《Re: Kingdom》


 Chapter #1

    Capital City of Alys, 01-03-1224 ED


    The atmosphere of the capital was crowded as usual. The residents carry out their daily activities and will not suspect that something will happen. During the day, in the town square, there was an event that panicked almost the entire city. The appearance of a group of robbers who committed theft scared many residents.


    The city guards had taken precautions by closing out access for the robbers. Currently, they are trapped in the middle of the city and endure the siege of guards with full weapons. There was no gap for the robbers to escape from the city guards.


    But they have prepared as many as 15 hostages, most of whom are women and children, including some of the rich people in it are well-known wealthy traders in the city. Using the hostages, the robbers stopped the movement of the city guards. So that the guards cannot do much to overcome this problem.


    This shocking news also reached the king''s palace which was not far away. But the king who was famous for being wise and also clever was not in it. So that there is no special assistance that can be given to deal with emergencies in the capital city.Help support creative writers by finding and reading their stories on the original site.


    Amid the square can be described as a tense atmosphere between the two groups staring at each other holding their weapons. Both the guards and the robbers prepared each other to fight, but the robbers were definitely outnumbered.


    By using hostages the robbers hoped that they could buy time while finding a safe exit. But there was someone who had come to prevent all the robbers'' rotten plans.


    That figure is Arthur Eswell. Most people in the capital call him Prince Arthur who is known as someone who is good and smart. When he heard the news about the robbery in the capital city. Arthur immediately moved to help coordinate the head of city guards with several royal forces in the capital city.


    Arthur got a pretty good education. From academic education and special education to nobility all have good records. He has golden blond hair with blue eyes and also has ideal height, making him quite popular among girls.


    In the command tent, 700 meters from the town square.


    Arthur came and met the head of the city guard, Hans Hurtberg.


    "Let me meet the robbers and negotiate." Said Arthur proposing his plan.


    "But young master, they won''t be easy to talk to." Reply Hans Hurtberg with his eyes doubtfully.


    "Trust me. You just have to prepare with your troops." Reply Arthur with full confidence in him.


    Hans Hurtberg had felt doubtful but after seeing Arthur''s eyes filled with confidence. Hans Hurtberg finally gave his permission.


    There are words if trust from another person is a difficult thing to get. But Arthur can get trust from others through a strong determination. That is what made him one of the people who equated his abilities with the king.


    Arthur walked past the rows of city guards who surrounded the square. He also brought a sword in his waist along with a bag containing a scroll and several other objects. In front of Arthur, there were waiting for a group of criminals totaling around 20 people.

 Chapter #2

    In the morning before the capital city robbery occurred.


    There is a group of people entering the city. But their steps were blocked by the gatekeepers who held them back and did not give entry permission. The group is the Arian ac eiddo group or often called the arian group.


    The Arian group is a group of rich traders. They used to do various kinds of trading businesses including some illegal trade. The Arian group has a strong influence in the kingdom. Therefore, the king ordered each of his ranks to be careful when dealing with this group.


    That morning the arian group led by Carl Parmon was not allowed to enter the city because the luggage he carried was quite suspicious. So the guards detained them until further examination.


    Carl Parmon is a rich merchant who is quite respected. But because lately the king has begun to tighten his guard. Carl Parmon had a little difficulty in running his business.


    Guarding is getting tougher. Have they noticed it? Restless Carl Parmon in his mind every time he saw the conditions in the field.


    After waiting long enough in a small room. Carl Parmon met Fritz Deumanm, an employee of the city''s trade department. Both of them knew each other long enough. So Carl Parmon was not too surprised when he met Fritz Deumanm.


    "Long time no see Mr. Parmon." Greet Fritz.


    "Nice to meet you, Mr. Deumanm. Is there a problem this time?" Reply Carl.


    "I think you know very well the problem right?" Asked Fritz, staring at Carl Parmon with a sharp look.


    "What do you mean?" Ask Carl Parmon.


    The atmosphere became a little tense but Carl Parmon had prepared something.


    "I forbid you from entering the city." Fritz said.


    "I hope you can clear your head first before making a decision, Mr. Deumanm." Reply Carl.


    "You have some problems here, Mr. Parmon. One of them is, Zukost." Obviously Fritz.


    Zukost is a processed powder that gives opium effects to its users. Zukost itself has been found in several other cities and its development is increasingly worrying every month. Now the dangerous object has been banned by the king.


    But in recent times, there is a possibility of using a new method, liquid Zukost, as a substitute for Zukost powder which is commonly circulated among the public. Because of the increase in Zukost addicts in several cities in the kingdom. So now the king tightened the entry of goods in each city in the kingdom.


    "Zukost? Do you think I''m selling things like that?" Ask Carl Parmon.


    "Explain to me about this." Fritz said while showing a small bottle to Carl Parmon.


    The small bottle is one of the products to be sold by Carl Parmon in the capital city.Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    "There are my latest products. The name is Baena Perfume. Perfumes made specifically with a blend of two rare flowers, blue roses, and purple Sephia." Said Carl Parmon explaining the product.


    But hearing Carl Parmon''s explanation, Fritz didn''t immediately believe it and gave a new question.


    "Then with the case you experienced on Lyne some time ago. What about that?" Ask Fritz referring to the incident a few weeks ago.


    "I can explain it. But I think I should contact someone first." Reply to Carl Parmon.


    "Someone?" Asked Fritz.


    "I want to contact Mrs. Harwe." Reply Carl Parmon with a little cynical smile on his face.


    "Tch ... You really are." Fritz said irritably.


    Carl Parmon has prepared a plan. Where he is sure the plan will not fail and everything will end according to his wishes. Now the plan will begin.


    Outside the capital city of Alys.


    Outside the city there are 12 horse-drawn carriages along with almost 50 workers or servants. All of that was part of a group led by Carl Parmon, a wealthy merchant and also a member of the Arian group.


    Among the people in the group. There are people of Mythes. Mythes is a group originating from the southern region of the kingdom and also the largest minority group in the kingdom.


    Culturally, the Mythes group is also part of the Alcaian ethnic group as well as the majority group Arthia. One difference is that the Mythes group adores the moon goddess. While Artha worshiped the sun god as its main deity.


    In Alcaian''s belief, the moon goddess and the sun god had a bad relationship. Because both of them were believed to have had an affair but one of them cheated and caused both of them to part. Based on that story, neither Mythes nor Arthia liked each other.


    In a group led by Carl Parmon, almost half of the workers were Mythes people. Because most of the Mythes men work as temporary laborers while the women work as servants.


    One of the Mythes in the Carl Parmon group was Arnain Calvez. Someone who works as a laborer in the Carl Parmon group. He was gathering together with other Mythes, waiting for Carl Parmon to finish the inspection at the checkpoint.


    "We will do this." Arnain said to the others.


    "Are you sure? This is not a small thing." Reply to Savis Eden, Arnain''s co-worker.


    "There is no other way than to do this." explained Lea Mevel. A female servant.


    "We will start shortly." Arnain said giving a signal to the others.


    After giving a signal to his friends. Arnain went to get a box from one of the horse-drawn carriages. Inside the box there are weapons and light armor made of animal skin.


    "We will start as planned." Arnain said to his coworkers who were gathering in front of him.


    "Everything will end in blood !!" Cheer up the group of people in front of Arnain.


    After that, a group of approximately 20 people. Run and fight the city gate guards. Because the sudden attack led by Arnain managed to knock out the guards.


    After successfully securing the entrance gate. Arnain brought several horse-drawn carriages into the city. Leaving the rest of the other Carl Parmon groups.


