11. RIVALRY

''You look distracted? Prince Klein- Prince Leonard's younger brother asked in the middle of their discussion on war strategy. In the room where only the two of them were in, there was a map of the eastern kingdoms in the center. It's all about Princess Crysta, isn't it?

"What do you think?'' His gaze did not move from the inscription with the kingdom of Valliant.

''Why not have patience until the seven days are over? That's a short time. After that you can fetch the princess to Valliant with our armies.''

''I can't wait that long. And again, Pascal is there. He could snatch Crysta away from me since she was so attentive to him at the feast that day.'' Apparently Leonard realized this.

''You're too prejudiced, Brother. Pascal is not in Valliant. The bloodthirsty prince is in the west. Expanding his empire. He even killed the famously beautiful Princess Cassava. Does that not give you an explanation?''

''Crysta is very different as compared to Cassava. I wouldn't be surprised if Pascal took her life because Cassava is known for being rough and not gentle like Crysta.'' A pawn was aimed at the Valliant border. Leonard was planning to pick up his fiancée. But the piece was kept away by Klein. Making Leonard look at his brother questioningly.

''Is that why you brought me to this room? Planning a war under the guise of a fetch? You're too reckless. Don't do anything stupid for a woman. The people will question your wisdom considering King Lumiere has placed a ban on anyone entering or leaving Valliant. Be wise.''

The tap on Leonard's shoulder did not change his desire to bring Crysta to Lucard immediately. But at least Klein's advice cleared his cloudy head.

''When the time comes, I will personally pick up my sister-in-law and bring her to you,'' he said.

Though the lighting inside was quite bright, the air circulation was also very good. It was cool. Considering the kingdom was on top of a mountain. But the atmosphere in there still didn't reduce the tension in Leonard.

''Look. We have allies in the eastern region where Pascal has none.'' Klein pointed to the kingdoms of Lunar, Agnar, Pakar, Arcturus and Mytris. ''Since you're going to marry Crysta, let's remove Mytris from the list of allies. You may be good friends with Prince Logan and Axa, but King Robert and Queen Grace will not want to join us after they find out that you are marrying someone who is supposed to be their daughter-in-law.'' Klein's explanation made perfect sense. He was known to be clever but also devious. Being the one who openly showed an expression of hatred when meeting Pascal at various royal feasts.

''The rest, they will definitely support you to destroy Valliant if Pascal shows interest in your future wife.'' How Klein wanted to destroy Pascal long ago would be realized if Crysta really fell into Pascal's arms which made Leonard and Crysta's marriage void.

A horrible, thin smile graced Prince Leonard's stern features. In point of fact, the siblings would have an argument to attack Valliant. That was why Pascal didn't want to fulfill Crysta's wish for pink pearls. Because the hatred of the eastern princes was palpable the moment he entered the halls of Orva's royal palace. He just wanted to keep the peace and didn't want to have a reason to attack the kingdoms that were both located in the eastern region.

''After all Pascal doesn't have brothers like the princes of this region. He has no one to rely on other than his old father,'' Klein mocked with a laugh. He walked to one corner of the room where there were plenty of drinks and food prepared for the two. But he only took two cups that already had wine in them. Then approached a large table with many miniatures on it. Bringing the drinks to Leonard.

''You can underestimate age, little brother. But you can't look down on experiences. King Lumiere's father was the most powerful king in the region. It descended to King Lumiere and was passed down to Pascal. Don't you realize that the Valliant name is becoming known everywhere? Kingdoms in the north, south, west have even recognized the name.'' Leonard gulped down his drink. Klein was waiting for him to make a toast. So he did the same. Then Leonard returned to making war schemes to attack Valliant with the pawns he was arranging.

As if he could read Leonard's mind, Klein knew that his brother really disliked Pascal's popularity.

''Prince Valliant is the most honorable nickname. The tyrant prince really makes me satisfied because that nickname gives a bad impression of the image of a Pascal-''

''Aren't you familiar with his newest title?''

Leonard turned to his younger brother who looked unaware of it. ''Prince of the tiger riders.''

''Sounds pretty bad. Shouldn't a prince ride a horse instead of a carnivorous animal?''

Klein was still cornering Pascal with his mindset that Pascal's mount was nothing more than a stupid animal. But it was different with Leonard.

