Chapter 632:My Dear Friend
Chapter 632: 632:My Dear Friend
They reflected only him.Her presence felt comforting.The scent around her was familiar.
After days of war, bloodshed, stress, and constant pressure, simply standing beside her felt strangely peaceful.
Regalina seemed to notice his gaze.
A faint blush appeared on her face.For a brief moment, neither of them said anything.
Then she suddenly took a small step backward and pouted slightly.
"I worked hard to create such an atmosphere."
"I thought you would do something."
Ethan immediately laughed.
Seeing her expression was simply too amusing.
"Didn’t I already tell you before?"
His smile softened slightly.
"I will only touch you after I receive your father’s approval."
"And after this war ends, I will personally ask for your hand."
Regalina froze.Her eyes widened slightly.
"For real?"
Her voice sounded hopeful.
"For real."
Ethan nodded firmly.
The moment she heard those words, her eyes lit up brightly and a beautiful smile immediately appeared on her face.
For a brief moment, she looked genuinely happy.However, before either of them could continue speaking..A powerful presence suddenly approached from nearby.
Ethan’s smile faded.
He slowly turned around.
A knight wearing distinctive black armor stood several meters away while quietly observing them.
The armor belonged to the Supreme Legion.
The elite force was composed entirely of high-ranking knights who personally served and protected the Crown Prince.
These knights existed outside normal noble etiquette and traditions.
Except for the Emperor himself, they bowed to nobody.The knight stopped before Ethan.
His expression remained completely unreadable.
"Sir Ethan."
"His Highness wishes to speak with you."
Ethan frowned slightly.
Beside him, Regalina’s expression also changed a little.
"When?" Ethan asked.
The knight answered immediately.
"Now."
Ethan stared at him for a moment before sighing softly.
Then he nodded.
"Okay."
....
The knight from the Supreme Legion silently led Ethan through the military camp while countless soldiers, officers, messengers, and support staff continuously moved around carrying out their duties, and despite the late hour, the entire barracks remained filled with activity because war did not stop simply because the sun had gone down and people wanted to rest.
Torches illuminated the roads.Patrols moved through the camp.Supply wagons rolled back and forth.
The atmosphere felt tense yet organized.
As they moved deeper into the camp, Ethan gradually noticed that the security measures became increasingly strict while the quality of the soldiers stationed around them also rose noticeably.
Every checkpoint was guarded.
Every intersection was monitored.
Elite knights stood watch silently.
The closer Ethan got to the center of the military camp, the more serious his expression became because he could clearly sense powerful auras hidden all around the area.
Eventually, they arrived before an enormous command tent positioned at the very heart of the military encampment.
The structure dwarfed every other tent nearby.
Dark golden banners carrying the Imperial insignia fluttered gently in the night wind while magical lamps illuminated the surroundings and gave the area an almost sacred appearance.
Several guards stood around the entrance.
The moment Ethan sensed their presence, his eyes narrowed slightly.
Strong.
Extremely strong.
These were not ordinary knights.
Every single one of them emitted a terrifying aura that silently warned others not to underestimate them.Even Ethan felt a chill run through his body while observing them.
If he had to fight one of these people directly, victory certainly would not come easily.
And there were several of them stationed here.
The Supreme Legion truly deserved its reputation as the Crown Prince’s personal force.
The knight escorting Ethan finally stopped before the entrance.
"His Highness is waiting."
Ethan nodded lightly.Then he stepped forward and entered the tent.
The interior was spacious and luxurious while still retaining the practical atmosphere expected from a military command center.Large maps covered multiple tables.
Countless reports were stacked neatly nearby.
Magical lamps cast a warm glow throughout the tent.
Several strategic markers were placed across battle maps that represented troop movements, supply routes, and enemy positions.
At the center sat Haster.
The Crown Prince appeared noticeably calmer than before.
The stern expression he had worn during the earlier incident was gone.
When he saw Ethan enter, he simply gestured toward the chair opposite him.
"Sit."
Ethan did not refuse.
He walked forward and quietly took a seat.
For several moments neither of them spoke.
The silence was comfortable rather than awkward.
