Chapter 45

The Crown Prince, who stood alongside the soldiers at the periphery of the place, turned to his personal guard in curiosity. "How did the Emperor not send her to me? Isn't she from the Northern Kingdoms that we invaded?" The personal guard answered his master's curiosity, "She was already yours. The Emperor knew she had a husband in her kingdom, so he gave her to Achil."

This made sense to the young prince, but not at the same time. "And how did he know? And why didn't he kill her and inform me to burn her kingdom?" The guard responded to his curiosity, "She told him herself." Then the guard continued, "It's something like this," and with a confused face, he explained, "she deceived her own kingdom because there was no one else. She has a brother, but she claims he is foolish and would bring ruin to her kingdom."

The curious prince continued, "And is that true?" The guard answered, "It seems so. Her kingdom was the most devastated after our entry. The father fought against his son for power, and the son did nothing," the guard replied.

The Emperor applauded fiercely, followed by the applause of everyone present. It was clear that the Emperor had forgotten his plans and preferred to acknowledge this talent. The Emperor asked with great delight, "If those were the women of Carmena, then what about their men?" Then he looked at his servant and said, "I think we should add some of their soldiers to our army!" It was a great honor, one that could save Carmena from their downfall.

The Emperor then looked at me and asked, "So, what does the Crown Princess of Carmena want from Emperor Hyann?" I bowed respectfully and replied, "It is enough for Carmela to have the honor of joining in the army of Hyann, Your Majesty." The Emperor's pride grew, and his smile widened. "The Emperor of Hyann can give your people the pride of joining and fulfill your wish as well." "Then I would like to leave my wish for another time," I said. The Emperor agreed to that and continued drinking and toasting.