It had been late afternoon when they arrived back at the castle. Trane’s Crown Prince had gone to rest after the ordeal. However, Serlon wasted no time heading back to work.

Stationed outside Edwin’s chambers, everyone lined up in the hallway. With a furrowed expression, Serlon paced in front of the group.

“So,” He began, “We’ll be departing for Trane tonight after a farewell dinner with the King.”

To this, everyone perked up and shared a similar confused glance towards the captain. A mix of shock, relief, and nerves settled into the faces of the others.

I, myself, couldn’t find the news too shocking. We were only commissioned to Leton for a short trip to discuss preparations. However, Leton wasn’t in a stable place for full combat.

Ideally, we should have been here for a few more days to organize troops. Despite the constant meetings, only the groundwork of the prep had been completed.

Edwin just went to the tower today. Which means…

“The mages picked up the light magic in a single day?” I interjected, doubt clear on my face, I shook my head, “You were only gone for a day.”

Sure, demons can’t perform light magic. But we understand the concept of it decently well. It required direct teaching and refinement of technique.

“The mages picked up on the fundamental concepts. Edwin was able to explain the basics. They’ll be able to use it decently,” Serlon sighed, sending another look.

I’ll talk to you later. He seemed to express. So, he knew too? This wasn’t good news for Leton, nor us.

Gunnar cleared his throat, “I know it’s not my place. But I have to agree with Asta. We had expected to be stuck here a couple more days.”

“Does this mean I should go prep the carriage?” Trent questioned.

“Quiet,” Serlon grumbled, holding his hand to his face. His head leaned back, before settling and clearing his throat.

“The situation changed,” His tone grew grim, “We’re to leave Leton tonight, following the dinner.”

You didn’t need to explain the implications to this group. Everyone seemed to understand the gravity of the situation.

It has been made clear that Florence’s status is unstable. If the troops sent out earlier caught something, then I could only assume my brothers were successful.

Leton’s condition could no longer be our concern, as Trane’s foreign travel policies would only prioritize the prince’s safety.

Political matters aside, our first duty was to protect Edwin. Besides, it would be more of a hassle if Edwin were to get hurt on foreign ground. That is - if Leton were to stand much longer.

I had assumed that Florence didn’t have much time left. Honestly, it would have been more surprising if it lasted the night. My brothers were too clever for that. And I wasn’t that naïve.

Trent was the first to act, already stepping away, “I’ll go prepare the carriage. We’ll be ready to go right after the dinner.”

He didn’t care to listen to the explanation. Instead, he opted to head to the stable at once, already knowing the next step. We needed to get out fast before all went to hell.

“We lost contact with some of the scouts. Word arrived two hours ago,” he explained, “At the tower, the mages couldn’t reach through to them. It was decided that Leton will go into martial law starting tomorrow. We need to be out tonight before trails are closed.”

“Has Florence fallen?” I asked bluntly, wanting clarification, “Do you have confirmation of that?”

Dagon hadn’t mentioned their conquering of this day. Knowing his personality, he would have told me about it. Whatever it was, happened after our call. This had to have been a move by my first brother.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road. If you spot it on Amazon, please report it.

“Not that I recall. King Leon wants to be proactive,” Serlon answered, “Leaving tonight prevents getting caught up in that mess. They’ll be sending more scouts tonight to check on the others.”

Before he could explain further, Edwin stepped out from his chambers. He carried a satchel in his hand, passing it over to Serlon.

“I’ll take that,” Gunnar snatched the bag from Serlon, “You should go, I’ll stay to gather everyone’s things. I’ll run them to Trent to load in the carriage.”

“Thank you, Gunnar,” Edwin smiled. He looked back over to Serlon, “Leon should be waiting for us. Shall we head off?”

Serlon bowed slightly, “Yes. Of course, Your Highness. Eran. Asta. You come with us.”

“Yes, Sir!” Eran piped from beside me, “We’re in your care!”

We marched down the hallways. I paced alongside Eran, whose hands fidgeted against his weapon holders. If you didn’t know better, he was preparing to fight even the guards.

A mouse would spook him at this moment.

I leaned over, breaking his paranoid pacing, “You know something that I don’t?”

He jumped, biting his tongue to barely hold in a yelp, “Fucking hell, kid… Don’t do that… I almost had a heart attack because of you.”

“You looked like you would have had one regardless. We’re fine in the castle. The Demonic Army are known for their upfront attacks.” I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

I could say this. We weren’t going to be attacked right now. I would have sensed the demonic energy in the air from miles away. Plus, my father loved to make a show for victory. He’d never stay hidden.

“I suppose… It’s just tense right now. That’s all.” He sighed, motioning to walk faster to catch up with the others.

I just wanted to pry his mind. There was no need to. I just wanted to be an asshole about it.

There was little reason to doubt Serlon’s words. After all, he seemed like the type of person to not hide crucial details. This was especially true when it came to Edwin’s safety.

I couldn’t help but agree with the decision to leave early. And if Leon agreed, there was decent suspicion to follow through with it.

Considering the developing situation, it was the best card to play. The sooner we got back, supplies would move to Leton at faster rates.

