Chapter 67: Chapter : 67 : War Inside Her Heart!

The war camp was buzzing with the sound of clashing weapons and soldiers preparing, but in one corner, Aiden had stolen a quiet moment with his family.

Leona sat in his lap, clinging to his arm as if the world outside didn’t exist. Her small lips puckered before she planted a kiss right on his cheek.

“Hehe~ got you, Daddy!” she giggled, proud of herself.

Aiden chuckled, leaning in and kissing her back on her soft cheek. “Got me, huh? You’re getting sneaky, princess.”

Leona puffed her cheeks. “Mummy always scolds me when I’m sneaky…” She gave a mock glare over at Lysandra. “She’s too strict!”

Lysandra raised her brow, arms crossed, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. “I’m strict because someone refuses to listen. Isn’t that right, sweetheart?”

Leona gasped dramatically, turning to her father. “See?! She’s doing it again! Daddy, scold her!”

Aiden tried to hold in his laugh but failed, giving Lysandra a playful frown. “Ly, why are you bullying our daughter, hmm?”

“B-Bullying?!” Lysandra’s face flushed red. “Sir Aiden! Don’t you dare take her side—”

Before she could finish, Aiden leaned in and kissed her lips softly, shutting her up mid-complaint. Lysandra froze for a moment, then melted into it, her cheeks pink.

Leona squealed, covering her eyes with both hands. “Ewwww! Papa’s kissing Mummy again! Grossss!”

Aiden pulled back with a smirk. “See? Even Leona agrees, you’re being too strict.”

Lysandra huffed but her eyes softened as she rested her forehead against his shoulder. “You’re impossible…”

Leona poked her tongue out at her mother and snuggled back into Aiden’s chest, clearly satisfied with her little victory.

A few steps away, Thristle leaned against a spear stuck in the ground, arms crossed, a sly grin tugging her lips. “Heh. Look at you, Luna. Your Master’s got a whole kingdom, a princess wife, and still has time to be the perfect dad. You sure you can keep up?”

Luna’s ears twitched, her arms tightening under her chest as she smirked proudly. “Hmph. Master is mine before anyone else. And don’t worry… every time he takes me, he proves he’s the best. Always.”

Thristle’s grin widened. “Ohhh? So you do admit it? My King’s damn good in bed, huh?”

Luna’s cheeks flushed but her pride didn’t waver. She tilted her head up, tail swishing. “Of course. Master is the best. Every single time. You won’t hear me deny it.”

Thristle laughed, shaking her head. “Tch, guess we agree on that much…”

Luna’s eyes softened as she glanced back at Aiden with Leona and Lysandra, her voice dropping to a whisper only Thristle caught. “He deserves it. He gives everything to us… so I’ll give everything to him.”

—

Outside the camp, Arisha Zenith stood tall, her armor hugging every curve of her athletic, voluptuous figure. She was supposed to be focusing on her duty, but her head was somewhere else—specifically, inside the tent where Aiden Nightshade was.

Her cheeks warmed at the memory of last night—drinking too much, thinking about him, and then… doing things she’d never admit out loud.

She wanted to meet him, tell him she existed and finally had the perfect excuse to see him. King Kragg had ordered her to deliver the report—the numbers, the structure, the generals. Twelve thousand goblin soldiers in total, counting maze, spearmen, archers, sword-and-shield squads, plus medics and healers. Five generals, herself among them—her specialty, swordsmanship.

Her cheeks flushed pink despite herself. She was a general, feared and respected… yet in front of Aiden Nightshade, she couldn’t help but feel like just a woman who wanted to be seen.

“Ughhh… get it together, Arisha…” she muttered, slapping her own cheek lightly.

A couple of goblin soldiers passed by, saluting her respectfully. She gave a stiff nod, pretending to be all serious, but the pink in her cheeks gave her away.

Just then—

“Yo, what’s with that look? You scheming something, little sis?”

