The Imperial Palace of Cedore
"I heard that you're departing in a few days," Ophelia said to her husband who was sitting opposite her. "I also heard that it's a huge war and it will be very dangerous, right?"
"There is no war that is not dangerous, Ophel," Andres Francia said with an amusing smile on his lips. "Small or huge... every war is deadly."
"I don't understand people," the Crown Princess sighed. "Why would they want to fight a war just to cause many deaths? Don't they value their lives?"
"I know how you feel," Andres Francia stated. "But you know what, not everyone who fights a war wants a war. However, they have no choice but to fight because someone threatened the lives of their loved ones, their kingdom and their people."
"Is that your reason for entering this war too?" Ophelia asked. "To protect your cousin?"
Crown Prince Andres nodded. "I can't sit still while Iria is entering this huge of a war. As her cousin, I have to do anything to help her." He briefly paused and said, "You also have a brother. I think you will understand how I feel."
"I understand," Ophelia promptly said. "I'm only worried about you. What if something happens to you?"
"I will be fine," the Crown Prince said with a little smile. "Don't worry too much."
Ophelia stared at him for a while and said, "You know, you surprised me at times. You are just like Augustus."
"What do you mean?" Andres asked with a hint of confusion on his face. He didn't find himself similar to Augustus Arille, not at all.
"Even when my brother is in an uncertain situation, he always tells me that he will be fine," Ophelia explained. "Do you know how frustrating it is when he returned with injuries, be it a minor or major one? He shouldn't say something which he couldn't fulfill."
Hearing out her response, Andres nodded. "I know what you mean but I also understand your brother. If he didn't assure you, you will surely be having a hard time while he was away and maybe he didn't want that."
"I'm aware of that," Ophelia promptly said. "However, just because he assured me, it doesn't mean I will be at ease."
"Then what do you want me to say to you?" Andres asked as he finds the situation a bit complicated.
Ophelia gave a brief thought and said, "Just tell me that you will give your all. I also understand that there are many things which are beyond our control."
Crown Prince Andres flashed a little smile and nodded. "I will give my all."
Though he said what she wanted, Ophelia let out a light chuckle. "I don't know that you can be very obedient, Your Highness," she pointed out.
"You're my wife," Andres Francia simply said. "If I'm not mistaken, Crown Prince Augustus is also an obedient husband."
Ophelia laughed at her husband's statement. "How do you know that? My brother follows our father's teaching and he always treats his wife with respect. Besides, he love her a lot since they were children." She sighed and added, "It's very fortunate that Elysia is a good and kind-hearted woman. If not, my brother will be in real danger."
"If you think that way, then does it also mean that I'm fortunate too?" Andres suddenly asked. "I get to marry you. Though you can be quite problematic, you have a golden heart."
The Crown Princess frowned. "If you just cut the problematic part, it will be perfect." She shook her head and added, "You really know how to kill the mood, Andres."
Andres Francia simply laughed. "What do you plan to do today?"
"I will go and spend some time with Valerie," Ophelia replied. "As you know, Orius is not here and she must be feeling lonely."
The Crown Prince nodded and gave a quick thought. "I have some time. Shall I come with you?"
"That will be great."
* * *
Theo was in the capital of Nardodia, looking for Crown Prince Emor in secret with a few selected guards. While he was combing the streets along with other guards, they crossed paths with soldiers and unsure of what was happening, they hid behind the houses.
Watching the scene that was unfolded right before his eyes, Theo clenched his fists.
It seemed like the people's sufferings had reached a new height and... this was what Crown Prince Emor always wished to prevent!
Why would they suddenly want more taxes?
Didn't the soldiers already depart?
After they hid behind the houses for a few seconds, Theo told the other guards to go on without him and that he will catch up with them soon. Maybe because he saw a familiar face.
When the other guards left, Theo finally walked out of his hiding place and approached someone.
"Randal," he called out when he was just a few steps away from the General.
General Randal turned around and when he saw a friend, he quickly walked to him. "Theo, why are you here?" he asked.
Though he also heard about the Crown Prince's disappearance, he had no idea that Theo was in the capital while almost every other guard left for the border.
"I want to ask you that," the guard said to the General. "Don't you depart for the border? Why are you here?"
"I return on His Majesty's order," the General promptly replied. "Are you here because of the Crown Prince?"
Theo cautiously glanced around their surroundings before he turned back to his friend. "It's a long story. Come and meet me in secret later. I think you will be able to help me."
General Randal nodded without asking anything. "I will stay for a few more days here in the capital. Come and seek me out anytime if you need me."
"Alright. Thanks," Theo replied but once again, what was happening bothered him. "The tax was already high enough. Why did His Majesty suddenly do this?"
The General sighed. "I will tell you when we meet later.. I really wish this can be prevented too."
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