“It’s been a week since I wrote, Master Macias.” Aster said as she followed the advisor’s walking pace briskly with a worrisome expression, “Is there really no news from Aurora?”

“I'm telling you child, there is none!” Macias snarled impatiently and continued to walk quickly, “Please just hurry up and focus on your training, the king waits for you in the garden.”

Aster stopped with her tracks and sighed dejectedly. She turned around and followed the path towards a gazebo of marble and gold. Around it is a grass bed with yellow carnations planted at every corner of the garden, she looked around and saw butterfly weeds scattered across the path. She plucked one and placed it at the gazebo table, she begins to strap her leather gloves and tied them firmly to her hands. She wears a navy blue buttoned jacket that the handmaidens prepared for her. She braided her brown hair in a bun. A uniform she thought, it wasn't in her norm to wear things for submission but she is rather fond of the color. She tied her boots, and walked around to find her way to the king.

“Ah! That's great news. Good job, lad!” the king exclaimed, making the soldier smile.

“See to it that the village never recovers.” king Rickardo leaned closer to the soldier’s ear while placing a golden pouch to his hand. He then ushered him away and the two other soldiers with bloodied armors followed their comrade.

“There you are, Aster!” The king shouted. “Hmm… the uniform surprisingly suits you, come here, take a walk with me.” Aster nodded reluctantly.

“How's your stay so far?”

“I wish to go home, my lord.”

“Everyone would like that… but your shaman sent you here for a reason.” The king said sternly. “He believes that your training here would help your village in the future.”

“You say all that yet all i do here is stare blankly at your boring walls, and he never told me that my purpose for coming here doesn't just require a delivery.”

“Which is why you're here now.”

Aster looked at the king curiously. The king signalled his men and promptly escorted her towards the veranda, where all the nobles are chattering and engaged in vivid banquet.

“Ladies, Gentlemen, my fine family. May I have this moment.” said the king proudly and the crowd fell silent. “I have gathered you all here in a small celebration to witness… a change in our tradition.”

“For years and years, our military has grown as the largest, most powerful army this world ever had. And while our soldiers are all strong and vigorous, we lack leaders. Qualified ones.” The king peered to his right, giving a slight gesture to a tall man in full armor. “We all know that we have the skillful Commander General Jonathan, but one general, no matter how great he is, will not be enough if we are to face dire times.”

“Which is why I am here to announce that the young lady Aster, born and raised as the most skillful hunter and shamaness from the northern tribes of Kinan, will accompany him as the second general of the kingdom.”

The crowd murmured with concern. Aster froze. She stormed towards the king before the guards behind her can even react, gritting her teeth in annoyance, “May I have a word with you my lord?” She asked.

“We can talk after all of this is done, General.” King Rickardo grinned.

“General? I do not wish to take you for a usurper my lord, I truly hope I’m wrong” The armored man said out of nowhere. “With all due respect I think I earned my position to deserve a better evaluation other than remarks such as unqualified--”

“I never said you were unqualified Jonathan.”

“How many more leaders do you need to command a proper army?! This is insulting!”, Jonathan snarled loudly, and the crowd starts to turn and murmur.

“Your capacity is well acknowledged commander general, but as the king, it is my duty to ensure the survival of my kingdom.” Rickardo explained, making sure Jonathan notices he said ‘my kingdom’ with a purposeful stress. “Do you think that entrusting my army to one general will secure our fate?”

Jonathan opened his mouth but no words came out due to utter disbelief. Rickardo rolled his eyes.

“Now, if you do not have further things to say, will allow me to enjoy my little party?” The king stepped forward, bumping his shoulder to the armored general and moving towards the chattering ladies, greeting them with a wide smile.

Aster looks up to the commander general, unsure of what to say. Jonathan glared at her and walked out of the gathering.