On the western parts of the Enosh continent located a few kilometers away from the kingdom of Watanabe, there was a large kingdom spreading across measuring roughly 12,523 in meter. The entire country was surrounded by a thin green barrier that was slightly transparent. The thinness of the barrier could barely be seen with the naked eye, one would have to squint their eyes to even be able to notice it.
Though the thinness of the barrier wasn't feeble by any means even if it was hit by a high-level wide scale magic barrage the barrier wouldn't even shudder from the impact. It was a barrier that was the nations pride.
The kingdom of Alberta was filled with an air of liveliness from the common people, the sidewalk was filled with shops, stalls and stores, the building was thoroughly maintained the sidewalks was extremely clean not even a speck of dirt could be seen, there were knights scattered all over the public area.
The civilians were all in high spirit, however tension could also be seen on their face, the reason was because of the recent assassination attempt on the king the one who reigns over the entire country but also the news about the kingdom of Zestril declaring war on their kingdom it was no wonder everyone was filled with worry.
In the center of the Alberta kingdom there was a majestic castle with a large crenelated wall standing before it, with an opened field as wide as a public park before the castle gate. There was a grassy field that spread across with huge trees with fresh green leaves attached to its branches, growing around the back with a silver fountain spraying clear water. Two knights were standing guard on either side of the two-sided castle gate.
"Yawn, it's so dull when can we have a break already?"
The knight who seems to be in his late twenties ask tiredly while stretching his hands which had gotten lazy from being at his waist for so long.
"Will you stop complaining, our job is to protect the royal family. Now keep your guard up in case something unexpected happened."
The knight who seems to be in his mid-thirties said with sigh. Though he had a frown on his brow bothered by the words of his junior. However, towards his words the knight standing on the left side shrugged his shoulders in exasperation.
"Come on who in their right mind would actually attack our country, only a fool who wish to die would do such a thing."
He said confidently, the Alberta Kingdom is the strongest and most advanced nation on the continent so he didn't believe someone would actually do such a thing, such thing could only be called as 'suicide.'
"It's true that we are the most advanced nation in these parts however, it's best not to underestimate the adversary especially since we don't know anything about their strength."
The knight in his thirties retorted to the words of his junior. They both went silent after that and focus on their duties.
Inside a luxurious room inside the royal castle there was a beautiful girl who seems to be in her mid-teens seated around a wooden table while drinking freshly made milk tea, with elegance she slowly brought the tea to her mouth while smiling as the taste spread inside her mouth.
"Fuh... it seems it's going to be a while before things calm down."
She said sighing. Her long silver hair flowed gently by the wind blowing through the window, her beautiful blue eyes had a bit of gloominess to them.
"Your Highness maybe you should rest a little, I'm sure you must be exhausted from over working."
A beautiful maid who seems to be in her early twenties said while standing behind the silver hair girl calmly.
"No, I'm still not done; father and big brother has been working day and night to solve the current issues, what kind of Princess would I be to leave all the work to them while I slack off."
She replied while standing up from her chair and turned around. She then showed a small smile towards her maid who was worried about her. Her dress which was a bit above her knees fluttered by the rotation of her twirl. With that she quickly fixed the strands of her silver hair which was slightly disheveled by the wind.
(I won't waste time while my family takes care of everything on their own as the Princess of this country it's my job to help solve the problems which are troubling the kingdom)
She thought as determination filled her sky-blue eyes, Adriana Alberta she is the princess of this country, and is currently 17 years of age, she is deeply loved by her people for not only her lovely appearance but also because unlike most royals she doesn't show any disdain towards commoner and is quite respectful towards everyone she meets. Naturally the entire nation favors her highly.
"Well, lora I'll be counting on you okay."
Adriana said while facing her maid who was standing gracefully.
"As you wish."
Hearing the words of the Princess, the maid named Lora naturally held the hem of her maid attire then bowed her head with elegance.
***
In another place located inside the royal castle the King was seated inside the throne room boasting of its high ceiling as well as its first-class furniture's. The Queen was also seated beside him in a cross-legged posture. They both had a serious look on their faces, those also present was the knight captain who was in charge of guarding the royal family this unit was call 'imperial guard' a special squad who are the strongest in terms of combat.
The captain was a man in his late thirties wearing his knight attire with a well-trimmed beard, he was serving the royal family for many years now, his skills and his loyalty is what gave him his position in the royal castle, even though he started at the bottom like everyone else his skills were all respected by the King himself naturally they held him in the highest esteem.