    They entered the horse-drawn carriage quickly. Makes panic in the main street of the city because of it. In the carriage that was brought in, there were several important people. One of them is Alisa Harwe, one of the relatives of Big Lady Celine Harwe.


    Mrs. Celine Harwe is a woman and head of the Harwe family. The Harwe family itself is not a noble family. But the family of wealthy merchants and also had relations with several other kingdoms including the empire in the east. So that the position of the Harwe family cannot be underestimated.


    Mrs. Celine Harwe is also one of the people who are able to suppress the position of the king. Therefore, his position in the Arian group was very important to protect the other traders just by using the Harwe family name to get a special treatment from the city officers.


    After successfully breaking into the city. Arnain and his group went down in a city trade building. A place where traders usually take care of all kinds of needs in managing their business in the capital.


    "Quickly find a blue letter. I and Savis and a few other people will secure the entrance." Arnain said explaining his plan.


    "Are you sure the letter is in here?" Asked a young man named Luis.


    "Trust me. We will find the letter and take it home." Arnain answered.


    "Fine, I understand." Said Luis.


    Besides breaking into the city and forcing into the trading building. Arnain''s group also looked for some people who deserved to be taken, hostage. Even though Arnain actually got his main hostage, Alisa Harwe.

 Chapter #3

    Guard post, Alys Capital Gate.


    Carl Parmon managed to corner Fritz Deumanm and began to turn things around, thanks to the good connections Carl Parmon had with the Harwe family. Fritz himself could not make a decision if it was somethingrelated to the Harwe familyso this was Carl Parmon''s landslide victory in this negotiation.


    "So there is someone important with you?" Asked Fritz.


    "That''s right. Alisa Harwe is with me right now." Reply to Carl Parmon.


    Fritz was silent and couldn''t say much. Even though Fritz cornered Carl Parmon on the pretext of spreading Zukost. But Fritz himself lacked strong evidence, he only had a few suspicious things but it could not prove the involvement of Carl Parmon in the issue ofZukost''s spread in recent times.


    "I hope you can understand Mr. Deumanm. Don''t block my path." Carl Parmon continued to corner Fritz.


    I don''t think this will end well. Fritz murmured in his mind.


    Amid the conversation between Fritz and Carl Parmon. A guard entered the room and stopped their conversation.


    "Someone broke into the city!!" Said the guard.


    "What? How can it be?" Asked Fritz.


    "Break in?" Carl Parmon also asked about the incident.


    "Everything happened so fast. Now those people have entered the city with several horse-drawn carriages." Obviously the guard.


    "Horse carriage? You mean, my horse carriage?" Ask Carl Parmon.


    "It looks like the horse-drawn carriage that the intruders are carrying is yours, Mr. Parmon. But I can''t confirm it yet." The guard said explaining.


    "Mr. Deumanm, you know if in one of the horse carriages there is my important guest, right? I hope you can solve this problem as soon as possible!" Said Carl Parmon.


    "This is beyond my responsibility as an employee of the city''s trade affairs. I will report this report to the king''s palace first." Said Fritz explained.


    "Isn''t the king not in his palaceat this time? Who are you going to report to?" Carl Parmon asked with annoyance.


    "So you even investigated the king''s schedule? My suspicion didn''t seem wrong," said Fritz.The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    "That is no longer an important issue, Mr. Deumanm. Ensuring Alisa Harwe''s condition is our top priority at the moment." Said Carl Parmon.


    "I know someone who is competent and can handle this problem. So you don''t need to worry." Fritz said answering the anxiety that Carl Parmon had.


    "Who is that person? Don''t tell me if you''ve become a subordinate of that illegitimate child." Ask Carl Parmon.


    "Young master Arthur is much better than you think. He has abilities that are as good as the king has." Answer Fritz confidently.


    "What do you expect from that little boy? He can''t possibly solve this problem." Said Carl Parmon in his irritated tone.


    "You''re underestimating him." Fritz replied irritably.


    "Okay, I hope that illegitimate child can be useful." Said Carl Parmon.


    "What are you going to do now?" Asked Fritz


    "I want to find the mastermind behind this problem." Carl Parmon said as he left Fritz in the room.


    Fritz Deumanm immediately went to report to the king''s palace, where he hoped to meet Arthur and be able to discuss the problem that had just occurred. Meanwhile, Carl Parmon went into the city to meet someone and he was quite in a hurry so he left the rest of the group outside the gate.


    By noon in the king''s palace, near the capital of Alys.


    Arthur was busy taking care of several files in the royal administration office in the palace. The king recognized Arthur''s abilities and therefore gave Arthur permission to act as the king''s representative when the king was not in the palace.


    During his busy life, someone came knocking on Arthur''s office.


    "Excuse me, young master. You got a guest." Said the waiter telling Arthur from behind the door.


    "Who is that?" Arthur asked the waiter.


    "Mr. Fritz Deumanm from the capital''s trade office." The waiter answered.


    "Okay, tell him I will meet him in a special guest room." Said Arthur, answering the waiter.


    Not long after that, Arthur and Fritz Deumanm met in a special room where only a few people could use this space. Because the rights that Arthur got as the king''s representative made him able to use this room.


    "So there''s already a movement coming out?" Arthur asked Fritz Deumanm, who looked worried.


    "Yeah, but this time it''s a little different." Fritz answered.


    "What do you mean differently? Did their pattern of movement change?" Arthur asked.


    "I don''t know whether or not this incident is related. But I think young master Arthur must know it." Jawa Fritz.


    "What is the problem?" Arthur asked.


    "As you say. Carl Parmon has links with illegal traders who were arrested 3 months ago. Even so, I still lack strong evidence, although I think all the evidence is in accordance with our assumptions." Said Fritz explained to Arthur.


    "Then, what''s the problem?" Arthur asked again.


    "Now, some people in Carl Parmon''s group broke into the capital. The latest news I got, they went to one of the trade offices right now." Said Fritz explaining the problem.


    "I''ve investigated Carl Parmon. So this isn''t too surprising. But why now? And are they the people of Mythes?" Arthur asked.


    "I don''t know the details. But the possibility is quitehigh." Said Fritz.


    "All right, I think I will know the problem when I see the situation directly in the field. Now you help me coordinate the city guards and also the royal forces. I can''t let this happen to lower the good name of the king." Arthur explained the plan.


    "Fine. Young master. I will help you with all the abilities I have." Fritz said with confidence.


    Eventually, everything will start again. This time I will reveal the mastermind of this problem. Arthur thought in his mind, making up his determination.

 Chapter #3.5 (Puzzle)

    <blockquote>


    I''m thinking to doing something different when writing this story. Not just writing the story, but I will give a puzzle to the reader too!


    I don''t know if it will work out or not. But I think it will be fun to solve the puzzle about a story I was writing in now.


    It is simple; there was a guy who is unnamed. He is the conspirator in the kingdom. Your task (the reader) is to search the name of that conspirator and guess what he will do before Arthur in the story realizing it. You (the reader) can look from a "letter Puzzle" I gave on some random chapter.This narrative has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road. If you see it on Amazon, please report it.


    It was not an easy puzzle, and I will try it first in this chapter.


    Let''s see who can solve this puzzle. You (the reader) or Arthur??


    AUTHOR - EYA


    </blockquote>


    Puzzle Letter.


    Our plan runs smoothly and follows the instructions in this letter.


    Let the king close his eyes and we will dance above the hands of freedom.

 Chapter #4

    The capital city square.


    Arnain and his group were cornered. The guards with full weapons surrounded them from all sides. The faces of the people who stood beside him began to turn pale and sweat coldly. At least, Arnain still has Alisa Harwe as a valuable hostage. So there is an opportunity for Arnain to escape from this corner of the situation.


    In front of him appeared someone who stepped forward without an escort.


