Wendell
The boys ride silently in the chariot as they pass through Rainswood, their destination home. Schneider's men carried away the body of their slayed king to bury him in a proper place. The Khisenfire knights swore on oath to inform the queen of what had conspired, and this war will ultimately be brought to an end.
"...I can't believe King Henry died at the hands of one of his own. Why couldn't he simply kill Lorenzo or even apprehend him? Instead, he slid in the way of his dagger and lost his life," Oliver mumbles, breaking the tension, and Wendell's gaze drops down to his sore hands.
"Sometimes in situations like that you move before you can think. Perhaps he wished to give his old friend one last chance to do the right thing. Or maybe...being so torn with guilt from those he had slain, Henry just didn't value his life anymore..." Wendell suggests, but nobody knows his true reason besides God and the dead man himself. Still, if it wasn't for the king acting as a shield, he wouldn't be alive right now. He only wishes to have given thanks like the gratitude Henry expressed to him in his final moments.
"Well, I'm sure justice will fall on Lorenzo for what he did, and the fighting with Khisenfire soon in times past," Oliver replies, and even if--for whatever reason--he doesn't get punished, the alchemist must pay the price someday.
Originally he desired to gain strength not only to protect the weak but also to avenge his father's death. When discovering the truth that anger turned toward Lorenzo, though the prince is relieved he hadn't done anything to later regret. As Theodore said, craving vengeance would not remove his grief. Jumping off emotions is like that power-hungry alchemist's mindset, and he never wants to become such a wicked person.
"I do appreciate your assistance, Oliver. No matter what clever strategy I would've tried to pull off, I didn't stand a chance against Henry alone. I am quite curious as to why you volunteered to join me. You put your very life at risk following me to face his army."
Oliver said there were people he wanted to keep safe which is understandable. Still, his self-proclaimed rival was about to add one other thing but quickly dismissed it. Since they have time to chat now, he'd like to learn what that reason had been.
"Granted, this was the most dangerous patrol we've gone on together."
"Huh?..." The prince takes a second to register what Oliver is implying and his blue eyes widen in surprise. "Wait, you mean you already know?! For how long?!"
"I had my suspicions but with no real proof, I couldn't be certain. There were a few incidents that stood out to me to draw this conclusion. For starters, during our conversation on Greendale Hill Frederick almost spoke like he knew the prince. Which felt odd considering he wasn't even from this kingdom and presumably never met the royal."
"I apologize for back then. You had confine in Frederick about some personal issues but weren't aware of who you were actually talking to. I do still stand by what I told you though," Wendell says, and Oliver's ears turn bright red covering his head in shame.
"I don't wanna speak on this any further! Can't believe I shamelessly opened up to my sworn rival without a clue! If embarrassment could kill, I'd be beyond dust at this point!"
Oliver takes a small breather to calm himself down and picks up where he left off.
"Anyways, that was what initially caught my attention. The more we hung out I soon realized Frederick had the same mannerisms as you despite the accent, and he constantly stayed busy as if living a double life. The other two giveaways just happened recently."
Wendell stays quiet, his interest piqued by what else Oliver could have noticed. He indeed had to maintain his personality for accurate test results, and was also forever swapped with many princely duties.
"Just a few days earlier when visiting the Valenta home for dinner, Justus babbled about Kana's birthday party. He mentioned that the prince missed the celebration because he had fallen ill. When I hung out with the southern boy shortly afterward, Frederick shared that he too was getting over a cold." Oliver's scarlet eyes drift toward the rundown houses as they ride along. "Honestly, I could've just written that off as a coincidence, until midnight when we went on patrol to assist that Alphonse fellow. Facing the burglar, Frederick performed an exact technique only you should've been taught at the Royal Warriors Association. That's the moment I truly believed Wendell and Frederick were one and the same."
The chariot continues down the bumpy road and he is amazed Oliver was so observant. If anyone had exposed his identity, the prince assumed maybe Justus would've connected the dots. Though he is the person, second to Kana, Frederick has spent the most time around.
"Besides, even if I hadn't the slightest inking about this secret, you did expose yourself by mentioning our patrols back there."
Wendell ruffles his ash-blonde locks with a lopsided smile. "Ah, that's right. I didn't even realize my slip of the tongue."
It's hard to focus on what all someone says during a crisis.
"I must say, I'm still impressed. I thought I did a decent job playing the role but you found me out within two months... So your offer stood based on the reasonable assumption that I was Frederick?" Wendell questions and he awkwardly scratches the back of his neck.
