Chapter 537 - Bring Her Back
After General Marquis Hendrick finished speaking, Aria furrowed her brows and said, "Just wait a moment, general. I would like to speak to you in private."
General Marquis Hendrick was slightly surprised before turning towards Leon.
At the same time, Leon was also curious about what Aria had to say to the general. Nevertheless, he gave the General Marquis a nod.
"Of course, Miss Aria," General Marquis Hendrick said.
Shortly after, Aria and General Marquis left to find a spot some distance away from Leon before General Marquis Hendrick turned to Aria and said, "What did you want to talk about, Miss Aria?"
"Pardon my offense, general, but don't you think you are relying on the prince too much? Don't you know the prince is a very busy person? Aren't you the General Marquis? Can't you take the initiative to think and do things yourself? Stop leaving things to His Highness, and do them yourself. The prince also has his own things to worry about!" Aria spouted without pause.
General Marquis Hendrick was surprised by Miss Aria's words before becoming alarmed in his heart at the sudden realization.
"You're absolutely right, Miss Aria. The Western Frontier is my responsibility, but I have been swept by His Highness's charisma." General Marquis apologized.
He was not offended by Aria and even felt thankful.
If she had not brought this matter up, he might not have realized it himself. When did he started leaving things to other people? Was it when his own strength had become inadequate?
"It's good that you know." Aria nodded.
Shortly after, the General Marquis excused himself and returned to Leon's side before he said, "Your Highness, you don't need to worry about the matters here at the Western Frontier. Just leave everything to me and tend to your own matters."
"Oh? Did Aria say something?" Leon figured.
However, General Marquis Hendrick shook his head and said, "Miss Aria just made me realized some things. Your Highness might be the Crown Prince of the empire, but you do not need to feel responsible or pressured to take on everything by yourself..."
"…As the future ruler of the Crawford Empire, you should also learn to use people. Although our abilities and wits might not compare to yours, please don't hesitate to use us where we are needed. Don't let us hold you back." General Marquis Hendrick stated.
After listening to the General Marquis's words, Leon lapsed in silence as he mulled over the person's words.
There was truth in General Marquis Hendrick's words.
If Leon continued to take on every issue in the empire by himself, he would never have time to do what he wants and needed to do.
"Then… I will leave it in your capable hands to discuss with my father, the king, about what needs to be done after the Communication Tower is repaired," Leon said after some time.
General Marquis Hendrick patted his chest and said, "Yes, Your Highness. Just leave it to me."
Once Leon decided not to involve himself further with the empire's issues, he felt like a huge load had been taken off his shoulders.
Nevertheless, his concerns were still present.
Even so, he had no other choice but to believe the others would do an excellent job in surviving the Cataclysm and the threats it imposes.
He truly had urgent matters to take care of.
Shortly after General Marquis Hendrick left, he turned to Faelyn and said, "Can I entrust you and Marquis Haldir the task of bringing the Guardian Spirit over the Great Wall?"
"Mm, I will do my best." Faelyn nodded after giving her busy sister a quick check.
It might be a bit troublesome to get the Elder Tree over the Great Wall, but after listening to the exchange between Leon and the General Marquis, Faelyn also wanted to do her best to help in any way she can.
Nevertheless, she asked doubtfully, "but will the Guardian Spirit listen to me?"
"Hmm…"
Leon and Faelyn's gaze slowly shifted into the distant field.
The Elder Tree could be seen slowly wandering in the vicinity. From time to time, it would spot a surviving mutated rat hidden within the piles of carcasses before stamping it to death with its roots.
Needless to say, the Guardian Spirit was still diligent in the task of hunting rats Leon had given it, even after the battle was over.
"The mutated rats are becoming intelligent in their berserk state…" Leon muttered with a frown.
If the mutated rats were changing like this, the same should be expected from the other berserk beasts throughout the Wildlands.
Nevertheless, that was something for them to worry about another time.
Leon shook his head before he said to Faelyn, "Don't worry, the Guardian Spirit will definitely listen to you once I talk to it."
"Mmm." Faelyn nodded.
Once Leon communicated with the Guardian Spirit via divine sense, the Elder Tree began making its way over to the Great Wall.
Shortly after, some roots curled around Faelyn and lifted her up into the skies before placing her on its crown.
Faelyn was surprised as she was carried away before she noticed Leon's odd gaze. Glancing down, she realized her panties were flashing before she pressed down on her blowing skirt in embarrassment.
Leon turned away and scratched his cheeks wryly after being caught.
"Well, I will be leaving too, young prince." Supreme Elder Haldir spoke.
"Un." Leon nodded.
Shortly after everyone left, Leon saw Aria returning to his side before his lips curled into a helpless smile.
"You know you didn't need to…"
"Someone had to do it. Otherwise, when will you be able to do your own things?" Aria said with a shake of her head before slipping into Leon's arms and resting her head on his chest.
Leon smiled lightly.
He held Aria firmly in his arms before caressing her head dotingly with a sigh, "Sure enough, you understand me best…"
'…Or she understands me best.' Leon thought with a trace of sadness before it was hidden in the depths of his heart.
His eyes flickered with determination.
He believed Aria White still exists somewhere inside Aria. As long as there was even a trace of her left, he will do everything he can to bring her back!