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Princess of War

🇲🇼Fishaka10032
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Synopsis
As the Princess of Yttrix, Gloria's life is anything but glamorous. From the moment she wakes, she is bombarded with reports, political requests, and the ever-watchful eyes of nobles and advisors. The world sees a poised and commanding royal, but beneath the surface, she is simply a young woman weighed down by duty. Between attending endless meetings, managing the affairs of the kingdom, and dealing with her eccentric maids, Gloria barely has time to breathe—let alone question the world around her. But when an old friend becomes a stranger and trusted allies drift apart, she begins to wonder: is this the life she was meant to lead, or merely the one she was forced into? In a palace where every word carries weight and every decision shapes the future, Gloria must navigate the expectations of royalty while searching for moments of peace in a life that rarely allows it.
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Chapter 1 - Chapter 0: Prologue

Ahhh...

It stings... My eyes burn... but it's so dark...

I toss and turn, but my eyes wouldn't stop stinging.

*creak*

A sudden creaking jolted my eyes open.

Oh.... I was sleeping.

"Good morning, your highness." A maid greets, brushing off the dust of a nearby flower pot.

"Is it that time already...?"

I sit up on my bed, shaking my head to ease off the grogginess, but it wouldn't go away.

I yawn. I slept quite late yesterday night after all...

"Goodness, your highness! You're a princess! You mustn't make such sounds!" The maid gasps.

"Ehhh... Can you blame me...? I'm quite tired after all..."

I finally get out of bed. Noticing, she comes up to clean the bed before then organising it.

"Being the Princess of War sure isn't easy, hm?" she asks as she returns to my side.

"You couldn't even imagine..."

"Anyways, enough about that, the bath and maids are ready, your highness."

"Okay..."

I make my way to the bath, gradually feeling myself getting freshened up, and ready to go through the day.

On the way, many advisors rush beside me, and hand me reports one by one, nothing unusual.

"Your Highness, the situation down east is only ever getting worse... our army is getting pushed deeper and deeper. I don't think we have the resource necessary to keep pushing."

I take his report, and study the situation.

Ah... It's this war...

The enemy is far away from the capital, and we've stationed a war gryphon there... If worse comes to worst, we can just use it.

Not to mention... it's also rich in fruits, meaning they won't have to worry about food anytime soon...

On the contrary, if magic artilleries are deployed, their food sources will only get scarce...

The only logical thing to do here is defend... We cannot risk retreating and getting ambushed...

Although defending will cause us to lose morale... I suppose there's no other choice, I'll have to personally lead them in battle soon.

"The enemy resource is dwindling. Keep pushing."

"But your highness, the lives that will be sacrificed is significant"

"There's a high likelihood that we are surrounded down east anyway, tell them to keep up the magic artilleries and over time, the enemy will retreat."

"Yes, Your Highness!"

Once I'm done with him, another one comes up and hands me his report.

I briefly skimmed through the report, it seems like funding for education.

"Speak."

"Yes, Your Highness. The Flandre Family wishes to build a University, but lacks the necessary resources to do so."

"Then is it not their fault? This matter concerns not the royalty."

"What they lack isn't money, your highness but rather manpower to start construction, they request 300 men to begin construction immediately."

"What is their planned curriculum?"

"Technology."

...

Technology...

I suppose it can pass.

The kingdom does indeed need more technological advancements, but lack the skills to do so because the current education system favours heavily towards magic...

As much as I'd like to approve it though...

"The final decision is up to the king."

"Yes... Your Majesty. Sorry for taking up your time."

When I finally reach the bath, only then can my eyes rest from looking at another piece of paper.

"Goodness me... Maybe I should have them build a private bath personally for me... such a headache."

I enter and is greeted by a group of maids.

After taking off my dress, I enter the bath.

The maids wash my body, ensuring each part of my body is cleaned.

I already told them there isn't a need to go out to such lengths, but they heavily insisted... so this is my life now.

