After the battle, the Combined Galdo Army rode south with twelve-thousand men to break the siege on Auron City. After a week of marching, they arrived to see that House Beaumont forces retreated back south a day earlier. Count Emile was able to link up with House Lansley who still had about sixteen-thousand soldiers.

Duke Frank also hired out mercenary companies as much as he could. They added an extra four-thousand to House Lansley’s army which now totaled at twenty-thousand soldiers. House Beaumont led by Duke Lucian Beaumont retreated back to his territory with his thirty-thousand men.

The damage to Auron City from the siege was lighter than anticipated but it was enough to halt the economy for a week. Now that the Siege of Auron City was over, supplies between the two major cities started to circulate again.

Arlan was able catch the Eastvale Trade Company. Only six Umbras remained in Auron during the siege so Jovann utilized them to get intelligence, sabotage enemy siege equipment, and many other means to hinder the siege. Jovann was able to share his intelligence with House Lansley. Onas was able to remain safe inside the Eastvale Trade Company’s headquarters the entire time.

Meanwhile, at Lancel High Academy, there weren’t any students left. They were all able to return home or escape the fighting. None of the instructors were around either, they had all been summoned to Oreta right before Auron City was laid to siege. Lady Dafni was likely assisting Grand Marshal Dink and the Royal Army, which was locked into a stalemate against House Kaiser for the southwestern region of Midland.

Only after a day at Auron City, Count Emile led the Combined Galdo Army further south to form a defensive line right at the border between House Lansley and House Beaumont’s territory.

An army of ten-thousand led by Duke Stefan of House Rainhall was already at the border waiting. They clashed with Count Emile’s Combined Galdo Army. Both sides suffered some losses and ended up holding a stalemate at the Golden Valley Pass. Duke Stefan wanted to avenge Count Meric, who was killed by Arlan.

The Banner of the Claw had lost thirty-five soldiers at the Battle of the Gal-Auro Plains. And of the sixty-five wounded, only fifty were able to return to duty after receiving heal spells. The other fifteen had lost too much and were unable to return to duty. They were sent back home to Galmora on a wagon. Arlan sent them with a letter so he could make sure they would be taken care of by the Galmora Ministry.

While stationed in a forest the eastern side of the defensive line, the Banner of the Claw encountered constant small unit skirmishes and sporadic large unit attacks.

The Banner of the Claw deployed with two-hundred and fifty soldiers. There were twenty Umbras as well. After six weeks of constant fighting, they managed to hold back House Rainhall from breaking through, but Arlan’s banner suffered losses.

Another forty Banner of the Claw soldiers were killed over the six weeks of constant skirmishes. But for every loss they suffered, Arlan made sure they the enemy suffered tenfold. The Banner of the Claw managed to kill over five hundred enemy troops. The deaths now totaled to seventy-five.

At the end of the six weeks, Duke Frank of House Lansley managed to muster an army of forty-thousand soldiers and rode south. The Lansley Army was able to relieve the Combined Galdo Army who was able to retreat back to Galdo City.

Arlan was finally riding back to Galmora on Kage with only two-hundred Banner of the Claw soldiers with him.

With each soldier that was killed, Arlan’s heart suffered deeply. He did everything he could to keep as many of his men alive as possible. None of the casualties were his officers though, Arlan feared that even more. Without them, the Banner of the Claw would lose it’s effectiveness greatly.

Arlan wore a grim face as he finally reached Galmora. He was given the order to return and rest for two days before they would venture north on another campaign alongside the Galdo Army.

As the young lion reached his beloved town, his people came out to greet them. Some of the permanently injured Banner of the Claw soldiers came out as well in the soft summer day to see their brethren return. As they entered into the town square, cries of relief were heard as some families saw the return of their son, brother, or father. Some families weren’t as lucky, their cries were of grief. Their loved ones didn’t make it back home alive.

Arlan’s heart was broken in many ways because of this. He couldn’t bring home some of his men alive to their families as he wanted to. If the young lion had the power to win this war without leading an army, he would. Casualties were inevitable. He knew had to accept it but it didn’t make the pain any lighter.