"I said it already, didn't I? By that point, my strong speculation that you were Frederick was confirmed. And since we're partners...I couldn't allow you to do something so reckless on your own."
This is even more of a surprise than the fact he discovered his secret. The prince figured once Oliver did realize Frederick was himself all dressed up, his sworn enemy would be utterly revolted by how he stayed so chummy. In truth, an outburst Wendell had been looking forward to witnessing, but his response is the total opposite of what he anticipated.
That implies to me as well. I'd laugh if a prediction claimed the two of us would someday fight together willingly. Despite my current doubts, one good thing did come from using this persona.
The prince has gotten to understand his ex-rival much better now compared to when they first met. What started as patrolling every blue moon had evolved, eager to spend time with him when his schedule was free. An unlikely friendship he never imagined forming weeks ago.
"I suppose the two of us are partners, aren't we?" Wendell wears a small smile and the older boy crosses his arms with closed eyes.
"D-Don't sound so cocky. You may have the royal title but I am the one who established this partnership. It's my turn to ask you a question now. What's the purpose of you posing as this southern peasant foreigner? Some weird task to learn about us commoners from a hands-on perspective?" he guesses, this causing a chuckle to escape the prince's lips.
"No, nothing like that. Actually to keep it brief, this was created in order to unravel Kana's honest feelings towards me. If I get favorable results, I could be marrying her instead of Blanche. However, time is of the essence and my wedding is just around the corner..."
Wendell is painfully reminded again he's yet to reach a solid conclusion. The 'decoding Kana's dear heart' operation resulted in an utter failure. Given the war has settled, the prince should have his mother's permission to propose, and he needs to end things with Blanche properly as he promised her cousin.
"You're telling me you went through all this trouble for her? By how googly-eyed Kana behaves, I thought she was head over heels for you both. So, the wedding with Blanche might be canceled then..." he mumbles, his gaze staring in the distance as if it holds some sort of answer.
Oliver's words make his heart skip a beat, now wondering to what extent he interpreted that she loves him. This isn't the only part that caught his attention but the mention of Blanche with such a dower expression. Are the pair just really childhood friends or is there unspoken chemistry between them?
Unfortunately, before Wendell can say anything more, Oliver insists on being let off in Opal Forten marketplace as he can walk the rest of the way. The shorter boy settles for simply thanking him one last time prior to saying their goodbyes.
No sooner does the chariot start rolling again that he hears a gentle voice cry out his name, immediately ordering the driver to halt. Wendell spins in every direction searching for the source, when moments later, she flings her arms around his torso. The impact nearly causes him to fall backwards as the taller girl buries her face into his ash-blonde hair.
"I know this is indecent of me but please allow my selfish behavior, if only for a minute," Kana softly pleads, and he obliges as the two stand unmoving.
The brunette's body trembles ever so slightly, him uncertain just what has raised her anxiety. Wendell sets his warm hand on top of her own--and like a charm, she begins to settle down. After holding on a bit longer, Kana pulls away which gives him a chance to see her hidden blush.
"I-I'm sorry, it's just when I saw you came back here in one piece I was overwhelmed with joy..." she confesses, this proving to be true as wipes tears from her emerald eyes. "I noticed you and Oliver left the kingdom while I was evacuating with my family."
Kana's folded hands rise to her chest and he spots the heart-shaped locket around her neck. It's the first time the prince has noticed her with his birthday present, though he hasn't yet seen any of the ribbons Frederick gave in her hair. She's even wearing what he speculates to be a second new outfit, and the ash-blonde can recall that very skirt on display inside a boutique in the capital. What Saelufu said previously stirs in his chest, but he doesn't wish to think about that right now.
"I didn't understand why you were going toward the threat without protection. Still, there wasn't a window to talk so all I could do was pray and wait for your return. Like Daniella's role in the play for Rowen though in our case it's a happy reunion... N-Not that I'm comparing us to a married couple or anything! I only thought this was similar to that scene!" she clarifies, her cheeks flaming a deeper red while she twists a hair ribbon.
Kana has been waiting there concerned over his safety ever since he first left. Even to the point, she crossed her boundaries upon spotting his presence which is an action he has rarely experienced from her before. Not in the slightest delighted by causing Kana stress, it does touch him to know how much she cares.