Although it feels nice, since after they finish washing me, I tell them to enjoy the bath with me, so it isn't lonely.

Oh... that reminds me...

"Isn't one of you pregnant...?" I ask.

The chattering maids go silent, then smiled.

"Yes, Your Majesty, and because of that, she's been relieved off maid duties." One of the maids say.

"That's great to hear. I'm happy for her."

"Well, you may think so, but she claims to miss you dearly, Your Highness." Another maid says and laughs.

"I think she should enjoy her time with her family and being free.... she's served me long enough." I say, chuckling at her attempt at teasing me.

"Your Majesty! You mustn't put that in a way like serving you is a bad thing! Your nickname may be the Princess of War but you're the sweetest little angel I've ever seen!"

"Yeah! She's right!" The other maids cheered her on.

Ehhh...? I'm getting scolded for that...?

Eventually, I've gotten tired of the bath, and head out.

Waiting for me is a line of maids.

One of them dresses me up neatly.

Another does my hair.

Then one sprays me with perfume.

And with that, I'm ready to face the day.

I exit the bath, and held my breath.

To my surprise, nothing, no one.

...

...

I wait a moment and look around but still, nobody.

Huh... I guess I have time for myself... How rare.

"Sophia." I call out.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Have tea ready for me in the courtyard, as well as my breakfast."

"Understood." She says, disappearing off as fast as she appeared.

Having a head maid like her is quite handy... Although I am quite envious of her abilities... being able to manipulate shadows and in turn appear in and out of them like that—it would've been VERY useful in war. Alas, I'll just stick with mine.

The moment I reached the courtyard, Sophia was already waiting for me.

"You're quite fast."

"You say that every day, Lady Gloria."

"I suppose... but it can't be helped. I for the life of me cannot comprehend how you could finish cooking meat in 2 minutes and not have it be undercooked." I say pointing at the bacon on my plate, perfectly cooked as ever.

"Call it a lady's secret, my lady." Sophia replies with her usual monotone.

It's been quite a while since Sophia became my head maid, yet she still maintain her emotionlessness. I wonder if it's something I've done?

Though I guess it may well just be her personality.

I sit down on the garden chair under the parasol, sipping my tea ever so slightly before then taking a bite out of the bacon and eggs, alternating between them.

The sun shines bright in the skies but at this time, it's heat isn't as dominant as in the noons.

"What a fine morning..." I murmur to myself, finding myself looking up at the clear blue skies.

I extend my hand to the side. Sophia then places a newspaper on it, as I carefully read it to see what's going on in my kingdom.

...

.....

A robbery at Grandle's Boutique... said to be committed by mountain bandits.

"Neither side has called for peace... What used to be a close alliance spiralled into domination..."

"They wrote another article about the current war, My Lady...?"

"Yes... Seems like it. It probably aims to raise awareness of the masses, hoping that they would revolt and end the wat."

"May I ask a question, your highness?"

"Speak your mind."

"How come a friendship that once felt unending suddenly come to such a stop...?"

...

"Even I know not of the answer to that question. Although, my theory is that that old man has finally gone senile, but even then, I'm sure he wouldn't be insane enough to dissolve the alliance with Giorgama..."

"Then do you think it is Giorgama's intent to dissolve the alliance with Yttrix...?"

"It could be, or could not be. I have too little too few information to make a conclusion without it being conjecture. Why so curious, Sophia?"

"The alliance lasted for centuries, so it merely surprised me. Please, forgive me if the questionings were too bothersome."

"No... In fact, I'd like it for you to bother me some more."

...

Hmm... Now I can't seem to get it out of my mind...

How come I never thought why...? My first instincts when war was declared is just to prepare for it... Am I THAT rogue?

Giorgama was our best trading partner, as well as our best ally, the feeling is mutual but still they declared war.

Could it be they're being coerced into this war...?

I stare at the cup of tea in my hand, admiring its reflection while still deep in though.

Or did it simply happen for no reason...? Then it can be nothing but foolish... they dissolved the greatest alliance in history just for no reason, for entertainment?

