"Whoever controls the sky controls the ground... Well, that doesn't apply here, so artillery is the next best thing," Rafael mused, drawing on his knowledge of warfare from his original world. "Only a hundred archers? Why so few? Wouldn't it be easier to kill the enemy from a distance?"
Frederic sighed heavily, rubbing his temples in frustration. "Do you think it's easy to train an archer? It takes months just to craft a single good warbow! *sigh* Forget it; you clearly know nothing about war. Leave."
Rafael wanted to retort, but Avice gently motioned for him and Ella to exit the room with her. "Don't worry, Robert. Even if we lose our lands, we won't lose each other."
"Where are we going to flee?" he asked as they walked.
"The capital," Avice replied, her voice tinged with resignation.
Later that night, Rafael lay in bed, his mind racing. Only a thousand soldiers... He sighed, recalling Frederic's comment about the fence being built around the city. Everyone knows it won't be enough. Will my paper balloon help in some way?
Trebuchet is out of the question—they won't be able to build one in time. Hmm... A crossbow? That could work! Even peasants could learn to use it in a day or two! Okay, tomorrow I'm going to—
*knock knock*
Who could this be at this hour? Rafael got up and opened the door, surprised to see Ella standing there in a simple white sleep gown, her hair combed to the side.
"May I come in?" she asked softly.
"Yes, please. Wow, even in that simple gown, you're stunning." She blushed at the compliment, stopping in front of his bed. Rafael noticed something off about her demeanor.
"Ella, what's the matter? Is everything alrriii..." His voice trailed off as she dropped the gown to the floor, revealing her body.
"I'm your wife now, and I thought we shouldn't have to wait until after the ceremony—until tomorrow," she said, her face flushed as she looked down. Damn... Rafael thought, taking in the sight as he stepped closer to her.
"Ella, did someone send you here?"
"No, it was my own decision," she lied.
"Do you want this?"
She looked up at him and nodded. "Yes."
Rafael accepted his fate with a smile.
The next morning, Rafael woke up feeling a bit tired. Looking beside him, he found the bed empty. Did she leave already?
He got up and went to the kitchen for breakfast, still in a good mood. After listening to Brandyc lamenting the war's likely destruction, Rafael offered some encouraging words before heading to see Frederic.
"What's the matter?" Frederic asked, a hint of spite still lingering in his voice.
"I think I can help with this war. I've had an idea for a weapon that even peasants can use."
"You had an idea? Not something that came from the light in your dreams?"
"No, it's something I thought of myself. I'd like to request that a prototype be built so we can see if it will work."
"What is this weapon you've thought of?" Frederic asked skeptically. Rafael described a simple crossbow made primarily of wood, explaining how it could also be made with metal.
"A ranged weapon. And why do you say even peasants can learn to use it? As I said yesterday, archers need years of training."
"Because the person using it only needs to aim. They don't need to be strong to pull the string back—both arms can be used if necessary, but even then, it doesn't require the strength of a soldier."
Frederic sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "...Go and make one of these so I can judge its worth. Your imprisonment is lifted; you can go outside now."
Holy fuck, yes!
"Sir, may I borrow a warbow to create this new weapon?" Frederic waved dismissively, which Rafael took as a yes. He left the mansion almost jumping with joy.
Things seemed to have turned from horrible to extremely good in just a few days. Spotting a soldier who appeared more important than the others, Rafael approached him. "Soldier, I've received permission from Baron Frederic to borrow one of your bows."
The man scrutinized Rafael suspiciously but eventually handed him a bow. Everyone knew the consequences of falsely using a noble's name—it was a fate worse than death.
Rafael made his way to the large city gates, the bow in hand. Finally! After so long, I'm finally free. He went straight to the carpenter, handing him the bow and explaining in detail how the crossbow should be constructed.
"This is urgent, understand? Baron Frederic has ordered that this crossbow be ready as quickly as possible."
"O-of course, sir! I'll work on it immediately! Oi, Fregar! Get over here right now! We have something urgent!" The carpenter called for his apprentice and began working. "Come back tomorrow, and it'll be ready."
Rafael nodded and then headed to the blacksmith, explaining what he needed. "Oh, and I have a question for you. Have you ever seen a metal or rock that can attract and pull other objects?"
"Ah, yes, you're here to take it, right? Wait a moment." The blacksmith disappeared into the house, leaving Rafael puzzled. When the man returned, he handed Rafael a small bag.
There must be half a kilogram here!
"Why did you say I'm here to take this?" Rafael asked, confused.
"What? You're not here to take it?"
"...I am... but how did you know?"
"Aren't you a cleric?"
"Yes, I am. It's just that I'm new, and there's still a lot I need to learn."
"Ohoho, I see. This must be your first time. For years, priests and clerics have come here to take these rocks from me. They say it's something impure and goes against God, so I must hand it over."
"Oh... Right... Okay, then. Thank you for giving this to me." As Rafael walked back to the mansion, the realization of how the church controlled so many aspects of life hit him.
That's why that advisor couldn't find any magnets in the city! The church takes them all! And I bet they force people to never talk about it with anyone...