Laurence only stared at Ultear for a while without saying anything. He didn't even ask her if she heard anything or what. He just stood there emotionless as if he lost all reason in the world. They return to the palace and Laurence left after without word.
And it's been a week since that day and Laurence never visited the palace again. The King ask Ultear if she did something wrong that offended him when he last visited. Ultear only shrug and said they had a great conversation, which is both false and true.
"Alright, it's not that urgent at the moment. You can just visit their Dukedom once spring come. For now, I want you to take this task as the Princess." The King handed Ultear a piece of paper. She reluctantly receive it and read the content.
"A mission?" she scan the other content written on the paper. "You want to help subjugate the monsters and beast in the North?"
"Yes. With your skills, you'll be a great addition to the Red Knights. This year, the monster's and beasts that showed up was thrice their number last year. The Red Knights already received quite a huge damage after a month of fighting and is now desperately in need of some help. This is also a great training for you. I'll leave the Blue Knights in your care. Lead them well."
Ultear immediately prepare for her departure to the Northern Region. She acted immediately not because the King gave her an order, it was because she'll be dispatch to the North where Kurtis was currently assigned. Ultear couldn't help but grin the entire time she's preparing. She's thinking how would Kurtis react if he sees her again, not just secretly sneaking in but also officially dispatch there as a commander of Blue Knights.
"My Lady, the carriage is ready." Julia inform.
"Alright, let's get going."
Julia and Rita will be assisting her in her journey as well as in her big task as the commander of Blue Knights. The King gave this mission to her and not just to anyone else and especially, it was not given to her just because she's the princess but because she's Ultear Merlione Betania who came from a family renown for producing exceptional and talented knights. They are indeed the greatest family of knights blessed with extreme physicality.
The Blue Knights was established not just too long ago with only a few members of 20 knights personally handpicked by his Majesty, the King. Ultear give a few words of greetings, introduces herself and what she expects to the Blue Knights before they officially depart from the Capital. It would take almost seven days from the Capital to the Northern Region if you ride a normal carriage. But if you use a brand new and expensive royal carriage and ride nonstop without rest, it'll only take four days.
And not long after, the Blue Knights with Ultear as their commander arrives at Istark City. The Lord of the City, Count Dominos Istark greet the Princess. He lead them to his estate and personally prepare their accomodations. They stayed the whole night in the city and in dawn, they leave to depart to Primrose Town where the Red Knights was camping. It was the last town in Istark Countdom before the Twin Impassable Mountain Ranges.
"Welcome, I'm the Red Knight's Commander, Julius Caelus. I'm looking forward working with you, Princess." The Red Knight's commander, Julius, personally greeted the newly arrive, Blue Knights. He reach out his hand for a handshake.
Ultear accepted Commander Julius hand. "Please, just Ultear is fine. Today, I am here not as a Princess but as a Knight commander just like you, Commander Julius. So, please, drop the formalities."
"Hahaha, if you say it like that, then, alright! I once again welcome you to the Red Knight's camp. We're looking forward to working with you, Commander Ultear."
The Red Knights welcomes the Blue Knights warmly as fellow knights. None of the Blue Knights nor the Red Knights, look down to Ultear even though she's a woman and a Princess. It was solely because of the fact that she came from the Kingdom's greatest Knight Family.
Even though Ultear wanted to look for Kurtis and spend time with him, she couldn't find a free time ever since she arrives. A lot of strategic plannings and meetings occured which she couldn't just ignore.
"I see. Leave it to me." It was during one of their meetings about what they'll do to the increasing monsters and beasts in the Northeast of Istark Countdom. The monsters and beast was blocking the only route from Peruna Village to Istark City. "In the first place, the monsters and beasts shouldn't supposed to be there, right? From the Twin Impassable Mountain Ranges, they should first arrive at Primrose Town before reaching Peruna Village. Something must have happened why the monsters and beasts are where they currently are."
"It's possible that they find a new path leading straight to Peruna Village without going to Primrose Town." Commander Julius stated.
"Those brainless monsters and beasts? Stop kidding me!" one of the elder knights commented. "They'll become more annoying if they gain brains now."
"It doesn't matter if they gain some brains or not. We'll just crush them before they could use those brains of theirs. Let's proceed with plan B. We'll surround the monsters and beasts from the route between Peruna Village and Istark City. It would be devastating if they reach the City. I'll attack first while the rest stand by. Wait for my signal to attack." Ultear explained the plan once again. Everyone agreed and didn't complain. Even commander Julius was looking forward to see someone who came from the renown greatest knight family, fights.
After the meeting concluded, everyone immediately prepare to execute the plan. Kurtis and Ultear saw each other but because both of them were busy, they only nodded at each other. Ultear even saw Aubrey passionately doing her best to help with the preparation. Her wound still hasn't fully recover, so she won't be joining the battle today.
"Everyone, prepare to depart in 5 minutes!"