The sun began to set outside the castle, the conference room dimly lit by torches built into the walls. It had been a few hours since the meeting started, and it looked like it could span the whole night.

By this point, everyone had grown tired, their expressions grim from the details of the impending war. Stacks of papers had built up around Leon and Edwin, who shuffled through them.

It was clear that everyone felt the effects of the atmosphere. Even while listening, my mind solidified on Leton’s future with my brother’s troops.

By now, being optimistic was naïve. They would not last long. And I think they knew that, even though no one said it upfront.

“As you can see, reports in the recent weeks from shop owners have flooded my troop’s public relation offices,” Lang motioned to the copy in his hand, “I strongly urge for a heavier military presence within the walls as well.”

“Once the kingdom goes under martial law, we’ll set a curfew to help deter these numbers. Because of the looming battles, I don’t think I can risk dwindling the numbers outside the walls,” Leon sighed, setting down the paper along the other stacks.

“I agree,” The first general chimed in, leaning forward, “Besides sending a group of scouts, I’ll need to divide my forces into layers outside the walls. There’s no guaranteeing their safety and I can’t risk them getting killed without us knowing.”

“General Lang, I’ll allow you to borrow the trainee units till the law is issued,” Leon decided, “Leton has always had high crime rates. We appreciate the effort that your troops put in because of that.”

The generals settled down with that. Whether they agreed or not, no one could disagree with the King’s reasons. He had little to work with from the start.

Edwin straightened a stack of paper against the table, peering over his shoulder to Serlon, who gave him a nod.

“On similar matters, I can meet with your mages tomorrow to explain the basics of light magic,” Edwin announced, placing the papers back down, “And regarding the patrol supplies, I’ll send two of my guards tonight to relay the message back to Trane.”

“Thank you. I’ll take you to the magic tower located near the walls tomorrow,” Leon began, “Send your soldiers to the stables. We’ll provide them horses that’ll make the trip back.”

“I’ll take them,” The first general chimed in, “I’ll be heading there to pick up the potions anyway.”

“Then it’s settled,” Leon closed, pausing as his knight leaned down to whisper in his ear, “I’ll adjourn the meeting early. There are some matters that I need to attend to. We’ve covered enough to start preparing. Thank you all for attending.”

With that, Leon rose from his seat. He and his knight shuffled out of the room, generals following in suit. Besides the first general, no one lingered around to chatter.

Most hurried to start preparations that were discussed in the meeting. Serlon turned to the troops, motioning everyone towards him and Edwin.

I followed Eran, standing behind him as the others showed their respect.

“Good work, Your Highness,” Eran led, smiling down on the tired royal.

The first general walked over, bowing as Edwin rose from his seat, “Prince Edwin. I’ll be heading off to the stables now. If you’ll let me know which guards you’re sending, I’ll show them the way.”

Edwin looked towards Serlon, who understood the prince’s intentions. He left the decision up to the head.

“Lars and Daniel,” Serlon said.

“Yes, Sir Serlon!” They responded, perking up at the mention of their name.

“You’ll join Leton’s general to the stables. You two will need to ride nonstop till you arrive back at Trane. If you tell the office branch at the Estate, they’ll take care of the rest.” He informed.

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“Understood. Please trust us,” They asserted, walking over to greet the general, who smiled.

“Well, it was a pleasure to be graced by your presence, Prince Edwin,” The general closed, before leading the two towards the door, “Safe travels back to Trane, your Grace.”

With that, the door closed behind the three. Edwin yawned, now stretching his arms above his head with a crack.

“You’re dismissed for the night. I expected the meeting to run into the early morning, so take this time to sleep,” He offered, yawning once more, “Eran and Serlon will escort me to the tower tomorrow. The rest of you can attend training. I heard that they’ll be holding sessions for the trainee units.”

He waved off the others, who wasted no time rushing to the quarters. Serlon’s stare was the only thing that kept me in my place.

Soon, the three of us remained in the empty conference room that was lit by the firelight. Serlon scooped the documents in his hands.

“You know, if you keep pulling me aside like this, the others may find it strange.” I scoffed, breaking the silence.

“And they know better than to question it openly,” Edwin stated, “What did you think about the meeting?”

I raised my eyebrow.

“I know you’d never sell out your former nation. Don’t misunderstand me,” He corrected, “I’m just asking generally. What were your impressions about Leton’s situation?”

“I’ve said it before,” I voiced, “Leton’s walls are not the worst we’ve seen. The meeting has not changed my perspective on that.”

“I see,” He sighed, “Well, I figured you would say that.”

“Then why’d you ask?” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

“Watch it,” Serlon warned.

Edwin waved him off, “It’s fine, Serlon. I just wanted to hear it verbalized. We’ll go through with supplying the patrol routes. That’s why my father issued us here anyway.”

“Anyway,” He continued, “You’re dismissed.”

