The General, a tall and authoritative figure with silver-streaked hair and a stern countenance, seemed taken aback by the sudden attention of those present. He signaled with a discreet cough, prompting his assistants to rearrange the pieces back on the board.

Around the table, tension mounted as the aides swiftly and silently gathered the scattered items from the stone floor of the chamber. One piece, resembling a crest, found its way beneath the ornate chair where King Almandite assumed royal splendor. Seated in the heart of the room, he emanated an air of regal authority, his stature and demeanor commanding respect. The table that sprawled before him, its age evidenced by its intricate carvings and timeworn edges, showcased the grandeur of the scene.

Ameth stood facing the King, a mix of anticipation and curiosity swirling within him. The air was heavy with importance, and his thoughts raced as he awaited the impending mission. In the midst of this flurry, he managed to steal a fleeting glance at the contents laid out before them.

The map depicted an island with four distinct regions, each marked with its own color: a central red expanse, the largest among them; a blue section sprawling to the left, reaching the open sea; a similarly expansive yellow region from the upper direction; and a smaller, disputed green area from the right, predominantly shaded in red, except for a singular evergreen spot.

Ameth came to the realization that he wasn't alone in studying the map. On the right side of the table, General Amaranth maintained a tranquil poise, his gaze following the land's contours as if carefully forging the last strokes of a strategic masterpiece. Beside the General, his Master Aide worked diligently, absorbed in transcribing notes with ink onto a scroll he held firmly. The gentle scratch of the quill against parchment reverberated through the chamber, adding to the heightened tension that already filled the air.

The aides continued to industriously rearrange the map, their movements swift and hurried, an acknowledgment that they were keeping everyone waiting. Their expressions carried a subtle undertone of apology.

A dismissive exhale broke the silence from the opposite end of the table. On Ameth's left flank stood Duke Spessartine, the Royal Counselor, who had maintained a dignified quiet until this moment. His appointment, a result of his proximity in the line of succession, reflected King Almandite's strategic choice to keep this trusted advisor within arm's reach.

With the pieces finally restored to their places, the General commenced his briefing, his tone steady and commanding.

"Our mission's purpose extends deep into the domain we now recognize as The Verdanes, once the formidable Kingdom of Verdania. Just four months ago, following the demise of King Vanadate, the realm plunged into turmoil, enabling our forces to swiftly seize control of the land."

With precision, the General's aides selected three red pieces from the borderline, each representing a separate brigade, and strategically positioned them in distinct corners across the region.

"We advanced rather rapidly," he continued, "Encountering minimal resistance, we reached the capital in a matter of days."

With a subtle gesture of his hand, he directed attention to a Green castle piece on the map, symbolizing a substantial city.

"Surrounded from all sides, with no hope for reinforcements, the city fell into our hands. Its gates yielded before the sun's descent."

Following that, one of the aides replaced the Green castle with a red one.

The General's tone shifted, his voice carrying a different weight. "It was then that we made the discovery," he added, "Our forces entered the capital, only to learn that the royal palace had been emptied, its inhabitants evacuated. Notably, the daughter of King Vanadate was among those missing."

He momentarily fell silent, then extended his hand toward a Green crown-shaped token placed beside the Castle on the map. Holding the piece, he contemplated it while recounting the unfolding events.

"Based on our intelligence reports, it has become evident that a faction of zealous senior officers orchestrated the abduction of the Princess and imprisoned her within these walls." One of the aides swiftly shifted the Green castle piece, relocating it to a more distant position. It now rested at the center of an evergreen spot on the map.

"Arbour," the General declared, pointing to the designated objective. "This fortress stands as a bastion of strength. It is here that the warriors have entrenched themselves, holding the Princess captive against her will."

With a gentle touch, he carefully placed the Crown-shaped token in that area, almost as if he were symbolically sealing the weight of the tale.

"Our initial attempts at negotiation have proven unsuccessful. We dispatched multiple delegations to reach out to the combatants, yet none returned. This course of action seems to have only served to embolden them further, as they proceeded to assail our patrols and disrupt our supply lines."

The Royal Counselor, Duke Spessartine, broke his silence once more, interrupting the General's briefing as his words sharply turned towards Ameth. "Your mission lies clear before you. It is within the realm's best interest that you rescue the last royal member of the Verdanian lineage from the grasp of the conspirators and deliver her safely into Red hands."

The General and his Master Aide began conferring in hushed tones, engaging in a private conversation between themselves.

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A sudden sense of responsibility and duty weighed heavily upon Ameth. He felt the immediate urge to respond, yet the Master Aide stood nearby, his words interjected before Ameth could speak. With the scroll held high and firm, the Master Aide proceeded to read it aloud.

"In service of this noble cause," he proclaimed, his tone resonating with a blend of pride and authority,

"the crown graciously assigns you a task force of two hundred valiant men. This includes, but is not limited to, fifty cavalry, twenty archers, and approximately a hundred spearmen, all drawn from the fifth reserve regiment..."

Pausing briefly, the Master Aide's eyes scanned the scroll to find his place,

"...You shall be enlisted into the Royal Army effectively immediately, assuming the rank of Captain under the direct command of the esteemed General Amaranth. This position comes with a salary of thirty crowns and a singular pension amounting to eight hundred crowns, to be distributed from the state treasury. These funds shall be granted to you or any designated recipient of your choosing... for your dedicated service, valor, and commitment to the realm's cause, et cetera."

