Chapter 414: The Concern of War
Lyan was led by a servant through the winding stone paths of Prince Erich’s estate, his eyes scanning his surroundings with mild interest. The guest residence offered by Erich was indeed lavish. The mansion stood proudly against the backdrop of the starry night, the soft glow of lanterns casting an amber hue on its elegant facade. The architecture was majestic, with tall archways, intricately carved stone, and sprawling courtyards. Tall hedges surrounded the estate, giving it a secluded and private atmosphere.
The servant opened the massive wooden door, and Lyan stepped inside, taking in the sight of the spacious interior. The ceilings were high, adorned with delicate frescoes, and the floors were covered in soft carpets that muted their footsteps. The estate exuded an air of opulence and comfort—a far cry from the battlefield tents and makeshift lodgings he had grown used to.
But there was a heaviness in Lyan’s heart that dulled the beauty of the place. He had brought his companions here—all of them. Xena, Belle, Alina, Josephine, Raine, Ravia, Alice, Emilia, Surena, Wilhelmina, Solia, Clarisse, the mountain tribe women Lara, Tara, and Sigrid, and even the little halfling, Tesha. Each one of them had followed him without question, placing their trust and their lives in his hands. The weight of their loyalty was something Lyan did not take lightly.
He couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had been gnawing at him since they arrived. The war with Varzadia was inevitable, and bringing his loved ones here, into the heart of a brewing storm, was a risk—one that he wasn’t sure was the right choice. He had always been confident in his decisions, but now, for the first time in a long while, doubt lingered in the corners of his mind.
As he moved through the estate, Lyan’s thoughts were consumed by the potential dangers they could face. He knew his women were not helpless—they were warriors, skilled and capable—but the unpredictability of war was something that couldn’t be ignored. He sighed, his brow furrowed as he made his way to the main hall, where he knew they would all be waiting.
The grand room was already alive with the quiet murmur of conversation. The women had gathered around a large table, and as Lyan entered, their eyes turned to him. Wilhelmina, standing near the entrance, noticed the troubled expression on his face. She moved towards him, her steps graceful, her gaze filled with concern.
"Lyan," she called softly, her voice gentle, "What’s on your mind? You seem troubled." She paused in front of him, searching his eyes for an answer.
Lyan let out a slow breath, his eyes meeting hers. "War," he said simply, the weight of that single word evident in his tone. He glanced around the room, at the faces of those who mattered most to him. "It’s inevitable, Wilhelmina. We can’t avoid it any longer. The situation is on the brink, and soon, it will all come crashing down."
Wilhelmina nodded, her expression softening with understanding. "We all knew this was coming," she said. "The Valkyries and I—we are confident in Astellia’s strength. We doubt Varzadia has the capability to overcome us." She gave him a small smile. "You don’t think the same?"