I walked in the hero's manor and saw Jasper waiting for me.
"Jasper." I called out to him who was talking with a servant about who knows what.
"It's ready, they are just waiting for your command." he came to me and said while he handed me a paper. I took it and read the note sent by Reed and nodded.
'It looks like they won't need much time to prepare.'
"Ok lets go." I burned the paper and went out the door. Jasper followed me just a foot back, keeping his distance but close enough to chat. A perfect distance between a master and servant.
"My lord, why did you tell everyone to meet at the Ice palace again after the war? I mean we don't even know when it will end." he asked knowing full well I have to answer because of his position in my plan.
'I knew Jasper had doubts about this war considering I was actually preparing them for the war against the demons. So the materials, training and troop numbers must not make sense to him.'
"It's nothing you should worry about for now." I just deflected the question knowing he will just find out about it later.
"But My lord even the army we prepared will not be used in the first battle but you still are telling Reed to speed up the process. Why is that?" he persisted even after we got on the carriage.
"It's because...Jasper, when heaven and hell fight its best to prepare early, you might not know when it will strike." I answered nonchalantly as I looked out the window, the main palace came to view in just a few minutes.
I know Jasper must be feeling confused but if I tell him now it will complicate things that are at least in some order after the last tarnish. My poor plans have suffered enough.
The carriage stopped in front of the main door and I descended. I walked in through the open door like I was the king myself. Because why not if I was to be named king -which I hate to admit- I will have to take a stance someday.
Remus is still young to rule so after Father dearest death I will be incharge till Remus is ready.
'I need to take control just about now.'
"Jasper, I will meet you at my quarters."
"Yes, My lord."
He left me and I walked the familiar path to the king's office. The soldier present knocked on the door announcing my visit. He let me in after confirming with the king.
I walked in the room and saw him writing and signing some documents probably related to war.
"I heard you almost died, Commander." he looked up and said with a smirk.
"It was nothing I couldn't handle. But your majesty I heard you received the war letter?"
"Yes,in fact I was just about to discuss that with you. I will be announcing it to everyone this evening."
"Already! The public is in unrest about the recent activities but if his majesty says it's fine then I can't argue." I gave him a nonchalant smile.
His eyes sharpened, with a forced smile he said "what do you mean Commander?"
"Nothing it's just, it's better if we can solve the recent issue of spy and theft of precious route information leaking causing the trade to go down in the market of Ravial." I explained as vaguely as possible.
"Is it true?" he asked in thin air.
A shadow knight appeared in the study, he bowed and said "it's true Your majesty we just got the records of it this morning. But it got overlapped with information of assassination attempt on Commander Duke Mabuz." The shadow knight's voice was apologetic, fearing the punishment for failing the task handed to them.
The king rubbed his head and then commanded the shadow knights to find the source of this and root it out.
"Use all our manpower to solve this issue as soon as possible."
"Yes, Your majesty." he left as quietly as he came.
"So when will it be, the war announcement I mean?" I asked with a mocking smile.
"Today evening," he said as he continued with his work, his joyfulness gone.
I was shocked by his answer. I clenched my fists behind my back and asked "But Your majesty-"
He looked up and said "get changed Commander we need your face up there as well."
He rang the bell by his desk as Ryu came in "take care of The Commanders outfit, get him ready for the announcement. Ah! And don't let him ruin the look till the announcement."
"Yes, Your majesty."
"Ryu-" before I could say anything I was dragged back and locked in my room along with a dozen maids dolling me up.
Since Jasper was nowhere to be found he must be suffering the same faith as me.
After hours it was time for the announcement as I was led to the platform from where the King gives his speech and talks to the people of Ravial.
I met Jasper along the way who also changed into the hero's costume and styled.
"You look fresh, Hero." I compliment and he just gave me a smile as we both walked together through the crowd of knights and soldiers. We look down at the citizens that have come to listen.
"It's here." Jas said with the emotions of battle and death.
"It sure is." I replied with the same sentiment.
The king was waiting for us at the platform. Any other day it would have been rude for us to come later than the king but I guess it does not make much of a difference if something like a war is hanging on our necks.
The king stood before the magic voice amplifier and me and Jasper stood on either side of him.
"My dear citizens of Ravial, I am deeply pain when I say that we are yet again troubled by a threat called war." He started his speech as everyone in the vicinity went quiet.
"For months, we have watched as our neighboring lands have grown restless, their armies massing at our borders. The winds of war are upon us, and it is with a solemn duty that I must tell you that our beloved kingdom is about to be thrust into battle.
"This is not a decision I make lightly. War brings with it sorrow and sacrifice, and I grieve for the hardships it will bring to our homes and families. But we cannot stand idly by while our land and our future are jeopardized."
The feeling in the central plaza rose into that of fear and unrest but there was definitely fire behind that burning to protect this land.
'Old man is really good at this..'
"On top of not just threatening our land they also go as fast as trying to steal one of our very competent people. He may not appear much but he had worked hard for this kingdom from the day he was born. Commander Mabuz is a valuable person that everyone agrees and respects.
"So I will not tolerate anyone who dares to harm such an important member of this kingdom. But since the Commander, knowing full well about the danger did not back down, so will we. Our enemies seek to undermine the very foundations of our realm, to shatter the peace and prosperity we have built together. We must defend our honor, our values, and the safety of every man, woman, and child within our borders."
He raised his hands towards the carefulling listening people be it citizens or soldiers. His expression bore the time and experience of a man who had crossed hell himself. And now he is going to fully use this to make sure everyone relates to his feelings.
"In these trying times, let us remember what we fight for—the freedom to live in peace, the security of our families, and the enduring spirit of Ravial. Let us face this challenge with the same bravery and determination that have always defined us.
"We shall fight with valor, we shall endure with fortitude, and we shall emerge victorious. For Ravial, for our future, and for each other, we will stand resolute."
"May the gods watch over us, and may our unity guide us to triumph." He finished and cheers came in big waves.
I saw him catch his breath and walk back to his throne room where there will be an extended meeting with all the members of the council and nobles party.
Behind him the crowd cheered knowing that their king will not disappoint them and will fight till the enemy was defeated.
'Well to Ravial and The king I guess. Let the war begin.'