Her whole body tensed. She didn’t even need to turn. That voice was too familiar.

“…Adrish.”

Her older brother strolled up casually, tall and handsome, the same striking red hair as her flowing behind his shoulders. Where she carried herself like a noble warrior, he always looked like he was seconds away from cracking a joke.

“What are you doing out here, huh? Daydreaming before a war?” he smirked.

“I’m not daydreaming! I’m here on orders—to deliver the troop report to Sir Aiden.”

Adrish chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, sure. Orders. Not like you were staring at his tent like a lovestruck maiden or anything.”

Arisha’s face turned scarlet instantly. “Wh-what?! I was not—!”

He leaned closer, teasing tone sharper. “Careful, you might trip over your own tongue before the battle even starts.”

Her hands balled into fists. “I’ll cut that tongue out if you don’t shut up.”

“Hah! There’s the Arisha I know,” he grinned. Then, his eyes narrowed mischievously. “Though… I heard a little rumor. Some of the female soldiers have already fallen for Aiden Nightshade. Can’t blame ’em—the guy’s got charm, looks, power…”

Arisha froze.

Adrish tilted his head, watching her face turn redder and redder until it looked like steam was about to come out of her ears. “…Don’t tell me. You too?”

“W-what?! N-no, I— I mean— I just—!!” she stuttered, her whole body shaking, words falling apart into nonsense.

Adrish blinked. Then, deadpan. “…Hah! This must be the greatest news in existence! My cute little sister… actually fell for someone?”

The other goblins around exchanged stunned glances.

“Impossible…” one muttered.

“She’s always been cold,” another whispered.This is the greatest news I’ve ever heard.”

“Sh-shut up! So what if I did?! How do you even see me, brother?!” she barked, fists trembling, glancing toward the soldiers.

Adrish raised both hands in surrender, laughing. “Alright, alright! No need to bite my head off. But shouldn’t you be more focused on, I don’t know, seducing him, instead of yelling at me?”

Her eyes widened, her face went nuclear. “I—I am not seducing him!!”

“Sure, not,” Adrish smirked. “Totally believable.”

“Rrrrghhh!!” Arisha almost combusted on the spot, pacing in angry circles.

Adrish finally sighed, patting her shoulder before suddenly pushing her forward a bit. “Go on then. Give him the news. Maybe impress him while you’re at it.”

Arisha stumbled, squeaking. “H-huh?! Im-impress—?! Wha—!!”

Adrish grinned ear to ear, watching her fluster. “Go get ’em, little sis. I’ll be cheering you on.”

—

Arisha stopped just outside the tent flap, running her fingers through her hair one last time. Her heart thumped so loud she swore the whole camp could hear it.

“…Alright… you are a general. Compose yourself, Arisha Zenith,” she muttered, then cleared her throat.

“Sir, may I enter?” she called, voice steady though her hands shook.

From inside came that deep, calm voice she’d been replaying in her head since yesterday. “Come in.”

Her breath hitched. *That voice… it’s too unfair.*

Pushing the flap aside, she stepped in.

The scene nearly made her knees buckle.

Aiden sat at the center, Lysandra snug beside him, their little dragon daughter Leona perched proudly on his lap. At the side, Thristle leaned on her spear with a smirk ready for trouble. Luna, as usual, ignored the world and stuffed food into her mouth alongside Ivy and Fluffynugget near the table.

Arisha had walked straight into his family’s den.

Leona blinked at her, then whispered, “Another Mummy…”

Lysandra nearly choked, her head whipping toward Aiden.

“…Another—?! Did she just—?!”

Aiden froze, breath catching in his throat the second his eyes locked on Arisha. *Fuck… Her height, her flaming red hair, those lips, the proud swell of her chest in armor*, everything about her slammed into him at once. For a moment, he forgot how to breathe.