    "We can negotiate." Said a young man who was approaching towards Arnain.


    "You know we have hostages here?" Arnain said trying to push the young man into a corner.


    "You do have a lot of hostages that might make you think of being on a table. But I have something you want."Said the young man.


    Arnain immediately fell silent. Although he did not really understand the intentions of the young man''s words. Something made him feel sick.This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    "What do you mean? Don''t you see who is with me now?" Arnain replied as he raised his hand towards Alisa Harwe.


    "You have Alisa Harwe, meanwhile I have this letter." Said the young man showed a scroll with dark blue rope ties.


    "How did you get it?"Asked Savis, one of the people in Arnain''s group.


    Is that the letter I''ve been looking for? Arnain murmured in his mind.


    Not only Arnain, but almost everyone in his group. Surprised when he saw the letter held by the young man.


    "How about it? You want the letter that I hold, right?"Asked the young man.


    "Who are you? How can you get the letter?"Said Lea Mevel, one of the women in the Arnain group.


    ¡°My name is Arthur Eswell. I think you must understand who I am."Said the young man introduced himself.


    "Are you Prince Arthur?¡± Luis asked.


    "No, He is the illegitimate son of the king. So he is not a legitimate prince." Explained Savis from behind.


    "Actually, I don''t mind how you will call me. I''m not too sensitive about that." Reply to the young man with a thin smile on his face.


    Arnain who was increasingly confused because he did not expect to get a situation like this, tried to think of the steps to be taken next. But the more he tried hard to think the way out just made him more confused.


    I have no choice but to negotiate with that person. Arnain murmured in his mind.


    So negotiations are now starting between Arthur and Arnain.

 Chapter #5

    A place near the town square.


    Arthur managed to persuade Arnain and made him negotiate. They decided to do it in a house near the town square where he sat facing Arnain. Meanwhile, the square has not changed. The guards and Arnain''s group were still staring at each other.


    The two groups were awaiting the outcome of the negotiations between Arthur and Arnain, but both of them did not trust each other. Even though negotiations are currently being held between Arnain and Arthur. Most people in both groups do not believe that everything will end just fine.


    City square, Arnain group.


    "What do you think?" Ask Lea Mevel to Savis.


    "I don''t think it will end well."Said Savis answered Lea''s question.


    "Why do you think like that?" Luis asked to join the conversation.


    "Have there ever been nobles who would be kind enough to give us something?" Said Savis explaining the reason for his opinion.


    It is common knowledge that such things will happen to those who live where the people still use feudalism as the basis. The highest social strata will always be owned by nobles or wealthy merchants.


    "What should we do?" Luis asked Savis.


    "I have a plan, all of you just need to follow my plan."Said Savis offered a plan to Leah, Luis and others.


    Command tent, 700 meters from the square.


    "How is the situation?" Hans Hurtberg asked.


    "It seems like the young master is negotiating with the group leader." Answered one of the guards, reporting to Hans.


    "Keep an eye on the movements of those people. Don''t let your guard down at all." Said Hans Hurtberg giving orders to his subordinates.


    Hans Hurtberg has a good career as one of the commanders. Because he was close to the king, he was chosen to be the head of the capital''s guard. A promising position. Because almost all the defenses in the capital were under the supervision of Hans Hurtberg.


    For himself, this incident was defiling his good name and also the good name of the city guards. How can a city be easily penetrated by a group of amateurs? Hans Hurtberg thought irritably in his mind.


    Hans also felt there was an oddity in this incident. So he hopes to immediately arrest one of the intruders to be intensively interrogated.


    Negotiation Table


    "I just want you to release all hostages. I can guarantee this letter will not be misused." Said Arthur explaining his request.


    "Why do I have to believe you? You have nothing that can make me believe all your words." Said Arnain refused Arthur''s request.


    "You might think that right now, you are above me. But you should be aware. Everything you do is meaningless if this letter falls into the hands of an arian group." Arthur explained his position.


    Arnain suddenly fell silent while listening to Arthur''s words.


    Everyone will suffer if I fail to get the letter. Arnain thought in his mind.


    Arthur is in control of the situation. The letter he held was the key to his negotiations. All of this is the result of a special investigation conducted in the past few months.This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    The blue letter, called like that because it is a roll letter tied with a blue ribbon. The contents of the letter are the right of a small town in the kingdoms south. The place where Arnain and his friends live.


    With the letter, the rights of the residents who lived in the city were lost and they could be expelled. For this reason, the existence of a blue letter was very important for Arnain who was fighting for the rights of the people in his small town.


    "Do you have no mercy?" Arnain said as he lowered his head.


    "The city where I live is very remote and far from a big city. The majority of the population is elderly. We ourselves have enough difficulties in surviving in that city. The only thing that keeps us going is our love for our small city." Arnain said, continuing his words.


    "I got this letter after carrying out a special investigation a few months ago. The king himself has decided that the legality of this letter will be canceled so that the city residents who live there can stay as before. I hope you can trust the king." Arthur explained to Arnain.


    "I hope I can trust the king myself. But it seems like it''s rather difficult." Arnain answered.


    "I will do anything. In order to make you believe if, the king will not want to do anything bad as you think." Said Arthur firmly.


    "Why do you really believe in the king? Doesn''t the king himself even not raise you as his legitimate son? How can you believe him?" Arnain asked.


    A statement that was quite sensitive and also piercing from Arnain to Arthur, the prince without a title. Although he had worked with the king for the past 2 years, the king also recognized his ability himself. But not with the king''s recognition of him as a legal child. The king only recognized Arthur as his son to the extent of saying it, not really clarifying it in the official statement of the king or royal documents.


    "Because if I don''t trust the king. Then this kingdom won''t be able to survive." Arthur explained.


    "What do you mean? I don''t understand at all." Arnain asked.


    "Just like you who want to protect the small city where you live. The king also wants to protect this kingdom. Not because of the throne he has, but because of his desire and responsibility to protect what has been given to him. I can''t let the king alone! " Arthur answered at length.


    Amid the debate between Arthur and Arnain, there was a sudden noise. Then came one of Arnain''s colleagues, Savis, into the negotiating place.


    "I''m sorry to interrupt this negotiation, because there will never be negotiations." Said Savis brandishing a sword towards Arthur who was not armed at all.


    "What does all this mean?" Arnain asked.


    "I guess we''ve met, haven''t we?" Said Arthur asking Savis who had just arrived


    "I don''t think I''ll meet a troublesome person like you. Mr. Arthur." Replied Savis to Arthur.


    "What do you mean by this? Have you ever met Arthur?" Arnain asked Savis.


    "You don''t need to think about that, Arnain. Just take the blue letter. We''ll leave here." Said Savis explained his plan.


    "You just remember my words, Mr. Calvez. The king will not do anything bad. As long as you do not leave him alone on his throne," said Arthur, giving Arnain a blue letter.


    After that Arnain left with Savis with several other people. Among them are Lea Mevel and Luis. There was a battle between several people whom Arnain had invited before. They sacrificed themselves so that Arnain and several other people could survive. In addition, there was a group of people with black robes who is participated in the city square on Arnain side.


    They use an object that can emit smoke after being thrown. It seemed that the smoke contained some kind of poison because Arnain saw many guards who fell unconscious.


    "Who are those people?" Arnain asked referring to the group of black robes.


    "They are our friends, you don''t need to worry." Said Savis.


    ¡°Who are you really are?" Arnain asked Savis.


    Meanwhile, Arthur, who was still waiting at the negotiation place, was visited by someone in a black robe.


    "Good afternoon, Prince Arthur." Greet the black robed figure.


    "I''m not armed, you can kill me easily now." Said Arthur.