"Sister." A voice calls out, waking me from my thoughts.

"Leo? What's up?"

"Father calls for you."

"Well, it's about time, I was getting restless with nothing to do and no one to bother me. It made me feel uneasy."

I finish the tea, before then heading to the throne room

Following Leo's call, I make haste towards the throne room where father awaits.

It never fails to amaze me how large the throne room was, and this isn't an exception.

The ceiling seems to stretch endlessly, the pillars beside it serves to make it look bigger.

I tread on the red carpet, and eventually stands before the king, my father.

The two knights beside him kneels down to acknowledge my position.

"You called, father?"

"Gloria... yes... I'd like you to do something."

"What is it, father?"

"The war in the east... We seem to be at a disadvantage."

"Indeed... I already plan to make my way there and lead the army."

"Hahahaha! Well that makes this conversation quick! I see your strategic thinking truly never fails, how proud I am to have you as my heir—! Anyways, you are to set out to the east and lead our soldiers to victory."

"Immediately?"

"Our soldiers are desperate, and I'm sure morale is low. If we wait any more, the soldiers may desert, or worse yet, turn on us. It is our duty as rulers to ease their mind, my child. In the meantime, I shall be leading the invasion of Giorgama. It's been in a stand still for a long time, and I think it's about time for things to change, for better or for worse. "

"If you're gone then how about Yttrix? Who will handle domestic matters and diplomatic matters?"

"Your siblings. Besides, your mother is returning home from her diplomatic affairs in Wearia. Once she returns, nothing is to be worried about."

"If you think this is the best course of action, my king, then am I right to question your judgement?"

"Well, in time you will surpass me as the King of War. So to answer your question... yes, yes you are."

"I'm honoured, my king."

"Off you go then."

**The East**

The skies are yellow, painted by a mix of magic artilleries, as well as gun fire.

You couldn't go a few seconds without explosions ringing in your ears, or somebody dropping dead in front of you.

That was the state of it all... the state of a warzone.

"Magic Artillery... FIRE!!" The command for another barrage shouts.

In an instant, flashes of many different magic fills the bright sky, followed by a cacophony of explosions and screams.

"SIR! THE ENEMY SEEMS TO BE PLANNING A FLANK!"

"Stay calm! We have the high ground. The moment they dare to step up, we burn them to crisps."

I eye down the scope of my magic rifle and held my breath. My crosshair on the enemy's head.

I prepare to shoot but then.

*Schking!*

The sound of a bullet whizzes past me as it screeches, tearing through the air. I duck back to cover.

My back leans on the cover, my breath comes in jagged steps as my heart pounds on my chest, as if trying to jump out and escape.

"SIR! SNIPER INBOUND 5 O CLOCK!" I report. My voice barely audible in the midst of this chaos.

"Roger!"

Ah... I'm so scared. I wanna go home...!

I crawl away from my current cover, changing positions. My allies drop like flies as they get hit and injured, but I force my way through them, hoping I wouldn't be next.

Medics scramble to rescue as much people as they can.

Once I finish changing position, I aim down sight again, the magic rifle ready to shoot.

I confirm my target, and then.

*BANG!*

Perfect hit.

I duck down as fast as possible to avoid being shot.

My legs tremble in fear.

*BOOOOM!*

*riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiingggggggg.*

An explosion directly beside me.

I was out of the blast radius.

...

.....

Tears flow out. I try to control it but it just keeps rushing out.

"They're preparing to rush in! Man the turrets!" The general ordered.

"AYE!" The battalions do as told. The turrets mowed down the enemy mercilessly. Killing father, mothers, and creating orphans all while letting out the most terrifying roar anything could ever hear.

I'm so scared....

Please help me... Mom... Dad...

I hug the magic rifle, rocking myself back and forth as I try to console myself from the uncontrollable tears.

I should've just become obsessed to beauty like other girls... I should've just gone to school, fell in love and... enjoyed life...

