𝐓𝐨𝐬𝐤𝐚 [𝐰𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐩]

아홉

"The supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting "

_________________

Location: Obelia Imperial Palace

Athanasia was still disturbed by the information that she received after her brother's departure two days ago.

'Is that kid really going on a war!? What is happening!' She is panicking internally patting raven to try and ease herself; to say she was genuinely worried about the teen was an understatement.

'Even if he is an ass to me, but I am still worried about her well-being'

She was cut on her daydream when Felix entered the room behind him was the crown prince's knight, Darcio Evanderblit looking irritated

"Felix!"

"Your highness! I would like to introduce Sir Darcio Hirsch, he is his highness personal knight but the emperor assigned him to protect you for the mean time alongside with me" Felix informed rather cheerfully while the former irked

"It is not like I have a choice, his majesty ordered and when I tried to decline, he threatened me" Darcio complained

"Now sir Darcio this is only temporary"

"You must understand Mr. Robane, I intend to serve the crown prince alone. Serving another royal aside from him pains and guilt me" Darcio said totally in a calm tone

"Do... Mr. knight hate Athy?" Athanasia reluctantly said which made Felix look at her in pity

"Do not get the wrong idea your highness, but I do not wish to meddle and serve someone who is not my master."

"Then Athy will ask daddy to not let you serve me!" She responded

"That is a good idea your highness, if it's not much then please do ask his majesty to take back his order" Darcio pleaded looking down at her with relief

'He adores you after all, even a request as small as this, he will allow you. It must be because you resemble your mother too much' Darcio thought looking at the bubble princess

______

Roughly three and a half years later

Everything was in place for Adrastos plan from the start to his final strategy was near into completion and he cannot help but to smile in accomplishment

"Your highness while I went to report to palace Lady Xifeng approached me and asked me to give you a gift" Commander Harper stated extending his hand to give Adrastos the neatly wrapped box as he bowed and left him

Adrastos opened the box with care and he could not help but to feel amaze, it was a pair 指甲套 (zhijiatao) that he had been wanting to have way before he was in the frontline.

'So, she still remembers' was his thought with a sad smile painted on his lip

He placed the 指甲套 on his ring and pinky finger which fits perfectly when a small note slips, he picks it up and read the letter, not forgetting to open the paper delicately.

Your highness Adrastos

Are doing well? I do hope you liked the present I have prepared for you, I specifically ordered it to Zixuan and customized with your mother's family crest. May this day of your birth will bring you luck and prosperous life in the future. Everything was okay in the palace, your highness. His majesty finally let Darcio stop guarding her highness, Athanasia. We all miss your presence your highness and we are looking forward to you going home soon. Be strong your highness

Your loyal servant,
Huang Xifeng

Adrastos was hit by realization, it is indeed his birthday

"How could I forget; it seems like I was too focused on this war that I forgot such as my birth" He said to himself sighing and chuckling at his own forgetfulness

"It's not like my birth is even worth mentioning anyway"

"One more year and the last strategy on my plan is going to commence, I'll be finally back to that hell hole I call home" He grumbled wanting to erase his bad memories

"Adrastos" Kyrell called making him look at the entrance of his tent

"What is it?"

"It's your birthday so the commander allowed us to go to the near village to celebrate, I came here to fetch you!" Kyrell exclaimed joyfully making Adrastos sigh, such a ball of sunshine yet also a menace to Adrastos life Kyrell was.

Adrastos know too well that Kyrell was the one who suggested the idea, all he could do was stand as he sigh in defeat, allowing Kyrell to drag him outside his tent

"Let us go"

"Come on man live a little! A seventeen years old boy such as yourself should enjoy his youthful life!"

"I do not find being in a battle field enjoyable"

"Ooh-"

__________________________________________
to be continued

Fun fact:

➪ 指甲套 ( zhijiatao) is a nail guard/protection that both men and women of the nobility in ancient China wore.They originate from the Ming dynasty but became popular in the Qing dynasty.

➪ Zixuan a country that Xifeng and Adrastos mother was originated

➪ Xifeng is married to someone who works as a knight that is also a lieutenant that is why she was able to work in Obelia despite being from another country

➪ Zixuan is heavily inspired by china