The plan comes apart

Rufus had successfully baited the war from his continent to the empire's heartland. He had gambled everything on this move, but it seemed to have paid off.

The allied army was hiding in the mountains east of the city of Asciador. Imperial lands had been plundered for supplies, and emperor Ala had yet to learn where they were hiding.

The gravity ships were sent back, and guards were doubled to ensure their positions would not be found.

They were waiting for the imperial army to leave Asciador and move inland for Rufus to spring his trap.

"King Rufus. May I have a word?" queen Alexia on the nation of Sparv asked.

"What is it?"

"I would like to have that word in private," She asked.

"Whatever you are about to say, I am sure I am fine with my friends and countrymen hearing it as well. Please spill it if you are comfortable saying it to all of us," Rufus asked her.

She took a while but then knelt," I am terribly sorry for what my sister put your through. My sister was an evil woman, and I beg of you on behalf of my people. Do not seek revenge for what my sister did after this war is over."

Rufus didn't look shocked by what she said.

"I have no reason for revenge. Your sister was defeated, and she could not do much harm. Her soldiers are now buried in the Saxon forest. You8 should ask them for forgiveness."

"Thank you very much, king Rufus. You are most magnanimous in victory," she said in a great tone.

"You knew what she was about to say, right" Edward whispered into Rufus's ear.

"Yeah, kinda..." Rufus whispered back.

The queen was about to leave but then turned around and asked one more question, "Oh, king Rufus. Once this war is over, I would like to ask for an arrangement between our two countries. You are free to reject it if you wish, but I believe it would bring much-needed stability between our two countries."

"And what would that be?" Rufus asked.

"A marriage between us."

All of them spew out their food, with Haley breaking the glass she was holding.

"EXCUSE ME, BUT...Uhmmmmm....WHAT?" Rufus stumbled.

"Oh please, feel free to reject this offer. But seeing as many of my nobles still feel hostility with your kingdom. I thought it would be a great way of unifying our two great nations once and for all. Force between us and maybe forge a unified, strong kingdom," the queen calmly said.

Though the queen was pretty in Rufus's eyes, he was still incredibly timid in such a situation. The calm Rufus in control had wholly disappeared and in front of the queen was now a stumbling idiot, not knowing what to say.

"I, aaaaa, Uhmmmmm," Rufus said, trying to figure out the right words.

"Our king is not currently thinking about such things and would like to keep his option open, so the answer is a no..." Haley said while clearly trying to keep in her anger.

"Oh, I see. Well please do tell me when you know. Thank you for your time," the queen said and left.

After she had left, Rufus was able to breathe.

"Wow, thank god Rufus you can take your liquor. Otherwise, you would have one hell of a problem if you couldn't drink or speak properly to women simultaneously. Emperor Ala would just have to send a woman with big knockers and a barrel of ale to be done with you," Edward joked.

"Oh shut up, Edward," Rufus yelled in embarrassment.

"Still, her idea wasn't bad, and she did make many good points," Doreen pointed out.

"Good points don't mean they are the right points," Haley said.

"Boy, what would I have done to see Amala here as well, hearing the queen's proposal," Yosef said.

"Nobody likes an asshole, and you are one," Joan said to Yosef.

"I am a WISEass. There is a difference."

~~

Rufus and Edward climbed higher up the mountain. There they saw their entire force.

"Over a hundred thousand soldiers. You think it's enough?" Rufus asked.

"I once heard of a saying. What to fear is not an army of lions but an army of sheep led by a lion," Edward said.

"So we should ask Gwon to lead us?"

"Why not. It would be fun to see that. Instead of listening to his brain, he would listen to his stomach."

The two of them started to laugh.

"I think we shouldn't celebrate too early," Edward said.

"I guess Gwon would never have thought about that....."

Once again, they started to laugh hard.

"We really need to stop making fun of him, and he is just a kid," Rufus said, trying to hold his laughter.

Doreen came running toward them.

"Hey, wise-ass. You got any fun wise-ass comments about our friends," Edward yelled to her.

"We have no time for your stupidity. Rufus, we are in trouble," Doreen said.