What crossed her mind put the Masked Commander in a daze!
Would she really be the target of Aryan Tripas? But... just how did he plan to achieve that?
By framing her as a traitor?
He should know better than to think that she would turn to him!
Then Arin Helev crossed her mind. The Nardodian King knew about them and maybe that's why.
Maybe Aryan Tripas wanted to use her as a weapon to tackle the Qalagon King.
"Commander." Rion was surprised to see his Commander who seemed to be zoned out. "What are you thinking about?" he asked her.
Slowly gaining back her composure, Iria Alewine shifted her gaze to Rion. "It just occurs to me that I might be what King Aryan tried to gain. Maybe he wants to corner me."
Raising his brows, Rion thought about what his Commander said. He realized that she had a point. His Commander had already explained to him that she could be killed that day by using a stronger poison but... the enemy wanted her alive.
"Rion, I have a feeling that this betrayal issue is more huge than we thought. Be more cautious and alert. One mistake and our Alewine Army will be done," the Commander stated.
Recalling how scheming Aryan Tripas was, she couldn't be at ease. With that intelligent yet evil mind, he will surely be capable of many things which were beyond her imagination.
"I understand," Rion responded. When he saw the Second Prince coming towards them, he bowed and walked away.
"I thought that you're still supposed to not move around too much," Orius Aventine said as he approached Iria. Standing beside her, he added, "Shouldn't you be at your tent?"
"I'm only standing, Your Highness. This much should be fine," the Commander replied in a somewhat tired voice.
Why did everyone around her tend to be over worry?!
"Maybe," the Prince shrugged. "At least, you look fine than other days."
Iria Alewine didn't respond and only watched the training of the soldiers. She was still bothered by what she discussed with Rion before.
"I don't think there are any kingdoms who plans to fight us, right now," Prince Orius informed Iria. "I sent spies to watch the movement of the soldiers in every kingdom of the continent. I don't even miss our ally kingdoms but... even if they are preparing, we aren't their target."
"I don't think that's the problem anymore," Iria Alewine promptly said. "I still can't confirm anything. So, I will tell you later, Your Highness."
The way she talked was quite strange and the Second Prince knew it. However, he nodded anyway. "Fine. Just don't put yourself in more trouble."
"I'm not a kid, Your Highness," Commander Iria argued with a little smile. "Besides, we're the same age. If I'm not mistaken, I'm older than you."
"Just two weeks, isn't it?" Orius Aventine simply said. "The gap is nothing. I can't believe that the Masked Commander is this childish."
Iria Alewine glanced at the Second Prince who remained quite stoic despite joking around with her. Why was he always so out of ordinary? Thinking of this made her shook her head, maybe due to amusement.
"What's with that reaction?" Orius asked her, appearing to be quite displeased.
"Nothing," the Commander simply said. "Do you still remember what you said to me while we were in Qalagon, Your Highness?" she asked.
"Which one?"
"You said that if I know too much about you, I might end up dying," the Commander hinted. "But I think it might be worth it. You always make me curious about your true nature. You know, you have many sides in you."
Orius Aventine observed her for a while before he turned away. "I don't know that you're this foolish, Commander. Life is precious. Don't bet it over such a tiny matter."
"Then you should stop making me curious," Commander Iria simply said. "Maybe no one has ever told you this before but... stoic people are always lonely. You should learn how to smile and warm up to others."
"I'm not Zaro." The Prince brushed her off. "Don't expect me to be like him."
"I never said I expect that," Iria Alewine said without much thought. "I only think that it will be a lot better for you if the officials and the people know that you're not as cold as they thought."
"You're wrong again," Orius stated with his face as calm as ever. "You should try to be tougher, Commander Iria. With that heart, it will be hard to survive for you. You should know that people aren't always how they appear to be and things aren't always like what it looks. Many things happen in the dark."
"I know that -"
"Then stop trusting people blindly," the Prince snapped, making her raised a brow in amazement.
Orius narrowed his eyes as if he was debating what to say. Then he continued, "That way, you can prevent yourself from suffering once you know just how fake the world is."
With that said, Orius Aventine turned his back at her and leave while she stared at him, dumbfounded and uneasy.
What did he mean? Can't he just explain so that she would understand?!
Without even stopping once, Prince Orius returned to his tent in the camp of the Royal Army. He was never interested in the army but since that war with the Helsia Kingdom, he ended up leading the army as the Crown Prince was always busy assisting the King.
By now, even the soldiers seemed to accept him fully. After all, he was capable. It's just that... he wasn't interested in wars and politics. What's more, he abhorred power struggles. He didn't want anyone to see him as a threat to the Crown Prince. It will only be a headache.
He recalled his conversation with the Masked Commander and pressed his fist against his forehead. He was tired of the way he lived his life but... what other choices did he have?
He knew that the path he currently walked was the best way for him and the people he cared about. He should bear it like he always did.
Slowly, the Prince's eyes trailed to the right where a sword was hanged in the side of his armor. He stood up and unsheathed the sword. Then he retreated to his seat.
As he observed the sword in his hand, he muttered, "Do you think I'm choosing the right path? I think I start to lose my way, Father."
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