Second Arc (His Art of War) – 5. King Gervis’ Plan

Meanwhile, at Golden Light Castle's study room, Asteria. King Gervis walked back and forth in the middle of the study room with an anxious face while thinking hard. He had just gotten the news from the Southern Outpost that General Helias and his troops had vanished, and an intruder managed to destroy all of his poisons and messed up the Outpost last night. According to witnesses, the intruder was General Gale of Euphorion.
'How could fifty thousand troops have vanished without a trace? And that Euphorion's General, how could he possibly infiltrate and face the outpost guards without being caught?'

Soon, the knocking and the door opening sounds came. Ilex entered the room and bowed.

King Gervis quickly approached him.
"I have bad news, General Helias and our troops disappeared when they attacked Euphorion's border. Also, an intruder managed to destroy our poison, " he said without further ado.

Ilex was surprised when he heard his father's words.
"How is this possible ?! Even though we didn't send all of our troops, compared to their border guarding troops. We should far outnumber them."

King Gervis breathed a heavy sigh if he knew why, he might not be in this panic. With the poison from Zephyrus, a sudden attack plan and a far greater number of troops. Even though Euphorion's military power was strong at least they did not lose all their forces in one attack like this.
"I don't understand either. I have ordered General Collett to prepare our other troops and go there as soon as possible. Right now, our priority is to prepare for their counterattack." Then he turned his gaze to Ilex.
"But I'm still worried... if only with the border troops, Euphorion managed to defeat General Helias' entire army. It means that their military strength is extraordinary. We must think of other ways to attack them."

Ilex clenched his fists in anger, his mind trying to find another way out.
'Angelus Raizel... He has prepared everything well.'
"What if we attack him through another route?"

King Gervis shook his head.
"It's too risky. If they can defeat General Helias' army only with their border guard. With our current troops, we can only defend our Southern border and keep Eternal Harmony City safe. If we divide too many, it's the same as sending them to their death. "

They both fell silent when they thought hard.

'The only way out that occurred to me is to marry Ophelia to the prince of Draconis. Right now, all of Euphorion's troops are concentrating on attacking Asteria. Their southern border guard will be weakened. If Draconis can attack them from there, then victory will be in our hands.'
"I am thinking of marrying Ophelia to the prince Artheur of Draconis. That way we can work together to attack Euphorion from the North and South," added King Gervis.

But Ilex immediately refused.
"Father, Ophelia doesn't know anything about this war. She shouldn't be involved."

"As the princess of Asteria, she has the responsibility to protect this kingdom, " said King Gervis as he stared sharply at Ilex.

"But we can find another way, " added Ilex swiftly.

"Then do you have any other ideas?"

Ilex back deep in thought as he tried to find another way. Under these conditions, he could not act recklessly. His actions not only affected his family's fate but also his people's fate. Finally, he lowered and shook his head. He had to admit that attacking from two sides of the border was the most effective way.

"Then I will send a letter to the King of Draconis. Try talking about this with Ophelia," said King Gervis.

"Yes, father, " answered Ilex while keeping his head down. He never thought, he had to sacrifice Ophelia's happiness just to win this war.

Ophelia sat down in front of the dressing table. She stared at her reflection in the antique mirror while a maid brushed her hair gently. Although Angel's death still made her sad she felt a little relieved after her meeting with the King of Euphorion was cancelled. At least it proved that her family was still thinking about her feelings.

The maid checked on Ophelia's hair once more, making sure it was neat before putting the comb in her hand on the table. She had been Ophelia's personal maid for many years. She could remember how Ophelia had been so excited to get ready every morning only to see Prince Angelus at the main hall every morning, after that she would have breakfast with Prince Ilex and King Gervis at the dining hall. But since five years ago, Ophelia didn't seem to have any will for life. All she did was cry or lock herself in her room.

"Your Highness, the weather is nice. How about we take a walk?" said the maid as she looked at Ophelia's reflection in the mirror.

Ophelia answered her with a nod. Usually, she refused it, but today she was in a good mood so she decided to take a walk.

She got up from her chair assisted by her maid, then she left her room. Her two knights that were waiting in front of her room quickly followed her. She walked aimlessly, just following where her feet took her. Pass through the garden in the middle of the castle, the corridor, the main hall to the front of the study room.

Then she saw some of her father's personal guards standing outside the study room, it meant her father was inside. Finally, she decided to greet him, something she hadn't done for a long time.

Just when a guard wanted to report about her presence, Ophelia stopped him and opened the door of the room slowly, planning to surprise him. As she had just opened the door a little, she stiffened in surprise when she heard her father's words.

"I am thinking of marrying Ophelia to the prince Artheur of Draconis. That way we can work together to attack Euphorion from the North and South."

Ophelia closed the door as silently as possible, her heart was pounding and her mood turned sour. She quickly walked back to the room.
'I thought Father cancelled the meeting because of considering my feelings. It turns out I was wrong ... Now, he wants me to marry Prince of Draconis to defeat Euphorion.'

As soon as she arrived in front of her room she turned to the maid and her two knights who followed her.
"Leave me alone, I want to sleep. I don't want to be bothered by anyone," she said with a displeased expression, then she entered her room and locked it.

'Forgive me. Father ... brother ... But I don't want to be your political tool anymore …'