    "You are still useful to us. I just came here just to greet you and deliver a message from my boss." Reply to the black robed figure.


    "I''m more interested if you give more information about your boss." Arthur answered with a slight smile.


    "Hoho ... You have to find out for yourself. Just imagine if this was a game." Answer the black robed figure.


    "Game? What do you mean?" Arthur asked.


    "Let''s just say, if you can find out who is the mastermind of this incident. You can meet my boss." Said the black robed figure.


    "Wait, your boss is not the mastermind of all this?" Arthur asked.


    "I don''t know, it''s your job to find out. After all, you know there is a saying ''Taking profit in the midst of chaos'' I think you must have heard it." Said the black robed figure.


    "Then what did your boss say?" Arthur asked.


    "My boss said, ''What will you choose, the throne of the king or the head of a snake?''"


    "Only that?" Arthur asked the black robed figure.


    "Yeah, that''s all I can say. Good afternoon prince Arthur" said the figure of the black shirt and then left the room.


    Again, Arthur is faced with a puzzle that must be solved. This is not the first time he''s got anything like this. So Arthur felt that all of this had been designed and planned well.

 Chapter #6

    Bellside City, A meeting between nobles


    That night, the king attends a meeting in the city of Bellside. The meeting was carried out by royal loyalist nobles. Not all nobles come and attend this meeting.


    "Everything goes well Duke Ulrie?"


    "Everything is fine, the merchants are indeed very stubborn. So I have to use violence to fight them."


    "You have to remember, Arians have Harwe as their protectors. You know that means right?"


    "Why should we care?"


    The two men who had been chatting were named, Duke Jan Fald from the provinces of Brovos and Duke Ulrie Regis from Carcas province. The two of them are discussing an incident that happened in Lyne. The incident involved one of the rich traders of the Arian group.


    "Next time don''t repeat the incident at Lyne. That could endanger the kingdom''s position." Said the king.


    "Sorry, Your Majesty. I promise I won''t repeat it again." Said Duke Ulrie.


    "I think it''s enough now, I''ll go to my room. We can continue this meeting tomorrow." Said the king gave the order.


    "Fine, your majesty." Said the nobles who were in the meeting room in unison.


    After that, the meeting was postponed and everyone left the meeting room.


    King''s private room.


    When the king wanted to rest, someone knocked on the king''s private room.


    "Sorry, Your Majesty. I got important news." Said one of the servants.


    "Come in." Said the king replied.


    "Your Majesty, there is important news from the capital." Said a soldier who came carrying a letter.


    "Give it to me." Said the king.


    The letter obtained by the king was a report about an incident that occurred in the capital yesterday.


    "Call Gallan now!" Said the king giving orders to one of the soldiers.This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    Shortly thereafter came the Gallan "The Black." Rowen. He is the king''s right hand, someone who is trusted by the king.


    "What''s wrong, Ed? It''s not usually you disturb my dinnertime." Gallan asked the king casually.


    "There was an incident in the capital that happened yesterday. I want you to go to the capital tonight." Said King Edmund instructing Gallan.


    "Is it so important that I have to intervene? Isn''t the incident that often happens the capital is problem with traders from out of town? Why did you send me there?" Said the Gallan grumbled to the king.


    "Okay, you can read this letter yourself." Said the king, giving a report letter to Gallan.


    After reading the contents of the report, Gallan''s face changed slightly. He became more serious and his eyes sharpened.


    "This is a serious problem." Said Gallan.


    "Go tonight. Bring some cavalry unit with you. I''ll join you after the meeting is over." Said the king to Gallan.


    "How about you Ed? Can you take care of all the things here?" Gallan said to the king.


    "I still have Rayn and Issac here. You don''t need to worry. After all, Arthur is the one who currently needs your help." Said the king to Gallan.


    "Okay, I understand. I''ll do my best. Your Majesty." Said Gallan, leaving the room.


    "I depend on you, Gallan." Said the king giving a farewell.


    After that, Gallan left the city of Bellside with 300 horsemen. Their destination is the capital, Alys.


    The capital of Alys, two days after the battle in the square.


    The news about the last condition Arthur got was that 120 people were killed. around 80 of them were guards who had previously fought in the town square. While the rest are victims of random murder.


    At present the capital is closed. Through Hans Hurtberg''s order, all access to entry and exit has been closed after the battle in the square occurred. Everyone trapped inside the city, including the rest of Arnain''s group. There were random killings of civilians carried out by black robed groups. Arthur and Hans Hurtberg do not know the exact relationship between the Arnain group and the black robed group.


    "They still control one part of the city and their defense is difficult for the guards to penetrate." Said one of the guards giving a report.


    The black-robed group and the Arnain group controlled the city area called the Aed district, one of the main districts in the capital. Most of the residents of the district were wealthy merchants and there was also a large storage area for goods, including the capital''s food warehouse. Therefore, Hans cannot be careless in giving orders to avoid the large losses that might occur in that place.


    "We have to keep pressing them. Don''t give the enemy a break!" Said Hans Hurtberg giving the order.


    "We cannot do the maximum attack with our current situation." Said Arthur giving his opinion to Hans Hurtberg.


    "You have done your best, young master. At least let the guards under my command settle this situation." Said Hans.


    "Do you feel excessive? In this city there are only 700 guards, before there are around 150 people killed and injured. Then using 400 people to surround the Aed district makes guarding access in important places neglected." Arthur said giving criticism.


    "You are right, I can''t deny it. But in war, you must finish your opponent as fast as possible." Hans said, giving his opinion.


    Arthur was not sure of the decision Hans made. But he also did not know what to do, so Arthur just obeyed the decision that Hans chose. On the other hand, Arthur still believed that Arnain was nothing more than a tool used by someone who was behind a black robed group

 Prologue, Trial by Fire Part 1

    Re: Kingdom, Prologue.


    The capital of the Alys fell in chaos. Many people has died in the chaos that happened. Because of it, there isn''t much that can be done except saving their own life because now the capital has turned into a battlefield!


    Twilight Kingdom, 1209 ED, King''s Eras.


    Aed District. At a secret base underground of the capital.


    There are two factions standing each other. On one side, there is Arnain and some of his fellows and another is the black robeb group. They standing on a big round table made by glise wood. That''s mean, the table is like a high class property that is very rare to acquire.


    Not anybody can buy table like that. Except for some of a rich merchant or some of a nobleman can buy it. Even Arnain just standing stood, watching that glorious table. That is the proof is that the table is a very high class for a place like this.


    "We have agreed. Right?" Said a leader of the black robed group.


    "Just take her and show the way out." Said Savis who is taking Arnain place as leader after a battle on city square two days ago.


    "The tunnel is nearly done. Just wait for some days. And we all here, can out from this city." Said the leader of black robed group.


    Like the initial agreement, Savis gave his main hostage, Alisa Harwe to the black robed group.


    Upon hearing the conversation, Arnain felt something was wrong. He recalled what Arthur had just told him a few days ago. And he thinks what just he does is not a good choice, Arnain regret that in the past he has agreed and planning something that would be a massacre.


    He never intends to kill people. From a man to a woman, Adult to children. Has same fate and died for the sake of Savis plan. Arnain never wanted to do mass killing like this.


    Then Arnain walk his way and take a punch to Savis face.


    "Why Savis? Can you tell me. Why you are so heartless?" Said Arnain with a tear in his eyes.


    "Our people have suffered more than what this city has now. I think you know that." Savis said, trying to stand up.


    "You has wrong Savis. Our Goddess, Lady Euriele never accept this action that you have done." Said Arnain revering the teaching of Goddes of moon, Lady Euriele.