As the words rolled off the Master Aide's tongue and fell upon Ameth's ears, a wave of emotion surged within him. The understanding that he was now conscripted into the Royal Army weighed heavily on him, anchoring his thoughts in a whirlwind of apprehension. The power to draft a noble lord under a commoner's banner, as senior as he may be, rested solely with the King.

The General's attention turned to Ameth, his gaze piercing deeply into his eyes as he delivered the command. It was as if the General had foreseen this moment, his actions flowing with an almost instinctual ease, honed through countless repetitions.

"You are hereby ordered to venture deep into the dense woods that enshroud the land of Wailingreen, to confront the enemy upon the open field and reclaim dominion over the territory. You are then commanded to lay a siege upon the fortress of Arbour. You are to hold your position until reinforcements from a dispatched Battalion of the eastern front make their arrival."

Ameth's concerns took shape as a question, slipping from him unintentionally. "I am to lay siege with a single company of men?" His voice bore a noticeable tinge of worry.

The General's gaze briefly sought the King's, a silent plea for reconsideration passing between them. However, the King's expression remained determined and unwavering, indicating to the Master Aide that he should proceed according to the outlined plan. With that signal, the Master Aide carefully scanned the scroll once more, then spoke with renewed formality and volume.

"Furthermore," he declared, reading from a lower section,

"His majesty, in his benevolent wisdom, has expressed a profound concern. He finds the participation of senior officers in acts of aggression against their monarch to be an unparalleled event, one that carries a significant offense against the fundamental principles of the realm. His Majesty believes that this deeply challenges the very essence of the order we all hold dear and live by. Therefore, he has decreed that each noble house in the realm shall be called upon to select a representative, a champion of their honor, to take part in this monumental endeavor."

Ameth exchanged apprehensive looks with Jasper Carmine, who had stood in silence by the entrance doors, flanked by the guards. In that moment, their thoughts aligned as they shared a mutual unease.

"They are to come together to form an elite force, following the designated chain of command: Lord Amethyst Crimson as Commander in Chief, and Lord Jasper Carmine as his second-in-command. Their duty is to embody the nobility and principles of our kingdom, demonstrating the honor and valor of the realm with grace, dignity, and so on, et cetera."

The Master Aide closed the royal decree, carefully folding it into his hands before passing it to the General.

The General paused, lost in thought, before addressing the assembly. "Preparations for your journey have been thoroughly completed. You are well-equipped and prepared to embark. Specifics regarding the mission's objectives and the terrain will be relayed through the appropriate channels in due course."

Approaching Ameth, he conveyed his message with a more personal touch.

"Your troops have already assembled in camps beyond the walls, ready and waiting. It might be wise to bolster their spirits this evening, as you will lead them at the first light of dawn."

With the final details presented, the General concluded, "This marks the end of our briefing. I bid you farewell and offer my best wishes for your journey ahead. Be assured that, though distant, I envision myself fighting alongside you," he added, handing the royal decree to Ameth, "if only from afar."

After a prolonged silence, King Almandite rose from his chair, his quiet observation finally coming to an end. He strolled along the chamber's adorned wall and paused before an oil-painted portrait. The painting portrayed a scene of two young boys clothed in tattered rags, their faces radiating pure happiness.

"Lord Amethyst," the King's voice broke the stillness, "Princess Terra stands as the sole heir of the royal lineage. She holds immense significance. Those who detain her possess the key to the Verdanian throne."

In a commanding tone, he directed his gaze toward Ameth. "Your task is to ensure her safe return. Do you understand? The princess must not be exposed to any danger."

Ameth replied obediently, his voice steady. "Yes, your majesty. I comprehend the weight of this mission and humbly express my gratitude for the opportunity and trust bestowed upon me. I pledge to devote myself to the utmost of my abilities."

A faint smile played upon the King's face. "That remains to be seen," he remarked, his hands clasped comfortably behind his back. He began to pace the room in contemplation, as if lost in his own thoughts.

"Follow through with this task," he further stated, "and I will reevaluate the transgressions of your father, pardoning any potential wrongdoings. House Crimson shall find its place among the loyal subjects of our esteemed realm, its lineage forever unquestioned."

Upon hearing these words, Ameth was rendered speechless. Overwhelmed with emotion, he managed only to bow, a gesture signifying the deep respect he held for the King.

With the mission's weight in his hands, Ameth stood poised on the brink of departure. He began striding toward the doors when a voice beckoned him to a halt and compelled him to turn. "Lord Amethyst," the King's voice reverberated through the chamber, prompting Ameth to adjust his stance and face him directly.

"I am well aware of the heavy responsibility I bestow upon your shoulders," the King's voice carried on. "When our paths cross again, keep in mind that the fate of your return, whether as a man or as a child, rests within your grasp." As those words lingered in the air, Ameth nodded respectfully and turned towards the doors, where Jasper Carmine stood in anticipation.

"Flaming, you clever scoundrel, I can't fathom how you pulled this off, but if you think I'll ever..." His words were abruptly cut off by a voice emanating from within the room.

"Lord Carmine," it called out.

Jasper stammered, his effort to remain composed evident in his response. "Uh, yes, your grace?"

A prolonged silence followed before the voice resounded once more.

"A word."