"He was testing us," Ernest muttered, almost to himself, his grip tightening on his cup. "They didn’t come to win. They came to see how we fight... how long we can hold," he added.
He understood that although the Gube forces appeared to be winning, they had also suffered losses. They were becoming more cautious; not as bold as they had been when the war began a few months ago.
The table fell silent after Ernest’s words. Everyone understood that the reason Gube wouldn’t attack again for a few days was because they had indeed suffered losses. If today’s attack was meant to gather intelligence, then of course they would analyze everything they had observed, rest briefly, and then strike again.
Moreover, if the people of Nixel lowered their guard during that short rest, it would make it easier for Gube to gain the upper hand next time.
"Then what should we do?" a captain asked.
"We can only try to use the men who are still strong to repair some of the damage so that we can better resist Gube," Ernest replied.
They discussed for another hour before the group dispersed to their own resting tents.
Prince Edward was feeling the weight of responsibility, so he decided to go and see his younger brother.
As Prince Edward walked toward his brother’s tent, his thoughts were troubled. The king had died, yet he was still on the warfront and dared not declare himself king. After all, a crown prince and a ruling king held very different authority. The Gubeans were already using his wife to threaten him and now, it seemed, they had also set their sights on him.
Because he wasn’t paying attention to where he was going, Prince Edward nearly bumped into a woman.
"I apologize," the prince said calmly.
"It’s okay, Your Highness," the woman replied, picking up the bucket she had dropped.
Dorothy had seen the prince walking toward her and had smiled brightly only to realize he hadn’t even noticed her. She felt a little hurt but didn’t show it.
The prince hadn’t clearly seen who she was at first, but upon hearing her voice, he immediately recognized her.
"Dorothy?" Prince Edward said with uncertainty. Although the princess had come north, he couldn’t understand why Dorothy would travel such a distance.
"Your Highness," Dorothy replied softly. Although she had wanted to see the prince, she suddenly felt self-conscious about her appearance. She lowered her head, trying to hide a little.
"Why are you here?" Edward asked after confirming her identity.
"I missed Your Highness," Dorothy whispered, her voice barely audible between the two of them. Then she explained how she had taken the initiative to follow the princess.
Hearing this, Prince Edward was pleased especially when Dorothy explained why she had come to the military camp.
"Fortunately, I came. Otherwise, with today’s situation, many soldiers would have suffered more," Dorothy added, hoping the prince would see her as a valuable asset. The most update n0vels are published on novel⁂fire.net
Prince Edward was moved. He knew the girl before him liked him, and she had willingly entered the camp of the injured for his sake. At that moment, he completely forgot about meeting Dorothy at the hidden mine. After all, the military camp was better than the mine.
"You didn’t have to do this," Prince Edward said.
"I am happy to. Every soldier here is fighting for the kingdom. Fortunately, I have the skills to help. This is my duty," Dorothy replied.
Hearing her words, the prince was pleased. He felt that making her his mistress in the future would be a wise choice. She had compassion and wasn’t fragile like the noble ladies he knew.
"Your Highness, I heard you were injured," Dorothy whispered, relieved to see the prince still cared for her.
"Nothing serious. The physician has already treated it," Prince Edward replied. He was happy to see her concern. It wasn’t that no one cared for the prince in fact, at every royal ball over the years, countless noble ladies had tried to get close to him. He enjoyed the attention, but never truly cared for them. He couldn’t explain it, but Dorothy’s pure gaze had moved him. Unlike the trained expressions of noblewomen, her eyes were clear and genuine.
"I’m relieved His Highness is fine. Since I arrived and heard about your injury, I’ve been worried sick. The battlefield is dangerous, after all," Dorothy said.
The prince smiled, touched by the honesty in her voice. "You don’t need to worry. Have you been well?" he asked, showing his concern.
"Yes, I’m fine. I have nothing to complain about; unlike the princess who was kidnapped. Your Highness, is the princess okay?" Dorothy asked looking concerned.
She wasn’t as simple as the prince thought. She understood human nature well. She believed that people were drawn to kindness. Even if she became the prince’s official mistress, her only real power would come from his affection. That was why she worked tirelessly to make a name for herself in the royal army so the prince would value her more.
She had read a lot during her time at the palace. Even as an official mistress, she would still rank beneath the princess. So she asked about Anastasia to show her concern, hoping the prince would see her good nature.
When Prince Edward heard her question, he suddenly remembered the discussion from earlier in the meeting room. Ernest had said that Gube likely had hidden cards they had yet to play. They couldn’t be sure of their enemies’ next move, so they had to remain alert.
Now, as Dorothy asked about Anastasia, Edward couldn’t help but wonder what Gube intended to do with her and there was also the issue of the king’s seal.
He had to send a message back to the royal city within five days at most. He needed to use the king’s seal. If he sent that message without it, the ambitious nobles would notice and begin causing trouble.
Seeing the prince frown, Dorothy felt slightly relieved. As long as the princess remained missing, she could take her time winning the prince’s heart. Even without the title of queen or princess, she could still live a good life.
"Your Highness, do not worry. I’m sure Her Highness will be fine. She is someone blessed by the heavens," Dorothy said.