Wendell gently wipes her eyes of the tear drops threatening to spill. "I'm sorry for worrying you. Oliver and I went to settle things with Henry, and being successful, we got his men to retreat. Calestra residents can rest in peace now that the conflict between our countries is resolved."
"You mean the war against Khisenfire has ended for certain this time?" Kana anxiously inquires, and he nods with a confident smile.
"Yes, so the awful damage in Rainswood can be repaired."
"That's relieving news. I do appreciate the gold you gave our family as well. It helped us more than you think, and we recently received the queen's aid too."
Wendell is unable to respond to her thanks when his rider reminds him of the hour. The sky has grown darker as the once bright sun is gradually starting to set. Much as the prince would love to sit and chat, he must hurry home.
"I should be going since I still need to give my mother a report on what conspired."
"Of course, sorry to have kept you. Oh, there is one last thing I'd like to share real quick!" Kana adds, which has him pause from hopping into the chariot. "I remember vividly when you told Saelufu and me that you'd soon be gaining the throne. You didn't appear quite happy about it, on the contrary you seemed really nervous. That is expected considering there were mere months until your coronation ceremony... If you do continue to doubt yourself, today just proves you're more than capable. What I'm saying is that your father can rest peacefully because you'll be a great king."
The brunette wraps up her piece with a tender smile, and he can tell that wasn't said to simply lift his spirits. Kana meant every last sentence that left her mouth, and she is the sole person to give him such encouragement. Wendell can recall days he ran away from the palace as a kid because the lessons were too difficult. So when informed the boy would be the ruler of Calestra at age sixteen, he was internally panicking. The ash-blonde has put in his full effort these past months and for once seems like it's getting acknowledged.
"Thank you, Kana, truly," he tenderly replies, her boost precisely the words the prince yearned to hear.
After saying farewell, the pair part ways as the chariot speeds for the capital. Based on his experiences with the girl alone, he truly believes that Kana holds the exact love he feels toward her--one that's straight from the heart. The test results might not exactly match up but Oliver's observation comes to mind.
I have one final test to pull tomorrow and then I'll reach my decision.
...
Thereupon arriving at the castle they all detour straight for the throne room. Now that he's back, nervousness kicks in at the thought of facing his mother. He did sneak out of the castle and devised a rather dangerous plan which put his life at stake. Anticipating her to be a tad upset would be an extreme understatement.
The queen sits on the throne with hands running through her messy blonde hair. Wendy rubs her back trying to comfort the distressed woman, and many palace servants fill the space to offer their support. The sight leaves him with mixed emotions as the prince clears his throat.
"I've returned," he softly announces, and each head snaps in his direction.
"Big Brother!" Wendy is number one to run and leap into her siblings' embrace. His personal aid follows the chipper girl while others surround the boy with open arms. Everyone is soothed that Wendell hasn't been harmed but the strict ruler remains completely still.
It takes a good minute before his mother rises from this seat, and all scatters as they watch anxiously from the walls. The prince's blue eyes drop low on instinct but forces himself to meet her piercing gaze. Althelia may appear to be composed but he notices her twitching hand which in the next second strikes his cheek. The sound echoes throughout the noiseless room adding a hint of pain to his already aching body.
"Don't hurt, Big Brother! He was just protecting us from those bad guys!" Wendy jumps in front of him and places her hands on her hips trying to stand tall. "He did nothing wrong!"
"You keep your mouth sealed shut. This is between myself and Wendell."
The queen's icy tone causes the girl to stumble backward, quickly hiding behind him. Wendell does applaud his little sister's bravery though he has no choice but to endure the harsh lecture. It's a simple price he must pay for doing this without her stamp of approval.
"How could you do something so reckless?! To go independently to the enemy frontlines when I ordered you not to leave these grounds! Margaret has explained everything to me and will also be held accountable. She created confusion amongst our ranks--stalling for time, and had allowed you to escape."
Wendell shoots the attendant an apologetic look, however, she merely waves off his needless guilt. The prince knows his mother is upset but he hoped she would express some ounce of concern. Instead, she neglected to at least give a pat on the shoulder but did inflict a stingy slap to the face.
"I wasn't alone as I went out there with a friend of mine. We removed the veil from Henry's eyes just as Theodore advised, and had this war end with only a single life lost."
"If you're referring to an untrained boy, he is as much of a novice at combat as you. Also, since I'm now aware our archbishop had got into your head, I'll be talking with him later. I made my verdict clear about that man and will not tolerate anyone overruling-"
"I did it because I wanted to fulfill my father's dying wish."
