Second Arc (His Art of War) – 18. Deadlocked

It was a typical morning in Eternal Harmony City, Asteria. Everyone was busy working, some people were seen starting to open their shops, the market began to be filled with people passing by. But this morning felt different for King Gervis and Ilex. They had just received a report from the Magic Messenger about his troops' defeat in the Southern Outpost of Asteria, even General Collett was seriously injured.

King Gervis had sent his elite troops to secure the surrounding area. At the moment, they could only defend and pay attention to the Euphorion army's movement to prevent them from spreading to the surrounding towns and villages.

Both of them were silent in the Golden Light Castle's study room. Their eyebrows furrowed as they deep in thought tried to find a way to win this war. But nothing... Their previous strategy to attack Euphorion without a declaration of the war complicated their situation and limited their choices. If they announced to the court that Asteria was at war with Euphorion. With Asteria's current condition which had lost many soldiers and two generals, the nobles would suggest making peaceful proposals. Even though they knew that the current King of Euphorion was Angel, they would insist on submitting it. If the peace meeting was held they would find out that Asteria had attacked Euphorion without a declaration of war and worse... they could find out the truth about Angel's death five years ago. That could be a threat to the Reinheart family's position as a royal family.
"The only way is we have to hasten Ophelia's marriage to Draconis," King Gervis said breaking the silence.

Ilex could only bend his head before his father who sat behind the desk with a grim expression. Although he did not agree with his father's decision, he also deadlocked. Asteria had lost so much, neither he nor Ophelia could be selfish with their will.

While King Gervis was also still unsure of his decision to marry Ophelia could save Asteria on time, since the marriages between the royal family could not be carried out in a hurry, after all, Draconis also had not answered. They couldn't force Draconis to give an immediate response either. But if they didn't make their move quickly then Asteria would be destroyed.
'In the state of emergency, I have no other choice than announce to the court that Asteria is at war with Euphorion. In the meantime, I can only buy time until Ophelia's marriage takes place.'

Ilex raised his head, facing his father. His hands clenched, from his expression he had decided to keep his sister away from this war's consequences.
"Father, let me lead the troops to reclaim our Southern Outpost."

"No," answered King Gervis.

"Father!"

"No means no!" said King Gervis firmly.

Ilex knew his father would not approve of it. Although a prince had the responsibility to protect his kingdom, in a war like this, they should not be at the forefront. Since he was the future leader of the kingdom, but in an emergency like this, did he still need to think about it?
"Father, we don't have much time. After they took down the Southern Outpost, Southpoint Town will be their next target."

"I have sent Commander Irwin and his troops to secure Southpoint Town," said King Gervis, but even though he had sent troops he still looked uneasy.

Ilex sighed tiredly. He knew Euphorion had four reliable generals. How could a commander defeat a general? Now, two of their generals had fallen and in this emergency situation, one of their generals still had to maintain the capital's security.
'Is there nothing I can do to win this war?'