''Are you trying to calm me down or do you think I'm stupid enough to play your brainwashing game?'' he snapped as he threw an empty glass on the floor. The loud sound of the glass that was not made of glass echoed out of the room. The soldier on guard turned their heads toward the closed door.

Klein looked at the object his brother threw away then turned to stare at Leonard with an unreadable expression.

''That means he is a different prince. A prince who cannot be compared to other eastern princes. You must understand that something unique in a person makes that person have charisma even if he doesn't show it. And women love that kind of thing.'' Leonard explained with his breath rising and falling. Indicating that he was burning with emotion.

''I see. You're worrying about Princess Crysta again,'' Klein replied as he moved away from Leonard to fill wine into his empty glass. It was because he was a drunkard.

''Should I not be worried?''

Klein turned around. Speaking from where he stood. ''Only if you feel envious and unable to compete with the prince... what was his new title? Tiger rider?''

Klein teasing with that ridiculous question made Leonard furious. He even looked angry while Klein laughed because he was happy to see that expression on his brother's face.

''Alright, I'm sorry,'' he said with a laugh. Coming back to the table where they had been focusing their attention. But Klein stood opposite Leonard.

''You are more than a Pascal Tristan, Leonard. You also have me as your strength. If we attack him, finish him, then Valliant will be weak and there will be no longer the most powerful kingdom in the east. Lucard will take that position. And you will have nothing to worry about.'' Klein had always been able to anger Leonard and temper him at the same time.

''Then you can fuck Crysta as much as you want without the shadow of Pascal snatching her away from you,'' he continued, not releasing his gaze from Leonard even as he took another sip of the drink.

Leonard smiled. One nimble hand dropped Valliant's royal pawn. ''We'll finish him only if Pascal dares to touch Crysta. But while my future wife is still in that shithead kingdom, then that plan must not be extinguished even if the eastern kingdoms have agreed not to attack each other in order to maintain peace in this region.''

Klein and Leonard exchanged glances. Letting out a satisfied laugh where the laughter provoked the attention of the soldiers outside the room again to look towards the door where the two of them were staying.

***

''Make sure that the people of Calvard and Argorn don't rise up in rebellion. I don't want to have a kingdom where there are no people in it. Pascal and dissident humans are not meant to coexist. He could kill his own people and the kingdom would just be an empty kingdom with no people.'' King Lumiere led a palace meeting with several royal advisors.

After saying that, the king raised up from his seat first before the people at the same table as him. The Maesters gave their respects by standing up to let the king go.

Accompanied by five royal guards, King Lumiere crossed the hallway in front of the royal entrance and found an unusual sight.

A girl in a blue gown with Valliant's signature plaited hairstyle was standing on the large pillars near the entrance. With a maid. It was Crysta and Monic.

Seeing the soldiers bowing to someone behind her, made Crysta turn around and immediately bow as she saw King Lumiere who was behind her.

''Your Majesty,'' Crysta greeted warmly.

King Lumiere looked around to see why Crysta was so enthusiastic about being at the palace entrance. ''What are you doing here, Princess?''

''I-'' Crysta bit her lip. At a loss how she should explain that she was awaiting the king's son's arrival.

''I'm just-''

''Waiting for that naughty prince?'' he guessed interrupting.

Crysta looked down in shame. That guess was correct.

King Lumiere chuckled a little at the adorable expression. He, who had regarded Crysta as his own daughter, took Crysta to walk together around the palace.

From King Lumiere's explanation, Crysta knew that Pascal never passed through the palace door as he should. When traveling, Pascal always used ships. The people who loved Pascal would only make a commotion in the middle of the road because they wanted to see the prince on his mount. So Pascal chose another, safer route.

When they saw the Valliant sailing along the royal coast, they would think that Pascal was on board. It was a sight that the people always looked forward to every day.

''Then how do I know he's coming, Your Majesty?''

''From your bedroom window or from the palace garden. Or any place where there's a window with a view of the ocean. Those are the places where you can see his arrival,'' the king informed.

But for some reason Crysta seemed unprepared for Pascal's return. Her face turned sad.

''What's wrong, Princess?'' Noticing the different expression Crysta was displaying.

The girl held her breath. Then let it out slowly. ''I'm just afraid that the prince returned with a woman, Your Majesty. Perhaps he doesn't accept his marriage with Pincess Cassava, but who can guarantee-''

''You love Pascal?''

Crysta froze.