When the topic turned to war, the young ladies' expressions darkened as well:
"The two countries' armies are deploying along the front with increasing frequency. Their preliminary logistical preparations are basically complete. Now it depends on who fires the first shot, or who crosses the border first.
"I wouldn't be surprised even if war broke out in the next hour. Aside from visiting Queen Diana, who has been steadily recovering, Leisha's father has recently spent most of his time secretly talking with people from the War Department in his study."
"What is Larus III planning? Is he really prepared to passively wait for the south to make the first move?"
Shade asked Galina, who shook her head:
"As far as I know, there are three different plans, but the exact time of execution has not yet been determined. At most half a month; at the earliest, tomorrow. The deciding factor now is actually the situation in the Pantanal Swamp between the Sete Duchy and the Milson Duchy.
"The two sides have been at war for three months since before the Year-End Festival. The battle is still deadlocked, and both countries are probably waiting for the best possible moment."
Shade nodded and put a piece of steak into his mouth.
"I promised Margaret I would visit her in Weilun Dai'er City before the war truly breaks out. It seems I need to move faster."
The young ladies all knew exactly what Shade was going there to do. However, they did not mind Shade making the Southern Country Princess completely "one of his own" at a time like this. The ladies of the Cavendish family even hoped he would do so.
Today was Saturday, the customary time for their meeting. After lunch, Shade and Dorothy left home and headed for Tobesk's East