Chapter 60 - Outsider

Crown Prince Arin and Iria just walked out of the dining room when Antony came and informed the Crown Prince that General Hanson Lorin was here. In no time, Hanson Lorin was making his way towards them.

"It's unlikely of you to come so early, Hanson," the Crown Prince quickly said to his friend.

Hanson halted and slightly bowed before the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. "It's a sort of emergency, Your Highness. It seems like we have to make some new arrangements for the annual tournament," he informed Arin Helev.

"New arrangements? We already finalized everything yesterday," Arin said and asked, "What happened?"

"Klaus is injured. Last night, he return to the camp with an arrow shot wound. It seems to be pretty serious and I'm afraid that he can't participate in this year's tournament."

The news which General Hanson delivered instantly triggered Iria's curiosity. Klaus Ermias returned to the camp? With that heavy injury?!

"How did he get hurt? Did you investigate?" Arin quickly asked his friend. An elite Captain of the Royal Army was shot and it could never be a small matter.

"He said that it was an accident that happened while he was out hunting. He was mistakenly shot by some hunters but he said that he let them go as it was a pure mistake," General Hanson responded and let out a sigh. "It's a pity that he can't participate this time. Klaus is one of the best in our Royal Army but it can't help as the tournament will start tomorrow. He will still need time to recover."

Crown Prince Arin nodded in agreement. "That's true," he said and shifted his gaze to Iria who was standing beside him. "It seems like I have to go to the camp. Even if you want to go out -"

"Can I come with you to the army camp?"

Her sudden request stunned the Crown Prince. She always wished to spend her time outside the palace walls and now... the army camp? At one point, he even finds it amusing!

"Why all of a sudden?" He mused but what happened yesterday crossed his mind. "You met Captain Klaus before, right? Is that why?"

Iria Alewine hesitated for a while before she finally nodded. "I think it will be great to visit him if he's heavily injured as General Hanson said. Besides, I really wish to see the Royal Army camp."

Iria didn't expect much. One was rarely allowed to enter the camp if he or she wasn't a soldier. However, she was simply testing her luck.

"It's fine if I'm not allowed to go there. I also know that outsiders are rarely -"

"Outsiders?" Arin mused and it was followed by a light chuckle. "How can the Crown Princess be an outsider? Throughout Qalagon, there isn't a single place where you're not allowed to go. Remember that."

Did she have such an absurd thought just because he kept his silence for a while? Her request just surprised him a bit and that's why he didn't respond to her soon.

"I'll take you there. I can also help you look around if you wish," he added. It should be better this way. He would be more at ease if she was with him.

"Alright. I'll go and get prepared," Iria said and made her way to her chamber.

Staring at her disappearing form, there was a subtle smile on Crown Prince Arin's lips. He still felt amused by what she said and thought.

"You're quite different these days, Arin." Hanson who was still standing opposite him remarked. "You smiled a lot too."

Arin shifted his attention to his friend. "Really? I'm not aware of that."

"You like the Crown Princess, right? I know that expression and feeling. It already crossed the boundary of an act out of goodwill and responsibility," Hanson Lorin said, carefully observing his friend.

Arin simply smiled. "I'll go and get prepared too."

Watching his friend who was making his way to his chamber, Hanson Lorin slightly shook his head as he smiled. He never thought that this day would come.

Crown Prince Arin Helev in love.

He truly hoped that his friend would stay this happy forever. He deserved it.

* * *

The structure of the Royal Army camp was very similar to the Alewine Army camp in Jerivia. This reminded Iria of her Alewine Army and some of her close confidants. 

Ever since she became the Commander of the Alewine Army, she had never stayed away from the camp for this long. As the celebrated Commander, her mere presence was more than important to maintain the morale of her soldiers. That's why she never leave them for long. If she had some matters which would require several days, Jolene posed as her just like they did now.

First, Iria followed Crown Prince Arin to the place where the tents of the officers were built. She understood right away that they will be visiting Klaus Ermias in the very first place.

Walking past several tents, they finally halted near the tent which was on the left. Then Arin Helev turned to Iria. "Captain Klaus is here. Let's go inside and check him out."

Arin Helev leads the way and the two walked inside the tent. Klaus Ermias was lying on the bed and he first noticed the Crown Prince who was making his way towards him. "Don't bother. You should rest," Arin quickly said but the Captain still pushed himself up and sat on the bed.

"Your Highness," he greeted the Crown Prince and lowered his head. It was only when he looked up again that he saw Iria. Just for a split second, his eyes flickered.

"The Crown Princess wish to visit you. So, she came along," Arin explained to the Captain.

"It's an honour, Your Highness," Klaus Ermias said as he briefly glanced at Iria.

"The tournament will start tomorrow, Captain Klaus. It's a pity that you won't be able to participate this time. I really wish that you would bring glory to the Royal Army like you did each year," the Crown Prince uttered. "However, I'm glad that you're not in a life-threatening condition."

"Thank you for your kindness, Your Highness. I also apologize for failing you," the Captain said with his head lowered. "But we still have you. I think that's more than enough."

Iria quietly stared at the Captain and noticed that he was briefly shifting his gaze to her from time to time. However, she didn't know what to say, for now.

"If you permit me, Your Highness, I still hope to watch the tournament though I won't be able to participate. My wounds will heal soon anyway," Klaus Ermias added.

Crown Prince Arin simply nodded once. "As long as you don't let your condition worsen, it's up to you."

"Thank you, Your Highness," the Captain quickly responded with a smile.

Then one soldier came inside the tent and inform the Crown Prince about something. The latter turned to Iria as soon as he finished talking to the soldier. "There is some matter that needs my presence. Wait here and I'll be back right away."

"Alright," Iria replied and Arin Helev left the tent in a hurry.....