With the King's presence, the room became dead silent, you could hear the sound of a pin fall. In all, there were 16 people in the room. All generals present were strong forces within the kingdom. Of the generals, only General Jaypin Hull and General Roman Tilt were not proficient in the use of magic. Despite being able to use magic, they didn't develop it. They were in their early thirties and were only able to keep their positions using their monster-like strength. Due to the great value placed on the use of nature magic, this caused overt conflict between them and General Vaughn Blare. General Blare is a powerful 3 Star Fire Mage on the verge of becoming a 4 Star Mage. He was in his mid-twenties, had dark silver hair and a muscular build. He was known within the kingdom for his quick temper and arrogance. He would often get into altercations with one or both generals. Despite this, he was very popular among the women of the kingdom. Even though he was only the son of a Baron, many women of the higher class also desired him. He gained the nickname 'Fiery Prince'.
For him, however, the nickname was nothing more than a title. The only woman he cared about was General Rebecca Willey. She was also a 3 Star Mage but was proficient in using Water magic. They first met at the Briswold Academy during their first year. Despite being from a humble background, Rebecca always held her head high and proved her worth. She was able to garner admiration due to her skill and beauty. Since then Vaughn had set his heart on her. Despite his many attempts though, Rebecca didn't seem to be moved by him. She was also in her mid-twenties, had ultramarine coloured long hair and dark brown eyes. She was around average height. She was known for her calm and collected demeanor. She was the only female general in the kingdom's history. As a result, she was well respected and no one cared about her background. She would often train with General Stacks. As they were both water mages, she often learned a great deal from General Stacks.
General Snow sat across from Alexander. He was between General Arnold Palm, a High Level Earth Mage and the oldest of the generals, and General Winhel Skeeve, another High Level Earth Mage. Although General Snow was still a 4 Star Mage, he had to separate them as they had a complicated relationship. All the other generals were either 3 or 4 Star Mages and their ages ranged from mid-twenties to early forties. Alexander felt a bit intimidated being around them as he was still a 2 Star Mage but he did his best not to let it show. Being between someone as powerful as Viola, and the Crown Prince, who was a 3 Star Mage, he had to appear confident.
After a few minutes of silence, the King commenced the meeting.
"I won't waste time with needless pleasantries. There is a threat to our kingdom," said the King bluntly.
All eyes were focused on the King and his stern expression. Things were more serious than they had thought. He went over notes that were received promising an attack but left out where the notes were left and the dead guards.
"Based on the information we've gathered, it seems there are forces preparing to launch an attack. We have yet to confirm if they're from Vileenia or Norden or if it may be both. There is also reason to believe outside forces are involved. Our spies found suspicious people in both countries but they didn't seem to be working together. This however, may be a tactic to confuse us. We've been on peaceful terms with both countries. They would have no reason to go against us. To put it simply, there's an attack coming and we don't know where it's coming from. While we continue investigations everyone will need to be on-guard. All the mages and soldiers below you must become stronger. You must be prepared to be called upon at any time."
"Whoever those bastards are, they'll regret messing with us," said General Blare confidently.
"Is there any word on when this attack may take place?" asked General Willey.
"We believe it may be within the next 3-4 months," replied the King.
"May I ask how you came to that conclusion, Your Majesty?" asked General Stacks.
"Based on the speed at which they're gathering forces, coupled with the frequency of the notes we have set that as a tentative time frame. We have also considered that it may take place on 'Liberty's Day'. As you all know, that is our most celebrated day. If these people wanted to make a spectacle of this attack then that day would be the best time to do so."
Liberty's Day was a day of celebration chosen to mark the day the kingdom became free of war and was reborn. It was the day when the first Blossom, Tisiphone, wiped out the Hayen forces.
"Then shouldn't we cancel the festivities that we usually have, Your Majesty?" asked one of the generals.
"Liberty's Day is important for everyone in the kingdom. If we cancel it without a good reason, that will raise questions and dissatisfaction among the people. The last thing we need is mass panic," said the King.
"What of Eddenbrook? Are they no cause for concern?" asked General Palm.
"They were the first to be investigated. They're barely hanging on as a country. After they were abandoned by Hayon they started to fall apart. They don't have the resources, manpower or connections to go against us."
The King seemed to be prepared for all their questions.
"What about your brother, Your Majesty?" asked General Skeeve.
As soon as the words left his mouth, many were visibly shocked. Everyone in the kingdom knew of Hayden's situation. Although he was no longer a prince, he was still the King's brother. To openly accuse someone of royal blood would be considered extremely bold, even for a high ranking general. The tension grew. The mood that General Skeeve had created was difficult to bear.
"What do you think you're asking General Skeeve?" asked the King as he looked towards him.
"General, don't you think your question is a bit inappropriate?" asked the Crown Prince.
The King was also suspecting his brother but decided not to bring it up. For General Skeeve to do it so blatantly was disrespectful to say the least.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, we're in a sensitive situation now and must not leave any stone unturned. We're all thinking it but no one dares to ask. The timing of your brother's arrival is suspicious isn't it and based on the recent happenings in the castle, wouldn't that require an inside man?" asked General Skeeve with a suggestive tone.
The King was stunned by General Skeeve's words. There were only a handful of people who knew of what was happening with the royal guards and the notes being left. The mumblings of the generals started to fill the room. They were all curious as to what General Skeeve meant. The King realized he couldn't avoid the topic.
"There have been a few... unusual incidents that have taken place which are still being investigated. Once we know more, all this information will be shared. For now, focus on your given tasks. You're all dismissed," said the King.
Many of the generals were not satisfied with his response but accepted the order. They each got up to leave.
"General Skeeve, you stay," said the King.
General Skeeve turned to face the King and smiled.
"As you wish, Your Majesty."