Reincarnated Prince just wants a quiet life

Part 19: New Connections

The remainder of the week went by in a blur and before I knew it it was time to get back to work. Begrudgingly I made my way to my quarters on the Nocturne and set the chest of books and scrolls I snuck out of the library. My quarters were rather large compared to the other rooms on the ship but it was still very simple in terms of furnishings. It had a single table with two chairs, where I could eat my meals or have tea. A desk sat in the far corner of the room where a pile of papers had already been neatly stacked. No doubt they were important documents that needed my approval but a few more minutes of neglect wouldn't hurt. A single large bed sat opposite of the desk, the foot of which I pushed the chest of books against. A large oak wardrobe finished the room and made it feel whole.

Looking around I let out a sigh as I realized that this drab room was going to be my home for the foreseeable future. Tossing my backpack of spare clothes onto the bed I walked to the sole window in the room and peered out at it. Below I could see the throngs of my troops slowly making their way onboard, with many of them having to wait on the ferry. The flying demi-humans had a better time of it as they could just fly right onboard, as did the water demi-humans who just swam right up to the boarding zone.

Suddenly there was a knock at the door, "Come in" I shouted out as I heard the door open and close. Turning I was met with a soldier who was standing in the doorway.

Giving a quick salute he said in a nervous sounding tone, "They are requesting you on the bridge commander."

"Understood, return to your post." I said before adding, "There is no reason to be nervous, soldier."

"Ah ... Yes sir" he said, giving one more salute before quickly retreating through the door.

Sighing I looked once more out the window before following the soldier and leaving my room behind.

Arriving at the bridge I was met with a handful of officers including Setria who were milling about waiting for my arrival. Upon entry they gave me a salute before standing at attention. "What's all the commotion about and why are so many of my officers gathered around? Is this a mutiny even before we set sail?" I said in a dramatic way, acting shocked. In turn I was met with six sets of concerned faces who looked at one another for an answer. Letting out a sigh I added, "That was a joke everyone, I know we are soldiers but we needn't be serious all the time."

"Ah, yes sir. We will keep that in mind from now on" said one of the officers.

"Anyway what's the matter, why have you all gathered?" I said, waving my hand.

"Ah about that sir, we just haven't received any orders sir." said Setria

"Oh, right. Ahmm well once all the soldiers are onboard we are to set out for the Dragonnewt nation. The Dragon King has asked to meet with me personally as well as view the Nocturne with his own eyes. From there we are to set out for Whilhelmin waters." I said as I took a seat in the captain's chair that sat slightly raised above the rest of the bridge.

"Then we are to go to war sir?" asked an officer who looked a little shaken up.

Regarding the man for a brief moment, "Soldier, have you seen the Whilhelmin delegation? Have they made any attempt to reach out to us, to ask for a peace treaty?"

"N-no, sir I have not." he replied meekly, "But we haven't seen a single troop from the Whilhelmainin army since the battle for the capital three months ago."

"The winter snows in the mountain passes prevented them from marching any size army into our lands." Setria chimed in.

"Correct, now those self-same passes are starting to melt and it won't be long before they are able to march through them once more." I replied.