Chrysta, Marie, Renia, Sayla, Layla and Jocko ran out to see the return of their friends. No cheers were had as they saw only two-hundred men returned. JD, Trent, Dimitri, Erin, Lem, and Noah all wore grim faces like their Captain. They all had loss friends and experienced the fatigue of war. While they won against immense odds, they weren’t invincible to loss like they had been before when fighting monsters and goblins.

The reunion was a slight warm welcome as tears that were held in were finally let out from both the soldiers and the girls. Sayla tackled Noah with her arms as she leaned in and kissed him deeply. Noah didn’t feel embarrassed or anything, he didn’t care. He needed the love and warmth that Sayla gave him. His heart was broken as well.

Chrysta held both JD and Arlan closely as Marie also leaned in with her arms and cried more tears. Wren emerged with Renia and warmly greeted Arlan. Jocko nodded in approval at Arlan as he knew better than anyone there what the seven boys had just endured with their banner.

Arlan’s emotional inhibitors in his old body would help him regulate and deal with the traumatic situations. But in this body, his emotions ran rampant and were dominating his state of mind. He had fallen ill to depression and everyone around him saw it. They knew it.

The rest of the Banner of the Claw was given the entire day to spend with their families. Everyone spent the afternoon in the manor just enjoying lunch with eachother but Arlan, JD, and Jocko were in the office. They had business to go over regarding Galmora’s development and the roster of the newly trained recruits. They were replacements to bring the Banner of the Claw back to three-hundred strong.

It’s just not enough time. They’re still first-tier white cores. And they’re all new to battle, none of them have battle experience like the first three platoons.

Arlan rubbed his head as JD and Jocko debated about the morality of taking in the recruits before they finished their training. “Look they’re just going to come out there to die,” stated JD.

“We don’t have a choice,” replied Jocko, “More of you will die as well if we don’t have them join you on this next campaign.”

JD rebuked, “But they haven’t even finished their training and they’re still not second-tier red cores!”

“Knight Jan Derva,” stated Jocko, “This is the only way or else more will die. We have an obligation to win this war. If we don’t, then the Swora will reach Galmora. Let these soldiers decide for themselves.”

JD didn’t respond. He knew that it was true. If the Banner of the Claw wasn’t at proper strength on this next campaign, it be incredibly difficult to replicate their success. Arlan wasn’t even paying attention to their conversation. His mind had been clouded by the pain in his heart.

“Master Arlan, what do you make of this?” asked Jocko.

The young lion snapped out of his daze and answered, “It’s as you said, we don’t have a choice. If we take them, most of them will likely die over the course of the campaign. If we don’t take them, even more of us will die and we wouldn’t have the manpower to win the crucial battles.”

“I understand,” replied JD, “But it’s just a bad situation I guess. There is no right or wrong here, just bad shit after bad shit.”

“That’s how war is,” coldly stated Arlan as he remembered the horrors of war in his previous world. A knock on the door interrupted the conversation. Arlan yelled out, “Come in!”

It was Marie and Chrysta. They were worried at the commotion they heard. “Is everything okay?” asked Marie.

“Yes,” answered Arlan, “We’re just discussing the state of Galmora and the new Banner of the Claw recruits.”

“You don’t seem well, Arlan,” stated Marie with a concerned look.

“She is right,” Chrysta agreed, “are you alright Arlan?”

“I’m alright,” lied Arlan, “I’m just exhausted from the fighting.”

“Arlan, even they can see it on you,” admitted JD.

Jocko added as well, “Master Arlan, you should get some re-”

“Everyone. Get out.” coldly ordered Arlan as Chrysta, Marie, JD, and Jocko looked at eachother in confusion. Without uttering a word, the retinue quietly exited the room; passing by a familiar character walking towards them as they left.

Arlan’s heart felt like a dam holding back his pain. The interrogation about how he was, simply broke that dam and the emotions flooded through. He was angry, sad, depressed, and frustrated all at once. He had been holding all this back ever since the first battle. He needed to be the rock to his men. His pain couldn’t be shared or he would feel weak. The feelings overflowed out from his heart and he broke into a river of tears. His hands trying to stop them from coming out as he sobbed. Arlan tried to keep himself quiet but his body couldn’t help but cry out in pain.

