18. STRATEGY OF WAR

After successfully exiting from Pascal's room, they finally met again at the garden gazebo. Pascal chose to sit next to King Lumiere, across from Crysta and Queen Ruby. He acted like nothing had happened between him and Crysta some time earlier. Pascal didn't even seem to care about Crysta, who had been watching him. Putting on a friendly expression, hoping Pascal would say hello.

''How are you, Your Highness?'' Crysta took the initiative to open the topic.

''Excellent,'' he replied briefly. Back to busy enjoying the appetizer. Pascal was completely ignorant.

''You look a lot thinner than when we met in Orva.''

''That's so. I couldn't eat well if I didn't eat food that came from Valliant.''

''The war must have made you forget to eat.''

''Perhaps.''

King Lumiere and Queen Ruby let out a long sigh. Crysta, who was no longer asking questions, must have felt discouraged by Pascal's lack of warmth. Pascal was silent, as was Crysta. The girl dropped her eyes to the food on the plate, which no longer aroused her appetite.

" There will be a party in the streets of the city tonight. A celebration of the conquest of Argorn which is already under Valliant's reign. Please take Crysta to see it.'' King Lumiere said.

Crysta smiled brightly at that.

As if deaf, Pascal continued to devour his food quickly. He was in a hurry as if he was chasing something. Both cheeks were bulging from the amount of food in his mouth. Not realizing that not only one person was watching him, was staring in amusement because the man looked funny with that way of eating.

But only Crysta looked worried. She wanted to remind Pascal to eat slowly. But all she could do was hold her breath, afraid that Pascal would choke and-

''Uhuk!''

What Crysta feared happened. She hurriedly handed a glass to Pascal who reflexively beat his chest repeatedly, cutting off Mathias' movement who was less dexterous than her. Pascal took it, gulping down the water until it was gone.

Just as Crysta breathed a sigh of relief, thinking Pascal would learn from experience and not eat as quickly as before - apparently Pascal did it again. The prince stuffed all the food again with lightning speed. Everyone who had been looking anxious was now astonished by his behavior. Pascal who often skipped breakfast turned out to have a big appetite.

Pascal didn't seem to care about everyone's stares. His lunch today was really delicious. Meat, various vegetables and fresh fruits were served with a very well-organized presentation. It made him forget that there was an order that required him to answer immediately.

Actually, it was very reasonable. During the war, Pascal did not sleep, nor did he eat. He devoted his time to concentrating on strategy and formation. Occasionally he would eat a grape and sip a glass of water to fill his stomach.

The mind affects one's appetite. It was the same with Pascal. He could only eat in peace when victory was in hand. And Crysta's presence made his mood really good.

Everyone knew that. Except Crysta.

The dining table was silent. There was only the clinking sound of plates and spoons rubbing against each other. Also the sound of coughing from Pascal who was again choking and the voice of Mathias who asked Pascal to eat slowly.

A few minutes passed, and Pascal finished his meal. He took another sip of water that had been refilled by the waiter. As if it was a sign that he could speak now. Pascal lowered his glass as he turned to his father.

"Feast, huh?'' He gave Crysta a glance. ''I guess I can't,'' he said a moment later.

''What are you doing tonight?'' Pascal's blatant refusal made the queen a little curious.

''I will be meeting with the generals and captains of each army. Anticipating the threat from the west. So I must be prepared.''

Nothing was more important than the affairs of the kingdom. Everything that concerned the lives and integrity of Valliant had to be prioritized.

With a feeling of disappointment Crysta bowed her head again. If the king and queen allowed it, even if she insisted, it wouldn't do any good.

''I will order some guards to escort the princess to the center of the city. Natasha will be accompanying you. She knows the places that will make you happy in the feast.''

Still with the same feeling, Crysta just nodded.

The sun has set in the western horizon. Leaving a beautiful beam of light on the horizon. Beautiful and relaxing. She did not move from the garden even though the luncheon was over. She was pensive. There were only two days left. But there was no progress on her relationship with Pascal. Instead, she continued to receive letters from Leonard every day, although she only replied to him occasionally.

It wasn't that she was unhappy with Leonard's concern for her. But she wished that the attention came from someone else. Who unfortunately didn't even care about her.

''How long will we be here, Your Highness?'' Monic wrapped a thick cloth around Crysta's shoulders. The weather was already getting cold. She understood very well that Crysta couldn't bear the cool night air.

''Until I get bored.''

The sea water was still blue. The sea was also calm and smooth. Monic even noticed the change in direction of the wind. That said, she was the one who was actually very bored in that place.

Crysta wanted to go to the public party. She wanted to see the crowds down there. Since coming to Valliant, Crysta had not touched the streets in a sober state at all. Enjoying the hustle and bustle among the people. Which she never did while in Orva. Because her father forbade it.

But it was different here. The king and queen allowed it and wouldn't say anything to her parents, as they understood King Brent's character very well. They also knew about Crysta's condition who was always confined in the palace. Honestly, King Lumiere and Queen Ruby felt very sorry for her.

''Monic...''

''Yes, Princess.''

''Do you think I fell in love with the wrong person?''

Monic's eyes darted around. Not understanding the question. ''Pardon me, Your Highness?''

''Should I open my heart to Leonard and forget all about Pascal?'' With both hands supporting her chin on the railing made of stone, Crysta looked like someone who was going through a breakup. Her lackluster speech complemented it all.

She laughed awkwardly. Standing next to Crysta who was still looking at the ocean in a sitting position. ''As far as I know, a happy marriage is one that has love in it. Maybe this tyrant prince doesn't have feelings for you right now. But I'm sure, if you continue to show concern for him, the prince will definitely have the same feelings.''

''I've already done that. But nothing.'' Considering that her attention at lunch had been ignored, she would certainly reconsider the idea of doing the same thing again.

Monic knelt down. Crysta reflexively turned her head as Monic also shook her shoulder to get her attention.

''Don't give up, Princess. Heaven wouldn't make us come this far just to fail.'' Monic encouraged her by clenching one hand into the air. He also nodded his head several times. The twinkle in her eyes looked sincere. Crysta smiled.

''Should I wait for him to say he loves me? Or should I say it first?''