Some men were checking their weapons and equipment, some striking a conversation with their comrades, others praying for a successful mission. There is no one specific way to deal with stress, especially stress that stems from a genuine possibility of death in the coming hours.

While the men were getting ready for the imminent battle. Lothar, Carsten, and Caspar were in a meeting with various company and battalion commanders, attempting to hash out the final details of their upcoming attack.

Carsten looks around the room, he frowns once he notices Caspar. Straightening out his stance, he turns and looks at Lothar.

"Your highness, I understand that this meeting is to decide on the final details before the battle."

Lothar sighs softly, realizing the reason for his loyal advisor's question as he answers.

"Yes, it is."

Carsten continues, "Then forgive me for being rude, your highness, but why is a non-commissioned officer, especially one that is not leading men, is participating in this."

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Carsten was relatively flustered since he had just questioned his prince in the presence of several officers. He was not purposely making it difficult for Lothar, he was genuinely curious. It was also better for him to ask about it right now, rather than allow the officers to make up their own wild stories later. Although Lothar had commanded some small skirmishes, this was the first significant conflict he had command over. So in Carsten's mind, everything had to be perfect.

Lothar slowly swings his head from one side to the other, taking in the officer's varying expressions. He knew that some of these men were loyal enough that they would take their own lives if he asked them to. Of course, Lothar would never ask that from them. These were the men that followed him from the start of his military career. They were his true seat of power.

The others were officers that he picked up after being assigned his current position as commander, Lothar has yet to foster in them the absolute trust that he required, for that kind of faith, is only gained after showing them his true capabilities.

As he was scanning the room, he saw Caspar standing there, with what he thought was an uncharacteristically stoic expression. "Or is it that he is normally stoic, and before was an exception." Lothar thought to himself.

Lothar kept his hazel eyes intertwined with the deep abyss that was Caspar’s eyes as he addressed the rest of the officers.

"As you may or may not know, sergeant Hahn here is the number one reconnaissance unit in the 23rd infantry division, and he knows the battlefield like the back of his hand. Is that not correct, sergeant?"

Caspar, trying his best not to reveal a proud and satisfied smile for being able to shut that advisor up replies.

"As you say, your highness."