Then Haster calmly reached toward a beautifully crafted bottle resting beside him.
He poured wine into two crystal glasses.One glass was placed before Ethan.
The other remained in his own hand.
Haster leaned back slightly before speaking.
"I hope you remember the last time we talked."
Ethan quietly looked at him.
Haster continued."I was sincere when I said I wanted to be your friend."
His voice remained calm and honest.
"And for what happened, I truly wanted to pardon you."
A trace of helplessness appeared on his face.
"But as you can see, my position does not allow it."
He slowly swirled the wine inside his glass.
"I need to remain impartial."
"I cannot allow personal relationships to interfere with matters of state."
"If I start making exceptions because of friendship, then eventually everything becomes compromised."
The tent became quiet once again.
The silence stretched for several moments while Ethan considered those words carefully.
Then he slowly picked up the glass before him.
"I understand."
He raised it and took a slow gulp.
The moment the wine entered his mouth, Ethan’s eyes widened slightly.
A cool and refreshing sensation immediately spread throughout his entire body.The feeling flowed through his veins.
Through his muscles.Through every corner of his being.The exhaustion accumulated from weeks of war seemed to fade away.
The tension he had been carrying inside his heart gradually loosened.
For a brief moment, Ethan felt as though he had been transported somewhere entirely different.
He found himself standing amidst endless green plains beneath a clear sky while a cool breeze gently brushed against his face.
The air felt pure.The world felt peaceful.His entire body relaxed.
A strange sense of comfort and euphoria slowly washed over him.Then the sensation gradually faded.
Ethan blinked while savouring the peaceful life.The vision disappeared.
He found himself sitting inside the command tent once more.His grip tightened slightly around the crystal glass.
The wine.It was absolutely terrifying.
Without question, it was the finest wine he had ever tasted since arriving in this world.
With just a single gulp, he could already feel the fatigue inside his body slowly dispersing while his mind became clearer.
Seeing Ethan’s reaction, Haster chuckled softly.
"I hope this is to your liking."
Ethan looked at the glass again before honestly nodding.
"It’s great."
"In fact, it’s the best wine I have ever drunk."
Haster smiled faintly.Then he took a sip from his own glass.
"This wine is made from the Cold Mountain Fig."
"It bears fruit only once every century."
Ethan immediately raised an eyebrow.
Haster continued calmly.
"And this particular batch has been preserved for five hundred years."
Ethan’s expression changed slightly.The relaxed feeling he had moments ago disappeared almost instantly.
His instincts immediately became vigilant.Something this valuable was not casually shared with others.
Fortunately, he managed to hide his reaction well.
"I don’t think I am worthy enough to share such a valuable drink with you."
Haster laughed.
His smile looked genuine and heartful.
"What are you saying, Ethan?"
"You deserve it perfectly."
His expression softened slightly.
"Your contributions have not gone unnoticed."
A trace of frustration appeared on his face.
"It’s just saddening that those bloody vermin decided to join hands and invade us."
For the first time during their conversation, genuine hatred appeared within Haster’s eyes.
The conversation continued for quite some time afterward while the two exchanged thoughts regarding the war, the Empire, military affairs, noble houses, and the current situation facing Arcadia.
Surprisingly, the atmosphere remained pleasant.
Neither of them argued.
Neither of them raised their voices.
Eventually, Ethan decided to ask the question that had been bothering him ever since the campaign against Xylos began.
He slowly placed his glass back onto the table.
"Your Highness."
Haster looked at him.He could see slight hesitation in his tone.
"Yes,Ethan."
"Speak your mind.As I said just treat me as your dear friend.I am not the Crown Prince right now rather I am your drinking body."
"As long as I can answer, I will try my best to satisfy your curiosity so come on.Let your thoughts bare."
Ethan hesitated briefly.He carefully organized his thoughts before finally speaking.Even though he got the permission he can’t reach for the core subject.
"Then tell me..."
His eyes locked directly onto Haster’s.
"Why are we attacking Xylos instead of pushing back the forces attacking us on the other side?"
The question lingered heavily in the air between them.
For the first time since their conversation began, Haster’s relaxed smile slowly disappeared while a complicated look appeared in his eyes.