"I see. So then, It is true? They are less active than usual." I said with a deep frown on my face.
"Indeed, they are," James said, his voice dropping an octave as we moved deeper into the topic "But it is not surprising. We've been at war with those barbarians for so many centuries that their blood and ours have practically dyed the Northern soil by now. It's natural for the intensity to go down every once in a while."
Is it now ?
"Huu... Has there ever been a time when we've tried to build peace with them ? War... is tiring" I asked.
Not to mention, war also wastes resources that can be used for other matters. Wasting more food for soldiers, Destroying the resources of our enemies to make them weak, Destroying even our own resources to prevent enemies from taking them. Everything is so... useless, So wasteful.
Although... If you're in the correct industry, War can also bring you profit like no other.
"From what I know and From what the archives say, there was such an attempt from their side decades ago, before we were even born."
"And it was rejected ?" I asked, knowing full well what the answer might be.
"As the current state of our borders suggests, yes. And the irony is, Apparently, the human side also tried to propose a nearly identical peace treaty, years before their attempt."
"And it was also rejected ? So, since they rejected ours, so as an act of vengeance, we, the humans rejected theirs ? Is that it ? A battle of pride ?" I affirmed my conclusion.
"Yes, that's mostly it," James sighed, the wishful look in his eyes betraying the weary soul beneath strict front "If only the two peace treaties were sought at the same time, if only the two rulers who sought to end this slaughter came into Reign in the same era, then.... Perhaps, this senseless war could have been finished generations ago."
"Senseless war huh..."
Most people would agree but few people would bother to outrightly accept and state it with their mouth. Hearing it from someone involved in the war feels weird but then again, maybe it's because he has seen the war the most closely, especially the things that happen behind the scenes, The things that commoners and unrelated Nobles like me do not even know about. He understands it far better than most. Just How futile war actually is.
"Isn't it ? This war has been raging on for the past centuries but even the history doesn't know the original reason. Just like our conflicts with the demons. It's a war we can neither end, nor win."
"Are they really that strong ?" I asked
"You should be aware of it as well, Andras. But it's not about strength. It's about losses caused by the war and price of winning. Our enemies, they can afford to go all out but we cannot."
"Because of our geographical position, huh ?"
"Exactly. We have more than one potential enemy to be wary of."
"But isn't the beast kingdom helping us as well, in this war ?"
James took a slow, methodical sip of his wine "They sure are. we have a common enemy. Yes. But that alone does not make them our complete ally either."
"Nobody leaves a juicy piece of meat if it has nothing to protect itself huh.." I said.
"Exactly." He nodded.
"But enough about war," James said, waving a hand, as if to brush away the scent of smoke. "Tell me. Are you coming next month? Or do I need to send a special invitation to the Sterling Estate just to get you to cross the region?"
"Coming where ?" I asked. Where is he supposed to invite me.
"In February, Andras. Don't tell me you've forgotten."
February ? To his estate ? ah! I see..
"Of course! I can't exactly forget the birthday of an old friend now, can I ?"
I did forget, actually. The pressure has been too high this year. He knew I had forgotten and I know that he knew. But in high society, a well-placed lie is often more polite than the truth.
"Good. You have to come, then."
Wait... The birthday of an influential noble who is also a war ministry official ? Doesn't that make him the perfect candidate ?
"Of course! I have even prepared a special gift for you."
"I see. I will look forward to it then." James replied, his eyes twinkling with a mix of suspicion and amusement.
Just then the announcement started ringing.
"The sole Sun....."
"His majesty is here" James noted, his gaze snapping to the Balustrade above and then looking at me "Then, I shall take my leave, Andras. Duty Calls."
"Yes" I replied.
And he left and was lost in among the crowd of Nobles. In the meantime, Sofia and Selena have also returned.
"And! Here comes...."
After standing up from greeting his majesty, other royal members also made their entrance.
I looked toward the railings.
My eyes met with the third prince for a split second.
After all that, the celebrations officially started.
The king and queens were seated on their seats, observing us.
The Princes and the Princess, however, were 'released' into the crowd—a test of their social stamina and political magnetism.
So, the princess and princes were roaming around near the Royals.
This is how it is. The king and queens have to stay seated on their thrones for the first half or one hour and then the king will start the dancing ceremony with the first dance.
Prince Tyler was alone at one side while the other royal children were surrounded by nobles.
My conscience pricked me. As much as I would love to go to him and greet him for the sake of my conscience, greeting him alone or greeting him first might create unnecessary rumors.
The Marquis, Who oversees A large part of the country's economy, Greeting the Third prince, out of all The Royal Children, First ?
Yes, I cannot think of Anything greater than this, for those Gossip and Drama loving nobles to Gossip about.
And besides, I am sure he wouldn't want that either. I told myself.
So, as a precaution measure, I decided to go to the first prince, first. The obvious prime Choice for a greeting.
"Come," I whispered to Selena, taking her hand. "We shall follow the hierarchy. We go to the First Prince first."
We moved through the crowd, the smell of heavy perfumes and expensive wine thick in the air. When we reached the inner circle of the First Prince's circle, I bowed with practiced grace.
"Your Highness, the First Prince. It is my profound honor to meet you! I am Marquis Sterling, and this is my wife, Selena, and our daughter, Sophia."
The First Prince turned to us, his smile bright and perfectly curated for the public.