John sat behind his ornate desk, his gaze unwavering as it met General Mackhalm's from across the spacious room. The air between them was thick with tension, a silent reminder of past disagreements and divergent views.
"General," John began, his voice deep and composed, "I appreciate you taking the time to join me. We are faced with pressing matters that require our immediate attention."
The general, standing at ease with his hands clasped behind his back, responded, his tone formal yet curious. "Your Highness, if I may ask, why summon me to your personal office?"
John's posture remained steady as he leaned forward, his fingers interlaced before him. "Despite the differences that have shaped our past, General, we must set those aside. The situation along our borders has escalated beyond what can be ignored. The gravity of the threat demands our unity."
The general raised a brow. "You refer to Sereath, I assume?"
John nodded slowly, his expression steely. "Indeed. I had been informed that the origins of the recent epidemic may be tied to Sereath's proximity to Nivara some time ago. That the plague had a geographical associations. Initially, it was only a hypothesis, without any tangible evidence. However, as enemy forces increasingly target Sereath, it is evident that there is something hidden beneath the surface. Something insidious is at work, and we must act swiftly."
The general's said with a firm tone. "I warned you, Your Highness. Nivara has always had its eyes on our land, and their patience will not last forever. They will strike when they feel the time is right, but only after weakening us from within."
John's expression hardened. "I was wrong to dismiss your earlier warnings, General. For that, I offer my apologies. Though I still believe Ceracuse remains in a state of recovery and people just want to be at peace with no more fighting but we can't back down. To have that peace they value so much a lot more wars will have to happen."
Mackhalm's eyes widened slightly at the prince's rare admission of fault. He remained expressionless, awaiting further details.
John continued. "Our first priority is to secure the borders. We must fortify our defenses along the critical entry points. The enemy may already be making moves to destabilize our fronts. We cannot risk waiting for a formal declaration of war when covert actions are already underway. Our position must be reinforced, both in terms of manpower and logistics."
The general nodded, his mind swiftly running through the options at his disposal. "Indeed, Your Highness. We must act as though the war has already begun. Covert operations, sabotage, and the strategic deployment of forces to disrupt enemy supply lines must be considered. We should also begin preparing for a protracted siege, should the enemy attempt to isolate and starve our forces. Sereath is critical, not only for its resources but also for its position as a buffer against the enemy."
"We will secure our borders, yes, but more importantly, we must rally and train new recruits. We need bigger numbers on our side."
Mackhalm regarded the prince thoughtfully, sensing a shift in the young leader's demeanor. Prince John's eyes gleamed with a newfound determination. "What, if I may ask, has brought about this change, Your Highness?"
"A person showed me, if I have made a decision and looked at it from all perspectives and concluded that it was the right decision to be made, then I need to act without hesitation. Because for integrity and strength, there lies no place for fear or pride. I need your expertise, General. Your insight is valuable to me, and I will no longer act as though I know best in every matter."
The general's lips curled into a slight smile. "I am honored, Your Highness that you recognize and value my expertise."
John inclined his head in acknowledgment. "Your experience on the battlefield far exceeds mine. I look forward to learning from you, particularly in the finer aspects of warfare."
The general's demeanor softened. In his heart, he knew that Ceracuse was fortunate to have a ruler who could rise above pride and lead with wisdom. A leader who understood the true cost of war—not just in terms of soldiers and resources, but in the legacy left behind. The young prince before him might not yet have the experience as he was at the start of his journey, but his willingness to learn, adapt, and correct course would prove to be his greatest strength.