Chapter 66 Ch. 66: Returning [2]



"Is there anything else?"

Nathaniel asked and Adrian shook his head.

"No, just it."

"Alright, then I'll call them."

"Please, do."

Thereafter, Nathaniel stepped out of the tent and Adrian activated his Telesphere.

He scrolled through his contacts until he found the one he wanted to call. 

He pressed the call button and waited as the device emitted a ringing sound.

—Ring —Ri—

// Ian!! //

"Mom, it's been a while."

A moment later, he heard sobbing coming from the other side of the line. 

He felt a pang in his heart, realizing that his mother must have been worried sick about him. 

Despite this, a soft smile appeared on his lips. 

He had never had a mother in his previous world, so it was comforting to know that someone cared about him.

"Mom, are you crying?"

// How could I not?! Sob, sob. //

Aerilyn's voice choked with emotion.

After composing herself, she continued.

// I was so worried when I heard about Sir Asher's report! Especially after I asked your grandfather and he said you had fainted! I—haa… //

She trailed off with a heavy sigh.

"I apologize for causing you to worry."

Somehow, he felt guilty for making his mother upset.

// Nevertheless, I'm grateful that my son is unharmed. //

Regrettably, their conversation was abbreviated after catching up for a few minutes.

Since Aerilyn had other commitments to attend to, so they ended the call.

// Goodbye. //

"Goodbye."

—Step —Step —Step

Upon hearing the sound of footsteps approaching his tent, Adrian glanced at the entrance and saw his classmates entering the tent.

They greeted him warmly and immediately swarmed around his bed. 

They expressed their amazement at his magic.

Initially, they were frightened by the war, as they found themselves suddenly entangled in it. 

However, after witnessing his unwavering determination to fight, they became inspired.

They also said that they wanted to help, but Gizel threatened to lower their grades and delay their graduation by three years.

They had no choice but to obey their homeroom teacher's orders.

Not to mention that the Academy fee was exorbitant, owing to the difference in their currency.

After wishing him a fast recovery, they left and another visitor arrived.

All of the Knight Lieutenants came and greeted him.

They showered him with continuous praise until he felt overwhelmed and queasy.

Brushing it aside, Adrian also asked for a few details about the battles, shortly after, they wished him a speedy recovery and bid him farewell.

The visitor continued to arrive, and this time, Gizel and Asher joined him.

Just like the others, they greeted him, expressed their gratitude, wished him a speedy recovery, and bid him farewell before returning to the field. 

As they were handling post-war matters, they were quite busy.

Just when Adrian thought that it was the end, reality slapped him in the face.

Graham strode into the tent and brought some news.

"I know that you've just regained consciousness, but the Emperor has ordered us to return to the Capital as soon as possible."

Adrian tilted his head.

"Is there something urgent coming up?"

"Yes. The Emperor will hold a conference for discussion of the recent event, since I am here, His Majesty requested both the Imperial Princes return to the Capital."

"I see."

Adrian nodded in understanding and Graham added.

"I know it's hard, but please, bear with it."

"I understand."

"For today, I suggest you take a full rest to prepare for tomorrow's journey."

Adrian acknowledged Graham's suggestion with another nod.

"Yes, I understand."

Hence, Graham left the room.

"Hmm…"

Adrian hummed thoughtfully as he reached into his Magical Sphere and retrieved the Kearny coat of arms. 

He gazed at it intently for a moment and a mischievous grin escaped his lips.

"Ha! Whoever devised this plan clearly didn't think it through very well."

And believe it or not, with this little item, he could easily prevent the prolonged war between the Empire and the Kearny Kingdom.

Well, honestly speaking, he didn't really care whether or not the war continued, because the Empire would win inevitably.

However—

The fact that Nathaniel was sent to the battlefield to fight in the war despite his young age.

It seemed likely that the Emperor would also send him there if the war continued.

Although Adrian had no idea why Arthur did such a thing, but, no thank you.

He preferred embarking on adventures rather than wasting his time butchering people to die.

Therefore, he decided to end this war.

Adrian lifted the emblem, holding it high in the air, and chuckled.

"I wonder what their expression will be when they find out I screwed up their plan. It must have been an amusing sight, hehe."

"Not you, laughing like a maniac again."

Adrian ceased his laugh and glanced at the entrance.

There, he saw a black-haired boy with disgust etched on his face and Adrian clucked his tongue in annoyance.

"Tsk. Don't ruin my mood."

