I opened my eyes as the greenery spread across my vision. As I inhaled, the scent of nature tickled my nose. An aroma that calm one's mind. Scent reminiscent of the tranquil, mild and earthly, with a touch of herbal undertone.
A leaf fell from the tree I was relaxing under. When It appeared before my eyes, I extended my hand and it was in my palm.
The leaf shaped like heart, had a smooth texture and prominent veins.
I put in my mouth and it left a bitter taste behind.
I looked at the Sun. It was time to leave.
After an hour or so in nature, I returned to castle in swift. I had duties to perform.
I was back in my room, with balcony, and decided to get dressed for a homecoming.
From what I had been informed, Sons of Duke, brothers elder to Reena, were to return to the Capital. They were on an expedition at the borders of the Kingdom, battling any resistance from the neighbours, Lufi Empire.
As for why Lufi Empire had been trying to infiltrate in the Kingdoms territory, the reason was still known to mankind.
Dressed elegantly in my usual clothes, I left my room to accompany Princess.
After greeting Lucia, we made our way to the gate.
Knights with Kingdom's flag in hand awaited to greet returnees who were yet to arrive.
Leon, Neulon, Nerisa, and Reena were all present there to recieve the mighties. Grand minister with his followers was also present.
As we wait, I decided to strike up conversation with Leon. It would be rude so I made sure to be low volume.
"Who are we here for again?" I whispered to Leon.
"Wait— You don't know?" He sighed to my nod.
"Brave two sons of Duke are on their way back to home. They are also elder brothers to Princess Reena."
"I see,"
"They were deployed with their platoon at the border Kingdom share with Lufi Empire for a survey. Duke recived a letter month ago informing that everything was under control and that they may come back soon."
"How are sons of Duke?"
"Eldest son is a strong and courageous man. The way he swings his mace, the techniques are near perfect. With sheer strength, he can break a mountain with his mace. He is a great, virtuous young man."
Hearing such praise, one could not help but imagine of some brute.
Break mountain huh...
"His younger brother is an adequate warrior. His spearsmanship is know around the continent. Contrast to his elder brother, he has a calm and gentle demeanor."
Alright, eldest son is definately a brute.
After waiting for a while, sound of the march grew heavier and heavier. Sound of stomping... the vibration created by those heavy mass stomps was felt.
Horses? Men? Or maybe both...
Flags of warriors came in sight. Knights on their horse were guides, while foot soliders followed and guarded the rare... In the very centre were two chariots.
A man, who appear to have a wide frame and stoic face, not-so-interestingly stood up in his chariot. Other chariot just slightly behind him, contained a man who innocence on his face. He appeared rather gentle when compared to the gentleman ahead of him. Not to mention, he had been standing the whole time... At least the moment he came in our sight.
"ATTENTION! Prince Raion, Prince Reo is making the entrance!"
Though there was announcement, everyone was aware as the knights paided the respect by extending their weapons.
The man who was in leading chariot stepped down. He had a mace in his hand, which rest on his shoulder as made his way towards us, or Lucia and Reena in specific. Other lad followed the suit, little behind him.
Neulon, Leon, Nerisa and every other lowered their head to to pay respect.
The de facto leader, who rode the leading chariot, had a really mascular build. Arms or logs hanging by shoulders. He stood at a great height of 8'2", couple of inches taller than Leon. Also carried much muscle mass than him. He had prominent facial features, really masculine face. The intimidating eyes, ready for war. As he walked towards young ladies, his shadow easily blocked sunlight casting upon both.
Reena smiled as she looked up at his elder brother. The servents then came with garlands.
"Welcome back," she said as she proceeded to put a massive garland on him. Then took another garland and walked to other guy.
He was not huge at all. If anything, he had slim build, almost as tall a Laren, around 7'2".
Reena then put a garland on his shoulder too as Lucia also approached Raion?
"Welcome back, dear brother. Everyone had profoundly waiting for your return." She said.
He just gave a nod as Lucia went on to other one.
As they put garland on him, he sort of opened his arms and slightly leaned forward before going back and caressing the garland around his neck awkwardly.
Young ladies just chuckled at this while he just passed a small smile.
With all said and done, Lucia led the way to the Royal Court.
Duke was overjoyed by the return of his two sons and King seemed delighted too.
Raion went in details of how he and his team pushed infiltrators from Lufi Empire. While he told the feats, Reo praised his strength.
He went on to describe how during one event at night, Raion single-handedly took out an entire platoon of vigorous soldiers, making the safe.
"Well done, my son!" Duke was overjoyed my his son's accomplishments.
"I did nothing. If anything, it was thanks to Reo's tactics that this expedition went smoothly." Despite his appearance, he was a humble man.
"And even if I was not, brother would have dealt with them with ease."
"Haha, True! 20, 30... Even if 5 times. Raion could taken anyone down. Oh what a mighty warrior you are son, indeed!" King to volunteered.
I glanced at Lucia and Reena. They both held a smirk of pride on their faces.
Guess he is not the trouble...
As they went in details, it was also revealed to them why Lufi Empire had been constantly provoking their neighbours.
They naught mind if it's war. They welcome it even if they may not admit, no one wants to be labelled as villain after all, but at this point, it was not provocation.
"Emperor of Lufi want his friend back." He said.
Though Raion hinted, not many in court get who he meant. A specific person...
I looked at Lucia, she seem to have no clue. So could be said for Reena and most of the court members but no one dared to query. As long as the most powerful man in room gets it... King gets it, his people gets it, Duke gets it, and Laren gets it. No one bothered to ask.
Am I the only one in this room with stupidest Intel?
It was upto great one, to give up on that person or not.
. . . . .