    The goddess of the Moon, Lady Euriele. Known for being associated with calm, patience and also trust. Therefore, many Mythes people chose to continue to live in discrimination rather than waging a new war with the king and the Arthians. As evidence of loyal followers of the moon goddess. Only a few of the Mythes became separatist liberation fighters.


    "Why did you suddenly become so religious? Arnain? You''re not the type of person like that." Said Savis to Arnain.


    "I just can''t let you kill more people." Arnain said to Savis.


    "They made me like this, Arnain. You should know that." Said Savis.


    Arnain knows Savis''s past, which is the son of one of the separatist liberation fighters. His parents were killed and his younger sister were raped and became seriously traumatized. Then, he himself lived for 3 years mined as a laborer since the age of 8 years only to finance his family.


    But Savis''s younger sister died because of an outbreak of the disease two years ago. If only the distribution of medicines was evenly distributed and not only to the nobles and the Arthia people, then Savis younger sister might survive.


    What Arnain experienced in his life was not as heavy as what Savis experienced. So he couldn''t protest much about it. But Arnain tried to understand Arthur''s words again.


    Trust your king. The word that Arthur said to Arnain.


    "If you can trust the king. Will you still do the same thing, Savis?" Arnain said to Savis.


    "Stupid !! Do you think I can trust the king? The king who doesn''t care about the Mythes like us?" Said Savis.


    "If you trust the king, you still have hope to survive and maybe you won''t want to do this plan." Arnain said giving the reason to Savis.


    "That will never happen, just follow my orders and you will be safe." Savis said as he left Arnain and his group.


    After that, Savis went to check the situation outside. While Arnain and other group members were forced to wait in one of the rooms and Savis also locked them in there.


    In Arnain''s mind many people had died in the streets of this capital city, he had seen it with his own eyes. More and more people will die and Arnain cannot do anything to avoid falling victim.


    "Can I talk to you, but only with you?" Said Lea Mevel


    Arnain sat down with his face down. His eyes became empty and it was clear if he was feeling heavy frustration. He did not respond to Lea Mevel''s words.


    Lea Mevel slapped Arnain''s face and it regained consciousness.


    "What are you doing?" Arnain said, angry at Lea Mevel.


    "We have to talk." Said Lea Mevel.


    After that, Arnain and Lea Mevel had one-on-one talks with Lea Mevel. Arnain was surprised if Lea Mevel was one of the spies of the Harwe family.


    "So all this time? You just spied on me?" Arnain said.If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    "I''m wrong, I thought you were the one who worked with Jashin." Said Lea Mevel.


    "Jashin? What do you mean, it name for that the black robed group?" Arnain asked.


    "Yes, they are Jashin. An elite group from the far east." Lea said to Arnain.


    Arnain stand still freezes when knowing the truth. He never thought that Savis would cooperate with such groups.


    "You have to be careful with them." Said Lea.


    "Are they dangerous? I''ve never heard of Jashin''s name before." Arnain asked.


    "They are a trained elite group. There is not much you can do when dealing with them" Said Lea.


    "What we will do?" Arnain asked.


    "We have to prevent them. Because if we fail, war can happen because of this problem." Said Lea Mevel.


    "War? Why can there be a war?" Arnain asked in confusion.


    "They aim to weaken the position of the king. If we fail then the king must face the people of Mythes and the Harwe family. Royal military power will not be a problem if they fight Mythes in the south. But if they have to deal with the Harwe family who have thousands of mercenaries and also have alliances from 3 other kingdoms. This twilight kingdom will not be able to survive the war. "Lea Mevel said giving a long explanation to Arnain.


    "Then it will be worse than what happened here right?" Arnain asked.


    "Much worse. You can see the same chaos as the civil war that took place 20 years ago. In that war there is no shelter for children and women. Even after the war there is still a famine that results from war." Said Lea Mevel.


    "We must stop that!" Arnain said.


    "First we have to get out of here." Said Lea Mevel.


    "How do we get out?" Arnain asked.


    "I have this thing." said Lea Mevel showing a silver key.


    "How did you get it?" Arnain asked.


    "You ask too much. Just follow my orders." said Lea Mevel.


    Arnain was a little upset but he had no choice. He followed Lea Mevel''s orders and finally got out of the room. Arnain had invited 3 other people who were with him except for Luis because he disappeared when he was about to enter this base. But they chose not to do anything and follow Savis'' orders.


    Amid the trip out of the underground, Arnain and Lea had a conversation.


    "Are you upset?" Ask Lea Mevel.


    "What do you mean?" Arnain said.


    "Your friend prefers Savis than you. Isn''t that annoying?" Said Lea Mevel.


    "I''m lying if I say no. But I don''t want to think too much about it." Arnain said.


    "Then you believe the prince''s word?" asked Lea Mevel.


    "Prince? Do you mean Arthur?" Arnain said.


    "Yes. the unrecognized Prince." Said Lea Mevel.


    "I feel if he is different from us." Arnain said.


    "Different? What do you mean by being different from us?" Said Lea Mevel.


    "His eyes and the way he speaks. I''ve never met anyone like him before." Arnain said.


    Suddenly two Jashin members appeared in front of Arnain and Lea Mevel''s way.


    "How can you get out here?" Said one of Jashin man.


    Lea Mevel quickly pointed a dagger to the chest of one of the Jashin members while Arnain tried to hit the other person.


    But Arnain, who was poorly trained, was too late to move so he received a hit on his face.


    "They are strong." Said Arnain.


    "You won''t win against them." Said Lea


    "Then, how?" Arnain Asked


    "I have a plan." Said Lea to Arnain.


    "What is that?" Asked Arnain.


    "Run, Follow me!" Said Lea as she ran away leaving the jashin members.


    "Huh? Really?" Arnain said, grumbling irritably.


    Arnain ran to follow Lea Mevel. At the underground base it is very wide, and there are only a few torches along the road that make Lea Mevel uses her feeling to find the escape route.


    Finally they arrived at a room and managed to escape. But in the room they accidentally entered, there was Savis and a man talking. But because the man was wearing a black robe and a face mask. Arnain could not recognize him.


    Maybe he was the leader of the Jashin group. Because he sat in a big chair and there were several female servants who served him and there were also guards who were also Jashin''s group.


    "I''ve given Alisa Harwe to you. Is there a problem?" Said Savis.


    "Of course, there is no problem with our agreement." Said the mysterious figure.


    "Then why did you call me here?" Said Savis.


    "The problem is, Game."


    "Game? What do you mean?" asked Savis.


    Then from behind Savis someone appears with a small dagger. He moves fast and stabs Savis''s back. While the mysterious figure stood from his seat.


    "In this game, no one should know my identity.." said the mysterious figure who slowly went into the shadow and disappeared.


    Arnain and Lea could not move or do something at that time. They only saw Savis lying down and the red blood coming out soaked the ground.


    "How does it feel?" Said the man who stabbed Savis.


    "You are...?"


    "So all this time...?" Said Savis continued.


    "Yes, you know me right? I''m Luis." Said the man who stabbed Savis.


    Not only Savis, Arnain and Lea were also surprised by what he saw. Luis is a 15-year-old child. Not unexpectedly he had collaborated with the Jashin group.


    "We must help Savis!" Arnain said whispering to Lea Mevel.


    "But-"


    Before Lea Mevel finished saying, Arnain stepped forward and approached Luis, then tried to catch him.


    Luckily, Arnain managed to catch Luis. So Lea Mevel moved quickly by taking the dagger that Luis still held and then pointed the dagger towards Luis.


    "How can you two be here?" Said Luis, who was surprised by the appearance of Lea Mevel and Arnain.


    "Where is Alisa Harwe?" Ask Lea Mevel.