Just outside the door, Princess Emmeline paused as her hand reached for the handle that separated her and Arlan. She could hear the muffled agony from inside the room. She knew Arlan was the person that everyone relied on and yet here he was, trying to keep his emotions inside him for the sake of everyone else. Emmeline wanted to open the door so badly and comfort him.

Inside the office, Arlan continued to cry into his hands. His mind continued to repeatedly play the images of all his dead soldiers from the Banner of the Claw. Memories of Miss Petrah invaded his mind as well. They led up to the final moment she put her hand on his head before she died.

Back outside the door, Emmeline could hear Arlan’s cries intensify as she gripped her heart with her right hand. Unable to control herself, she opened the door and ran to Arlan. Her arms held him closely.

In the last two months, an unbearable pain had left numerous wounds in Arlan’s heart. It was something that Arlan just wasn’t used to. Emmeline held Arlan closely as his cries slowed to a stop. Her soft voice found it’s way into the young lion’s heart, “Arlan, I feel your anguish. Let me ease your burden so you do not suffer alone.”

“Princess, what’re you doing here?”

“I have been sent to hide here for the remainder of the war by my father.”

“I see. I’m sorry, you haven’t been properly received.”

“Do not be sorry. Witnessing this side of you makes you human, despite what others may believe about you.”

This warmth of being in her arms…

“Princess Emmeline...”

“Just Emmeline is fine.”

“Please don’t let go...”

“I will not let you go until I have brought you back.”

“...May I hold you?”

Emmeline’s face glowed pink as no man had ever been so close to her.

“Yes.”

The young lion reached out around her waist and held her. Emmeline knew that whether or not she had feelings for Arlan, she had to be there for him for the sake of Midland.

She thought to herself, “I never thought I would want Arlan Reeve to be in my arms.”

Fascinating, her soft touch and rose petal aroma has calmed my soul and bewitched my heart.

While sitting in his chair, Arlan looked up at Emmeline and her ruby eyes met his. She smiled warmly with her silky crimson hair. A euphoric feeling enveloped both of their hearts. For the first time their souls were intertwined, a far greater connection than any other they have felt before.

She knew that Arlan may very well be her husband, but she thought she didn’t feel anything for him. She only looked at him as a political gain for solidfying the loyalty of House Reeve and the many other smaller houses. Her duty led her to look at him platonically but upon meeting Arlan’s piercing eyes, she now felt something for her potential husband. Her heart fluttered.

Emmeline leaned down towards him, yet paused with hesitation. Her eyes met Arlan’s once more, questioning him. Arlan’s eyes met her gaze, slowly trailing down to her lips. His eyes burned with desire. Arlan was at odds, he still had feelings for Iris but somehow, this felt right. He lifted his head answering her hesitation, and their lips met for the first time. As they kissed, his heart and body returned the affection the princess initiated. Emmeline, shocked at her forwardness, pulled away for a second and said, “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t ha-”

She was interrupted by Arlan pulling her back in for a second time. Emmeline was usually in control of her emotions but in this moment, her euphoria commanded her to surrender. She had never been led romantically like this by another man.

Their lips met again and again, exploring the bounds of their feelings for one another. However, looking up at her wasn’t enough for the young lion; he wanted to take control of the moment.

Arlan picked her up and sat her on his desk as they continued to passionately kiss. After a few minutes of what felt like heaven for the two of them, Emmeline softly asked, “This… feeling… do you… do you feel this, too?”

“Yes,” answered Arlan, “I just want to be in your arms.”

“Your request has been happily approved,” answered the Midland Princess playfully.

“Emmeline.”

“Yes?”

“Thank you for coming to my side.”

“Of course. I understand some that burden that you shoulder.”

Curious, the young lion inquired, “What do you mean by that?”

“Well… ever since I was a little girl,” began Emmeline as she stroked Arlan’s hair, “I dreamed of falling in love and marrying a kindhearted man.”