*Calm down, Aiden. Don’t let it show. But damn…*

Meanwhile, Lysandra’s eyes narrowed. *Another Mummy, huh? Absolutely not.*

Thristle’s grin stretched wider, like a wolf smelling blood. *Ohhh, this is gonna be good. The princess is already boiling, and Master’s staring at her like she’s his last meal. Delicious.*

Arisha, cheeks burning at the “Mummy” comment, ignored it and went down on one knee before them, her armor clinking softly. “Sir Aiden. Princess Lysandra.” She bowed deeply. *Stay calm, Arisha. You are a general. You are not… jealous of a dragon child calling you mother… Sprits, why does that sound so nice though—no! Focus!*

Aiden coughed, trying to gather himself. “Your name?”

“My name is Arisha Zenith,” she said quickly, too quickly, her nerves leaking through. “I am one of the five generals of King Kragg’s army. It is an honor to meet you.”

Her voice wavered slightly, and she wanted to punch herself. *Damn it, why am I shaking like a maiden seeing her crush for the first time? Wait. That’s exactly what this is…*

Aiden couldn’t help staring, his chest tightening. *She’s gorgeous. Strong. And that voice…*

Lysandra’s jaw clenched. *He’s staring too long. Far too long.*

“Arisha,” Aiden said softly, “what brings you here?”

She straightened a little, still kneeling. “My lord has commanded me to deliver the state of the army.”

“Raise your head and speak,” he told her, his tone firm but gentle.

Her heart skipped. *He could command me to jump into a volcano and I might actually consider it.*

“Yes, Sir Aiden.” She lifted her head, meeting his gaze—and regretted it instantly when her stomach flipped. Stop looking at me like that!

“We have twelve thousand goblin soldiers. Three hundred healers, three thousand archers. Five generals, including myself, with fifty junior generals under us. Five thousand spearmen. The rest, sword-and-shield. We also have one thousand reinforcements if needed.”

She took a breath, trying not to babble. “Our plan is the triangle tactic. Half the archers will be placed on the hills, covering the battlefield. We’ll employ the trap my lord already explained, as well as the second maneuver he entrusted to you.”

Aiden nodded slowly, listening intently. *She’s nervous, but gods… even her nervousness is charming.*

“Good,” he said. “What about our advantage?”

Arisha perked up, eager. “As you know, the hobgoblins ally with the orcs. They will be arrogant, too confident, believing us already beaten. We intend to use that against them.”

He smiled faintly. “I see. And the other generals? Can you tell me abiut them?”

Her head shot up, eyes brightening. “Yes! Of course!” It came out too loud, and she bit her lip. *Idiot. Calm down!*

“We have five in total. I specialize in the sword. My elder brother, Adrith Zenith, commands the spear division. Groth Fenish, brute force. Lindash Madoka, magic—our best. And lastly, Aurora Paledusk. She oversees healing magic and leads the medics, but she does not fight. She is no warrior.”

Aiden gave a thoughtful nod. *Even the way she explains… precise, disciplined. I like it.*

Before he could speak again, Lysandra interjected, tone clipped. “That is enough. You may leave.”

Arisha blinked, startled. “…Yes, your highness.” She rose smoothly, bowing deeply to both. *Why does it feel like she just kicked me out?*

“Looking forward to working with you,” Aiden called after her.

Her heart leapt. She glanced back with a smile she couldn’t hide. “I will do my best,” she said, almost like a giddy girl, then hurried out before she embarrassed herself more.

Silence hung for a moment.

Thristle chuckled low, folding her arms. *Oh, she’s gone. But damn… she’s smitten. And so’s he.*

Lysandra’s nails dug into her skirt. Not another rival. Not when Leona just called her “Mummy.”

Aiden leaned back, still trying to breathe properly. *…Yeah. I’m in trouble.*

Meanwhile, Luna didn’t even glance up, chewing another bite beside Ivy and Fluffynugget. “Mmm. Drama again. Pass the bread.”

—

END OF Chapter : 67 : WAR INSIDE HER HEART!

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