Strategy Meeting (1)
The nobility of the Capital, including the clerical and provincial nobility, were gathered in the grand hall by Prime Minister Sylberg, where they were informed of a Royal decree from Big brother Roland, the acting regent.
Recently, there had been rumors within the castle of a potential clash with the Elfast Magic Kingdom, so the nobles were not overly shocked.
However, the reality of war preparations and doubts about the Kingdom’s chances of victory made many anxious.
After dispersing from the hall, the nobles returned to their respective departments to issue orders for the war.
Consequently, the Royal Castle swiftly geared up for conflict with the Elfast Magic Kingdom.
The Royal knights dispatched messengers to all the provincial nobles within the Kingdom, and the entire Kingdom was soon tinted with the colors of war.
During this time, negotiations were conducted between the diplomats of the Kingdom of Critonia and the envoys of the Elfast Magic Kingdom.
The Kingdom firmly refused to hand over Aria, continuing to protect her against the demands of the Magic Kingdom.
In response, the envoy from the Magic Kingdom threatened that opposing the Magic Kingdom would lead to significant losses for Critonia.
The Kingdom’s diplomats replied that they were prepared for war, leading to a breakdown in negotiations.
Twenty days later, an envoy from the Elfast Magic Kingdom arrived and declared war on the Kingdom of Critonia.
Brother Roland, sister Emilia, my Brother Adel, myself, Prime Minister Sylberg, Commander Bamberg of the Royal Knights, Captain Lyshiria of the Royal Guard, and the Chief of the Security Corps gathered in a meeting room within the castle to discuss the response to the Magic Kingdom.
We each took our seats in the circular arrangement, quietly gazing at Brother Roland.
He looked at each of us, nodded deeply, and then spoke slowly.
"We have received a declaration of war from the Elfast Magic Kingdom. As a Kingdom, we intend to face this war without retreating an inch. However, this choice does not mean we aim for a full-scale war with the Magic Kingdom. Keeping that in mind, let us discuss our strategies for the battle."
Upon hearing Brother Roland's words, the room fell silent.
In this stillness, Commander Bamberg of the Royal Knights stood up from his chair.
"If it comes to a full-scale war with the Magic Kingdom, we will need to mobilize the private armies of the Kingdom’s lords. However, I do not believe the Magic Kingdom will commit to a full-scale war from the outset. Therefore, it is prudent to have the lords on the Kingdom's west side ready to deploy at any time, and for the Royal Knights to handle the initial confrontation as the Kingdom's army."
The Royal Knights number about ten thousand soldiers.
Usually, half of them, five thousand, are mobilized for war, while the other half remains to guard the Capital and the castle.
However, if necessary, the full ten thousand soldiers can be mobilized.
It is unclear how large a scale of war the Elfast Magic Kingdom envisions, but if the enemy’s numbers are within ten thousand, the Royal Knights can manage it.
It's a sound plan.
Once Commander Bamberg took his seat, Captain Lyshiria stood up next.
"The number of soldiers might suffice, but the issue lies with the Magic Kingdom’s Court Magicians and Royal Magicians. If these two groups launch a long-range magic attack on our main camp, it could be catastrophic. Therefore, the Royal Guard wish to participate and act as a shield for the main camp."
The Elfast Magic Kingdom has two magic military units.
The Court Magicians Corps, the Magic Kingdom's most elite unit, is composed of magicians skilled in powerful magic attacks using magic circles.
They are known for their large-scale magic attacks involving group chanting and magic circles, rumored to be capable of destroying an entire city.
Executing such large-scale magic requires considerable time and personnel, so it's rarely used in battles.
The Court Magicians Corps has fewer than a hundred magicians due to its elite nature.
The Royal Magicians Corps consists of lesser magicians who cannot perform such powerful magic and cannot attack from a great distance, but their numbers exceed five hundred.
In comparison, the Court Magicians Corps' magic is akin to artillery, while the Royal Magicians Corps' magic is more like handguns.
Either way, for Critonia, which lacks its own magic corps, they are formidable opponents. Lyshiria’s caution is understandable.
Once Lyshiria was seated, I slowly stood up, placing my hands on the table.
"We in the Royal family have anticipated a clash with the Elfast Magic Kingdom and prepared accordingly. We have developed new weapons, transforming magic vehicles into magic tanks. Currently, we have sixty magic vehicles. Twenty are deployed to the Kingdom's east as a deterrent to the Bardhain Empire, and forty are planned for the initial battle against the Magic Kingdom."
Hearing my words, the room buzzed with surprise.
Only my Royal siblings and Prime Minister Sylberg knew about the magic tanks, so it's no wonder the others were shocked.
What do you think about this chapter?
