100: 100 Go To War

100 Go To War

Alen's pov 0

The sky was overcast, thick clouds covering the horizon, as if they were about to descend upon the earth at any moment. On the walls and gates of the imperial city, soldiers exchanged signals using red banners adorned with emblems.

Before long, a dull rumble sounded, and long planks were lowered. Hundreds of neighing horses crossed the makeshift bridge over the moat, and the massive army set off from the imperial city.

Prince Kral rode ahead of me on his horse. His black cloak billowed in the wind, like an unfurled banner. Royal guards protected the carriage that followed behind. Despite his esteemed status, Kral chose not to ride in the carriage; instead, he was on horseback, appearing like a general.

I followed beside him. His black hood concealed his face, and the cloak obscured his figure. All I could see was his silvery-gray armor and short sword.

The vanguard of our forces led the way, occasionally sending back messengers to report on the progress. The horses galloped swiftly, the wind rushing against my face. Soon, the towering imperial city vanished from the horizon.

I looked back at the carriage protected by royal soldiers, a heavy feeling in my heart, reminded of the words Kral spoke to me yesterday.

(Yesterday)

"Is everything ready?" Before we departed from the imperial city, Kral stood on the palace wall, gazing down at the citizens below, asking me in a low voice.

"Everything is prepared, Your Highness." I stood behind him, bowing respectfully.

"Alen, what do you think are our chances of winning this war?" Kral's expression remained unchanged, his gaze fixed on the city shrouded in the hues of the setting sun, casting a faint golden glow on his face.

"Your Highness, I believe we will win." My assessment wasn't based on blind optimism but on a careful evaluation of the rogue group we were facing.

"Explain your reasoning."

"Your Highness, we have at least three advantages. First, our well-trained knight order. Our knights are elite warriors, while the rogues' strength doesn't compare to ours. Second, we've been to the Red Moon Pack and are familiar with its environment and routes. Third, the soldiers from the Werebear Nation are skilled in combat. Based on our past experiences in battles, I'm confident we will emerge victorious."

"Hmm," Kral turned and smiled after I finished. His long eyelashes obscured his eyes. I couldn't quite decipher his intentions as he patted my shoulder twice with his gloved hand. "Alen, would you like to hear my answer?"

"Your Highness, do you sense something amiss?" I cautiously inquired.

"I feel that our chances of victory are not a hundred percent," Kral said lightly.

"Why?" My heart tightened, not understanding why Kral would hold such a view. From all angles, it seemed like victory was within our grasp.

"Alen, you only see the surface, but you fail to see what lurks in the darkest corners. The soldiers from Werebear Nation are merely our allies. Before we place complete trust in them, do not place all our hopes on them. The fact that the rogues managed to occupy a pack indicates that there are powerful individuals among them. Do you remember that messenger I couldn't even capture? His scent left me extremely vigilant."

Prince Kral took down a torch hanging on the city wall, and the red flame illuminated his handsome and sharp features. His eyes, piercing through the darkness, exuded chilling intimidation.

"Do not let your guard down with the elders. Once we leave, this city will practically be under their control. While we're fighting on the frontlines, any mishap in the imperial city will leave us in a difficult situation."

"Is that why you insist on keeping Delia by your side?" I looked at his back, suddenly understanding the unspoken meaning behind Kral's words. He never truly believed in those elders. Therefore, Delia couldn't stay in the distant safety of the imperial city. Kral was like a beast, fiercely guarding his most precious possession, unwilling to keep his beloved away from his reach.

"And one more thing, my curse hasn't disappeared," Kral held his own hand, murmuring in a low voice that left me astonished. "I can feel it, the occasional boiling in my blood, and the incessant urge in my mind. It hasn't vanished due to Delia's presence. It has simply become controllable."

"So, I need you to protect Delia's safety on the battlefield at all costs. Can you do that?"

Kral's golden eyes carried a compelling aura as he stared at me, pressing for an answer.

"Of course, Your Highness."

（Back to now）

"Stop!"

After several days of travel, Prince Kral finally ordered the team to rest in place. The communication soldiers promptly conveyed Prince Kral's command to the entire team. Following the prince's signal, the procession came to an immediate halt. I quickly pulled on the reins, bringing the horses to a stop, and then dismounted to attend to various tasks.

As the leader of the army, my responsibilities were always extensive. My longtime partner Bud is currently engaged in other tasks. I sighed with a headache and, after arranging the soldiers and troops, I reported the evening's plans to Prince Kral.

"No problem, Alen," Prince Kral sat on a stone near a tree, watching the guards skillfully build a fire and set up sleeping arrangements, seemingly without any signs of fatigue.

"What about Delia?" I gestured towards the carriage, which stood out somewhat among the troops.

"I will take care of her," Prince Kral picked up the food I had just handed him and walked towards the carriage. From my perspective, I could see a small head quickly ducking out of sight as soon as she saw Prince Kral approaching.

I smiled faintly. Prince Kral and Delia had just become engaged and they should naturally be closer. However, I suddenly remembered that girl with the emerald eyes, and my heart skipped a beat.

How could I not feel uneasy? I had been looking forward to seeing her in good spirits, only to find out she was secretly planning to slip away. Honestly, every time I thought about what I heard yesterday, it made my head throb in frustration.

"Alen! Come over and eat!" The guards sitting by the campfire waved enthusiastically at me. I composed my expression, returned to my usual demeanor, and shook my head, saying, "No thanks, guys, I have something to take care of."

"Huh? What do you have to do?" I heard the guards behind me ask inquisitively, but I ignored them.

"Heh, it's nothing," I touched the bell hanging at my waist.

I need to have a serious talk with the witch about yesterday's events. I thought through clenched teeth.

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