Knights of The Dauntless Princess

Chapter 45: Plan

And finally, they managed to gain the trust of Captain Trevor. Their numbers doubled and grew even stronger, but they knew that they still couldn't match the sheer quantity of soldiers in the palace.

"Lord Laxus has many followers in every town because they believe him to be like his sibling, Lord Lennox. They've saved and defended the entire kingdom from those who sought to conquer it. Besides that, Lord Laxus demonstrates in front of all the people that he has a kind heart. That's why, if we base our judgment on the princess's story, no one would believe her, because she's rarely seen by the people and she hasn't proven anything to them yet. This is why it's easier for Lord Laxus to convince everyone that the princess was the one who assassinated the former king, even if that king was his own father," Captain Trevor explained.

"Is that so," Amara responded, feeling a sense of sadness. "Honestly, I can't comprehend what has transpired. Even Lord Laxus, my uncle, is someone I deeply trust. Since childhood, he's been one of my guides, and I see no trace of evil in him. I can't fully grasp that something like this would happen to my family, and the one to do it is someone close to our hearts, someone we trust completely. It's not just the loss of my parents that brought immense pain to my heart, but also learning that he betrayed us."

"There are events in a person's life that we can't predict. Life is complicated, and with one wrong step, you could end up dead. Nevertheless, we can't give up; if we truly want to reclaim the kingdom, we need to act!" the old Captain said.

"You're right, we mustn't lose heart!" Amara affirmed.

"We need to start with careful planning!" Captain Trevor declared firmly, turning to the four men. "Brave gentlemen, what do you say?"

Ranz placed his palms behind his head as if supporting it, "We've grown in numbers, but we can't be certain if our strength is sufficient! Perhaps we should convince a few more to join us to further bolster our forces."

"Exactly, and maybe we should also thoroughly train everyone so we're prepared for the impending battle! I'll create an herbal drink that can help strengthen our bodies so we don't weaken too quickly!" Louie also suggested.

"In my opinion, we should also study their movements. Including the pathways inside and outside the palace. Our plans will become easier if we do that, right?" Cyrus suggested.

"I know the ins and outs of the palace! I've memorized it!!!" Amara quickly exclaimed. "And there are secret passages there that only my father and I know!"

"Secret passages?" Captain Trevor repeated.

Amara looked at him, nodded with a smile, and said, "Yes. Those secret passages are my idea. I used the excuse that it would make it harder for Dale to find me when we play hide-and-seek, but the truth is, I had them built to make it easy for me to escape from mother."

The princess smiled sheepishly, and Captain Trevor grinned, "You really take after your father. He used to disappear just like that. Turns out, he'd be napping somewhere."

"Yes, that's my father! Sometimes he'd talk to my mother and say he's just going to take a quick bath, but he wouldn't return! He's really so mischievous!" the princess chuckled, and Captain Trevor joined in the laughter.

"It seems like they're getting along," whispered Cyrus.

"Do you think we're competing with my grandpa too?" Louie whispered as well.

"No matter what, the princess won't entertain him! Huh!" Ranz remarked.

"Quiet down, all of you! They're just having fun, you have such dirty minds!" Nina scolded, speaking softly. They glanced at Nina and she gave them a stern look. "Why? Do you really think you have a chance at winning her heart? Just because she's affectionate with you doesn't mean you have a shot! The princess is affectionate with everyone around her, not just you."

The three felt annoyed by Nina's words, but because she seemed to have a point, they didn't say anything more.

"How about you, Dravis, as a former general, what are you thinking?" the captain asked again.

They turned their gaze to the silent young man, and just like before, his face remained expressionless.

"I want... to go to Niall," Dravis replied, seemingly surprising them.

"Niall? What will you do there?" the old man asked once more.

"Cyrus is right, we should also find out the steps of our enemies, but we can only do that if we have eyes within the palace," Dravis explained, and it seemed that's where they got the hint. "I know someone whom I believe is the best in that field, and I can only meet them in Niall."

"Dravis, wait, don't tell me..." Cyrus seemed almost incredulous upon hearing Dravis's words. It was as if he broke into a cold sweat from apprehension.

Dravis, on the other hand, clenched his fists tightly, clearly against his will, but he knew that person could make him do it.

"Is that so? Alright then, it's up to you," the Captain said. "I also want to request your men so that I can train them under my guidance. I will make sure they are prepared for our fight."

"Dravis, are you sure we should go to that man? He's even more dangerous than Ranz and Louie," Cyrus said with a disappointed tone.

"What do you mean?" Ranz's eyes narrowed.

"He seems like he wants to dissect him," Louie said in a creepy manner.

"Huh?"

"I can't think of anyone else capable of spying other than that man. If you can do that, we might not need him anymore," Dravis replied, his smile further deepening Cyrus's bitterness.

"Who are we going to see, anyway?" Ranz asked.

"An old childhood friend of Dravis, and his constant rival," Cyrus sighed.

Dravis's childhood friend? Amara wondered to herself.

"Captain! Captain!!!" came the urgent call from some of the men of Louie's grandfather, rushing into the room.

They immediately caught their attention and turned their gazes toward the newcomer.

"What is it, Vito?" Captain Trevor inquired.

"T-There are soldiers! They're getting close!!! Homer's group is facing them right now! I believe they're really looking for us!!!" he exclaimed.

"Soldiers?" the Captain questioned, nodding as the man spoke.

"A group of soldiers, but there are so many of them! If I were to estimate, there are thirty or more!" the man replied with concern. "They might discover our camp at any moment!"

"Don't let that happen! Eliminate all of them if necessary! They can't have any idea that our fortress is here!" the Captain ordered.

"Understood!" the man affirmed.

Ranz scowled, while Cyrus held his axe and Louie was geared up and ready.

"We're not too busy today," Dravis said. "We have time to reduce the pests in the forest."

The captain grinned and took another sip of his tea. "Your call. Enjoy yourselves."

The four young men turned to follow the old captain's crew, but Amara quickly stood up, and even Nina wanted to join them.

"Just stay here, we've got it covered," Cyrus said.

Nina raised an eyebrow. "Don't underestimate us! We can fight too!"

"We're not saying you can't handle it, it's just better if you stay here," Louie added.

"But Louie, we want to help!" Amara said, her eyes starting to well up.

"We'll go along!" Nina insisted.

Ranz lightly tapped his forehead and let out a deep sigh. "Why are you so stubborn—"

"I don't care! I'll do what I want," Nina firmly stated, dismissing her leader's irritation.

"What the—"

"Please! We want to come along and help you," Amara pleaded.

He was merely glanced at by Dravis before the latter turned away. Dravis walked away, seeming to convey that they should just let them have their way. The three young men were helpless against the stubbornness of the two young women. Amara and Nina followed them, undeterred by the impending danger.

The two young women exchanged glances and smiles before trailing behind them.

The old captain chuckled and mused, "Youth, always so passionate! Hahaha! It seems that the events that will unfold next will be exciting."