“A simple dream for the Princess of Midland,” said Arlan jokingly as he smiled, “And a kindhearted man? Sorry, I may disappoint you.”

“Arlan Reeve!” yelled Emmeline with a playfully angry expression. She enjoyed Arlan’s playfulness but didn’t want to show it.

“I’m sorry! I was only joking,” answered Arlan, “Please continue.”

Emmeline frowned but returned to her smile and resumed, “Despite my dream, my father needed to bring stability back to Midland. His only peaceful option was to offer my hand in marriage to a worthy heir of a Great House. How I felt towards the person wouldn’t matter. Only their status and ability to maintain peace.”

I understood why King Richard came to me regarding the marriage for the crown, but why did he choose me over the other candidates? There were others just as talented. I would serve Midland better in the military than if I were king.

The Princess continued, “However instead of forcing me, he asked if I was willing to give up my dream and my freedom to love. And since I love the Midland people more than anything, I became willing to marry the man my father chose for the sake of peace.”

Her sense of duty is like mine. How could I not see this sooner?

“I misjudged you for a pampered princess,” declared Arlan, “You are the most selfless person I know.”

“Thank you,” replied Emmeline, “I really do empathize with your arduous path. I know you have also given up on your own desires for the sake of this kingdom.”

“I have,” agreed Arlan.

“We have made similar sacrifices. I felt it when I held you close. Tell me, Arlan. Tell me everything that has pierced your heart so that I may heal it,” pleaded Emmeline with a serious tone. Her eyes met Arlan’s but not like before. They were now interrogating his soul.

I never felt the need to tell anyone about how I felt. But with experiencing these new emotions in this body, I want to tell her everything. I want her to know how much Miss Petrah’s death has been eating away at me. I want her to know how much I lose myself when my soldiers die under my command. I want her to save me from drowning in this sea of despair.

A few tears streamed down Arlan’s cheek as he started, “Three years ago, I woke up at an orphanage near Galdo. I had no previous memories at all. But the caretaker, Miss Petrah, she took me in and loved me like her son. She unconditionally loved all the orphans there.”

“She must be a saint sent by Numen,” added Emmeline sincerely.

Miss Petrah would’ve been so happy to be complimented by Princess Emmeline.

Arlan nodded in agreement and resumed, “After I studied Althean history, I surmised that Midland would soon be embroiled in a war. I made it my duty to stop it from reaching the orphanage.”

“You have done everything in your power to do so,” said Emmeline reassuringly.

A rock formed in Arlan’s throat stopping him from continuing. More tears streamed down his cheek but the young lion maintained his composure. His breathing was heavy. The silence foretold the fate of Miss Petrah to Emmeline as she wiped away Arlan’s tears.

“Please go on,” encouraged Emmeline to Arlan.

Arlan mustered the strength to proceed, “The day we came to visit our mother, we found the orphanage had been set ablaze. The Swora had invaded three months earlier than I predicted.”

Emmeline gasped and asked, “What about Miss Petrah and the orphans?”

The young lion answered with a hint of cold anger, “I tried to save them but I was too late. The orphans had been butchered into pieces and Miss Petrah was ravaged to death. We were only there for her final moments.”

Emmeline held Arlan closer; she hadn’t known that he was from one of the razed orphanages. She only knew of the Swora’s atrocities against Tudora’s people and garrison. They were slaughtered upon surrender.

Arlan took out a small scroll from his inner pocket and resumed, “Since this war started, seventy-five of my brothers have died in battle. They perished under my command. Everytime I read from the killed-in-action list, a part of me dies with them. Before this war ends, many of us will have to lay down our lives.”

“Arlan, I am so sorry,” apologized Emmeline sincerely.

“You’re the first person I’ve ever opened up to.”

Emmeline felt honored that this side of Arlan Reeve was so human and so soft. She had heard many different rumors about how ruthless and monstrous he was at battle. The Princess never considered the anguish he had endured from losing his loved ones and soldiers.

“How do you feel now that someone knows?” asked the Princess.

“It feels as if you’ve saved me from drowning. Thank you, Emmeline.”

The Princess of Midland pondered for a moment, not uttering a word. Suddenly she got up from the table and unsheathed Arlan’s mithril longsword from his waist.