Will I die...? Please...

I'm only seventeen... I don't want to die...

As night hits, the battle died down.

Finally, silence.

Finally... no more brightness...

We regroup as the general tries his best to offer comforting words.

"You all did very well out there. Have a ration for yourselves."

We each take 6 fruits from the table. It was enough to ease our hunger. Thankfully we set up a fort in an area rich with fruits... or we'd all starve to death.

"You all look so down." He says.

"I know your pain, trust me, I do. As much as I want to go home, I can't. I'm stuck here with you lots facing these assholes that are trying to ruin our peace... our families. We must do it... Kill them, and win this war for our fallen comrades, for those awaiting our return...! Show them we are better, and that we do not falter in the face of adversity!" He says, his words reeling me up with a newfound determination.

"With me, everyone. FOR YTTRIX!"

"FOR YTTRIX!" we all shout in unison.

...

Exhausted, I fall asleep as my night shift changes to someone else.

...

Will I... wake up to another day of sorrow...?

I hope not...

Tears slowly flow out of my eyes as I fall asleep.

...

.....?

I jolt awake, gasping for air.

The crisp sound of fire burning the air, fire threatens to engulf me whole...

My mind reeled, wanting to survive. My instincts tell me to stand up and run but I stay low to get what little oxygen I have left.

Did the enemy burn our tent...?!

This is it...! This is how I'll die...!

Ah... There's no use... I'm dead anyway, so why even bother...?

I close my eyes, resigning myself to my fate.

...

...

I'm crying again... I'm so pathetic...

I joined the military so I could get closer to the princess... thinking I can rank up then maybe have a chance to meet her...

I never considered I'd actually get sent to war...

...

My consciousness is still here... Am I still alive...?

I feel my hand trembling out of fear. No wait, my whole body is trembling out of fear.

Huh...? Can the whole body tremble in fear...?

Actually... this feels more like shivering then trembling...

My breathing is heavy, as my lungs scream for air, my chest feels like it's in flames.

I struggle to open my eyes, as they felt as though they've been frozen shut, but eventually, I open them.

Before I know it, I'd started shivering even more.

Ahh....

It's so hot... Yet... It's so cold...

Why is it... so cold...?

...

It's freezing... freezing cold... so dark too...

I look around... the fire is still there but it's still so unbearably cold.

A sharp pain stings me in my lungs... Not good— I'm starting to lose oxygen.

Is this really where... I die...?

"Are you really going to give up here, little one?"

"..."

...?

Who...?

but the voice is right... I shouldn't give up now...

I scramble around while still lying on the ground for an exit, but no, every exit has been blocked by walls of unforgiving fires.

"Will you let war consume you, as it did many others...?"

"... Who... are you...?" I say, slowly opening my eyes again. Strangely, I can see my own breath, as if the temperature around me was below freezing.

"Say my name, Poeme."

"Say... your name...?"

"Say my name, and awaken your ability."

"..."

My earlier tears crystallise, turning into ice.

If I awaken my ability... will it stop the war...?

His name... what is his name...?

"Say it, and say it clear, Poeme..."

"Sirius..."

"Sirius..." I say, at the same time.

In a flash, lots of Ice spikes crystallise from thin air, extinguishing the fire.

My body becomes used to the cold, no longer feeling it, an icy armour forming around my body.

"WHAT—?! SIR! AN ENEMY HAS AWAKENED THEIR ABILITY!!" an enemy screams out. "WHA—?! RETREAT IMMEDIATELY!"

The enemy forces retreat.

I freeze the ground below them, making them slip and slide, losing their balance.

I slide towards them, freezing the ground below me as I glide through the frictionless surface.

I form an ice sword on my right hand and behead the enemies I slide past.

"WE HAVE NO CHOICE BUT TO FIGHT THIS MONSTER! FIRE AT WILL!"

"AYE!"

They point their magic rifles to me, as their mages start chanting magic, before raining fire on me.

