(Chapter 20)
Aedric Thornshade's workload grew heavier by the day. Not only was he managing the tightly packed schedule of Lorcan Frostborne, but more urgently, he was preparing everything for the grand upcoming event—the Duke of the North's wedding.
Aedric often noticed Lorcan, who had been more lost in thought than usual lately. There was a subtle smile on his face, more genuine than anything Aedric had ever seen.
The Majesty is in love... truly a sight hard to believe..., Aedric thought to himself.
Aedric also felt sympathy for Clarisse Faeloria. Lorcan was the type of man who did not waste time making decisions. In fact, Lorcan gave no room for excuses or delays. Everything had to be ready within a month. The servants at the residence were already growing impatient, eagerly awaiting the arrival of their future mistress.
Days passed peacefully. There were no major disturbances in the Northern lands, although reports came in about a foreign group trying to stir trouble at the borders. Still, Lorcan remained focused on training his elite knights. He made it clear that any threat had to be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
"The Majesty is providing very strict training, isn't he?" a knight remarked to his comrade.
"Indeed. We even have to double our physical training and strengthen our auras," the comrade replied, his voice tired.
Aedric overheard their conversation, but he was used to such complaints by now. Even Aedric himself felt the exhaustion from the extra workload.
"Lord Aedric, you look tired. Are you all right?" asked a concerned cook, followed by a few maids who also expressed their worry.
"I'm fine. Don't worry. This is nothing unusual," Aedric replied with a light smile.
"Ah, you are always strong, while we are overwhelmed by just a little extra work," one of the maids sighed.
Aedric chuckled softly. "Hahaha, just make sure those complaints don't reach His Majesty."
However, the peace didn't last long. Word arrived that the foreign group had caused chaos at the border fortress. Upon hearing the news, Lorcan immediately prepared to lead his troops.
"It seems they truly are looking for trouble," Lorcan muttered coldly.
In just two days, Lorcan resolved the conflict. With sharp tactics, he pushed the enemies back and issued a stern warning: "If you dare return, I will not hesitate to destroy you completely."
Meanwhile, the leader of the opposing group was furious at their failure. All their plans had been shattered by Lorcan's brilliance.
"We can't keep going like this," the leader said, frustrated. "All our attempts to conquer this territory have always failed."
A soldier responded, "Your Majesty, if we don't act soon, their power will grow stronger, and we will be cornered."
"You're right," the leader muttered while rubbing his chin. "Lorcan is the biggest problem. He's always one step ahead of us."
The soldier bowed and cautiously said, "Your Majesty, there are rumors. I've heard from a reliable source that Lorcan Frostborne is about to marry."
"Married?" The group leader narrowed his eyes, contemplating. "He's getting married… Interesting. Perhaps this is an opportunity we can exploit."
A sly smile spread across the leader's face, his eyes gleaming with a plan starting to form in his mind.
"If this wedding is his weakness, then we will destroy everything from within. A grand celebration is always full of gaps," he said sharply. "Prepare our best spies, and make sure they infiltrate the palace."