“Baron Arlan Reeve, kneel before me,” stated Emmeline with confidence.

The young lion knelt on one knee and bowed his head before the Princess.

“By the Crown’s Authority bestowed to me, I, Princess Emmeline Avens, name Arlan Reeve, to be my King’s Blade. In the pursuit of peace, you will defeat all enemies that stand against Midland and her people. You will only answer to the royal family. If you’re killed or abuse your power, your status will be revoked and stripped of all titles. Finally, if I decide that you’ve completed your duties to the crown, then you will be rewarded with the court rank of Duke at the end of your service. Now rise as Baron Arlan Reeve, the King’s Blade.”

The young lion returned to his feet with only one thought.

‘You will only answer to the royal family.’

Arlan chuckled to himself. He knew why Emmeline granted this.

By granting me this authority, I no longer need orders or permission to act. I can now fight this war as I see fit. While Emmeline’s mana manipulation is on par with an Archmage, she doesn’t have the same warfare experience as I do. She must’ve realized that and chose me as the King’s Blade. This must be her way of doing what she could for the people.

Emmeline reached for Arlan’s collar with both hands and pinned a new golden sigil above his Reeve Sigil. The new one had a circle with a diagonal cross inside which Arlan recognized as the Crest of the Midland Royal Family.

“The Royal Sigil,” stated Emmeline, “is proof of ascension. I’ve attuned it to your core so that it will only accept your mana. No one else other than the royal family can activate it. If it's ever lost, you only need to will back to your palm. It will obey reappear in your hand.”

“I am honored,” said Arlan gratefully, “I was not aware such a title existed. How many other King’s Blades are there?”

“The King can only command one King’s Blade at any time. My father granted me the privilege to choose. I will send a messenger pigeon to the capital to announce your ascendance. Everyone will know that you are my King’s Blade by tomorrow evening.”

“By your command, Your Grace,” replied Arlan as he bowed. Arlan activated [Battle Trance] and revealed a gargantuan amount of mana flowing inside the Royal Sigil.

Incredible, there’s enough mana in here to maybe cast eighth-tier spells.

After a half-hour, Arlan emerged from his office and made his way to the room everyone else was gathered in. “Everyone, I’m sorry for pushing you off so quickly and worrying you all,” apologized Arlan sincerely.

“I get it,” stated JD as he patted Arlan on the back, “I figured you needed some time to yourself,”

“Speaking of alone time,” stated Marie, “A hooded girl saying she knew you was coming up as we left. I told her it wasn’t a good time but she vehemently refused and went up anyway. Who was she?”

“She’s uhh…” replied Arlan as his face blushed. Marie picked up on Arlan’s unusual bashfulness.

JD inquired, “Also where is she?”

Before Arlan could answer, Emmeline emerged from the doorway and declared, “I apologize for hiding myself earlier, but I am Princess Emmeline. My father has secretly sent me here to stay safe until the war is over.”

Everyone, except Arlan, quickly bowed with confusion. They wondered why Galmora was considered safer than the Royal Palace in Oreta. Emmeline responded to everyone’s bow, “Please, everyone rise. No need for the formalities while I’m hiding here. I’m trying to remain subtle.”

As they all rose back up. Marie squinted her eyes which bounced between Emmeline and Arlan. She read the body language between the two and confirmed her suspicions. She knew something happened in the office.

“Say, Arlan, are you… and the Princess a thing now?” asked Marie slyly.

Marie is incredibly sharp.

Before Arlan could answer, Emmeline interjected herself, “Yes, we are.”

The room exploded with gasps at the revelation. Some were shocked and some weren’t surprised.

“That explains why Arlan is smiling so much!” said Noah.

I didn’t even noticed.

Marie was the first to introduce herself to Emmeline, “A pleasure, Your Grace, I am Marie Balan, Adjutant Mage to Baron Arlan.”

“The pleasure is mine,” replied Emmeline, “Please everyone, address me as Emmeline, or Emme.”