This one sentence results in his mother chastising him to suddenly stop and he has gained her attention.
"The desperate plea he whispered was for our two kingdoms to make peace with each other. Yes, what I did was impulsive, putting my life in grave danger. I knew you wouldn't listen if I attempted to convince you, thus I chose for myself what my spirit felt was true justice. I'll be king of Calestra two weeks from today, therefore you can't continue to coddle me forever. I'll accept the punishment you decree for disobeying, but I won't apologize for what I've done."
The queen is rendered speechless by his response as he braces himself for additional backlash. Nevertheless, she shakily pulls her son close and it feels like an eternity since they've shared a tender hug.
"Wisdom over emotions is a trait you and your father have alike. I've been so scared after we lost him that something would snatch you away just the same. But you've grown tremendously during this short time and I was too blind to see it..." Althelia deeply exhales, and he enjoys his mother's warmth a little more before she slowly pulls away. "Now, I'd like to hear what occurred out there from the beginning."
Their discussion moves to the main room as the family of three sits around amongst a few castle servants. His mother quietly listens to him explain all the events in great detail and neither says a word until he is finished. Compared to the queen's earlier fury, her mood has shifted dramatically with a different frown tugging at her lips.
"I was consumed with hatred toward that man for taking my dear husband away from me and our children. So great to the point where I was determined to execute my revenge, even if he wasn't truly to blame. It was a terrible way I chose to cope but you heeded Theodore's message, just like your father would've acted. I will not be penalizing you for an attitude that should be praised," she declares, wearing a proud smile he so often wished to see.
"Does this mean there'll be no battles anymore? That everyone can go about happily now?" Wendy innocently asks, and their mother strokes her long hair.
"Yes, Sweetie, the fighting between our kingdoms can finally cease. I plan to first allow the three of them to have a mourning period for their loss. We all understand how difficult this will be on his wife, eldest daughter, and his young boy. At a later date, we can offer a peace treaty so future generations of ours can continue to live in unity with one another."
This wonderful idea is sure to grant the two of their deceased kings' good comfort. Further conflicts could potentially arise among power-hungry kingdoms, but hopefully, their truce will never falter in years to come.
"Mother, how soon can Rainswood get fixed up?" he asks, the state of Kana's house still vivid in his head. "Given there aren't any knowable dangers, the people needn't remain living in such a shambled mess."
"As I said at the ball, my initial priority was tending to that very issue. Families have received coins to help with the expenses and workers will be sent to start on their homes. You have no reason to fret."
A sigh of relief escapes him, thankful his promise to Kana will be fulfilled.
"With your shown maturity, I firmly decided something else. From this day forth, Blanche Valenta won't be labeled your fiance," she reveals, and even if this order was expected it's still a huge weight off his chest. "Originally I consented to the request because you found a girl that your heart yearned for, but I hadn't been confident if losing the treaty with Quincy was a smart judgment. A meek child stepping into his father's shoes could lead to troubles down the line where an ally nation is crucial. Nonetheless, those previous fears for me are cleared and I should've had the utmost faith in my son."
The amount of praise she has showered today makes her change of behavior feel like a realistic dream. Such compliments he believed his gentle father gave to him out of pity and his strict mother wouldn't utter, no matter how hard he tried.
"Mother, thank you! I'll do my best to grow in the strong example you both have ruled. Oh, I've realized it is quite past when I was supposed to answer by, but I require just a bit more time to sort out these jumbled signals."
"That's fine, you may propose to her at your own pace, and the wedding will be pushed far after you get crowned. I'll inform the Valenta family of what all conspired during our next meeting... Although a background check was conducted on this girl, I'd like to know from your mouth what made you fall for Kana Littleton?"
The woman wears a motherly smile, and she doesn't often pay much attention to his romantic affairs.
"W-Well, I guess you could say there was a small spark when we first met that winter evening..."
Their chatter proceeds with lighter topics, and it's nice to have a normal evening in the company of loved ones. In truth, the near coordination was more worrisome than his canceled wedding a week before. This incident hasn't completely erased the prince's anxieties but has confidence he can endure the hardships which lie ahead.
The heavy responsibility set upon my shoulders won't burden me because I'm not alone. I'll grow even stronger with everyone's support to guide the nation my father left in my hands.

A/N Her
e is another triple update and the war's conclusion. The next update, Kana's true feelings will be revealed. Thankful to any readers who have stuck around for this long:)