
"Thank you, Prime Minister. I'm also glad to see you again," Iria Alewine replied with a small smile.
"I heard that the preparation is going well. I place trust in you." It was the Minister of War who spoke up this time.
Before the Commander could reply, the door was opened and the King walked inside. He was followed by Crown Prince Zaro but what surprised the Commander was that... the Second Prince was here as well.
Why was he here?
He was never interested in the administration of the kingdom. As such, he never attended meetings in the past.
It made the Masked Commander wondered what had gotten into the Second Prince.
When the King took a seat, they all followed suit, sitting on the right and left of the King.
"We all know about our upcoming war with Helsia and according to our informant, we have a little over a week before the war takes place," King Tobias uttered. "Despite having just a little time, I summoned you all here to discuss one thing."
Everyone's attention was on the King as they waited for what he was about to say.
"In the upcoming war, I think that the Second Prince should lead the Royal Army instead of the Crown Prince."
Amazement was written all over the faces of Commander Iria and the two Ministers and... the Crown Prince was no exception!
It was evident that he only knew about this now but... Orius Aventine was just calm.
No reaction or comment. He was back to his usual self.
Crown Prince Zaro tried to speak up. However, his younger brother beat him at that.
"Father told me this last night and there is no objection from my side," the Second Prince simply said, not sparing his brother even a single glance.
"Orius has never lead a war before, Father," Zaro Aventine argued. "This is such a risky war. It must be too much for him."
"Orius is skilled enough to lead the soldiers," King Tobias Aventine firmly said. "Besides, there is a first for everything."
While the three royals were arguing with each other, the other three were still debating on their minds.
They knew that the Second Prince was skilled though he never wanted to take part in anything. But his lack of experience might be a hindrance for him. On the other side, the Crown Prince was also capable with many achievements under his belt. However, if things go wrong, their kingdom would be in danger of losing the heir apparent to the throne.
Zaro Aventine was more than worried for his younger brother but... the latter didn't care at all! He just sat still with his face devoid of any expression.
"It's a good but risky idea, Your Majesty," the Minister of War spoke up. "The Second Prince is capable but his lack of experience will be a disadvantage for him. If anything happens to him, it will be a great loss for our Jerivia and the joy of the King of Helsia."
"You think too much, Minister," Prince Orius simply said. "I might lack experience but... who says that I will be leading the war? Commander Iria will be the Commander-in-chief and I will only be following her instructions. Don't tell me that you don't trust her enough."
Commander Iria raised a brow when she heard the Second Prince.
Commander-in-chief? Why did she only hear about it now?!
"I never doubt Commander Iria." The response of the Minister of War came faster than ever. "She has proved herself enough."
"That means there is no reason to worry," Prince Orius simply said. "Besides, I'm the Prince of Jerivia. There is no wrong in me sacrificing my life for the kingdom. Shouldn't it be an honor instead?"
"Orius," King Tobias calmly said and the Second Prince briefly glanced at him before he turned away. "Let us avoid the negative topic. Nothing will happen to you," he added.
Shifting his gaze to Iria, the King asked, "What is your opinion, Iria? Are you okay with being the Commander-in-chief for the upcoming war? You know that the Royal Army and the Alewine Army don't fight together often. So, we need someone to take charge and unite the two armies to have good results."
Iria Alewine briefly glanced at the Crown Prince who didn't seem to be happy with the topic. However, she quickly turned her attention back to the King and said, "I'm fine with it."
"If Commander Iria is fine with it, then I agreed too," Prime Minister Dallas promptly said.
"Crown Prince?"
Everyone shifted their gaze to the Crown Prince when the King called him. The two Ministers agreed and even Iria was fine with it. So, Zaro Aventine didn't have much choice. Then he finally nodded. "Alright. Commander Iria is fine with it and Orius is confident. I have no objection."
* * *
When the meeting was over, Prince Orius Aventine returned to his chamber and immediately prepared to enter the Royal Army camp. Soon, he heard the sound of the knocking on his door and the Crown Prince walked inside.
"Are you here to change my mind?" Orius promptly said when he saw his older brother.
Crown Prince Zaro forced a smile as he walked towards his younger brother. "No. Everything is already decided," he muttered and halted when he was a step away. "Take good care of yourself in the camp and don't overwork yourself. It will be your first time. So, you don't have to push yourself too much if it's hard."
Orius Aventine calmly looked at his older brother. He maintained his silence and there was no reaction either.
"Be careful, Orius," the Crown Prince added when his brother didn't say anything. "If anything happens to you, I will surely crush the Helsians."
He still remembered how the Second Prince of Helsia died in the previous battle. As such, the Crown Prince was more than afraid that his brother might suffer the same fate. He already lost one of his younger siblings and he didn't want to lose Orius too.
Zaro Aventine forced another smile when he gently patted Orius's shoulder. Then he turned his back at him and made his way towards the door.
"If you really like Commander Iria... " Orius made a deliberate pause and Zaro quickly turned around again. Meeting his brother's surprised gaze, Orius continued, "You better make a move fast and try your best if you don't want to regret later."
"What do you mean?" Zaro Aventine asked his younger brother. The latter just broke his silence but... the Crown Prince had no idea of what he was talking about.
"Figure it out yourself," the Second Prince simply said. Then he turned his back at his brother and continued preparing again while Crown Prince Zaro stared at him with a puzzled face.....
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