"I think I misheard that Father, care to say that again?" I ask laughing.

"You didn't hear anything wrong son, you really are the one going there," my father states with seriousness in his voice.

"Why me?" I ask. I can't believe what I'm hearing.

"You want to be the head general right?" my father asks.

I nod. "Yes, I do."

"Then know your generals, you're the one that's going to lead them," he replies.

"Why can't I go with him Father? " Louise asked.

My father looks at Louise in a way an officer gives orders to soldiers. "You will handle administrative duties in advance. You need to know how this kingdom works so that you can make effective plans."

"But I'm only thirteen father. Don't you know how dangerous it is to send a little boy out in the wilds?" I say with a mischievous smile.

My father sighs. "I know you really want to do it Leo so I'll let you choose your men and provisions. Just tell me when you head out so I can see you off."

"Then I'll head out tomorrow then," I reply still holding the smile.

Louise jumps when I say my chosen date. "Isn't that too early Leo? How can you prepare for the journey-" he stops mid-sentence when he finally reads my intentions. "Your unit huh?"

I nod. "Of course brother, who else?"

"Alright, if it's them then I guess I have some peace of mind..."

My smile widens. "Thanks big brother."

My father, seemingly satisfied, then stands up. "Now that everyone knows their roles, we best get a good night's sleep."

Louise and I agree and head to our bedrooms.

The next morning, I get up a few hours before sunrise and ready all that I need. Feeling excited to finally lead, I walk out the door. This will be my first mission with just me and my unit. And I have so much I want to test on them. I'll just have to hope there are bandits idiotic enough to attack us.

As I arrive to the barracks, I see the men from my unit. My mind suddenly fills with nostalgia as I look at them. I only had them back when I was eleven. The reason why is because my mother wanted me to have a unit of my own so I can learn to lead and have protection wherever I go as they'll follow me every time I have a mission. But I've never had any missions so all I did was just learn to direct them. But this time, that will change.

They see me approach and wave at me. "My prince, what makes you come by?"

"I just came to ask if you're ready," I reply.

"Yes sire, Captain Robert has ensured all our needs," they say as they raise their hands for a salute. Their barracks is not as large as the regular army's since they are a unit only under my command. Only forty beds, which is their exact number, a smaller training area exclusively for them complete with an archery range. The only thing lacking is an area for them to train in cavalry tactics, but seeing as most of the Lumieri Armies are mostly comprised of infantry and archers, I'll leave it be for now.

I give a satisfied nod at their readiness. I've always attempted to make my unit a very competent fighting force but since I'm still a little too inexperienced in making training regimens, I instead opted to make them more organized and well-drilled. And seeing them winning in practice fights against the other soldier just makes me swell with pride. And I have the captain to thank for it.

"Speaking of the captain sire, there he is now," a soldier states pointing at the stairs.

True enough, Captain Robert really is approaching, his studded leather armor being the main giveaway as he is the only man in the army to wear such an armor. He seems to be exhausted and has bags under his eyes. Probably because of my sudden orders to prepare for the journey which he only had about one night to prepare. But I have a lot of trust in him and his level of competence despite being only eighteen like my brother as he has climbed up the ranks because of his skill. And he acts like a second brother to me. He was even proud that he and his men were relegated to my command even though I'm still very young. And in these two years we've been so close but still maintain formalities when it comes to honorifics. But when we chat, I allow him to voice any opinion he has. Whether it's in agreement to my views or otherwise.

I go to the captain with a smile. "Everything ready Captain?"

He sighs in response. "Just about sir. Why did you tell me about this only last night?"

"I only decided the date last night Captain," I respond feeling a bit embarrassed by my excitement.

His shoulders drop in dismay and gives me an exasperated look. "Then why couldn't we go tomorrow? For better preparation time."

I give perhaps one of the most innocent smiles I can manage. "I got so excited I wanted to go as soon as possible."

He chuckles at my statement. "You still have the mind of a child sire. I guess that is to be expected since you still are."

I frown at his remark. "No I'm not. I'm perfectly mature for my age."

I actually think I'm more mature than the other people my age.

He just laughs in response and I get annoyed. "Come along now Captain, let us see Father and Louise before we head out," I say to change the topic.

He quickly turns serious and salutes. "Alright sir."

And so, we head out to recruit Frederick Hulls, the once famous 'Dragon General'.