Towards the War
When I declared that I would lead the magic tanks, Brother Roland, Sister Emilia, and Brother Adel opposed the idea.
However, since I refused to back down, the meeting became contentious.
I looked around at everyone present and bowed my head.
“Everyone is worried, but as I said earlier, the inside of the magic tanks is safe. So, please leave it to me.”
“Even if the magic tanks are safe, there is still a chance they could break down on the battlefield. In that case, I will accompany Prince Ian in his magic tank. The role of the Royal Guard is to protect the Royal family. It’s appropriate for me to be his escort.”
Lyshiria stood up and convinced everyone.
Since my three siblings had roles to play in this battle, I was the only one who knew the magic tanks’ workings well enough to lead them.
After some consideration, Brother Roland bowed his head to Lyshiria.
“Please take care of Ian. Make sure he returns safely from the battlefield.”
“Even if it costs me my life.”
Lyshiria placed a fist on her chest and saluted sharply.
With my issue resolved, we moved on to the next topic: selecting the battlefield.
At Brother Roland’s signal, Prime Minister Sylberg stood up and cleared his throat.
“It’s only a prediction, but it’s likely that the Elfast Magic Kingdom’s army will head towards the Kingdom of Critonia via the western highway. In that case, the hilly region along the western border will be the battlefield.”
“Why do you think so? Although unlikely, what if the Elfast Magic Kingdom’s army sets up in the mountainous region? If they take the high ground, our cavalry and infantry will be at a disadvantage and become targets for their magical troops.”
Commander Bamberg asked expressionlessly.
The Royal Knights of the Kingdom of Critonia mainly consist of cavalry and infantry with few magic troops, making us vulnerable in a magic battle.
It’s understandable why Commander Bamberg would be concerned.
As if anticipating the question, Prime Minister Sylberg replied.
“If the Elfast Magic Kingdom chooses the mountains, we should ignore them. The impatient enemy will eventually come down from the mountains into our territory. We can then intercept them.”
“There’s no need to fight on unfavorable terrain and fall into the enemy’s trap. The Magic Kingdom isn’t foolish either, so they’ll likely avoid mountain battles.”
“Indeed. Thus, the Elfast Magic Kingdom will likely use the highway for easy transportation of supplies and choose the hilly region for long-range magic attacks.”
“In the plains, our cavalry can fully utilize their speed, but in the hilly region, the hills will slow them down. If they take the hilltops, they can freely use magic attacks on our advancing troops. It’s likely the enemy will choose the hilly region as the battlefield.”
After much discussion, we concluded that the Elfast Magic Kingdom’s army would likely choose the hilly region along the highway and set up on the hilltops.
We then strategized on how to corner the enemy.
The meeting continued for some time, and we finalized our strategy and plans.
That midnight, I snuck out of the castle, met with Mr. Kernel, and headed to the Black Ravens hideout.
I met with Leader Cyrus and informed him about the clash between the Kingdom of Critonia and the Elfast Magic Kingdom, requesting that he prevent the Spider from acting within the Kingdom while the Royal court focused on the war.
Leader Cyrus, already aware of the rumors of the war, gladly agreed.
The next day at noon, I went to Aria’s room in the castle and informed her about the impending war and that Commander Bamberg of the Royal Knights and Captain Lyshiria of the Royal Guard would be absent.
I also asked Orlan, who was with her, to strengthen her security.
Five days later, an envoy from the Bardhain Empire visited the castle.
According to the Kingdom’s diplomats, the Empire offered to send reinforcements upon learning of the conflict between the Elfast Magic Kingdom and the Kingdom of Critonia.
The Kingdom’s diplomats politely declined the offer.
As the Empire’s envoy left, they forcibly took back the seventh prince, Adolf, who had been staying as a guest in the castle.
It seemed the Empire intended to send troops, assess the situation within the Kingdom under the guise of an alliance, and if the Magic Kingdom gained the upper hand, betray us and invade our territory.
They probably took Prince Adolf back to avoid him being taken hostage if the Kingdom of Critonia and the Bardhain Empire went to war.
Two days after the Empire’s envoy left, Brother Roland ordered twenty magic tanks to head to the eastern border to keep the Bardhain Empire in check.
A week later, we received information from our spies in the Elfast Magic Kingdom’s Capital that their army had completed preparations and departed.
The Magic Kingdom’s army numbered approximately ten thousand.
Two days after receiving this report, ten thousand Royal Knights and forty magic tanks, led by Commander-in-Chief Adel, departed for the western border of the Kingdom.
(LAST CHAPTER — RAW HIATUS)
What do you think about this chapter?
