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"Count Asai Trichia. By decree of his highness the crowned prince. Victor Del Lagos, you are to hereby gather your forces and head to Wild Highlands, and wait for further orders." The messenger once assured that Asai understood. Quickly restocked his supplies and rode off on a fresh horse. Off to deliver the messages urgently.

This was actually the second messenger to deliver the same message. The kingdom did this to ensure the noble houses were able to receive their orders even if anything were to befall their riders by chance.

Stood at attention within Asai's audience room was the RFC, Robin, Rosemi and her knights.

"Asai, were your eyes allowed to see the current locations of our forces?"

"No. As much as you heard, that was all that I was privy to." Rosemi bit her lips upon hearing this. She glanced around to ensure that only the people who were considered trusted were still around. 

"Asai. Prince Victor is using this war against the elves to also purge the noble houses that go against him. Most of our faction's noble houses had their forces sent to different locations. Thus, separating us. Leaving us at the mercy and orders of the men who are truly loyal to the crowned prince. I am sure that most of our allies will be sent to the frontlines. We will die in vain, whilst Victor and his faction will gain all the glory marching on top of our cold backs!"

"I see. If I was Prince Victor I would also do the same. Forcing your enemies to fight your enemies for you... What of Arthur? Any news?"

A great annoyance flashed within Rosemi's blue eyes. "Arthur has left us... My agents have yet to hear any news of him." "I knew not to place my bets on that second prince! UGH!"

"I'm not surprised. That guy didn't level up properly and relied entirely on being over geared to fight. Rather than temper his soul and mental he depended on accessories."

"Rosemi, you don't have to worry about me. I'll pull some strings myself to ensure I am not thrown to the wolves..."

"Ah! Asai. I will also ask my father to pull some strings for you. I'll write you a letter later when I have the good news!"

Robin leaned over and whispered into Asai's ears only.

"Asai. Whatever decision you decide upon. I'll be there for you no matter what!" Robin at this current time was the only person Asai had trusted enough to confide in. He had told her all about his journey to find Mel, how much he had depended on her because of his weak mental at the time. And also about the offer he had received from a third party to defect to another kingdom. One unrelated to this current war.

"Clam. Gather my forces. Summon all knights, knight-trainees and the guards. Leave the militia to ensure the lands security."

"Milord, will you be conscripting levies?" Levies, basically the local farmers and peasants. Dragging them into war and shoving them to the frontlines for them to absorb the initial charge.

"No. There will be no forced conscription. However, tell the people we will be accepting volunteers, we will supply them with ranged weapons and keep them at the backline. Also send a notice to the adventurers guild. We will hire them on a mercenary contract basis. Whatever coffers we were saving for a rainy day. That day is now."

"Yes milord." Clam, Benny and Gary with their orders left.

Asai glanced towards Robin. "Fucking hell, I'm only 18 whilst Robin is 16 and here we are about to march off to war. I would try send Robin away elsewhere but I know for a fact she would be unwilling to leave me. And if she asked of me the same, I know I also wouldn't leave her. And if we both left. I'm sure the prince would send all my knights and people into the vanguard to die. The madman will probably send the sisters from the orphanage too."

"I'm sorry Robin. It seems because of me, you keep getting dragged into dangerous situations." Robin got down on one knee. Maintaining eye contact.

"Asai. There's no need to apologise, for I am your sword and your shield." Robin then pointed up. Although it was still day. Asai understood what she was referring to. "The moon, if you want me to. I'll kill it for you." The golden radiance within her eyes flickered.

As much as Rosemi wanted to flirt with Asai. She couldn't help but fan girl at the current picturesque settings. "KYAA!"

...

Later that day whilst Asai was within the confines of his study. He had a glass of whiskey in one hand, whilst the other held a letter. He frowned as he never thought he would actually answer this person's invitation.

He took another swig before glancing at the sender.

...

Sincerely yours

Princess Victoria Del Lagos