We approached a door, guarded by two large men. Upon seeing Edwin, they stepped aside, opening the doors, and revealing a long table scattered with food.

King Leon was seated in front of a window. The velvet drapes are drawn aside to reveal the storm raging outside. Rain pelted against the glass, as the wind roared loudly.

Leon waved, a smile plastered on his face, “Come! Come! I had the chefs make all kinds of delicacies.”

Serlon escorted Edwin to his seat. The prince smiling, as he sat down, “I apologize for making you wait.”

I followed Eran to the side of the room, standing post alongside the walls. Behind Leon stood his knight who eyed us.

“No need. I haven’t been waiting long,” Leon waved it off, “Besides, I can’t begin to thank Trane enough for how gracious you’ve been in our aid.”

“Trane has always viewed Leton in favor. My father, himself, had been close with the late king.” Edwin remarked.

Around the table, maids stepped forward from their waiting areas. They hurried down, placing food on their plates.

“Thank you. You’re dismissed for the moment. I’ll call you later when we’re done. But I would like some alone time with my guests,” Leon told the maids, who hurried out of the dining room.

Thunderstruck, a flash of lightning up the air. Eran jumped beside me, recollecting himself Immediately.

“It storms in Leton often. I can supply cloaks for your troops for your journey home,” Leon offered, picking up his fork,” It won’t keep them completely dry, but it’ll hold up nicely.”

He picked at some vegetables on his plate, twirling his fork in the air as he spoke.

“That would be wonderful. I’m sure they’ll appreciate your gesture,” Edwin accepted his offer, glimpsing at the stormy scene behind him.

Huh? If it didn't keep us dry, what was the point?

The two slowly dug into their food, chewing in silence. Despite it being a farewell dinner, the mood was tense for good reasons.

What would happen to Leton once Trane left? Leon would be left with an unpromised future. There was pressure from both sides.

Leton held the uncertainty of their safety and Trane was left unable to finish a political visit. Frankly, it was a political embarrassment. Yet, hands have been forced.

Edwin dropped his utensils on the table, “How much time do you have?”

Leon, who must have been waiting for this question, shook his head, “My general sent two troops since the meeting. The first ones have stopped communicating with the mages and others were sent earlier.”

“Has Florence fallen?” Edwin asked, looking up at the grim monarch.

“We don’t know,” Leon sighed, “But… knowing the skill level of the scouts, I can only fear the worst has happened.”

“Trane will stick with you,” Edwin assured once more, “I’ll make sure of it.”

“Thank you,” Leon offered an empty smile, “Now come,” He motioned to all the food, “Let’s send you off in good moods.”

“As you wish,” Edwin nodded, picking up his utensils once more.

The calming scene of the two royals didn’t last much longer, as my attention drew to the door of the dining chamber. Heavy footsteps paraded down the hallways, my arm inched to my blade handle.

“What’s wrong, Asta?” Eran took notice of my change in demeanor, directing his eyes to the doors as well, “I don’t hear anything.”

I shushed him. A metallic stench grew stronger, as the footsteps approached the room. Suddenly, the room turned its attention as a bloodied messenger burst through the doors.

The guard was dressed in a Leton uniform, torn and bloodied. His clothes dripped a clear crimson to the floors.

Leon and Edwin jumped from their seat, making their way over to the injured soldier, who staggered forward.

Serlon and Leon’s knight paced behind, already accessing the situation. I looked upon the dying human in distain, knowing his purpose.

A pawn, puppet, plaything….

They kept him alive on purpose, something I had done myself in the past. This was nothing more than a sick joke, except I was the witness of the aftermath.

A cruel joke.

“Your Highness…,” The soldier gasped, his hand stretched out to Leon’s rushing figure, who caught his falling body.

“Get me a healer!” Leon shouted out into the hallway, grimacing at the claw marks running throughout his body. Blood poured out onto the floor, covering the worried monarch.

“Eran!” Serlon barked. Within seconds, Eran was sprinting out of the room and towards the medical wing.

“...No use,” The solider croaked, coughing up bits of blood, “I-”

“Save your energy,” Leon urged, eyes frantically peering back at the door, “Damn it! Hurry, we don’t have time to waste.” He cursed under his breath.

This human’s life was fading too quickly to be saved. Even with a healer, he wouldn’t make it. My reaction remained professional, but I couldn’t help but feel indifferent.

In front of me was a dying human, I’d seen this scene many times. I’ve walked on corpses, charred them alive, and worse. So why…?

Something inside me ached, not for the life of a human. If I could place it, my mind couldn’t help but respect this human as he was at that moment.

A soldier.

“...No,” He coughed, light fading from his eyes, “Your Highness, I…serve you. Florence is…” The soldier choked on blood, a sick gurgle coming from his throat, as he whispered with a dying breath, “...gone.”

The room fell silent, as the soldier’s body went limp in the King’s arms. Leon’s face darkened, setting down the man’s body gently on the floor. He stood up, turning to his head knight.

Drip. Drip.

“Call the generals…” His voice was low, as he stood there soaked in a dead man’s blood.

Drip. drip.

“...Yes, your Highness.” The knight bowed, rushing out of the room.

Florence had fallen.

And Leton would be next. It was the beginning of the end.