Chapter 38:" ...Perhaps you're right, young man."

The harsh sounds of drums and the footsteps of thousands of royal guards echoed throughout the capital. Leading the army towards the outskirts of the capital on his black horse, Ethan rode at the forefront. King Richard and Princess Isabella trailed behind, with Prince Henry commanding the soldiers in the middle. The entire capital bid farewell to the army with joyous celebrations. Some people climbed onto their rooftops, some stood on balconies, while others watched the military ceremony with great awe from the alleyways. Certainly, Ethan was under many watchful eyes. Everyone was aware of his successes and intriguing projects in the city of Aurendale. Lately, Prince Ethan had become a much talked-about figure among both the nobility and the common folk.

Occasionally acknowledging the crowd with a wave of his hand, Ethan continued on his path. As Ethan proudly rode on his horse, he noticed the looks of joy and admiration from those around him. The support and love of the capital's people bolstered his courage. However, there was also an underlying sense of concern. The increasing rumors and intrigues unsettled him, especially the whispers about the intrigues and power struggles within the royal palace.

The fact that his sister, Princess Isabella, wished to collaborate with him provided some comfort to Ethan. Yet he still harbored doubts about Prince Henry's intentions. Their relationship as siblings was complex, and deciphering Henry's true motives was often challenging.

Nevertheless, as they embarked on the journey ahead, Ethan remained determined to ensure the security of the Asina Kingdom and safeguard the welfare of its people. Tales of heroism and epic deeds spoken aloud were what won the love and respect of the people. Ethan was determined to preserve and nurture this love.

As hours passed, they passed through the city gates and continued across the open fields. Approaching the Aurendale army camped on the outskirts, Ethan joined forces with them. It was forbidden for nobles to bring their own armies into the capital. This was one rule laid down in the Constitution by the first Asina king. Although subsequent kings had added new rules, the ones written by the first king were highly valued. The armies of other nobles could only enter the capital if it was under attack, in order to prevent any potential coup attempts and ensure the safety of the royal family.

Hence, the armies of other nobles stationed outside the capital gradually began to join the main army. With the aim of seizing the entire Avarya Kingdom, King Richard had ordered all nobles to provide extensive military and logistical support. As a result, the number of soldiers in the main Asina army exceeded fifty thousand, the largest number ever raised in a single campaign in Asina Kingdom's history. Thus, with the support of the lords in the regions they passed through, the army finally reached the border fortress of the Avarya Kingdom after a few weeks.

As Ethan and his army approached the border fortress, the atmosphere grew tense. Avarya soldiers stationed on the fortress walls awaited the arrival of the enemy. Seeing the flags raised from the castle alongside Ethan's army, the Avarya soldiers hastened their preparations. King Richard chose to approach the castle with a strategic plan. Firstly, he preferred a diplomatic approach before launching an attack. They selected Ethan to conduct diplomatic negotiations with the castle. Accompanied by Ulric and a few guards, Ethan approached the castle.

As Ethan approached, the Avarya soldiers on the fortress walls watched closely. When the gates opened, the Lord of the castle and several important officers came out to greet Ethan. Standing before them, Ethan greeted them and began speaking: "dear lord and friends, we come with a request for a meeting for peace and justice. all we ask is that you surrender the castle to us and give us your soldier as a prisoner until the end of the war. so that he will not be involved in the war. we all know that the main army of the Asina kingdom can easily overrun this castle. that is why this meeting is being held in the hope of finding a peaceful solution without bloodshed."

With Ethan's words, the castle lord regarded him. A moment of silence ensued, then the castle lord replied, "Prince Ethan, your words reflect a quest for a peaceful solution, but your proposal carries serious consequences. However, I lack the authority to decide on this matter. May I ask for some time to convey our response to you?"

This response did not surprise Ethan. The castle lord had given such an answer because he wanted to stall the main army of the Asina Kingdom as much as possible. Aware of this, Ethan looked at the man in front of him for a while in silence before speaking.

"Unfortunately sir, my father, King Richard, expects a definite answer from me. Therefore, the decision you make now will determine everything. I can only give you a few minutes," Ethan said.

"Is that so, unfortunately? Under these circumstances, we don't have many options. Then may the war god assist the deserving, Prince Ethan..." He said.

"Is this your final decision, then? Do you have any last wish before you die, sir?"Ethan said

After pondering for a moment, the castle lord approached Ethan with a sad look and whispered his answer. "I have a son, about six years old. Please spare him, and if you can, prevent him from seeking revenge after his foolish father. This is my last wish, who has served his country honestly for years."

"I promise to do my best to fulfill your wish, but wouldn't it be better if you surrendered directly for the sake of your son?" he asked. The castle lord responded to this question with a melancholic smile.

"Every father is the greatest hero in his child's eyes, and you want me to become a coward in my son's eyes? I'm sorry, but I want to spend my last moments as a brave hero at least," he said.

" don't understand you. I think what you're doing is foolishness, both for your son and yourself. I hate people like you who constantly want to be heroes. You're not someone who wants to be a hero in your son's eyes. You are actually an idiot who is trying to give meaning to your worthless life and is ready to sacrifice your life and your son's childhood for it... My words may be harsh, but I stand by them" he said, turning his horse around and heading back in the direction he came from.

" ...Perhaps you're right, young man." With these words, the castle captain, his mouth agape, looked at Ethan as he walked away for a while before returning to his castle.