    "So you are the one who works with the Harwe family huh?" Said Luis.


    "Luis tell me the truth!" Arnain said.


    "You''re the one who planned this, right? I don''t need to tell you anything." Said Luis.


    At that time, Savis who fell trying to get up stood up. Then Luis moved quickly by kicking Lea Mevel so that the dagger he held fell.


    "What!?" Said Lea Mevel who was shocked.


    After that, Luis used his left foot and kicked Arnain''s leg so he could escape from it.


    "How can?!." Arnain said, surprised by Luis''s movement.


    "You''re too weak Arnain." Said Luis.


    But when Luis was talking to Arnain, Savis attacked him from behind with a sword he was carrying. But Luis managed to dodge and he kept his distance.


    "Three against one. Can we make this more fair?" Said Luis.


    "No!" Said Arnain, Lea Mevel and Savis together.


    After that there was a battle between 3 v 1. Luis was alone and still young. But he was able to keep up with Arnain, Lea Mevel and also Savis.


    "Aww ..." Lea Mevel said, hit by Luis''s dagger.


    "How many daggers are you carrying now?" Arnain asked.


    "You always have to carry backup, right?" Said Luis.


    The fight continued but this time only Savis and Arnain fought Luis. Even though he was injured badly enough, Savis continued to force himself to fight.


    "You aren''t strong enough against me." Said Savis.


    But after he said that, Savis stepped forward with all his remaining strength and managed to hit Luis''s face and caused a scratch on his face. Therefore Savis was also hit by a slash from Luis on his right shoulder and immediately lay on the ground.


    After his face was hit by Savis, Luis slowly backed away. But Lea Mevel moved quickly and managed to drop Luis on the ground.


    "Can you still move?" Luis asked.


    "That wound is not enough to defeat me." Said Lea Mevel.


    But Lea Mevel could not hold it long and finally Luis ran away. Arnain saw the condition of Savis who was seriously injured and wanted to help him. But Savis refused.


    "Let me die peacefully." Said Savis.


    "After you messed up the capital and also triggered a war, you want to die peacefully? That''s really unfair Savis." Arnain said.


    "The world is unfair that you should be aware of it." Savis Said.


    "Even though we are different in choosing the way of life. I still think of you as my friend." Arnain said.


    "You will also die and catch up with me later. We can talk again as a friend." The last word from Savis before he died.


    The last words from Savis to Arnain are proof that both of them still have relations with each other and Arnain will never change that.


    Amid the sadness that hit Arnain. Lea Mevel gave Arnain something and it was a small piece of paper.


    "What is this?" Arnain asked.


    "I don''t know, but I got it from Luis." Said Lea Mevel


    Trial by Fire Part 1.

 Prologue, Trial by Fire Part 2

    Trial by Fire Part 2


    That night, the cavalry led by Gallan had left Bellside and began arriving in the capital. The troops led by Gallan were the best cavalry troops owned by the kingdom. They used thick black armor and wore a spear and a sword. These troops usually accompany the king wherever he goes.


    "We''ll get to the capital soon, sir Gallan. We''d better take a break." Said the cavalry captain Zack Derming.


    "We will continue the journey." Said Gallan giving the order.


    "But sir, we haven''t slept for two days riding. I''m afraid our troops can''t continue the journey." Zack said, pleading with Gallan.


    After that, Gallan gave orders for the troops to stop.


    Gallan seen the faces of the knights began to turn pale and lethargic. They have ridden for two days without resting and eating at all.


    "Who will continue to travel? I will not force you to continue traveling because of my orders. After all, this is the king''s order and you are the best troops at his side." The words of the Gallan made the atmosphere quiet.


    The knights looked at each other.And finally said.


    "We will carry out the king''s orders!" Said the knights together.


    "Alright, we will continue the journey, towards the Capital!" Said Gallan leading the troops.


    "But sir-"


    "I know you are too old for this job Zack. Don''t force yourself." Said Galan.


    After that, Zack Derming didn''t join Gallan. Because he too old, his hair already turned white. Because of its age, make it unable to continue the journey. He was accompanied by two knights assigned by Gallan to look after him.


    That person is not like an ordinary person. He actually deserves to sit on the throne. Zack thought in his mind when he saw the figure of Gallan.


    Finally, the cavalry returned to the capital on the third day after the incident.


    Capital city, Alys. 13-09-1209 ED


    Outside the city gate, the cavalry led by Gallan had arrived in the city. But the entrance gate was closed and there was also a large smoke coming from inside the city.


    This is the first time I seea city in a siege from inside. Think Gallan in his mind.


    Gallan examinize the situation from outside the city. Then he remembered something about the last siege on the capital city years ago. So he decided to enter the city with only 50 knights. The rest will patrol in groups around the capital. Especially areas that are close to forests and hills.


    After waiting long enough, Gallan was finally able to enter the capital. He saw the situation was quite terrible. Because many civilians want to get out but are not allowed by the guards. Then the image of the last siege in the capital showing in his mind. There are many civilians who have died on the city. On that time collateral damage is too high, and he wants that tragedy not happen again this time.


    "Why do you let civilians stay in the city? They can die here." Gallan said to one of the guards.


    "I just follow orders, sir." Said the guard.


    "If you are following an order, then I will give you a new order. Bring out all the civilians. Within 2 kilometers, there is a small village. Take them there!" Said Gallan giving the order.


    "But sir-"


    "You can bring my horse and my troop''s horse." Said Gallan giving the guards 51 horses to carry out his orders.


    Gallan and his 50 troops got off the horse and walked into the town hall which has now become a command center. In his journey, many civilians left. Many houses were burned down and then turned to ash. Many people have been injured and there were also several horse-drawn carriages carrying many dead bodies in it.


    The smell of smoke and dust is smelled everywhere. Also, the smell of blood along his the way. Gallan felt he was back on the time of civil war. At that time, the capital was also burning, and it took a long time to restore it. In its history, capital city of Alys has already been destroyed and looted four times. All of them is happened on the time two great civil war. In the last civil war alone, three time capital city has been destroyed and then looted.


    In The Town Hall


    Gallan went inside and looked for Arthur and Hans Hurtberg. But he got word from a guard on the city hall, if they were leading the siege in the Aed district. In the city hall, Gallan only met Master Elduro. One of the officials in the capital and he also has some influence over the kingdom.


    The "Master" title make Elduro position is strong over a kingom. A king himself has agreed about, how Elduro importance in the kingdom. But Gallan personally hate Elduro for his personality that is silly.The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    "You can meet them if you look for them out there." Said Master Elduro.


    "I brought the king''s order so, I will take control here." Said Gallan.


    "I thought you never needed it. The king''s right hand already has the same authority right?" Said Master Elduro.


    "What do you want to talk about?" Gallan said irritably at Master Elduro''s words.


    "I''m sorry, it seems like my words have gone a bit too far. I hope you can handle this, the king''s right hand." Master Elduro said and then leaving the room.


    After that, Gallan went to examine several reports before giving orders. While Master Elduro was allowed to leave the capital to evacuate.


    "Why do you think I should go?" Said Master Elduro to one of the guards.


    "This is a suggestion from the king''s right hand, I hope you can consider it." Said the guard.


    "Can I ask something? Why do you think the king''s right hand gives civilians permission to get out of the capital?" Said Master Elduro asked.


    "I think the lives of civilians are important. The king also said that." Said the guard.


    "But are you sure that''s all the words from the king? Isn''t the king''s right hand always denied the king''s orders, right?" Said Master Elduro.


    ¡°It was only the rumors I heard. And It was beyond my position to answer your question, Master." Said the guard.


    "Then what will you choose? Followingan order from the king''s right hand or direct orders from the king himself?" Said Master Elduro.


