"If Your Highness leads the soldiers to a grand victory, the Kingdom of Elonia will be profoundly grateful. They are woefully unprepared for the invasion, struggling as it is. Your assistance at such a crucial time would only enhance your reputation."
Randolph's imagination began to churn, envisioning the glory awaiting him.
The vision of leading five thousand soldiers to a sweeping victory, being embraced and kissed in gratitude by Princess Elise, and earning the recognition of his father, Charles V, surged through Prince Randolph's mind like waves. The crown prince, brushing aside his last moments of hesitation, declared decisively:
"Yes! Missing such a golden opportunity would be foolish. Sir Philip, let us achieve great deeds together!"
As the prince and Philip exchanged ambitious smiles, their eyes gleamed with determination. Whether things would proceed as they envisioned, however, remained uncertain.
Rain began to fall over the fortress.