Purposes

The King continued his exposition on the plague, expressing his concern about the rapidly diminishing reserve bed spaces for those seeking refuge.

He mentioned that even their kingdom was beginning to struggle with resources as the number of affected people increased.

He also touched on the idea of relocating the displaced people to South Port Island.

However, he was certain this would only be a temporary solution, as more would follow, quickly overwhelming the island's capacity.

Every day spent without action was exacerbating the disaster caused by the plague, so the King emphasized the need to start devising a plan immediately.

His words conveyed a sense of urgency and the critical need for effective measures to address the escalating crisis.

It was clear that the situation required not just immediate attention but also strategic long-term planning to mitigate the impact of the plague.

The King's gaze shifted to Lord Commander Van, standing at his right, signaling him to speak about the mission they planned to assign to Arthur.

"We traded blows with them for too long. It is time to end it!" declared the Commander, revealing their intention to secure Dragon Hold, the base of the formidable Stronghold warriors.

"Without the blessing of the Fragment of Stars, we cannot defend our realm from the spread of the plague," the King interjected, emphasizing the strategic importance of the mission.

Arthur pondered their words and acknowledged the challenges ahead.

 "It won't be easy. The Stronghold warriors are formidable, and this will be a bitter fight," he noted, fully aware of the strength and resilience of their adversaries.

"We ride for Lion's Gate tomorrow," the King announced, outlining their first destination. Visiting Lion's Gate to heed the words of their ancestors was a tradition in their kingdom, a necessary step before embarking on any significant mission.

Arthur mentally prepared himself for what he believed would be his mission: protecting Artemis as a vanguard while en route to Lion's Gate.

However, the King had a different plan in store for Arthur, as revealed in the continued briefing by Commander Lord Van.

Approaching Arthur, the Commander ask if somehow Arthur was aware of the beastmen roaming around, specifically goblins, in the marshes near their kingdom's border.

"The goblins in the marshes? I know the rumors, yes," Arthur quickly responded, aware of these reports.

Hearing Arthur's acknowledgement, the Commander revealed Arthur's true mission.

He would be accompanied by two soldiers to investigate the marshes while they were on their way to Lion's Gate the following day.

After Arthur completes his mission in the marshes, he is expected to follow the rest to Lion's Gate, where he will present his report on the investigation.

Hearing the details from Commander Lord Van, Arthur prepared to leave, but the King tapped his chair to get Arthur's attention and signaled for him to come closer.

As Arthur approached, the King whispered to him,

"It is time to prove your strength and shut your mother up for good." This remark, hinting at the ongoing tension between Arthur and his mother, brought a smile to Arthur's face, filling him with resolve and determination for his independent mission. Lord Commander Van also seemed pleased to see a change in Arthur's mood, recognizing his readiness and commitment.

"I will do my duty, Your Grace!" Arthur affirmed, his words echoing his unwavering dedication.

The King then dismissed him, and Arthur left the throne room, ready to embark on his challenging assignment.

Arthur ascended to the second floor of their castle, heading towards his own chamber to rest. 

As he walked, he glanced out of a window and saw the garden below. The view of the beautifully tended flowers and plants was a captivating sight, a testament to the serene beauty within the kingdom's walls. 

Such a scene could easily draw anyone's attention with its enchanting array of colors and arrangements.

Eventually, Arthur arrived at his room. There, he decided to take a well-deserved rest, allowing himself some moments of peace and solitude to gather his thoughts and strength for the tasks and challenges that awaited him.

In the stillness of the night, when most of the castle had settled into rest, King Dwight Braveheart and his queen, Rosaria Cashiflora, shared a private moment in the king's chamber.

"How long will you be away this time?" Rosaria inquired softly, sipping the wine they were sharing. Her beauty, undeniable and captivating, was one of the reasons she was chosen as Queen to King Dwight. 

She was tall, with ash-grey hair, a gracefully shaped face, brown eyes, and a striking figure.

"Not long. Four days, maybe five," King Dwight responded to his queen's question. 

His reply suggested another impending journey, perhaps related to the kingdom's current challenges. 

The Queen's expression turned somewhat melancholic upon hearing the King's response. 

She further inquired, needing confirmation about whether it was necessary to include Artemis, her favored child, in the journey.

The King affirmed that Artemis couldn't be left behind. 

He explained that Artemis, bearing the Braveheart bloodline, had a crucial role to play. 

Additionally, King Dwight mentioned that before proceeding to the anticipated war, they needed to perform a rite at Lion's Gate, adhering to a tradition that was not only customary but also believed to safeguard them.

The Queen's concern for Artemis was evident in her abrupt response. 

"Oh, to hell with your way! The boy is ill!" she exclaimed, her worry for her son's fragile health overriding her respect for tradition and protocol.

The King acknowledged her concerns, affirming his awareness and anxiety about Artemis's health. 

However, he also emphasized the importance of Artemis's role. As a pure Zodiac Leo, Artemis was the Chyrum and the heir to the throne. 

These titles not only bestowed honor upon him but also came with significant responsibilities.

The King further explained that it was crucial for Artemis to learn resilience and strength. 

He believed that Artemis needed to grow beyond his frailties and not remain overly dependent, like a child constantly in need of care. 

This aspect of the conversation highlighted the delicate balance between the demands of royal duties and the personal challenges faced by the royal family, particularly in preparing their heir for his future role as king.