19. WALK TOGETHER

"You have to.'' With a quick nod.

''Then give me more encouragement than that. For example, like the words of love that were impossible for him to say.'' Crysta challenged.

Monic looked up at the ceiling of the gazebo. Looking for inspiration. When she was younger, there were many men who seduced her with words of endearment.

''Ah, I have some,'' she said as she took a deep breath. ''You are very precious to me. If I don't get you, I don't know how my life will be.''

''Then where is the man who used to speak like that?''

''He married the daughter of a shepherd. He even has five children.'' Monic grumbled.

Crysta laughed. Men's words were unbelievable.

''Do you want to hear the rest?''

Crysta nodded quickly.

''My life without you is like a flowerless garden. It's empty and gloomy too.''

''Well, he must be a gentleman. The type of man who keeps his word,'' guessed the princess.

The look in Monic's eyes made Crysta suspicious. It seemed that the man under discussion was also the same as the previous man. And Monic's look confirmed what Crysta was thinking.

''He's more than those rebels. Maybe he didn't kill me. But he's the most manipulative man I've ever met.''

Listening to a rather interesting story, Crysta took the initiative to take Monic along the garden. Crysta picked a white rose as she passed by the beautiful plant.

''What did he do that you hated him so much?''

''He asked me to marry him. Until one day I found out that he had another lover. I thought he was cheating on me. But it turned out that I was the one who was cheating with him.''

Crysta couldn't help but laugh. She actually felt sorry for her. But from the way Monic said it, it seemed like the woman didn't even mind if Crysta mocked her openly.

''Ah, let me guess, they certainly present a good image when first getting acquainted.''

''That's so.''

''Is there anything much worse than that?''

''The last one was... I caught him fucking another woman at a prostitution place.''

Crysta closed her mouth. She could feel that Monic had been through many painful romances. Things that a person like Monic didn't deserve to go through.

And Christian's death must be another blow that makes Monic have to experience another deep trauma. For this reason, Crysta gives Monic her rose. With the hope that Monic would be a little comforted.

''Forget about words of love. Let's just enjoy the beauty of Valliant in the remaining days.''

The servant agreed. Crysta took Monic by the arm and led her towards a swing not far from where they were.

***

''How many soldiers in the west?'' Standing in the middle of the generals and captains of the army.

''Each kingdom has at least thirty-five thousand soldiers. Three of them have fifty thousand.'' General Alvar gave accurate data, showing the papers sent from Argorn and Calvard. ''So the total is three hundred thousand.''

''And how many do we have?''

''Seventy thousand, Your Highness. With Calvard and Argorn, the number is one hundred and fifty thousand men.''

''That's not enough,'' Pascal said, moving the pieces that symbolized the number of troops. Placing them at three points.

The table, which was covered with a giant paper containing the outline of the territory and also the names of the kingdoms in the eastern and western regions, became the focus of everyone there.

''In the eastern region, besides Valliant, the rest have under thirty thousand soldiers. We are outnumbered.''

Everyone was aware of that. But they couldn't help but think that Pascal seemed to have set himself up to fight the eight kingdoms alone. In fact, there was not just one kingdom in the eastern region.

''We can ask for help from the other kingdoms, Your Highness. I will send a raven to each kingdom, right now, if you order me to do so.'' Bold had a lot of initiative. No wonder he became the captain of the special forces formed by Pascal.

''The other seven kingdoms, at least when summed up, have a total of one hundred and forty thousand. Just ten thousand difference,'' Pascal moved his pieces again. Combining with the pieces belonging to the other eastern kingdoms. ''The question is, will they fight alongside us?''

''What do you mean, Your Highness?'' Robin, as the fourth of Valliant's seven generals, was puzzled by the question.

''They will certainly help. Fighting together to protect the west is a necessity that is the responsibility of every kingdom.'' The fifth general, Ezkiel- joined in.

''I have my doubts about their loyalty. Considering that I was the instigator of this war, they will definitely not be willing to sacrifice the lives of their soldiers for a war that was triggered by one person,'' he said. Folding his arms across his chest. Taking everyone's attention so seriously. ''And again, the conquest of the two western kingdoms only benefits Valliant. They will think that I only gave them trouble instead of territory.'' Because Argorn and Calvard were taken over by Pascal on the name of Valliant, not the eastern region.

Pascal's statement had a point. It's like saying, good things are enjoyed by yourself, hardships are shared. And again, a Pascal Tristan does not like to share. He who fought desperately to conquer the two kingdoms should get the price for his labor.

''So how is it, Your Highness? What's your next move?''

But at least Pascal wanted to try. Wanted to see how far the other kingdoms would respond if he...

''You can send raven to all the kingdoms. But don't send a message to Orva because I will speak directly to Princess Crysta.'' Answering Bold's question.

The captain of the Andromeda army hurried to carry out Pascal's orders. He immediately left the room and sought out the Maester of News to deliver Prince Valliant's message.

There were five generals and six captains there. But right now, Pascal was only focused on two people.

''You, Robin- form your army. Go to Argorn. Ezkiel, you go to Calvard. Guard the two kingdoms. Help the other two generals who are already there. Keep me informed when you get there. You must keep the western soldiers from crossing the eastern border.''

Incidentally, Argorn and Calvard were located next to each other. It was near the border. The reason why the western kingdom was so angry was because the border between the east and west had been conquered by Pascal. A very important territorial area. It was a scary thought that the eastern kingdom would begin to control the western region slowly.

''And the rest of you. Tighten the borders of Valliant. Both land and sea. And extend the ban to twenty-one days.''

The generals and captains exchanged glances.

''But, Your Highness... how about Princess Crysta?''

Pascal was silent for a moment. Ah, how could he forget the princess? He finally spoke up.

''Leave it to me.'' Pascal's answer to Alvar's question ended their meeting.

Gradually, the men who were loyal to Pascal left the room. Leaving Pascal alone, who was currently sipping wine in a corner of the room with complicated thoughts.

This war would be the biggest war he would ever face.

Therefore, he had to find a strong and trustworthy ally. Which was impossible. Because there was no kingdom in the region that was as reliable and strong as the kingdom of Valliant.

He swung his legs towards the map table with a drink in hand. Concentrating so hard that his forehead was lined.

''Chase me if you can,'' said the voice accompanied by a giggle.

''Princess, don't run too far. I'm not strong anymore.''

''Oh, come on, Monic. Don't trick me.''

From the balcony of the room, Pascal found Crysta and Monic who were in the garden. Playing chase.

''Crysta, what a coincidence,'' he hissed along with the intention to meet the princess immediately.

From the tail of her eyes, Crysta seemed to see someone from the room's balcony. But as soon as she turned her head, that someone was no longer there. Crysta shrugged, her mind telling her that she was probably hallucinating.

When in reality, Pascal left there a second after Crysta wanted to make sure.