The war felt like an endless hell that appeared as though it would never end. And as time passed, the demons' attacks became increasingly relentless, to the point of losing ground to them. As a result, Lithiar's western border was invaded, which resulted in countless casualties. Many of our people were killed instantly, as they had previously refused to heed our warnings to evacuate the city. We also lost many of our soldiers who yielded their own lives for the sake of others, which pains me to this day. However, their sacrifices were not in vain, for we would not have come this far without their strength. Though, the actual heroes among the survivors are none other than prince Jonathin and his troop.
Ecaleapsi. A small enemy kingdom ruled by a powerful warlock and his sorcerers had summoned one of hell's gateways on earth. A feat that should never have been possible. The demons that came surging out of the portal ravaged and killed every single one of them before heading to their next target. Lithiar. However, we miraculously overturned the tides of the battle when Jonathin's suggestion to infiltrate the deathly grounds of Ecaleapsi came to fruition.
"Your highness, I have brought the extra nails you asked for. Where should I place them, sire?"
"With the rest of them in there." I pointed to a shabby old toolbox.
"I must say, my prince. You have practically transformed into an entirely different person in a mere span of five years. Truly incredible, your highness."
*sigh* He's about to ramble on about unnecessary things again.
"Your highness successfully oversaw this entire war from beginning to end. Not only that, you rebuilt the houses even better than they were before and have also provided relief for the bereaved families. Your highness have also…"
And yet despite my efforts to keep my mind busy, a certain woman's face keeps appearing in my dreams every night. Only when I'm engrossed in work that I feel relieved. I'm probably the only one who's feeling that way, yet I can't seem to stop.
"By the way, your highness. The capital has been singing your praises for nearly five years now. Photographs of your hard work are being sold and plastered nearly everywhere. Even the elders are…"
Leo's face was beaming with excitement as he continued to ramble on about Alkaraz's high society gossip. Meanwhile, I was uninterested. The same mouths that cursed me day and night are now worshipping my name. Am I supposed to be happy about such fickleness?
"Um…your highness?" he called as he slowly retreated with a smirk on his face.
As beautiful as they were, none of them appealed to me as much as she does. The only woman who can raise a commotion in my heart from miles away.
"Do you maidens require help with something?" I answered with a scowl as I stood up.
Their faces instantly turned red, and their provocative cleavage was so tight that it seemed their bosoms would bulge out if they so much as moved the wrong way. They have been seeking me out every day, wearing the same immodest garments ever since the end of the war. I have been cordial with them because I pitied their situation, but enough is enough. Where is bloody Jonathin when you need him?
"Your highness! Your highness!" exclaimed a familiar voice darting towards me.
" I am here to offer my help. I finished my task early, so Uler said I should lend you a hand. Ah! Hello ladies."
What perfect timing, Uwol.
~Some Time Later
"Um…y-your highness? Why are we hiding in the bushes?" asked Uwol with a blank stare.
"Shh…keep your voice down lest you draw their attention to us."
For a brawny warrior who can wipe out thousands of demons with a single strike of his arrows, he can be rather dense sometimes.
"Did you notice his scowl?"
"Gosh, it was the most attractive thing I had ever seen. I'm still blushing."
"Not to mention his bulging muscles. I wonder what it would feel like being hugged by him."
"I'd probably die of shock."
"What I wouldn't give for a night of passion with him."
"Oh my! They're talking about you, your highness." He whispered as he blushed while hiding his face behind his hands.
Phew! They're finally gone.
"There you are your highness! Oh! Hey brother!"
His sudden appearance startled us, which made both Uwol and I scream in panic as we tumbled on the ground.
"My life just flashed before my eyes. And I think I broke my leg." whined Uwol while quivering on the ground.
"Ah! That's right! A letter has arrived for your highness at the Kartier manor. And I also have some bad news."
Ulyx's expression suddenly shifted as he hesitated to utter his next words.
"Um…so…uh…t-the thing is-"
He's struggling quite a bit, which is very unlike him. What could be so hard to say?
"Chieftain Ulsef has summoned us to attend a celebratory banquet to commemorate the end of the war. He is expecting us in five days."
++++++
The subtle shift in the seasons made all those years seem like mere days. However, the two things that never seemed to change are the sun and moon. Whenever I gaze at the blazing sun, I can see his scowling expression as though he was right next to me.Everything reminded me of him, and my heart would yearn for him during the most unexpected moments. Ever since I learned of him leading the war, I prayed for him thrice everyday. It felt strange at first, but the more often I did it, the easier it became. And when the news of Lithiar's victory broke out, I felt a sense of relief, as if I could finally breathe.
When the Kartier household welcomed a new duchess, no one could have predicted the sequential changes that would takeplace shortly after their wedding. Duchess Emilia swiftly seized the reins of power from her mother-in-law. As such, she retaliated by leaving the estate and is now occupying their manor in the capital. She has been avoiding her daughter-in-law and her grandchildren this entire time. However, when she caught wind of my newly assigned role, she quickly returned to the duchy, if only to confront duchess Emilia.
"H-hello miss Fati, how do you do today?" stuttered a familiar voice from behind me.
"Good day, Sir Tomario. What brings you here?"
He always wears such cute expressions whenever he speaks to a maiden. Contrary to his looks, his personality is soft, caring, and adorable. Look at those bulging muscles of his. He could become a prominent knight instead of wasting his time farming every day.
"I-I brought you a bouquet of daises. I hear they mean cheerfulness, just like you. I hope you like them."
I would be a fool if I didn't realize his intentions by now. Should I let him down before his feelings grow stronger? Though I would hate to hurt him, and for his cuteness to disappear. Ugh! What to do…
"Um…Sir Tomario, I hope you do not take this the wrong way but…"
"I know Miss Fati only likes me as a friend. It's alright, because I am confident that I can win the missus' heart. I only ask that you please accept these slight gestures of mine without feeling uncomfortable. I present them with the utmost sincerity of my heart."
This man…is such a charmer. My goodness! If it were anyone else, they probably wouldn't have hesitated to jump into his arms right here and now.
"W-well, if you insist. I shall accept the daisies as a gesture of friendship and nothing more."
His face beamed under the sunlight, as his cheeks and even his ears turned as red as a tomato. I pray you find someone who can genuinely return your love, Sir Tomario.
++++++
I was told they were on good terms with their fellow tribe members. What's with the death glares? Their apprehensive stances were telling a different story than what the brothers previously told me. It feels as though someone from the crowd could attack them at any moment.
"Look, it's those accursed rejects again."
"How come they came back without a scratch?"
"They probably hid behind the prince the entire time."
They aren't even whispering.
"How shameless of them to show their faces around here again!"
"I'm sure the chief invited them out of pure courtesy."
"Ugh! What an eyesore, the lot of them!"
They were squirming in fear, as they awkwardly averted the people's spiteful gazes while trailing far behind me. Although they were home, the place where they were born and raised, they seemed so lonely and isolated. Is this how they've been living before being sent to war?
'When their mother, the chieftain's younger sister, passed away, their father took his own life on the same day. The chief, blinded by rage, shifted the blame onto four innocent infants and branded them as cursed rejects. He refused to recognize them as members of his family, so he left them in the care of an unmarried blind woman.' That is what Leo's report said which didn't match their statements at all.
"Stride with your heads held high, you are part of my court now. Therefore, if anyone insults you or looks down on you, they are doing so to me as well." I whispered to them.
If only they knew how valuable these men are, Uluka would have worshipped the very ground they walk on. Oh well, it's their loss, and my gain.