I looked outside the windows, then back to the prince. Since the meeting did not continue to morning, the night was still young. I didn’t move, much to Serlon's discontent.

“Leave, you overgrown lizard,” He scowled, “I’ll see you in the barracks.”

“No way,” I argued, taking a step toward the prince, “Edwin, you said that I’d receive my mana potions if the meeting didn’t go on long.”

I pointed outside the window, “And I don’t see the sun rising or anything.”

Serlon glared, but I chose to ignore it. For all I cared, he could be fuming with smoke coming out of his ears. As long as I got my potions, I didn’t give a shit.

“His Highness should retire for the night,” Serlon’s tone was harsh, a warning, “Please do not push this further, Asta.”

“No,” Edwin sighed, “He’s right. I did mention it earlier. Plus,” He yawned, “I’m not that tired.”

The prince yawned again, blinking his eyes sleepily, and waved, “Come. Let’s go find the potions room in the castle.”

Serlon hurried forward, catching Edwin by the shoulder, “No. Your Highness. I’ll take Asta to the potions room to receive his potions. We’ll be heading to the same barrack room anyway. You should get some rest.”

Edwin yawned, turning his head to face Serlon, “Are you sure? Asta, is that okay with you?”

“As long as I get my mana potions,” I shrugged, leaning against the table.

“Very well. That’ll work then.” He concluded, “I’ll take the offer if it means that I can head back to my chambers to rest.”

Serlon smiled at the tired prince, opening the doors to rush him out. He paused and turned back towards me.

“Stay here,” He warned, “I’ll escort Prince Edwin to his chambers quickly. If you’re not here by the time I’m back, you can say bye to those potions.”

“Don’t let the door hit you on the way out,” I waved, “Or do.”

He scowled, closing the door behind them. Was he Edwin’s personal guard or nanny? I could never tell.

As quickly as they left. I heard new footsteps approaching, and soon the handle of the door turned.

Servants entered, their eyes landing on me. Some of them held cleaning supplies in their hands, as they nearly jumped at my presence. The more official ones wasted no time collecting the remaining papers from the meeting.

A younger servant boy bowed, “I’m sorry! We were told the room would be empty,” He apologized profusely.

I peered at the bowing boy. His frame was frail and skinny. He looked no older than twelve, his tangled hair pulled behind his head. More noticeably, I couldn’t help but glance at his shaking hands, clenched in front of him.

The rest of the servants wore concerned expressions, directing them toward me. Like they feared, I would get angry at them for doing their job.

I could gather enough from this. It’s not like it was that uncommon within hierarchy situations. Even Trane had rules on how lower-standing individuals were treated by higher ones.

If I recall correctly, Section IV of the Guard handbook even required guards to announce their presence when entering a room. It’s not like we’ve done that, but the punishment even included hanging.

Punishment could be handed out easily if you pissed off the wrong visiting noble. And royalty would have to play it by political relationships. Edwin was not excluded from this.

That was for guards, who held a decent standing in the political hierarchy. The conditions were more drastic for mere castle servants.

But Leton didn’t have time to play power games. Nor did I feel bothered by this. If anything, I felt more annoyed at the dramatic apology.

“No need. This room was supposed to be unoccupied. I’m the one infringing on that fact,” I sighed, standing up, “Please continue with your duties. I won’t bother you about it.”

To this, the boy stood up. He spared a glance at others behind him, who all looked up at my words in shock.

“Thank you, Sir!” He exclaimed. The rest of the servants rushed to start cleaning.

Serlon would be back soon enough. Therefore, all I could do was wait until he returned to take us to the potion room. Where I could go outside the room, I didn’t want to risk Serlon’s warning.

Dragons excelled in magic use, as it was an instinct for my species. However, this form took strenuous amounts of mana to hold. Potions were a shortcut to relieve that by a little. Staying in this form allowed for faster healing anyway.

Thankfully, no one bothered me after the initial encounter. They didn’t dare look over either. I assumed that they feared that I’d retaliate or change my mind.

The workers cleaned diligently. Some were on their knees, scrubbing the floors with wettened rags. The boy, along with other workers, dusted off the crevasses on shelves.

In the working silence, everyone minded their own business. Soon steps approached the door, a familiar voice calling inside.

“Let’s go before I change my mind, Asta,” Serlon called in, poking his head to find me. He looked around at the workers, “Didn’t know you were so generous with your space?”

“Not my castle anyway,” I shrugged, strolling over to him, “Hurry up, old man. I want my potions.”

I followed him out the door to the end of the hallway.

“You’re calling me old? You?” he grumbled under his breath.

“And I can hear you.” I hummed, turning down another hallway.

“Good. The truth sets you free,” He scoffed, marching forward.

“Fair,” I amused him, peering around at the multiple doors, “Do you even know where you’re going?”

“Well, not really.”