“Can’t you come with a compromise with the Kerias Kingdom?” Hansen timidly asked as he peeks at Meriyal’s face.
Hansen Haylight is a noble hailing from the Kingdom of Breille. A talented man capable of leading and commanding and a man with exquisite and excellent etiquette and as a noble, he was a smart and wise man and also a man who was confident of his own capabilities… not until he met Falikh, the son of the previous king of Mesola Kingdom.
Falikh and Hansen met at age of ten when Hansen made a visit to the Mesola Kingdom. At first, Hansen found Falikh as rude and undignified man. Falikh lives in a modest household but no servants serving him at all and all he does is laze around, however, they oddly got along with each other when it comes to political debate.
It was something Hansen could not look at.
Two years later, Hansen heard about the war between the Mesola Kingdom and the Beast Kingdom in which the former won by a huge margin. He immediately set out to investigate what happened despite his young age.
Defeat and lost was what happened to his mind as Falikh personally told him that he was the commander of the war that happened.
That is when Hansen saw through Falikh’s true nature. Sly and a cheater, wise but rude, broken however smart, and most of all, uncaring for what he has. He is a man who would do everything for his own comfort, a true definition of scum but happy man.
Regardless of everything mentioned about Falikh, he is someone who does not will purposely put anyone’s life in jeopardy. He is just a wave that goes with the flow, no, he just no waves, he was a tsunami that does not just go with the flow but overwhelms the current flow and turns the tides to his favor.
Such morally hideous man is someone… Hansen looked up a charismatic man that could attract myriads of ladies and can usurp the current king at any time.
He didn’t do it. Hansen thought of any reason why he wouldn’t but to no avail, no answer came to him. In his desperation for an answer, he asked Falikh himself just to be given a plain and simple answer…
“It’s a hassle.”
Hansen, upon hearing Falikh’s answer, breathed a sigh of relief. He thought that Falikh may have thought about doing it. However, his face was honest with a pained face that screams laziness. It was a relief because he preemptively knew that Falikh if he desires to, can take over the three kingdoms if he actually tries.
From that day, Hansen has looked up to Falikh even more, however, even with the passing of time he still can’t fathom what the hell is Falikh thinking even at a leisure time.
One day, Falikh came up to him and asked him…
“Hey, Hansen, aren’t you bored with all this noble stuff? Wanna come and become bandits instead? I’ve gathered enough members!”
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Despite having a good position in his lineage, despite being the fiancé of their Kingdom, despite his potentials and talents, Hansen himself knew…it was not a life he longs for. He smiled at Falikh’s proposition like a madman.
He knew that Falikh is not a good influence. He knew that but, his heart and mind are being corroded by Falikh.
He joins the band of bandits, completely changes his image and becomes as wild as he can.
He doesn’t know what such decision would entail to but, he learned that he has become a free man. With Falikh’s help, he tricked everyone in his household to traveling far for his studies.
However, a crucial time came to them he needs to validate his position again to talk to Princess Meriyal Breille, thus, the situation between them came.
“You’ve changed a lot, Hansen. I thought you were the man who would never bow his head like this. What happened to you?” Meriyal asked with cold unmoving countenance.
“Uhh…” Hansen uttered as he tries to find an answer. “I’m actually cheating on you and I’ve been robbing people of their possessions and stuff. I am actually a bandit now.” Hansen said with a stiffened wry smile.
“I had enough with your tasteless jokes, Hansen. Tell me right now what is your goal? Not only you sneaked into my room this late night, but you also started pleading me to stop this war.” Meriyal said as she walks towards a chair and sat.
“Could it be…you can’t hold down your lust anymore? That’s understandable. I shall let you have everything of me.” Meriyal mockingly said. Hansen knew that it was a way of Meriyal to tell a tasteless joke.
“You’re actually shaking whenever other men touch you. What a tough front though.” Hansen said to fight back from Meriyal’s provocation.
“I’m shaking with anger that is. I don’t want those mongrels touching me without my permission.” She replied with a stiff smile.
“Hmph! I heard you made another revolutionary discovery about agricultural reforms. You also made drafts and blueprints for your next research, right?” Hansen changes the topic as he lifts his body up from the floor to talk to Meriyal informally.
“That’s right however I am currently at a roadblock. We lack suitable runes and magic panels to further the project. We also need appropriate magical materials that are only manufactured at the Kerias Kingdom.” Meriyal honestly answered with a vexed countenance.
“As usual, you are letting your pride get the best out of you rather than thinking logically for the sake of these projects of yours.” Hansen mockingly said towards the troubled princess.
“However, I am not going to put my head down first. Whatever happened, that spineless prince from that kingdom should learn his place. If he does, then I won’t mind letting him apologize. I may even think that his existence has a little significant to this world.” The princess said while she let out a prideful countenance looking down at all being.
“I see…then, how about a bet?” Hansen boldly said.
“A bet? That’s unusual coming from you. However, I am interested so keep going.” Meriyal gestured him to continue.
The previous Hansen would never be as bold as this to propose a bet. It was solely because of Falikh’s influence that he learned how to take a risk.
“Within three days, Prince Arytorio Kerias of the Kerias Kingdom will be apologizing to you.” Hansen announces.
“…Who is that?” Meriyal cutely tilted her head in confusion…
“Girl…are you serious?!” Hansen said as his cheek twitches in irritation. She was so prideful that insignificant being stays as insignificant beings. She didn’t even bother remembering his name.
“It was the prince…” Hansen said while calming his self.
“Ah, yeah, that guy. Fine, I’ll ride along with your gamble. However, if he didn’t, you should know that this war will be unstoppable so I want you to return as a commander.” Meriyal said with a serious face.
“Is…that all?” Hansen timidly asked.
“Of course not. At the very least, after the war is over and you decided to leave again, you should leave me with your child.” Meriyal said with a serious face. She never holds back on this kind of things towards Hansen as she thinks far into the future.