"I'm really glad that you're feeling better, Your Highness. I was worried when General Hanson told me that you're sick and you will be returning to the palace with His Highness."

Vienna Mareyi was sitting on a chair beside the bed where Iria sat. Though Iria wanted to sit on the chair and have a normal chat like they always did, Lady Vienna insisted to let her sit on the bed, saying that it will be more comfortable.

Seems like the Qalagons tend to over worry!

"It's just a mild fever and I'm completely fine now," Iria replied. "But shouldn't you be watching the tournament right now? I heard that the jousting final will be held before noon."

Didn't she want to look at her lover's performance and cheer him up?

"We're friends, right? Visiting you is more important." Vienna Mareyi paused and added, "Besides, I have confidence in General Hanson, Your Highness. Me watching him or not, he will be doing well."

Iria Alewine slightly smiled when she heard what Vienna Mareyi said. "You're always honest, but... will General Hanson be fine with it?"

Viena Mareyi quickly nodded. "As long as it concerned you or the Crown Prince, he will be okay with it." When the competition schedule for the day crossed her mind, Vienna Mareyi continued, "But I also heard that the final of sword fighting competition will be held in the afternoon. That means His Highness will also be facing an important match today."

"Is that so?" Iria muttered and narrowed her eyes. She thought that it will be held the next day.

Vienna Mareyi observed the subtle changed in the Crown Princess's expression. Then the day when they went to the Sina Falls crossed her mind. "I think His Highness cares about you a lot. Do you feel the same, Your Highness?"

"Pardon me?" Iria Alewine darted her eyes to Lady Vienna as her question was so random and sudden.

"You also like His Highness, right?" Vienna Mareyi asked her with a little smile.

Iria was feeling perplexed. Why was the topic which she wished to avoided... suddenly brought up again? It's already tormenting enough!

"I'm not sure," she muttered. Thinking of all the gestures of the Crown Prince which always made her unable to push him away, her heart knew that she was lying.

"What do you mean?" The Prime Minister's daughter asked, confused.

"Maybe I'm not as brave as you." The words unconsciously escaped the Commander's lips. There she goes again... losing her self control whenever Arin Helev was concerned.

Vienna Mareyi gazed at the Crown Princess's troubled face. Somehow, she felt like there was something behind it.

In her eyes, the Crown Princess also truly cared for the Crown Prince and it also seemed like she was aware of it but... why did she say that she wasn't brave? She didn't understand it.

* * *

On the large ground inside the camp, the people were all cheering for their celebrated Crown Prince who was currently having his final match for the sword fighting competition.

Everyone knew that Crown Prince Arin hasn't lost a single match ever since he started participating in the annual tournament four years ago. Even this time, it was the same. Despite the opponent being Elian Castiel, the most elite General of the Petrus Army, the Crown Prince defeated him in just the third round.

The Petrus Army was the second most elite army in Qalagon. Despite being below the Royal Army in terms of influence and achievements, they were still powerful enough and the army consisted of thousands of soldiers. Their current Commander was Nico Petrus, the only son of the former Commander and he was the same age as the Crown Prince.

Though many acknowledged the young Commander as one of the best warriors in Qalagon and only second to the Crown Prince, the Commander in question wasn't a fan of tournaments. He never participated in one but sometimes, he was seen among the crowd. However, even this was a rare occurrence.

Some used to say that if there was anyone in Qalagon who can beat the Crown Prince even for once, it would be Commander Nico Petrus.

The moment the Crown Prince was declared as the winner of the sword fighting competition, he sheathed his sword and reached out his hand to General Elian who was on the ground. However, when he briefly looked at the entrance of the ground on the left, he blinked.

He only saw the disappearing form of someone but... wasn't that Iria?

"You're doing better than our last fight, Your Highness," General Elian Castiel said to the Crown Prince as he bowed to show his respect.

"The same goes for you, General Elian," Arin Helev promptly said. As of now, the two men were on their way out of the ground while the crowd clapped their hands and screamed to celebrate the final that was just wrapped up before their eyes.

"You flatter me," the General humbly said. "No matter how much I improve, I still couldn't beat you."

"Nothing is a given," Arin Helev simply said. "Is Commander Nico not present today as well?" he asked.

General Elian slightly lowered his head when he heard the Crown Prince. "I beg your pardon, Your Highness. Commander rarely changed his mind. I don't think he will be around."

"Commander Nico is truly one of a kind. It's always so hard to meet him," the Crown Prince remarked. Feeling amused, he slightly shook his head.

"Do Your Highness wish to meet my Commander? I will inform him and ask him to see you," General Elian promptly said.

"That would be great." Arin agreed with what the General said but...

"Why did His Highness wish to see me?"

Both the Crown Prince and the General darted their eyes to the right when they heard a familiar voice.

Tall yet composed, handsome face with olive-green eyes and auburn hair; standing a few steps away was what people called 'the mysterious' Commander Nico Petrus.

"Commander," General Elian quickly bowed to greet the young Commander.

Commander Nico instantly made his way to the Crown Prince and when he was two steps away, he halted and bowed. "Greetings, Your Highness. It's been a while."