I freeze the air all around me to small particles of ice tobdeflect the magic bullets back at the enemy, all while forming an ice wall to block off the magic spells casted by the mages.

Some died from the bullets that had been deflected, and as for the rest, I form ice shards and shoot it towards them, as the shards impaled every last one of the enemy.

...

...

I stand alone in the middle of the battlefield, looking back at the mass destruction and killing I've caused.

My stomach churned.

It's nauseating.

It takes a while, but the smell of fresh blood fills my nose. My guilt forcing the blame all on me.

Because of me, many children are orphaned.

Because of me, many wives are widowed.

Because of me, many parents are saddened...

BECAUSE OF ME! BECAUSE OF ME! BECAUSE OF ME!!!

I collapse onto the ground.

Then, I feel someone stand before me.

"Huh...? The one awakened was a mere fucking brat who can't even handle war?!" I look up to find a woman wielding a baseball bat.

She kicks me in the stomach, sending me away quite a few.

To be honest... At this point, I don't even care anymore...

Just kill me. I'm not human. No humans can kill rhis many people...! EVER!

"Tsk! She's already lost the will to fight! Oi, you enlisted in the military, didnt you?! Show some fucking resolve!"

I stand up, as I stare dead at her.

My mental state can no longer catch up on what she is even saying.

"Hmph. I came all excited thinking I'd get to break a newly awakened ability user but you're already broken. So fucking boring." She says, before a short pause

My ice armour starts to melt... I'm guessing my ability's time has run out.

"Tsk. Nothing to say for yourself? Pathetic coward. I'll kill you now."

She raises the bat, then swings it down—!

Again, I feel tears coming out.

If I die here, will I go to hell...?

*PLAP!*

Metal impacted skin, but I feel no pain.

I look up in surprise to see—

"You did well, my soldier." A woman says, her right hand had parried the baseball bat.

"Leave the rest to me."

"Hahahaha...HAHAHAHAHA! MAYBE COMING OUT HERE WASNT SO BAD AFTER ALL! YOURE... GLORIA, THE PRINCESS OF WAR!!"

"Your... Majesty...?" She said, muttering her last words before passing out.

I catch her, then check her vitals.

Great, she's okay...

Thankfully...

"Come, Gryphy." I ordered.

*KYEEEK!*

A loud screech can be heard tearing through the air, the flapping of the wings of a large creature as it descends down onto the earth.

I put her onto the saddle of the gryphon, and pats it twice as it flies away.

"Hah! I was wondering where that Gryphon had gone. Thanks to your oversight we managed to take most of your troops down."

I choose to ignore her taunts. I stare at the gryphon as it flies away, ensuring that it's gained a safe distance before turning towards her.

"If I recall... You're Beatrice, correct?"

"That you are, Princess of War. How honoured I am to be known by the dreaded one." she said with a smirk, her baseball bat rested on both her shoulders.

"Certainly... it was indeed an oversight. A tunnel vision, I aimed to reach here as soon as possible, and failed to consider the risks." I say, clenching my fists.

"And that is exactly why it will not happen again." I say while staring daggers into her.

I don't understand...

I'm angry, yet I was the one who made the mistake. However, I'm pointing fingers at her.

I should be the one shouldering their deaths, the root cause of it...

If only Gryphy had stayed here, then maybe—!

...

No... I mustn't let these thoughts consume me. I must avenge them, for the sake of Yttrix.

"Prepare yourself, warrior of Giorgama... for this will be the last day you ever see the light of day." I say, pointing my blade towards her.

"Oooo~ how scary~! Just kidding! What makes you so different from—!"

In an instant, I drive my fist straight into her gut. My body blurred as I rush to her side, as my fist hits flash.

"Gah!"

She takes a step back before then swinging her bat at me.

I sidestep and thrust my blades onwards.

She hits it away with the bat, then comes at me with an overhead strike.

I guide the bat away from me with my free hand, then strike her stomach with the handle of my blade, pushing her away.

"Your movements are... naive. Dare I'd say, amateurish."

