?*Boom*
"Oh my god, what is that?!" Exclaiming the guard who is patrolling the wall of Napuna. Not only him, but his co-workers were also looking in the same direction as well.
They barely see the bright light from afar but know that it's not a natural sound made by nature.
Aside from the guards, many inhabitants in the capital were also disturbed by the sound.
Many speculations arise.
"Is it an enemy attack?"
"Is there a war occurring over there?"
"Please tell me it's not Ryntum again. I'll really quit the job this time."
"Someone! Go report this to the palace."
....
Prince Quarters, Royal Palace.
"So, that's the signal I guess," said Niall. He didn't sleep a wink and has been awake this whole time. He's looking at the commotion that slowly takes place in the city through the balcony of his bedroom.
He lay back on his king-size bed. Around three days earlier, the prince of Bagyarosia received a letter from an unexpected person.
King Rizieri of Ryntum.
In his letter, the young king sounds like a friendly neighbour that is perturbed by the safety of his friend.
Niall personally has no grudge against the young king. King Rizieri helped him dispose of his biggest contender, his little brother, Niel. He hoped to patch the relationship between them and their nation.
Now, he helps him one more time by telling him about Count Naharog's plan to attack Napuna. Also, even go as far as preparing an escape route for him in case the count managed to breach the capital.
"Thinking of Count Naharog made my blood boil. How dare he betray me and declare himself a king." He grits his teeth and clenches his fist.
Ringing the bell on his side bed, the servant promptly rushed to his bedroom.
"Your Highness-"
"Called Philip to meet me now. Make sure to go to his mansion discreetly." Niall gives instructions to the servant before he could finish his words.
The servant respectfully bowed to the prince before heading to Philip's mansion located in the noble district.
Niall shifted his attention back to the city. People are filling the streets and the silence of the night disappears. None of them seems to have the plan to continue their sleep.
Therefore, he doesn't think Philip, a commander of the army has a gut to resume his sleep for the remaining night.
Niall waited for three long hours for his arrival. By the time dawn is near, Philip, at last, arrives at his doorstep.
"You're late, Philip. Where have you been?"
"My apologies, Your Highness. After your servant came to inform me, the king called me to see him."
"Ohh?! Has he ordered you to launch an attack?"
"Yes, the king ordered me to gather the soldiers and make preparations to move out at dawn. Apparently, he's coming as well." Philip reported.
"Well, that's surprising. I thought he would order me to do it and kill me on the battlefield."
"Actually..." Philip was hesitant to tell. At first, he doesn't want to talk about it but he now has no choice since the prince's guess hit the target.
Niall raised his eyebrows, "He did?"
"Yes, His Majesty indeed suggests you lead the soldiers but the idea meets opposition by Wendall. The prime minister doesn't want His Majesty to jeopardize the kingdom's future for the sake of his petty revenge."
"Heh! That commoner sure loves this kingdom. Such a shame that he had to deal with my father for decades. Once I become a king, I'll put him on rest and nominate you as a new prime minister. Anyway, how many soldiers did my father plans to bring?"
"4,000 trained soldiers, Your Highness." Philip became enthusiastic after hearing Niall's promise.
"That would only leave the remaining one-fifth to defend the city."
"Both Wendall and I raise this question but His Majesty stubbornly sticks to his decision. His Majesty said the Naharog has come with 10,000 soldiers."
"How did he even know that?" asked Niall. Most of the guards at the gate and servants in the palace were replaced by his people. If his father makes a move, he'll definitely know about it. Suddenly, Riz's image passed through his mind. The young king somehow managed to get his servant to bypass all the security measures and walks all the way to Prince Quarters undetected just to send a letter to him.
If Ryntum is capable of sneaking into his room, it wouldn't be weird if they can pass to his father. Although his heart strongly leans towards the idea of Ryntum is the one who gave the news but he couldn't find a reason for them to be involved in this conflict.
'It can't be...' Niall shook his head, dispelling all this nonsensical thought.
His thoughts were interrupted by Philip's voice, "I am not sure, Your Highness. His Majesty must have a way to get news."
"Whatever. Leave it for now. I was hopeful that he could bring fewer soldiers. It's best for me if he gets killed by Naharog's army but if he doesn't, I need you to kill him when you have a chance. I am sick of waiting." Niall said with resolution.
"Leave it to me!"
....
At dawn, 4,000 soldiers were wearing armour from head to toe led by the king himself riding a horse and charging out of the palace.
Not much preparation is needed because of the close distance between Lake Nevya and the city.
Ignoring the murmur of the crowds on the side, the cavalry is moving fast toward the gate.
With their current speed, it is estimated that they to arrive in fifteen minutes through the wildness.
"Your Majesty, I've sent someone to Manfura to prepare an army. How should we proceed now?" asked Philip who is riding on the king's left side.
"Good. It's a hit-and-run attack, Philip. Our objective is to thin out their numbers. We break up into smaller teams and attack in a chaotic manner. That way, it'll be harder for them to grasp our number. We target anybody who is unprepared or lowers their guard down. As for Manfura, they'll join us once we march to retrieve the county back." Explained Nicholas I.
Nicholas I know this is the only chance he has to slay Naharog. Once he accomplished that, the rebels will be left with no competent ruler to lead them. He can easily venture deep into the county and reclaim his lost territory.
As for Napuna, he trusts Wendall to keep it safe for him in the event his wrench son attempts to usurp the throne.
Niall may have replaced most of the people in the palace with his but some of them are still loyal to him.
Furthermore, he has no control over the military either.
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