Truce
The Empires western border.
Leo, who is in charge of the army that is repelling the Kingdoms invasion is having a face-to-face eting with a ssenger from the Imperial Capital.
A ceasefire?
Yes. This decision was made at the Summit of the Wise Kings, His Majesty wishes to withdraw our forces on the front line imdiately, Your Highness.
And in case the Kingdom doesnt do the sa?
I believe that they will be attacked by the full force of the Adventurer Guild.
Leo nods several tis as he listens to the ssenger.
Then, he gives his answer.
Understood.
After that, Leo dismisses the ssenger.
Then.
what do you think about this? Leticia.
About how the Kingdom will respond? Leo?
Asked Leticia who was waiting in the next room as she walked over to Leo.
In response, Leo calmly answers her.
No matter how stubborn the Crown Prince is, I dont think he will go against the decision of the Summit of the Wise Kings. He would be turning the entire continent into his enemy after all.
That would normally be the case but the Kingdoms attitudes so far were anything but normal. Even after the Dominion and the United Kingdom which were their allies withdrew from the battle, they never let up on their offensive. I wonder where they got so much confidence from.
Perhaps they think that they would be fine as long as it is a one on one fight with the Empire.
You think that they do not expect the SS-rank adventurers to intervene?
Probably.
While listening to Leticias opinion, Leo ponders on a question with his arms crossed.
A trump card that can put the Empire in check. What can it possibly be?
Leo couldnt help but worry as he cant get rid of this unpleasant premonition.
Then, Leticia put her hand on Leos shoulder.
I understand that you are anxious. But right now I think that the only thing we can do is follow the order.
..thats true. Lets recall our troops back from the frontline. After that, I might get called back to the Imperial Capital though.
Leo puts his hand on Leticias.
Leo, who was in charge of the northern war front, couldnt be close to Leticia for so ti.
When he was finally assigned to the western front and got to be near Leticia, the situation suddenly changed again.
It cant be helpedwe are in the middle of war after all.
I planned to end this as soon as possible but..Im sorry.
Theres nothing that you have to apologize for. Did you not end the civil war in the north and ca all the way here? That is already enough for .
But it is not enough for .
Even if you say that.the number of refugees from the Kingdom is gradually increasing. I have to stay here to unite them..
I started to resent the fact that we have our roles to fulfill now you know.
Leo sighs as he pulls Leticias hand closer to his chest.
Losing her balance, Leticia lets out a small scream and falls toward Leo.
Just like that, Leo put Leticia on his lap.
Wh, Whats wrong.?
If they call back to the capital, I want you to co with .
Please dont be unreasonable..
I will be depressed alone you know.
Leo sighs as he tightly hugs Leticia.
They stay like that for a while.
Then, Leticia astoundedly speaks to Leo in a small voice.
Its no good to act too selfishly right?
Its just a small wish.
Then if I say that I will be lonely, will you stay?
You are!? Of course, I will stay! I will write a formal letter to Father that I wont go back because Leticia will be lonely.
Please dont write such an embarrassing letter! As I thought, please go!
No way.
I dont know if I can say that it will be safe here butthe Crown Prince will never give up. Im sure that the Kingdom and the Empire will clash again. This ceasefire is surely the calm before the storm.
I wonder when this will end.
Leo murmured.
The conflict is only getting fiercer and fiercer.
He was determined when he joined the succession war but the conflict gradually turned into a war between great nations of the continent.
When will this end? When will he be able to end it?
This endless battle is wearing down on Leo.
It will, soday. War is inseparable from mankind. Indeed, mankind always has a war to fight. But no war lasts forever. Thats why Im sure that it will end soday.
I dont know when it willbut I hope I can end it soon.
If its Leo then you can do it.
When you say it like that it makes feel like I can really do it, you know.
Leo said that with a smile.
After finishing their conversation, Leticia tries to get off Leos lap but Leos arms are still wrapped around her.
Why are you getting off?
Because its embarrassing! Please let go! What would you do if soone saw us!?
Theres no problem even if we are seen right.
Are you not embarrassed at all!?
You dont really have to worry about that though. The Imperial Knights are being mindful of us so they wont just barge in anyway. Right? Captain Lambert.
Leo asks Lambert, Captain of the 6th Imperial Knight Corp who was assigned to the western front as well after his success in the north.
Then, a reply ca from the other side of the door.
Of course, Your Highness. Your enjoynt will not be disturbed.
His voice had a faint trace of laughter.
Hearing that, Leticias face imdiately turned red.
While enjoying her reaction, Leo gave an order to Lambert.
Please give our soldiers on the frontline the order to withdraw. I cant move from this place at the mont.
As you wish.
Alright, now we have ti. Shall we stay like this for a while?
Increasing the strength in his arms, Leo firmly hugged Leticia with a grin on his face.
Tell our n on the frontline to withdraw. The Empire will withdraw theirs as well.
After giving a brief instruction to his n, Prince Lucian of the Perlan Kingdom returned to his room.
It was unexpected that an investigation would be launched on his country by the Summit of the Wise Kings.
Now he has no choice but to change his plan.
The SS-rank adventurers will be coming. Do not count on any help from now alright?
[[Of course. Please rest assured, Your Highness.]]
Lucian nods to the reply that ca from the wall.
There is a limit to what he can do now.
It would be best if he doesnt have to make his move during the investigation.
I will leave the rest to you. It is still too early to deal with the SS-rank adventurers now. You got that?
[[Understood.]]
The voice from the wall ca from a shadow.
That shadow was initially humanoid but eventually, it changed into one of a bird and flew away from the room.
After seeing it off, Lucian sighs.
Then.
I accepted your challenge. Adler.
He muttered as he looked in the direction of the Empire.
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