Camilla felt so renewed and energized after dealing with her, and she faithfully exuded confidence. She felt more confident than she ever had. Camilla smiled and reasoned, "It's all because of the power she gave me last night." After that, she proceeded to the castle.
[The setting changed to the palace].
Levy and Aaron approached Richard while they were facing each other and gave him some important news. Levy and Aaron gazed at each other while Richard was deeply engrossed in studying the scroll. After some time, Richard tightened up and stated, "We need to move right now."
Aaron and Levy both exhaled heavily and arched their eyebrows. They didn't want to bother the prince, but they had no choice but to act without informing him. "Prince, how can we allow you to join?" remarked Levy.
Richard gave him a stern look, and when Levy understood Richard's gesture, he stopped and gave a look to Aaron. Levy told Aaron not to tell Richard anything, but he pushed him to. Roy was there as well. Aaron stood out, and they had to stop Richard from going to Targoviste.
"Prince, that's only a brief disturbance, and we can handle it. Please take some time to relax."
"I can't allow my people to take a risk in this kingdom," Richard remarked in a furious tone as his eyebrows furrowed. "It is my responsibility to accompany them as well."
"Prince, try to understand. It is unnecessary, and please have trust in us. We can get the area cleared in one day. We'll arrive here before the competition."
Levy muttered as he bowed down before Richard. Aaron followed Levy, curtsied, and murmured, "Yes, your royal highness. We can lead the troops. That was not a big problem in Targoviste; we could handle it properly."
Richard said fiercely, "Aaron."
"Maybe it is not a serious problem for us, but it is serious for Targoviste since civilians are being attacked there. Treat nothing so carelessly. Because you are a knight, their problems are also your problems."
"My prince, I apologize; I did not intend to say it. But the fact is, you're not feeling good. What should we do if something happened while you were there? Moreover, we must be present for the competition ceremony." Aaron knelt and spoke. He did not think that the prince would be so angry with him.
Roy was intently listening the entire time. He calmly said, "My prince, may I say something?" after listening to all of their demands.
Richard gave a nod of agreement. As soon as Roy had permission, he began speaking.
"Dear prince, kindly consider it logically. I do not think Aaron and Levy are wrong. After giving it some thought, they concluded they could handle that area so effectively that they did not want to bother you. They are concerned about you besides the other people. They are reliable, my prince."
Richard raised an eyebrow in response to Roy. His expression was equally grave. He could see why they were reluctant to let him go, and only because of that was he unable to bear their fear. He had to travel there and join his troops. And he had complete faith in Adela.
"Roy, I'll be alright there."
"But, my prince, what about the competition? If you can't make it here on time, it will be bad for us." Roy said.
"Indeed, my prince. We won't let you droop your head. We'll return in good shape," Levy said.
Richard carefully shifted his attention to everyone. After a minute, he responded, "I'll return on time. Let's go on. I don't want to argue over this and waste time."
He grabbed his fur cloak and walked out of the room, as Richard suggested. After rising to their feet, Aaron and Levy exchanged glances.
"I warned you not to tell him." Levy's voice was tight as he spoke.
"The prince will know it at some point," said Aaron.
In the early hours of the day, they learned Targoviste was being assaulted. Because it happened so quickly, they needed to respond right away. Levy and Aaron reasoned that, since they were the junior commanders, they needed to hasten. Considering the prince's position, they decided to do something in Targoviste without him.
"We must continue. I'll set up the horses. Considering that Prince won't waste time, you guys should depart." Roy followed suit, stating this as he left the chamber.
[The scene changes to the academy]
They gave every part of the academy notice of the tournament, with it set to begin in two days. All the students were enthusiastic about the competition, but they were also worried when they learned that the mission would be in Sofia. Several of them considered whether they should join the mission. They were terrified because they had heard that Sofia was a terrible town, and since it was their first mission. Today, all the high-ranking wizards and warriors gathered for the competition and expedition conference.
They would teach each learner one-on-one. This time, they received notice that three groups would join the expedition. It baffled them why the emperor this time picked three groups. Because Sofia was such a dangerous city, the emperor should have traveled in at least five or six groups. So, for what reason did the emperor select the three groups?
The magical sector was represented by Max, Hina, and the high-level magicians, besides Francis, Ian, Paul, and other warriors. More people were present at the academy than usual. Adela and Alfred did not make it to the academy, but they were on their way.
Francis walked through the crowd and, looking around, observed the same old surroundings when the time came to go to the mission. Everyone significant came together to discuss and support their kids in the tournament. Francis entered the tournament area and started looking around. This room was inaccessible to anyone other than a high-ranking individual.
Francis held a prominent position because he had been serving the country for the last six months and had become the Marquis. So, it was simple for him. As he arrived on the field, he saw that Theia's father, Adam, had also arrived. Adam smiled and moved in the direction of Francis after noticing him there.
"Francis, did you come to this location to check the setup?"
Francis' eyes were hard on him since, per the regulations, Adam was not allowed to go there, but he did. How could the security guards let him in? Francis asked in a stern tone, "Sir Adam, would you kindly explain what you are doing here? I heard your daughter would take part in the tournament, so how did the guards let you in?"
Francis said, "That's not their fault. I was only exploring the area." Adam said simply.
"Did you not read the regulations, Sir Adam? Everyone must adhere to the same rules. Do you know we can ban your daughter's access because of your behavior?" Francis appeared to be threatening Adam. As Adam heard Francis utter such harsh words, he furrowed his brows. He lost his temper but did not express it outwardly. He wondered how Francis could threaten him. What did Francis think of him? Francis was not even born when Adam took control of this portion, and now that boy was giving him a lecture. How could he? Adam gasped loudly as he considered it. He shouldn't have lost his fury now, since it would have revealed his rigging. He offered the guards a large amount of gold cash to enter.
Adam's daughter would take part here, and at any cost, she had to win it. So he was attempting to safeguard his daughter's future by making the route so simple for her. "Calm down, Francis," Adam responded with a forced smile. "You are welcome to look around every corner where I did nothing."
Instead of responding, Francis narrowed his eyes, since he was going to depart. "But I heard your pals are also recruited here," Adam interrupted Francis as he started to go. "Isn't it the same for you?"
As soon as Francis heard Adam, he halted. He turned around and shot Adam a harsh expression. But Adam smiled and added, "I did not mean it, Francis."
He said with a tilted head, "Don't worry, I won't mention anything to anyone. Simply put, I'm attempting to remember the guidelines as well."
"Sir Adam, if the authorities had not assigned me the assignment, I would not have come here to check. I don't believe you have any power over this selection process. Hence, please say nothing that would make the situation worse. I have the authority to kick you out of here."
Adam's brows furrowed as he heard Francis. He clenched his teeth and prepared a rebuttal when his butler abruptly spoke to him in a whisper, stopping him in his tracks. Once the man finished speaking, Adam nodded his head in agreement. Adam gave Francis a look before making his way out. Francis narrowed his eyes and again started walking around.
Francis moved up close to the handrail and peered down from the audience floor. This contest would be the most difficult of all the previous contests; the field was at least 200 yards long.
To be continued...