    "I think it alsobeyond my positionto answer it." Said the guard.


    "This kingdom will not be safe if such a system is allowed to exist !!. It could be, all of this is orchestrated by the king''s right hand. Because he is the shadow of the king." Said Master Elduro.


    Master Elduro remained at the town hall and he raved to many guards there about Gallan and his position as king''s right hand. Meanwhile, Arthur and Hans Hurtberg were leading the attack on troops to the Aed district. Under the command of Hans Hurtberg there were 350 people in it.


    The situation in district Aed is severe. Many buildings have been burned and collapsed. Many city facilities were destroyed and a lot of food or weapons were stolen by the enemy. Making Aed district destroyed and no longer recognizable. Even though it was once a prosperous area in the capital.


    An open field on Aed District, Command Tent.


    "We have attack them with all of our men. But still we can''t match enemy capability." Said one of the officers.


    "Why? We have more men than they are. But why we cannot win this battle?" Said Hans Hurtberg.


    "Sorry my lord. We will try our best!" Said the officers left Hans Hurtberg and Arthur on command tent.


    "Who they are? Why our guard even can''t match against them?" Said Hans Hurtberg.


    "If we can use our royal army. The outcome will be diffrent." Said Arthur.


    In the twilight kingdom there are 4 types of troops. First there are city guards where city guards have their own leaders who can command their troops. But the city guards were under the control of the nobility who controlled the city.Butthe number of people in it is also limited to 500 troops at the most.


    Secondly there are noble forces. These troops were raised by the nobles themselves according to their needs. They only obeyed the orders of the nobles who raised him. Even the king is not entitled to rule this army.


    Thirdly there were loan troops from the nobles to the kingdom. These troops were part of the army of the nobles but their ownership had been transferred to the king. However, the nobles could withdraw this force if they felt it was necessary with the permission of the king. Usually these loan forces have only been called at certain times, according to the king''s order.


    Also in this loan force. It was formed according to the agreement of the nobility and the king. If there is an agreement, then the king has this force. But nobles could reject this order.


    The fourth is a royal army. Royal troops cannot be ruled by anyone. Only the king or the king''s right hand can command this force. Within certain limits, some officials can give orders to these troops. But it is only a simple order, but orders such as ordering troops to move are not allowed.


    Arthur himself could only give orders for the royal forces in the palace to guard fully the entrance of the palace. So that city guards in the palace can help fight in the capital. He could not order royal forces to help attack in the Aed district.


    Apart from the 4 types of troops, there is one force that is not included but has developed a lot in the last 5 years. mercenary is something new. Previously there were no large groups, but in the last 5 years the number of mercenaries has increased significantly. If the 4 types of troops above were previously only owned by the King and the Nobility, then mercenaries could be owned by anyone but mostly rented by wealthy traders or a landlord. But in its development they did not want to be too involved in political matters so for a king or nobles to hire mercenaries it would be difficult.


    The Harwe family had controlled almost all of the mercenaries in the twilight kingdom. They made a special agreement where the Harwe family had mercenaries but could rent it to others. So even though the mercenaries were hired to others, the Harwe family still held full ownership.


    For this reason, the strength of the Harwe family is very dangerous for the kingdom. Even though they are not noble families. But the Harwe family never wanted to make trouble with the king or other nobles. They are known as the merchant family and are known to be religious. They worship the goddess of fortune, Lady Vienne Goudilla and the goddess of beauty, Lady Rheana Ingel.


    In the middle of the discussion, the messenger came. He brought a command message from Gallan. Arthur was quite relieved that Gallan had arrived. Galllan is known as a skilled and clever person. Many people have failed to conspire against Gallan. And that made anyone aware when close to him and he also be feared by many nobles and kingdom officials.


    One of his abilities is the "Golden Eye" it make Gallan able to know various kinds of problems just by analyzing some pieces of information. Many of his predictions are very accurate. He can also distinguish an honest and lying people with just one look


    "Let''s Look what is the order of command." Said Hans.


    "I knew he knows how to solve this problem easily." Said Arthur.


    Gallan it was Arthur Ward for some time. The two is very close one to another.


    "Retreat!?" Said Hans unbelieve with the letter he just receive.


    "I dont know what he thinks, but if Gallan gave that command. It is the best thing we can do." Said Arthur.


    Arthur see Gallan was a trustworthy person. So he never asking what is Gallan will do because Arthur already believe in him.


    "It will make our attack all this time pointless!" Said Hasns.


    Arthur see his surrounding, he always been told by Gallan to always see his surrounding before making a choice to take. He saw many house has been burned and civilians also getting heavy impact for his fruitless assault on Aed district.


    "Maybe I will agree with Gallan order of command. It may be the best things we can do now." Said Arthur.


    "We just need more time. I promise I will get that asshole!" Said Hans.


    With some debating between Arthur and Hans Hurtberg, they eventually agree to retreat.

 Prologue, Trial by Fire Part 3 - End

    A meeting has been held at City Hall, Gallan lead the meeting and there also Arthur and Hans who just recently arrived after they engage in battle at Aed District.


    All eyes has give its attention to Gallan. The atmosphere also on its peak of tense. Because not just Hans Hurtberg who act as head of city guard but also numerous official from palace has came. They all curious with Gallan orders to retreat.


    "Give us explanation Gallan!" Said one of the kingdom official.


    "Our priority is the civilians. We must evacuate all civilians and make them safe." Said Gallan, Giving an explanation.


    "So you think what have I been doing wrong all this time?" Said Hans who fell offended by Gallan explanation.


    "You sacrifice civilians just to do something stupid. I always ask my self why the king appointed you as head of the city guards? you are just a former commander an muscle brain." Said Gallan.


    "So it seems that you understand this problem better than me. Then I think you don''t need me here anymore." Said Hans, leaving the room.


    "I agree with the head of the city guard. You don''t need consideration from anyone! You always decide everything yourself." Said one of kingdom official.


    "If you continue to behave like this. Nobody will stand next to you." Said Master Reinard, a person who as kingdom chancellor.


    Chancellor is a title given by the king. Its position is under the king''s right hand. And also as the king''s right hand helper. Because it Master Reinard is quite close to Gallan in terms of work.


    "So why are we here? We better go and let him solve this problem himself!" Said another man in the room.


    Not long after, many of those in the meeting room are leaving.Andonly Gallan and Arthur remain in the room.


    "Do you intentionally do this?" Said Arthur,curiously.


    "Sometimes, you have to bang the other person''s head on the floor so he realizes how dirty the floor is." Said Gallan.


    "Your words are always difficult to understand" Said Arthur.


    "There is something more urgent than this problem, Arthur." Said Gallanwith his sharp eyesloking atArthur.


    "What is more important than the current problem?" Said Arthur.


    "I will say it when the time comes. Because this is just the beginning of all the problems that you will face later." Said Gallan, leaving the room.


    Arthur stood facing the window and tried to think of the situation. Gallan had come and Arthur believed that with the Gallan the problem would be over quickly. But hearing the words of Gallan made him think again, if indeed this was the beginning, then how big would the problem be?


    At the end of the tunnel, Aed District.


    "We''re almost out of the tunnel!" Said Lea


    "Is it true?" Ask Arnain.


    "You can see for yourself!" Said Lea, revealing the outside to Arnain.


    "Finally we come out." Said Arnain.


    Lea mevel and Arnain managed to find a way out after going down a wide tunnel. The Jashin group had moved out in some way. Lea Mevel and Arnain did not want to bother looking for it.


    "What''s going on here?" Lea standing stood when he looking around.


    "Are we really in the capital, Alys?" Arnain said.