There were two others also present they were both nobles who held great power and influence in the Alberta Kingdom. One was a man who seemed to be in his mid-thirties and had smooth dark green hair and jade-colored eyes which were quite sharp, he had dark colored skin and was dressed in a well-made black suit. There was an unusual aura around him that was slightly intimidating. As for the other he is the duke of this Kingdom a handsome man with short neatly refined blond hair and gray colored eyes dressed in a blue suit.
"Thank you for coming today, we have some pressing things to discuss."
The King said while observing the faces of those present. There was an air of majesty that would make any who witness it instinctively lower their head surrounding him. Naturally those present was filled with tension feeling the pressure coming from the King, however the man dressed in black had a merrily smile on his face even while being before such pressure.
"Sir Matthew make your report."
The King ordered while glancing at the person he had just called. Hearing his name, the man dressed in knightly attire walked towards the front and lowered his head before speaking.
"Yes, my King. my men and I traveled towards north where we were sent as a messenger and delivered your majesties message towards the king of Zestril. He didn't even want to read the message sent by your majesty it seems he is determined to go to war with our nation."
Matthew said with a frown on his face remembering the event that took place. He actually wanted to cut down the adversary at that time however things would have been completely unpleasant if he had acted on impulse and allow his emotions to compel him. He wasn't a naïve person by nature, however hearing his King who he had undying loyalty towards get insulted by the other side greatly angered him. Hearing his report, the King frowned.
"I'm sorry for interrupting but, may I speak?"
The noble man wearing a black suit suddenly said while raising his hand. The King nodded to his word permitting him to speak.
"If the opposer wishes to go to war with our country, wouldn't it be best to give them what they want?"
He said tilting his head, it's not like their Kingdom was weak and couldn't defend itself, if someone wanted to go to war naturally, they should return the favor in kind. Is what he was trying to say. Hearing that the room became silent for a moment. The King made a gesture as though he was pondering something. The Queen seated beside him had a grim expression.
"Now hold on Sir Adelio isn't that going a bit too fast, there might be a chance that a war won't happened you know, starting a war where we won't receive anything in returned, I don't see why we should."
The blond-haired noble man retorted to Adelio earlier statement. In a fluster.
"We don't get anything in returned huh... your right this is a battle where we have no benefit but running away would only bring shame to our nation right?"
He said shrugging his shoulders, while sending him a single glance. The blond-haired noble face twitched, as a Duke he wasn't the type of person who like making unnecessary sacrifice, he didn't want to do something that he can't benefit from, it was completely idiotic to start a war where there will definitely be unnecessary sacrifice. Even if they had to lower their heads to their enemies, he finds that as a much safer option than an all-out war.
"But even so starting a war would definitely bring unfortunate casualties."
The blonde-haired noble said pointing out the problem in Adelio suggestion. Matthew also nodded his head hearing that, it definitely would bring casualties many would lose their life in a war that had no meaning naturally it would be best to go with a safer option available.
"Will try sending a peace talk once again however, if that doesn't work then we will be going to war."
The King declared after thinking about it calmly. Naturally as King he wanted to choose the path with less casualties, however. Even if he doesn't want to start a war it doesn't mean the Kingdom of Zestril will leave them alone. So, with no other choice if they once again ignore their peace treaty then. they will have to go to war it seems. The King thought with a sigh. He still didn't know what the Kingdom of Zestril's true intention were, the assassins all committed suicide as soon as they were captured preventing them from learning anything useful.
The King was naturally angered at that time for those spies breaking into his country and targeting his life his family members were also targeted as well, he wanted those responsible to pay for their crimes against his nations. No matter how many messages he sent the answer coming from the King of the Zestril Kingdom was the same "Surrender your nation, your people will now be serving our own country. any who opposed shall be executed" was what they said.
"Bu-but your majesty, surely there are other options right? We don't have to take such extreme measures. On a war where we won't be able to gain anything but losses."
The blonde-haired noble said with a frown on his face. Seeing him the King sighed once more.
"Sir Henry I understand your feelings, I too also feel the same way, however. I can't see any other options that don't involve a war right now. I'm sure you're aware sometimes it's best to make a little sacrifice for a greater cause."
The King said calmly thinking about it logically, if they win this war the threat of the Zestril will be over, it's better than running away in shame and letting the other sides looking down on our country the king thought.
"But…"
"Enough my decision is final; I'll be counting on you all to start preparations."
The King said letting out a tired sigh.
The others present had a stern look on their faces, however, Adelio had a small grin on his face everything was going exactly how he wanted it.
(Fufufufu.... I can't wait for the bloodbath; it's been so long since I last saw a war. I'll just leave everything in Alister's hand)
He thought with a gleeful face.