55: Focused

Chapter 55: Focused

As the night came to an end, the warmth of the campfire slowly dying down, **Captain Elara** stood up and gathered the attention of her comrades. The knights of **Division 10**, along with **Princess Akane** and her maid **Yana**, turned their eyes toward her. Even **Synoh**, though still feeling the effects of the earlier dance with Akane, focused intently on his captain.

With a firm, determined expression, Elara began her speech, her voice carrying over the quiet camp.

**Captain Elara:** (serious but calm) "Everyone, I hope you've enjoyed this night as much as I have. But as much as I would love for us to continue, we need to prepare ourselves for what lies ahead. Starting tomorrow, it will be a long and relentless journey."

She paused, scanning the faces of her comrades. The mood shifted, from lighthearted camaraderie to the realization of the mission ahead.

**Captain Elara:** (continuing) "We're about ten days away from reaching **Lathunia**, and from what we've heard, the situation there is dire. We can only hope that Lathunia can hold out until we arrive. There won't be much time for rest after tonight. So, take these last moments to enjoy yourselves, because once we leave, our focus must be entirely on our mission."

The weight of her words hung in the air. Even the usually teasing knights of Division 10 seemed to grasp the gravity of what lay before them. They knew that the next phase of their journey would be grueling, and that Lathunia's fate might rest in their hands.

Princess Akane, standing beside Synoh, nodded in agreement, her own sense of duty aligning with Elara's words.

**Princess Akane:** (softly) "Captain Elara is right. From here on out, we must be prepared for anything. But together, we will see this through."

The knights murmured their agreement, and a sense of unity began to settle over the group.

**Synoh**, standing quietly by the fire, glanced at Elara. Despite everything that had happened between them recently, he admired her ability to lead and inspire confidence in her troops. In that moment, any awkwardness or uncertainty between them was replaced by mutual respect.

As the camp settled into the quiet night, everyone took Captain Elara's words to heart, knowing that tomorrow would mark the beginning of a much harder journey. The lighthearted moments of dancing and teasing were now behind them. Ahead, only the mission awaited.

The next morning arrived, and as planned, everyone set out at full speed, their mission now at the forefront of their minds. There was no time to rest as they pushed forward, determined to reach Lathunia before it was too late. The urgency hung heavy in the air as the knights rode hard through the countryside.

Inside the carriage, **Captain Elara** and **Princess Akane** discussed the best route to take. The atmosphere was serious, and Elara's brow furrowed with concern as they reviewed the map laid out before them.

**Princess Akane:** (pointing to the map) "Here. This route through the **Crescent Gorge** is the fastest. It could shave off two whole days from our journey, but it's known for bandit activity."

**Captain Elara:** (frowning) "Exactly. It's too dangerous. We can't risk your safety, Princess, or anyone else's in Division 10. Bandits won't hesitate to attack a royal carriage. We should stick to the safer path, even if it takes longer."

**Princess Akane:** (determined) "Elara, I understand your concern, but time isn't on our side. Lathunia needs us as soon as possible. We can't afford to take the long way. Besides, I'm not helpless. I have **Yana**, and you, as well as the entire division. We'll handle any threat that comes our way."

Elara hesitated, clearly torn between her duty to protect Akane and the need to arrive in Lathunia quickly. She knew Akane was right about the urgency of their mission, but she couldn't shake the fear of putting the princess in unnecessary danger.

**Captain Elara:** (sighing) "You're stubborn, Akane, you know that?"

**Princess Akane:** (smiling confidently) "And you're overprotective. I'll be fine. We're all in this together."

Seeing no way to change Akane's mind, Elara finally relented, knowing full well how determined the princess could be once she set her sights on something.

**Captain Elara:** (giving in) "Alright… we'll take the shorter route through Crescent Gorge. But I'm doubling the guards around the carriage. We can't let our guard down for a second."

**Princess Akane:** (grinning) "Deal."

With the decision made, the word was passed to the rest of the division, and they prepared to take the more dangerous but quicker route. **Yana**, standing silently beside Akane, gave a firm nod, as if to reassure Elara that she would protect the princess no matter what.

As they forged ahead, the tension grew, knowing they would soon enter a perilous part of the journey. **Synoh**, riding alongside the carriage, glanced toward it, his thoughts swirling as he remembered the conversation between Elara and Akane the night before. He trusted Elara's judgment but knew they would all have to stay vigilant in the days ahead.

The road ahead was uncertain, but with Princess Akane's insistence and Elara's reluctant agreement, they would soon face whatever dangers lurked in **Crescent Gorge**.