Prize: Natasha!

Nalant could only pretend not to see those looks. Shamelessly, he edged closer behind the princess. Only when he was standing level with the captain of the court guard did he speak. "Your Highness, I heard these prisoners will be sent to the front tomorrow to serve as human shields?"

"Yes!" The princess tilted her head slightly and glanced at Nalant before replying indifferently.

The princess was rather cordial toward this Royal Knight. After all, first impressions were crucial to how two people got along, no matter the circumstances.

Nalant's looks and that inexplicable air of affinity had left the princess with an excellent first impression.

"Your Highness, I'm very curious. Why not use these great noble heirs to exchange for gold coins and iron? It would be such a waste to simply let them die like this!" Nalant continued to ask, feigning curiosity.

"This was His Majesty's decision. His Majesty must have his own considerations!" the princess answered softly.

"So it was His Majesty's decision. I spoke out of turn!" Nalant immediately lowered his head in apology.

Naturally, the princess would not punish him over just those two questions. The group then continued onward.

With those two questions, Nalant successfully concealed his reason for approaching. He then shamelessly remained at the front of the group.

The princess had no objection, and the court guards naturally did not dare say anything either.

The group left the camp and marched for less than ten minutes before quickly arriving at the camp where the King of the Northern Principality was staying.

At that moment, the great camp was brightly lit and bustling with voices.

Without needing to be inspected or questioned, Nalant followed the group straight through to the center of the camp.

Several great bonfires had been lit in the middle