Nathaniel shrugged insouciantly and approached his bed.

Adrian, who was curious about the outcome, hastily asked.

"So? How is it?"

"Well, they accept it."

"How about the payment?"

Nathaniel waved his hand dismissively.

"I'll take care of it."

Adrian arched his eyebrows and wryly smirk.

"Oh, my. How generous."

Rolling his eyes in boredom, Nathaniel asked.

"But why do you still need it anyway? You already have it, though?"

"Well, just to confirm something."

Adrian had all the puzzle pieces except the last one, he needed that last piece.

"What 'something'?"

Adrian stretched out his smile widely and spoke.

"If I said that I would stop the war between the Empire and the Kearny Kingdom, would you believe it?"

"..."

Nathaniel stared at him with an inscrutable expression. 

Suddenly, his face contorted oddly and he burst out laughing.

"Hahaha!!"

Adrian's smile vanished upon seeing Nathaniel guffawing, and he immediately turned away from his brother. 

"Hahaha!!"

Nathaniel continued to laugh, unable to control himself. 

And now Adrian understood what Nathaniel felt when he laughed like a madman a while ago.

After a few moments, Nathaniel eventually calmed down and wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Stop the war? Pftt, Adrian, you can't be serious, haha!"

Annoyed, Adrian snapped.

"Then let's make a wager. If I'm proven right, you owe me a thousand gold coins."

"Ho?"

Nathaniel put on an interested face before continuing.

"I don't have a problem with it but, do you even have a thousand gold coins?"

"Tsk. Just say you're in or not?"

Adrian retorted impatiently.

"Well, I'm in."

"Good. It's a deal right?"

The white-haired boy extended his hand, and Nathaniel shook it firmly.

"Deal."

Adrian couldn't help but burst out laughing inwardly, his heart filled with joy.

'What a handy way to get some cash.'

.

.

.

The sky was painted in a reddish hue as the first rays of sunlight peeked shyly over the horizon.

The white-haired boy took a deep breath before exhaling it slowly, his hot breath was visible in the air.

The night had passed in a blink of an eye, and now they had gathered at dawn in the Refugee Camp Square.

Adrian looked around and saw numerous knights packing supplies and inspecting the horses, carriages, and many more. 

Today was their departure day.

He, along with Nathaniel, Graham, Fredinand, and Asher, would be returning to the Capital City.

Sensing a movement above his head, Adrian raised his gaze and saw Nathaniel lifting his hood.

"Thanks."

Adrian said softly.

Nathaniel let out a gentle smile before patting Adrian's head. 

"No problem. Just trying to keep you warm."

Adrian smiled back and a familiar voice jumped in.

"Your Highnesses, it's time."

Fredinand reminded them, and both nodded in agreement. 

But before they could take a step, a shout was heard from a distance.

"Ian!"

They turned their heads toward the voice and Adrian noticed that his classmate, Gizel, and his team were approaching him.

Adrian veered around and walked toward them. 

"Are you returning to the Capital today?"

Péréz immediately asked right after they arrived before him.

"Yes. Under the behest of His Majesty."

They nodded in understanding and after a brief conversation, one by one they bid him farewell and wished him a safe trip.

"We wish you a safe journey!"

"Thank you."

Thus, they ended their conversation, and Adrian returned to Nathaniel's side. 

However, as they were about to get into the carriage, another voice called out.

"Your Highness, please wait!!"

All heads turned to the voice. 

—Rattle —Rattle —Rattle 

The clamoring armor and numerous footsteps echoed throughout the surrounding area.

Knights along with the refugees could be seen constantly crowding the square. 

Shortly, they were lined up neatly and Sir Wyatt moved forth and bowed.

"Your Highnesses, Prince Nathaniel, and Prince Adrian, on behalf of the knights and refugees, I stand here to express our gratitude."

The man stepped back and unsheathed his weapon, holding it vertically in front of his face. 

Soon, the knights followed suit, mirroring his actions.

—Clank!

The sound of rasping blades filled the air as they gave us a sword salute. 

The knights and refugees shouted in unison.

"We will never forget Your Highnesses noble sacrifices! We wish you a safe journey!"

Adrian couldn't help but let out a smirk.

'What a grand farewell.'

Nathaniel and Adrian nodded simultaneously.

"Thank you."

With that, they boarded the carriage, and Ferdinand closed the door. 

Adrian looked through the carriage windows and they could be seen waving continuously.