Chapter 19 - chapter 19

Amidst the uncertainty of abogunrin kingdom, the youngest prince's resolute stance set a tense atmosphere. The general's intentions were shrouded in secrecy, and his cunning maneuvers kept the kingdom on the edge of its seat. As the youngest prince openly challenged the general's actions, a ripple of unease coursed through the hearts of those witnessing the confrontation.

Upon the youngest prince's disapproval, the general, undeterred, reached out to a higher power—the king's right hand. In the shadows of secrecy, their conversation unfolded, revealing a conspiracy that ran deep. "Why have you summoned me? Do you comprehend the gravity of our actions? This is treason, a move that could lead to our downfall," cried the king's right hand, his desperation evident.

"Do you truly believe the youngest prince would betray us? He possesses our secret, and he will not expose us," the general retorted, a sly grin playing across his lips. Confidence oozed from his every word.

"For me to trust in the youngest prince's loyalty, you must remain hidden. Only then will his appearance hold any credibility," the king's right hand suggested, planting the seed of doubt.

Just then, a marching army materialized before a small house, accompanied by none other than the youngest prince himself. Panic set in as the general and the king's right hand realized their world was crumbling before their eyes. With a forceful shout, the youngest prince commanded the general to emerge from his hiding place. Refusing to yield, the general threatened to dismantle the very house he was hiding in. But faced with no alternative, he stepped out, hoping to quell the situation.

"My dear son, must you shout at your elders? Come inside; let us talk," the general pleaded, attempting to regain control of the situation.

"There's nothing to discuss. I am here to bring you all to justice for the crimes you've committed," the youngest prince declared with unwavering resolve.

Fear coursed through the general, realizing the youngest prince was no longer a pawn to manipulate. His maidservant, a pawn in the grand scheme, was brought forward. Relief washed over the general as he saw the servant, who had been released from service a year prior. "He is no longer in my employ. He was freed last year," the general attempted to explain, his voice shaking.

The youngest prince's orders remained firm, and the servant was taken away. The king's right hand stood on the brink of collapse, his mind racing with thoughts of treason. As the youngest prince took a seat within the small house, the general approached, attempting to soothe the situation with reason. "My prince, your display almost frightened me to death. The reason we summoned you was that your elder brother is absent from the palace. With your support, we can proceed without hindrance. Abogunrin kingdom has only ever known war," the general confessed.

The youngest prince's demeanor remained stern, a testament to his unwavering commitment to his family. "How could you expect me to betray my own brothers?" he retorted, anger simmering beneath the surface.

The general, unperturbed, embarked on a chilling tale, recounting the story of Baokuta kingdom—a tale of a king's treacherous actions against his own kin. "The king had many sons, yet he chose to eliminate his brothers, fearing they posed a threat to his throne," the general explained, his words weaving an unsettling narrative.

"My brother would never do such a thing!" the youngest prince exclaimed, his anger flaring.

"Trust no one," the general stated, his voice a chilling reminder of the ruthlessness that could lurk within even those closest to them.

"I do not even trust you," the youngest prince responded, his tone collected despite the underlying tension.

And so, as suspicion hung heavy in the air, the youngest prince and the general stood at a crossroads of trust and deception. With the promise of support and power, the general extended an offer, shrouded in ambiguity. "We stand behind you. Should you require a minor task to undermine your brother's position—something less perilous than war—we are at your service," the general suggested, a triumphant smile curling his lips.

The youngest prince's resolve held strong, though curiosity mingled with caution. "I am not afraid of war. Just tell me what you propose," he replied, his words laden with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.

The general's victory was evident as he pressed further, seeking confirmation of the youngest prince's allegiance. "Does this mean you are in agreement?" he asked, a triumphant gleam in his eyes.

"Come closer," the youngest prince beckoned, his voice a hushed whisper. As the general leaned in, the youngest prince's final words hung in the air,