It had been a day after the small sparring session Regulus was entertaining a diplomat from a nearby kingdom.

“As you can see, my lord wishes to have peaceful relations with your kingdom. So as a token of friendship, we are donating weapons, armor and horses for you troops. Since we have observed that multiple bandits have either formed small camps or captured villages around your kingdom. So we wish to aid you in defending if they decide to attack.” 

The diplomat spoke out in a cheery voice, as Regulus was sure that this was a message from Haele to “Clear them out so we don’t have to” against the bandits.

“Ah also before I finish my message, a Ghoul Nest has formed nearby. My kingdom’s scouts discovered it a few days ago.It is in a cave west of here, so my king has advised you to be ready for any possible attacks.” He said in a serious tone, indicating that this was an extremely important matter.

“But aside from that, there is nothing else for me to say!” The diplomat says as he excuses himself out of the hall.

Eventually after some time Regulus called for Lucius and Eadic, as he wanted to discuss the severity of the situation. He had messengers tell them to meet him on the balcony of the castle.

“You called me, Regulus?” Eadic said as he had arrived a bit later than Lucius.

“Ah yes, Sir Eadic! Come sit, we have important things to talk about.” 

Eadic did as ordered as Lucius placed his tea cup on the table.

“The diplomat from Haele gave me…. Some concerning information.” Regulus said in a stern tone, as Eadic and Lucius listened attentively.

“He said that there were multiple bandit camps that have formed around us, some have even captured the nearby villages of Elise and Harlet.” 

Both men tensed up as they heard about the bandits, knowing that they may be just bandits, they could potentially be a much bigger threat once they form into a much bigger group.

“To add more wood to the fire, a Ghoul nest has been found west from here.”

The air had not gotten much heavier as the severity of the situation had gotten even worse. 

“So I thought of a plan…. Since the Ghoul nest isn’t too near, we should clear out and capture the bandit camps and the villages first. If we do that means more territory to us right? Plus the castle that Sir Lucius mentioned.” 

“That isn’t a bad idea but our troops are limited, from the last time I had counted our militia were only about two hundred soldiers.” Lucius spoke out, voicing his concern.

“To add to Sir Lucius’ remarks, having a single group of troops isn’t the best of ideas, as it could lead to exhaustion and fatigue early.” 

“I am aware, that is why I will be splitting our army into three groups. One will be led by Leif, you both know him I'm sure?” Regulus looked at them both in which they nodded.

“Good, the other will be led by you Sir Eadic.” Regulus said as he stared at Eadic waiting for his response, in which he nodded once more.

“Finally the last group will be led by me.” As soon as those words escaped from his mouth, both men retorted and complained.

“That is a horrible plan! You are the king! What would happen if som-” Lucius spoke out but was soon interrupted by Regulus.

“I know! But not if Alicia is with me, she is quite possibly the second best fighter we have other than Leif, not including you Sir Eadic.” Regulus spoke out, adding some sarcasm at the end, in which Eadic simply smirked at his joke.

“Even stil-”

“I agree with him. I’ve seen Alicia fight and she is quite the capable fighter, she could be at the level of a squire nearing knighthood.” Eadic said as he complimented Alicia’s ability.

“That is outrageous! How can you let him go into battle so carelessly! Do you even know of the ris-”

“Enough, I know you are worried about me. But I am not a prince that was raised in a castle. I know and I have had a taste of life and death.”

Lucius went silent upon hearing this as he understood that although he was still a young man, he was still a king. A king he must serve and not question.

“I understand, I shall no longer intervene.” 

Lucius said as he stood up and walked to the door. 

“I shall now take my leave.” He said as he bowed down and left.

“Sir Eadic, I shall give you a task. Find out many troops we currently have, and I want the specifics. The infantry, Archers, Mages if we have and the calvary. Also I would like you two assign them the armor and weapons.”

“I shall do that right away, your maje-”

“Don’t bother saying it.” Regulus said, interrupting Eadic.

“Very well, I shall do it… Regulus.” Eadic said hesitating in the last part.

“That’s better, now you can leave.” Regulus said as Eadic bowed and then left.

After he was left alone Regulus stared at the beautiful scenery from the balcony. Reminiscing the memories from his childhood.

His mother holding him in her arms as they watched the view from the balcony as well. 

He eventually shook this off as he went to his personal armory and prepared for the forthcoming days, him leading his own troops as a king.