Merchants left Elzaran, and within a month, news of Elzaran's prosperity spread like wildfire. However, the war did not stop because Orcathia believed Aranthor was spreading false information to divert their attention.

In the meeting room, King Alaric and his family were having an important discussion about the war.

"How is the situation at the border?" Alaric asked with a serious expression.

"Father, three more towns have been taken!" said Thalion, visibly worried.

"Brother, why are you here? Shouldn't you be at the frontlines preventing the orcs from invading our country?" asked Lyanna, narrowing her gaze towards Thalion.

"I cannot go there. If I leave, who will lead the country?" Thalion replied, fuming with anger.

"But I thought Father said you should go there," Lyanna responded sarcastically.

"How dare you make fun of me!" Thalion shouted, slamming the table.

"Thalion, control yourself!" Sabrina interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tension. "This is not the time for sibling squabbles. We need solutions."

"Father, what are we going to do?" Lyanna turned towards her father, leaving Thalion glaring at her.

"Thalion, what did your spies find out about Elzaran?" asked Alaric.

"Father, the spies reported exactly what the rumors said. Elzaran is not in a civil war; instead, they are thriving. Look." He placed a square device on the table.

"What exactly are we looking at?" asked Sabrina.

"It's a device that works like a communication crystal but is not as expensive and is mass-produced in Elzaran. Even the public can buy it," Thalion explained in detail.

"Truly?" asked Alaric.

"Can it work like the one you are holding?" asked Lyanna with curiosity.

"Yes, it does. However, the spy reported that as soon as they left Elzaran, it displayed 'no signal,' but it is still functional," answered Thalion.

"I want my personal phone," declared Sabrina.

"Mother, we are in the middle of a crisis," Lyanna said, exasperated. "This is not the time to think about luxuries."

Thalion continued explaining the goods spies brought back from Elzaran. The whole room was surprised.

"Queen Elizabeth, I underestimated you. Your daughter has not only improved the well-being of her people but also the strength of the country," Alaric declared loudly.

"No, Father. The queen is from the Aceso family and married a Dark Elf. However, he is just a figurehead."

All eyes in the room focused on Thalion, as if they had found the solution to their problems.

"What? What's with that look?" Thalion asked, panicking.

"Father, I think we should send Brother to Elzaran to be the queen's second husband. They might aid us in this war," suggested Lyanna.

"Husband, I think we have a wise daughter. Son, it is your duty as crown prince to sacrifice for the country," said Sabrina with a serious expression.

"No way, never! I am the future king. If I leave, who will lead my people?" Thalion said, standing up furiously. "We can send a letter to the empire and ask for help, or send Lyanna to Avaritia to marry their prince or something!"

If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Avaritia is a country that shares a border with Aranthor to the north.

"Mmhm," Alaric began thinking deeply.

"Father, I don't mind going to Avaritia, but they know about the mana stone mine and will want a share in the profits," Lyanna said.

"I see, and we cannot have that, right?" said Sabrina, turning towards Alaric. She continued, "Since Elzaran doesn't know about the mine, we can use them."

"Mother is right. Besides, the empire is far, and it will take time for reinforcements to arrive. They won't come if the deal isn't favorable since they will be taking a risk. Did you forget about Drakoria?" said Lyanna with a calm demeanor.

"Son, do it for your country. We are all depending on you," said Alaric.

It was decided that Thalion would sacrifice himself for the country.

"Father, I will go with him to ensure Brother doesn't sabotage our plan," said Lyanna.

"I will also go with them to keep my children safe," said Sabrina.

I see, Mother thinks this whole thing is a vacation or something?

It was decided that Thalion would marry Leona Aceso and become the second husband.

---

In the Adventurers Guild, Mike couldn't believe there was no civil war in Elzaran. "We were all fooled," he said.

"It is as I told you. I saw it with my own eyes," said Richard.

"Do you think they will get involved in this conflict?" asked Mike.

"No, they seem to prefer being closed off from the rest of the world, and..." Richard paused.

"And what?" Mike asked curiously.

"I just have a hunch, but if they do get involved, there might be big changes in the area."

After Richard left, Mike was left alone in the office. I can't believe Elzaran was able to stabilize so quickly. They won't be a threat to our plans since they are always closed off. When I return home, Father will reward me.

---

Winter had started, and Elfan didn't think he would get out of bed today. He decided to relax with his silly girl and take it easy.

"Honey, let's not go to the office today," said Leona.

"I was thinking the same thing. Anna can approve documents that need my attention, and I will focus on you."

"Oh, my honey."

They were enjoying their morning, just relaxing.

Knock, knock!

"Let's pretend we don't hear it."

"Yes, honey."

Knock, knock.

So persistent. Can't they take a hint?

The knocking continued, and they were no longer in the mood but irritated. They both got up. Elfan sat on a chair, and Leona sat on his lap, facing the door.

"Come in," she said. Both Anna and Eli entered the room. Elfan thought to himself, You could at least let me have one round before disturbing me.

"It better be serious, or else," said Leona with a serious glare.

"Your Highness, the Black Blazers reported that Orcathia has invaded Aranthor," said Eli with a calm demeanor.

"What?" Elfan and Leona answered simultaneously.

"Why? Weren't they negotiating?" Elfan asked.

"They are still investigating the matter," Eli answered.

"When did they invade?" Elfan asked.

"A week ago. They had to travel to our border so the phone signal could connect."

"Honey, are we getting involved?" Leona asked.

"Let's watch the situation first. However, the reserves of the Green Blazers shall be deployed to the border to ensure no one enters our borders. If anything happens, they should report immediately."

Eli nodded but hesitated before speaking again. "Your Highness, there's more. The spies we sent to Aranthor reported something unusual about their strategy. It seems like they are trying to draw us into the conflict."

Leona frowned. "Draw us in? For what purpose?"

"It could be to weaken us or to forge alliances against us," Eli replied. "We need to be cautious."

"Indeed," Elfan agreed. "But our primary focus should remain on securing our borders and ensuring our people are safe."

"Speaking of our people," Leona interjected, "what about the coastal towns like Elgrasia ? Winter is harsh, and with them being close to the sea, they might be struggling even more."

Anna stepped forward. "We've received reports that supplies are running low in several coastal towns. If we don't act soon, the people there might suffer."

"Let's organize a relief effort," Elfan said decisively. "We can allocate some of our reserves to help them through the winter."

"Eli, coordinate with the blue Blazers to ensure safe passage for the supplies," Leona added. "We need to make sure they get there without any interference."

Eli nodded. "I'll get on it immediately, Your Highness."

Anna continued, "We should send extra clothes, blankets, and food to these towns. They need to stay warm and fed during this harsh winter."

"Good thinking, Anna," Elfan said. "Prepare a list of what we'll need, and we'll get it organized."

Leona smiled at Anna. "Thank you for always being so thorough. The people depend on us, and we won't let them down."

Elfan squeezed Leona's hand reassuringly. "We'll get through this together, as we always have."

Anna and Eli exchanged a look, sensing the deep bond between their rulers. Eli then asked, "Your Highness, should we also send healers and medical supplies? Winter often brings illness."

"Yes, that's a good idea," Leona agreed. "We should be proactive in preventing any health crises."

Eli and Anna nodded in agreement, then excused themselves to start implementing the plans.

Once they were alone, Leona leaned against Elfan. "It’s a heavy burden, isn’t it?"

"It is," Elfan admitted. "But we have each other, and our people believe in us. That gives me strength."

"Me too," Leona said softly. "Together, we can face whatever comes our way."

Thus, the war that shook the southern hemisphere began.