"You dare—?!"

"However... I'm afraid this is as far as this battle goes. I'd like to not waste any more time with you."

I draw my blade, and put its sheathe on my belt.

"You'd best be ready to go all in."

"Hah...! Hahaha! HAHAHAHAHAHA!?!? YOU WANT ME TO GO ALL IN, IS THAT IT?! WELL, HAVE AT IT THEN BITCH!" she laughs maniacally, then stares me down. Her bloodlust going through the roof, as I get goosebumps from it. I can feel the air chilling around me, but I stay calm.

...

She isn't that much of a big deal.

...

"COME! ALPHA CENTAURI!"

"An Ability, huh...?"

A veil of shadows surround her, before she re-emerge in an armour of obsidian. Her baseball bat growing twice in size.

...

"HAHAHAHA! HOW DO YOU LIKE ME NOW?! IN THIS STATE MY BODY BECOMES AS HARD AS OBSIDIAN! YOU CANNOT DEFEAT ME!!"

"Your Ability intrigues me, warrior... and as much as it does, it pains me to say that..." I say closing my eyes, then take a deep breath.

Then I reopen them, locking eyes with her.

"I am not here to play games."

Her eyes widen, as her stance start to waver.

"W-what the hell are you...? How could you say that with such a calm manner, such a calm voice...?" Her arms tremble as her voice started shaking. "Y-y-y-you're a monster...! A MONSTER! TAKE THIS!!!"

She swings the bat.

I parry it, and raise my blade.

The bat seems to seemingly go through my blade and body, but I pay that no mind, and approached her.

Her bat is then sliced in half, and falls onto the floor.

I walk past her, then I turn back.

"Rest well, warrior. You did well for your nation."

I say, as her body finally succumbs to the force of gravity, pieces of her crumbling, resulting from my slices.

...

...

"That was... my **Quasar.**"

I look at the bits and pieces of what used to be Beatrice.

I dig a hole, and bury what's left of her, then created a small tombstone.

Once I'm done, I head towards what used to be the campsite of Ytrrix soldiers

...

I suppose now isn't the time to be feeling remorse for my enemies... I'll have to find whatever survivors that are left... It would be easier if my troops were here.

From the distance, I see horses marching it's way in as their march shakes the earth beneath me ever so slightly.

My troops had arrived. Speak of the devil I suppose...

The Battle of The East was a total loss... I had stationed Gryphy here for nigh watch so the others could get rest... I can't even begin to fathom the casualty counts... all because I couldn't have waited a few more days to go on horsebacks!

"DAMN IT!" I say, punching a tree. I needed to find something to take my anger out on.

Gah! This frustration is beyond me! I need to calm down.

I take a deep breath, before steeling myself again. I cannot afford to lose myself here.

I decided I'd try my best to find any survivors while waiting for them to arrive.

When my troops finally reached, I instructed them to try and save as many as possible, and retrieve the corpses of those that had passed.

I sit on the back of a carriage, as the soldiers begun work carrying the injured out, as well as the dead.

Miraculously, there were more injured than there were dead, but that isn't a call for celebration.

...

We had 7 thousand soldiers stationed here... 3000 found injured, 367 dead... so where are the rest...?

I try to brainstorm ideas.

Worst case scenario is they decided to revolt... no, worst case scenario is they've died... their loyalty to the kingdom matters not in these times, and best case scenario is they've decided to desert the military. They could've also been captured, although unlikely... I'm sure the awakened girl had also killed many of the enemies.

Either way, this is still a massive loss for us meaning we may have to retreat from the east and let them have it...

Alternatively we could focus more troops on taking the capital of Giorgama to then offer a peace treaty to end the war... but that adds on the risk of our own capital being attacked.

...

...

No, pushing on here is the best course of action.

A general approaches me.

"Your Majesty. We've recovered all that we can. What are your orders now?"

"Dedicate 500 troops to return to the capital and deliver the injured as well as the dead. Let them bring the food carriage. All of us shall push on."

