BELLUM PRAESINTIA

A Plan With Big Scale

Garlan walked towards the room where his companions were located, his footsteps echoing in the beautifully marbled palace corridor. The price of every visible shape could be guessed, and Garlan's eyes couldn't focus, even if he tries to ignore it, on a painting on the wall—a white horse ridden by a knight in white armor.

The epic impression was so powerful it took him a few seconds to move on until he reached the room.

Garlan's head lifted slightly due to the strange sounds. He slowly opened the door, and bright yellow light dazzled his eyes, revealing the scene that unfolded.

Everyone was filled with warm smiles, thanks to the abundant feast laid out before them. Beautiful women passed by serving food, and every gesture captivated the desires of those men.

Gobil raised his eyebrows, his eyes constantly glancing toward a girl pouring wine into her cup. Her body's scent combined with her enticing curves. His heart raced without pause.

"Here you go, Sir!" The woman said before moving away.

Gobil couldn't turn away from observing the graceful movements of that woman. "Hah... this is the paradise of people speak of," he murmured.

"You've had too much to drink. Calm your mind!" Reval advised.

"Hah!" Gobil turned, pointing his index finger sharply at Reval. "Haven't you had too much to drink as well? Aren't you aware of your own condition?"

"I-I'm still aware. Don't underestimate me!" Reval replied, his voice stuttering, each word interrupted by pauses.

Gean shook his head, his eyes drawn to a familiar sight. He approached them until everyone trembled under his gaze.

"L-Leader Garlan!" Gean mumbled.

Everyone hesitated, exchanging glances with hope, silently determining who would speak to him. And Gean, amidst the penetrating gazes of everyone present, emitted a radiant light that was difficult to resist.

"Huh... alright, I'll do it!" Gean said. Although he spoke like that, lifting his face felt burdensome. First, he took a deep breath, then raised his gaze. "Leader, this is just a regular drink. The kingdom sees us as guests and offers this! The other members also believe their hospitality should be maintained. Here, it's as if we've won a battle!"

Everyone fell silent, waiting for Garlan's response. With each passing second, they observed his sharp gaze, causing fear to creep in making them bow in shame.

"Alright, I'll consider this normal then!"

Before he finished speaking, smiles emerged, causing wrinkles to lift on their faces.

"But," Garlan continued with a loud voice, "I'm here to remind you all to remain vigilant. Don't let yourselves be lulled by the food or drink here. We are on a mission, so expect that tomorrow you will eat and drink less luxuriously."

Their eardrums felt as though they were being bitten by insects, disrupting their appetites. Their eyes fell, fixated on the food that had initially appeared delicious, and their tongues no longer had the desire to taste it. Memories of blood mixed with their thoughts, creating deep-seated trauma.

Garlan's footsteps chose to head towards the door leading to the terrace, finding solace in the silence of the night, which appeared more beautiful than being surrounded by them.

With fear, everything was abandoned so easily. The silence became oppressive, despite the glittering lights illuminating the room. Emptiness began to seep into their fingertips, making them forget the warmth of the water right in front of their eyes.

"W-Why are you all afraid? We have Leader's permission, so don't hesitate to eat and drink!" Gobil said, trying to boost morale, but there was no response that brought enthusiasm. His next action was based on the cup raised high enough for every head to see. "Let's drink until it's enjoyable. Don't let your minds burden you!" he exclaimed.

Everyone returned to their silent state, their eyes fixed on Gobil. But one by one, they lifted their drinks and cheered loudly, their voices echoing through the room.

"Good, they're all following what I said!" Gobil aimed the cup at his lips, but his eyes stopped everything due to the continuous trembling within it.

"He's afraid of his own words!" Gean murmured from a distance, he more interestingly observed the face behind the room. He sat alone, contemplating as he stared ahead. "Leader, I'm sure that not everyone will be able to experience happiness like this after tonight!"

It's because... morning has arrived as a sign they have to work, joining the kingdom's troops to a region controlled by the enemy.

Garlan and his troops were in the right division, their numbers not substantial enough to be considered significant fighting troops. The sharp gazes of some soldiers made them feel belittled.

Leading the way with other skilled aides was the best general from Garvaran, Pedro.

"General Pedro, are we sure about using mercenaries to reclaim the enemy-controlled territory?" A concerned aide named Felius asked.

Pedro didn't blink, his eyes seemingly not looking around, only emitting an unwavering determination.

"All decisions lie in the king's hand. Do not oppose or question his decisions!" Pedro replied firmly.

Felius quickly averted his gaze and said, "Forgive me!"

The horses moved in unison, continuing their rhythm until they were forced to stop on a hill that displayed everything beneath it. All eyes were fixed on the formidable fortress, a giant box containing the souls of those who needed to be slain.

The troops were given space and distance in neat rows, each led by a responsible leader. They gazed with seriousness, awaiting orders.

Pedro approached these individuals, his gaze unyielding despite a large number of people.

"Everyone here!" Pedro's voice boomed, awakening every head. "Today, we will take back that town has been occupied by the enemy. They have disgraced Garvaran, and it's time to teach them a lesson. I hope you can win this battle and reclaim the dignity they have stolen from us!"

One by one, people shouted with loud voices, following the air that continued to surge, breaking the atmosphere.

Garlan's own troops were also cheering loudly, but he was far more interested in the upcoming plan.

__To Be Continued__