The Escort

The Grand Commander's study was large, but it felt strangely vacant. There were shelves with thick books, a few weapons hanging on the wall, and papers scattered across the desk. The room's most impressive feature, perhaps, was a massive painted map mounted on a wooden board, spanning about five by twelve feet. The map meticulously detailed all of Sylvania's territories, including its mountains and large rivers.

Caym placed a small red wooden cross on top of the text that read "Mt. Levoras." There were also other red crosses across the map, as well as blue knights and white knights.

"Logaria and the Levoras Mountain..." Caym murmured.

His thoughts were interrupted by a knock on the door. "Grand Commander, Mr. Nikolaus Wilson wishes to meet you," announced the guard outside.

Caym furrowed his brows. "The Emperor's Aide?" he thought.

He carefully picked up the red cross he had placed on the map and returned it to its box. "Come in," Caym said, shifting his gaze to the door.

"Greetings, Grand Commander," Nikolaus said cheerfully. His eyes briefly caught sight of a few drops of blood on Caym's armor. "Oh, it seems like today is another productive day," he continued.

Caym simply returned his attention to the map. "Greetings, Mr. Nikolaus. You may have a seat," he replied with a blank expression.

Nikolaus Wilson nodded appreciatively and took a seat, his eyes flickering to the map briefly before settling on Caym. "I must say, that map is quite remarkable," he remarked, trying to strike up a conversation. "I've always been fascinated by cartography. It's a meticulous art, much like the strategies you employ on the battlefield, Grand Commander."

Caym, still standing beside the large map, didn't respond much. "Hmm."

Nikolaus chuckled. "It seems compliments still aren't your strong suit, so let's move on to the matters I wish to discuss with you," he continued.

"What matters do you wish to discuss?" Caym asked. His eyes remained fixed on the map for a moment longer before he finally tore his gaze away and turned to face Nikolaus.

"The Thirteenth Order informed us about Ásjáheimr's movements. Their Crown Prince declared a desire to bring back their captive princess. The King opposed the idea, and they have been in a cold war since. But now the King is sick and the Crown Prince is starting to move without his permission," Nikolaus explained.

"What move?" Caym asked, his curiosity piqued.

"We are expecting him to visit Sylvania soon," Nikolaus replied.

Caym raised his brows in surprise. "Another Ásján royalty venturing beyond their borders? Wasn't there a large upheaval after the king sent his daughter away?"

"Mmm, yes," Nikolaus acknowledged, nodding his head. "But we can use this to our advantage."

"Does the Emperor wish to support the Ásján prince?" Caym questioned.

Nikolaus smiled, his tone measured. "We simply wish to engage in trade," he said. "And yes, this is the Emperor's will."

Caym's eyes narrowed slightly as he considered Nikolaus's words. "Trade," he echoed, his voice neutral. "The Grand Order will stand with the Emperor at all times."

Nikolaus nodded appreciatively. "Your cooperation is invaluable, Grand Commander."

"So what does the Emperor wish for the Grand Order to do?" Caym asked.

Nikolaus hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "The Emperor wishes to show that the Ásján Princess is not a hostage. She will be invited to the Moonlight Festival as an honored guest of the Emperor himself," he said.

Caym tilted his head, his brow raised. He seemed to already know what he was going to do. "We will not babysit a princess, Mr. Nikolaus," Caym replied firmly.

"From now on, she is an important figure," Nikolaus explained urgently. "We cannot afford to let her be in danger. If this information leaks to others, they may try to assassinate the Ásján Princess to blame Sylvania. We cannot afford a war with Ásjáheimr at this time, Grand Commander."

Caym sighed, rubbing his temple. "Then I will send capable knights to protect her," he conceded.

"Mmm, that is good," Nikolaus said. "And the Emperor wishes for the Lieutenant to escort the Ásján Princess to the party."

Caym furrowed his brows. "And why must it be the Lieutenant?" he asked.

"Well, one of your Guardian Knights is married. One is a foreigner. And one is a commoner," Nikolaus pointed out.

"Hector is also a commoner," Caym replied.

"At least he is the Lieutenant. We also cannot leave the Princess with just anyone," Nikolaus countered and looked at Caym. "It's not like you will go, will you?"

Nikolaus couldn't help but remember the time Caym used a royal favor granted to him to reject the Crown Princess' invitation to a ball. It caused so much frenzy that the Crown Princess had to leave the capital in the name of education.

Caym sighed. "Suit yourself," he said.

"Oh, and as for you, the Emperor understands you are busy, so he said to leave you be," Nikolaus said.

Somehow, that irked Caym.

Nikolaus left the room after the discussion, leaving Caym deep in thought. Trying to regain his focus, Caym shifted his attention back to the map spread out before him.

"The journey from Levoras Mountain to the Capital must take six weeks. That's too long. If we take a shortcut, it should take..."

Caym paused abruptly, realizing he had been calculating the distance from the Capital to another mountain, not Levoras. His frustration flared, and he pondered, "Why does this bother me so much?"

His gaze darted towards the door, and he commanded loudly, "Call the Lieutenant."

"Yes, Sir!" shouted the knight back, his footsteps echoing as he hurried away.

Shortly, Hector arrived at the study. His brows raised as he observed Caym massaging his temple, eyes closed as if in pain. This was the same man who continued slashing enemies despite an arrow stuck in his shoulder.

"Greetings, Grand Commander," Hector greeted, concern etched on his face. "Should I summon a doctor?"

Caym looked up, his expression seemed tired. "You will escort the Ásján Princess on the night of the Moonlight Festival," he declared.

"Pardon?" Hector exclaimed, momentarily taken aback before regaining his composure. "I... I apologize. But Commander, may I excuse myself just this once?"

"What do you mean?" Caym inquired, intrigued.

Hector held his breath as he lowered himself into a respectful kneel, his head bowed. He gathered his thoughts and replied, "I have made a promise to Lady Monett to attend the Moonlight Festival with her at the city square. Furthermore, Commander, I intend to ask for Lady Monett's hand in marriage that night. I hope you can understand my predicament."

Hector remained on one knee, his head respectfully bowed, silently praying that his Commander would grant his plea. It was a rare moment where Hector questioned his orders.

Caym considered the request for a moment before he sighed, "Stand up, Lieutenant. I never intended to force you into this."

Relief flooded Hector, and he stood up, his gratitude evident. "My deepest thanks, Commander!"

"Hmm... I suppose I'll have to attend in your stead," Caym murmured.

As Caym leaned back into his chair, his headache seemed to have miraculously vanished, leaving Hector puzzled. "Is he cured?" Hector wondered to himself.