"But, your majesty, if we do that then... "

"I understand, but we can make do with nature."

I stand up from the back of the carriage and clap my hands.

"Hear me! For those of you who wants to drop out of this fight and follow along the 500 to deliver the injured, then feel free to do so."

"HOWEVER! For those of you who are willing to lay down your lives— along with me, then come with me as we push on!" I say, as the eyes of the young men and women alike are all on me.

"War is no joke. Surely, you all must realise that now. If we push on, there are chances that this war may end!" Hearing that seemed to rile them up, as they begin chattering amongst themselves.

"OR it could lead to our demise... each and every single one of us."

"Even after considering all that...! For those of you who are willing to test your loyalty, for those of you who want to fight alongside me...! THEN FIGHT WE SHALL! FOR THE GOOD OF THE PEOPLE, OUR FAMILIES, AND YTRRIX!" I say raising a fist.

"YEAH!" The others follow.

"I'LL RISK MY LIFE FOR US!"

"ME TOO!"

"YEAHHH!"

I clap.

"Silence." I ordered, silencing the crowd.

"For those of you who are too afraid, please, do not let my speech deter you. Fear is good, and fear is growth. If you feel your families are too valuable to let go, I will never think less of you as a warrior."

"With that being said, rest up. We depart tomorrow at dawn. I shall spend the rest of the day strategising. I shall be at my tent if you need me. That is all."

The moon shines bright in the sky as night had fully engulfed what used to be the dazzling sun.

I stand at the top of a mountain, overlooking the horizon that I can barely even see due to the darkness.

I smile slightly as I look up into the stars, their brilliant light fills me with a sense of peace... reminding me of an old friend— I wonder how she's doing these days...

Snapping out of my trance was light footsteps approaching from behind me, but it has no ill intent, so it shouldn't be too bad.

"Iris. I'm ready to have the strategy meeting now if you are."

"Ah... I was wondering who it was. I suppose first thing I should do is apologise for my late arrival, Your Highness" I say turning to Gloria.

"No... I'm sure you had your reasons." She says coming up to stand beside me. "It sure is quite a night, isn't it?" She says, looking up at the same view I was so captivated with.

"Indeed... but as you were saying... What's your plan heading forward?"

"... We're pushing on."

"Hm... I see. How do you plan to do that? We know they have forts in the mountain ranges... Our troops will be ambushed from the forests, before we then get dominated by the terrain."

"Right... that's why we won't press on towards the east directly."

She pulls out a map, then points towards north east part of Giorgama.

"That's... the state capital."

"Right. If we conquer this, there is without a doubt that we can end the war in the east."

"Hmm... I agree that certainly it is plausible to win, but how would you guarantee little to no casualties? Any more, and I'm sure the people would lose trust in our military strength... Not to mention, we'll be severely outnumbered."

"When worse comes to worst, we'll have Quasar. You can handle armies all by yourself too, can't you?"

"Hm... That is true, but that doesn't mean I can confirm they'll die before they kill more of ours."

"If I don't have a plan that is..."

"Oh? Let's hear it then."

"We send out a scapegoat."

"A scapegoat?"

"Yes. You and I will be bait— Have the troops form a circle, then we will go out to their front gates, and act as though we are alone, then our troops can close in. Even with a number advantage, an encirclement will severely weaken them."

"I'm guessing you're suggesting to use magic to hide them from being spotted...?"

"Correct."

"Gloria... If they have even a mage with the littlest bit of competence, you do realise this plan is foiled I hope."

"Then I suppose I'll take that chance."

"Good grief..."

"Do you have a better plan...?"

A better plan, hm?

Magic Artilleries at this point would only serve to reveal our position...

If she plans an ambush... Perhaps we could use a ritual...

But for that, I'll have to ask something...

"How many magi did you gather for the troops."

"200..."

"Oh. That's the perfect amount. We could go for **that** instead."

"Huh...?"

"Let us go back to the tents. I think it's best if the others hear of this too."