    Arnain stood between the ruins of the house and the bodies of many people lying on the ground. Smoke fills the view around Arnain and makes it difficult to breathe and to see.


    "This is a diversion. I quite understand their mindset." Said Lea to Arnain.


    "They burned the city and killed so many people so lightly? Do they have no feelings?" Said Arnain, Upset.


    "You''re still naive Arnain. You will never be able to see the reality of this world if it continues like that." Said Lea Mevel.


    "So the lives of these people have no meaning?" said Arnain.


    "In this world, everything can be used for personal gain. The lives of others are included in it." Said Lea Mevel.


    "If only I had never followed this plan!" Said Arnain and regret his decision.


    "They have been designing this for a long time. You can see that the tunnel is not something that can be made one night!"


    "So you think-" Before Aranin finish his words, Lea made a cut.


    "They deliberately used yourself as a scapegoat. By making you the culprit of all the chaos in this city." Said Lea Mevel.Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    Arnain just standing in silence when realizing his plan has became a disaster to capital city, Alys.


    "So you can''t linger here. If you are caught then the real culprit will be harder to catch!" Continue her words.


    "But I''m also part of this mess. I think¡ª"


    "Don''t be naive! Just follow my words! I can''t be caught here either." Again, Arnain words has been cut by Lea.


    Lea Mevel forced Arnain to leave. They used a blue tunic hood that he got from several corpses on the street. The clothes can still be used beside it has a little dirty.


    A few moments later, at the city hall.


    "The latest report is coming!"


    A soldier with a full armor comes with a news for Gallan.


    "Come in!" Gallan said.


    After giving a report to Gallan the soldier immediately left the town hall by riding a horse.


    "Arthur, call all the officials and also the head of city guard here. We will start a counterattack operation!" Said Gallan


    "Fine, I''ll call all the officials and also the head of city guard." Said Arthur.


    After that, the second meeting begins to discuss the counter-attack that will be carried out. According to reports the Gallan troops were patrolling the area around the capital. There is a semi-permanent fortress that is suspected of being the main base of the enemy. The place was guarded by approximately 50 strange people with weapons and languages that had never been heard.


    "What are you planning this time? Then do you need our opinion?" Said one of the official. Ask to Gallan.


    "I just want to tell you, if Hans Hurtberg will lead the attack. While I will stay here, monitoring the enemy movement from this place." Gallan in response.


    "I won''t disappoint you, Gallan!" Said Hans Hurtberg eagerly.


    "I expect a lot from you."Said Gallan.


    "Then what will we do after attacking the fort?" Ask Arthur.


    "We will find out the path used by the enemy. Because I am very sure it is underground." Said Gallan and make everyone on the rooms fell silent.


    "So you havepredicts all of this?" Ask Arthur


    "Ihas simulate all the actions I will take. And now no one can escape from my eyes."


    After that, the meeting was over and everyone left the meeting room. Arthur is not allowed to take part in counterattack operations. That made him feel annoyed.


    "Arthur, do you have a minute?" Hans Asking.


    "What''s wrong, captain?" Said Arthur.


    "I just got a report about someone." Said Hans.


    "Someone?" Ask Arthur.


    "It''s possible he was the person you had negotiated before. For that, I want you to check it first." Said Hans.


    "So you caught him?" Said Arthur


    "This is a bit strange actually. One of the guards realized it when he took a wounded little girl to one of the guard posts. To confirm his identity, only you that I can ask for help." Said Hans


    "Did Gallan know about it?" Said Arthur


    "I didn''t submit this report. After all, he was unpredictable and I didn''t like him." Said Hans.


    "Okay I''ll go to confirm it." Said Arthur willingly to help.


    "Be careful, you don''t let your guard down at all." Said Hans and then leave the room.


    After that, Arthur went to a place called ''Ansein Lod'' aspecial prison in the capital. It was a high-level prison whose location was kept secret and only a few people knew it. To get there you have to go down a lot of stairs and the location below the ground makes Arthur difficult to breathing.


    "We meet again." Greet Arthur.


    "Prince?" Said Arnain.


    "Looks like you''re fine." Said Arthur seeing Arnain condition.


    "I was wrong. I should have believed your words before." Said Arnain.


    "Regret is for self-learning. You don''t need to feel guilty. You''re actually innocent, I know you are only being used." Said Arthur.


    "But, because of my stupidity. Many innocent people die." Said Arnain regreting.


    "My ward always says, humans are stupid and for that they have to learn. Ignorance has no limits as well as experiences you can take." Said Arthur, revering to Gallan his ward.


    "I confessed in front of you, that I was wrong. I asked for help from you prince. How do I fix this mistake?" saidArnain


    "You can''t fix it. You can only reduce the impact." Said Arthur


    "I''ll help you! I know a few things about the person behind this problem." Said Arnain, begging to Arthur.


    "Okay, tell me everything you know." Said Arthur.


    After that, Arnain told him everything he knew about Savis which was only used by someone who was still unknown. He also told me about Luis who was likely to do something later because Arnain got a strange letter from Luis when they fought.


    Meanwhile the operation that Gallan planned to run smoothly. They succeeded in taking the fortress along with a collection of items which turned out to be a lost treasure since the previous civil war.


    In the special room of the king''s right hand.


    That night, when all the problems were almost overcome. Arthur came with the intention of asking for opinions and direction. Because the king will come to see first hand the condition of the capital. Meanwhile, the news that the capital was being targeted was also spreading rapidly throughout the kingdom. Making new problems sooner or later must be addressed properly.


    "How are you Arthur?" Said Gallan.


    "I am fine." Arthur Reply.


    "What are you coming here for? I''m busy taking care of documents and reports." Ask Gallan


    "I just want to get an opinion about Arnain." Said Arthur.


    "He will be hanged or beheaded when the king comes here." Said Gallan.


    "Why? You know he''s innocent right?" Arthur said.


    "Even though I know that. It won''t change much." Said Gallan


    "Are we going to punish innocent people?" Said Arthur


    "First, he is not completely innocent. The role he performs is quite significant. I even just realized it when I received a report from you." Said Gallan


    "Then you can give it another option right?" Said Arthur


    "Second, he is Mythes. The nobles who have the power will consider us too kind to let him live." Said Gallan


    "But-"


    "Did he beg to save his life?" Said Gallan


    "No, but still¡ª"


    "That''s the third reason. He already knows the end of it. I''ve seen someone like that, someone who seeks repentance by receiving a punishment that isn''t even for that person." Said Gallan, giving explanation.


    "Why?" Ask Arthur


    "You can say that was the trial byfire. He was receiving his sentence in exchange for his sin" Said Gallan


    "But, I feel that execution is a mistake. He doesn''t deserve that!" Said Arthur, upset.


    "You''re not a king. So you can''t decide that. Those are things a king must bear." Said Gallan


    "Does a king do something like this?" Said Arthur


    "You know nothing about being a king." Said Gallan


    "Then what can I do?" Said Arthur


    "There is nothing you can do. Unless you will continue to be a king, I will consider it." Said Gallan


    "I never want to be a king. Even if that happens, it can lead to war." Said Arthur


    "I can handle that as long as you really want to take that position. It is precisely me and Ed really hope you want to fight and get the position of a successor to the king." SaidGallan


    "I don''t want the kingdom to fight only for me." Said Arthur


    "Sooner or later you will be king one day. I just want to speed things up." SaidGallan


    "In that case-" Said Arthur


    "I want to go out. This conversation makes me feel uncomfortable." Said Gallan.


    Gallan left all his work and left Arthur in his office. Arthur himself actually wanted to ask about a piece of paper he had obtained from Arnain because he had not told him in his report. Arthur had suspected that someone in a high position was threatening the kingdom.