JD stepped forward and bowed, “Your Grace, you’re the future Queen of Midland! I can never forgo my honor as a Knight and skip formalities. I am Jan Derva, Adjutant Knight to Baron Arlan, everyone calls me JD.”

“A pleasure to meet such a talented Knight,” responded Emmeline, “But until I’ve ascended as the Queen of Midland, I have declared a royal decree that you all address me as Emmeline.”

“Understood, Emmeline,” replied Jocko, “I will enforce your ruling. I am Jocko, former Heracul Knight and now Adjutant Aide to Baron Arlan.”

“Wow,” stated Emmeline impressed, “I’ve heard of the Heracul Knight’s achievements from my father. You must be incredibly strong!”

“I am undeserving of your kind words, Emmeline,” stated Jocko smoothly.

“The Princess of Midland is in this room,” exclaimed Chrysta as she nervously spoke faster, “And-And Arlan is currently seeing her! I mean- we all knew that the King announced Arlan to wed Princess Emmeline but this is all still so sudden…”

Marie waltzed over to Emmeline and whispered in her ear. Without hesitation the Princess answered out loud, “Yes, we did kiss.”

Princess Emmeline was always under the public eye and built herself to be extremely confident. She wasn’t nervous or embarrassed by the topic. Since everyone already knew about the marriage announcement between Arlan and Emmeline, there was no reason to be shy about it.

“Arlan, what new sigil are you wearing on your collar?” asked Noah curiously.

The young lion answered casually, “I am now a King’s Blade for Emmeline.”

Everyone in the room’s eyes widened like usual with Arlan’s surprises.

That evening, Arlan gathered his retinue, friends, officers, and Emmeline to the manor’s dining hall for a final feast before departing at noon the next day.

Helga and Lynn laid out a massive feast of slow-cooked tauro ribs, lemon herb trout, garlic mashed potatoes, and candied yams. The feast was laid out on the long table for the banquet. Jeanette and Maria looped around serving a cold and sweet white wine to the guests.

The dining hall hadn’t been used like this in quite awhile. So the smiles and laughters infectiously spread throughout the hall. It was a stark difference from the frontlines for Arlan, JD, Noah, Dimitri, Trent, Erin, and Lem. They endured sleeping in unfavorable weather, rationed food, lack of sleep, and constant skirmishes for two months. This was their time to recover though.

Arlan sat at the head of the long table with Emmeline next to him. Everyone could see how much she made him smile. It was reassuring to see him relaxed. Especially for the Banner of the Claw officers.

The feast lasted late into the night and only ended when there was no more wine. The patrons began to retire to their quarters. Emmeline was already asleep with her head rested on Arlan’s shoulder. The young lion scooped up her legs with one arm and her back with the other. He carried her effortlessly up the stairs and into his chambers.

Arlan had planned to sleep on his bed finally but now that Emmeline was here, he decided to give her his bed and sleep in a guest room. The young lion entered his chambers with Emmeline in tow and slowly laid her down onto his bed. As he reached for his fur blankets to tuck her in, her ruby eyes slowly opened and she asked, “You’re not going to sleep on your own bed?”

“I wouldn’t dare to share a bed with the Royal Princess of Midland,” answered Arlan.

“Are you afraid of sleeping next to me?”

“No, but I am afraid of being stripped of all titles and thrown into the Oreta dungeons.”

“King’s Blade, I pardon you to lay down beside me. Now you should have no fears.”

Princess Emmeline was smart, Arlan could tell what she was trying to do. The young lion had his own desires for the Princess. And with her pardon, he was now allowed to be in the same bed as her.

The young lion gave in to his desires and laid himself down next to the beautiful crimson-haired woman. The Princess wrapped her arms around her prey. Despite being summer, the nights in Galmora were still cold. The warmth of the bodyheat resonated between the two as she held on to Arlan.

Arlan felt his instincts slowly relax like she was some kind of drug. After a minute, Emmeline smiled as she looked over to see Arlan had fallen asleep within seconds of laying in the bed with her. She leaned in and kissed his forehead and murmured to herself, “This is quite the conundrum we found ourselves in. I never would’ve guessed that I would find myself attracted to you, Arlan Reeve.”