A few weeks after Minos' return to the Black Plain Empire...
After the previous situation with the Stuart family, George Sista left Dry City for his homeland after traveling between the northern and southern regions of the continent for a few days.
Finally, this morning, he and his party had managed to bypass some of the battlefields between the western and eastern regions of the Vico-Maximillian War and reached the 'safe' part of their state.
There was nowhere in the Western Region that was 100% safe. There were even occasional sneak attacks in the capitals of some of the states in this region.
But these were isolated events, infrequent, and difficult to cause many casualties.
Even at war, the states' capitals involved in the current conflict could be considered safe to live in, even considering the low-level inhabitants.
Arriving at the capital of his state, George sighed in relief at being back but also at what he was about to do.
But before he could even head in the direction where he had already noticed his mother's presence, he and his two bodyguards were approached by a group of the kingdom's Royal Guard.
"Your Highness, welcome back to the capital of the kingdom." A level 96 man said as he appeared in front of George with a group of six soldiers. "May I ask what happened to make you return so soon? Your mission is still several years away. Besides, you didn't tell us you were coming back."
George was a member of Sista's Royal Guard who had to follow the local military hierarchy more or less until he became king.
Since he was only a Sage, he had many duties and responsibilities and couldn't escape certain military rules. As someone on a mission, he had to follow the rules, even though he was a prince.
In the kingdom of Sista, the local heirs didn't assume leadership responsibilities until they became Demigods. Even then, until the day one of them was crowned, he would have to follow the family hierarchy or the guard.
That's why the high-ranking guard in front of George didn't hesitate to question him as soon as he saw him back in the city.
George didn't mind being questioned because he was used to following the military hierarchy of the Royal Guard. Then, he answered his superior. "General Jacob, some things have changed regarding the Black Plain Empire. These are personal matters of mine, so I had to interrupt my mission to return. I have urgent matters to discuss with Her Majesty."
The man frowned, not quite understanding what had happened. "What happened?" He asked.
"Sigh... Minos Stuart demands that His Highness marry Sarah Stuart within the next 12 months." One of the two Demigods said briefly.
"What?" All the royal guards in front of George's group shouted similarly.
"This is absurd. Who does he think he is to demand anything?" One of the less observant men asked.
But the level 96 Demigod, looking at George, understood the problem. "He's a father protecting his daughter... It seems that Your Highness has done more than you should."
"Sarah Stuart will be my wife," George said with determination, while the less intelligent men realized that Minos had every reason to demand such a thing.
But being right didn't mean getting what you wanted!
"If Your Highness hasn't signed an agreement, all you have to do is not return to the Black Plain Empire. If you stay in Sista, Minos won't be able to reach you."
"Yes, that's what should be done."
"We can't marry the royal family to House Stuart just because of the mistake of two youths..."
Some of the men remarked to each other, while the strongest there remained silent.
As they did so, Willow's voice reached their minds.
'Minos Stuart is someone who invaded the Flowers Kingdom to save two men when he was still a low-level Saint... What do you think he'll do with George? Just leave the one who did things he shouldn't with Minos' daughter?'
Hearing his mother's voice, George felt ashamed for letting his emotions get the better of him.
He loved Sarah and wanted her in his life. But as a soldier of the kingdom, he knew he had been wrong to get involved with her.
He was on a mission. He should have been calmer and not gotten so involved with Sarah. Furthermore, he shouldn't have allowed himself to fall in love with the target of his observation. That was where he had failed, and he was ashamed of it.
"Mother..." He muttered just before the queen appeared near where he was standing, in front of the royal palace.
One of the queen's advisors, level 97, also appeared next to Willow and answered the question the queen had asked the man.
"With Minos Stuart's track record, it's safe to say that he won't give up on dealing with George if His Highness breaks his promises. If our heir hides under our wings, sooner or later, the leader of the Black Plain Empire will knock on our doors with hostile intentions."
One of the weaker men said. "If he does, we'll take care of him! We're not like the women of the Flowers Kingdom!"
"We're really not..." The old advisor closed his eyes. "But Minos Stuart isn't the same as he was when he attacked the Flowers Kingdom."
Willow looked into her son's eyes and asked. "George, what are your intentions?"
"I want to marry Sarah Stuart. But I don't want to disturb the kingdom. So I'm here to ask your permission and to find the best way to resolve the matter." He said sincerely.
"What about Minos Stuart? What exactly does he want, and how does he feel about it? Do you think he's doing this to get someone from his family into our government?" The level 97 advisor asked.
"I don't think he's planning it. At least not before he finds out about my relationship with Sarah." George pondered. "But I can't say anything about the future. Maybe he wasn't interested before, but now I can't say."
One of his bodyguards commented. "Your Excellency, Minos Stuart threatened the life of His Highness. He used the innate ability of one of his wives to force His Highness to reveal the truth, and he also challenged the prince to a spiritual duel.
I know His Highness doesn't see it all the wrong way. Still, I believe that the sovereign of the Black Plain will do everything possible to punish His Highness if he doesn't comply with what has been agreed upon."
George looked at his strongest bodyguard, not liking what this person had said.
"He did all this?" Willow looked at George.
"I can't blame him. I personally didn't take the situation badly, mother. I was the one who went behind his back and got involved with the first princess of the Black Plain Empire." George defended Minos.
"And what do you think of Minos Stuart's strength? How was your duel?" Willow asked with interest, curious about the current situation of this young ruler.
...
