Chapter 257 : Night Before War
The night before the seventh day, in Elucia's office.
A one-armed girl was respectfully reporting the intelligence she had gathered.
"Reporting to Lord Elucia, there are strange movements on the demon side. It's estimated they might take action tomorrow."
"Mm, I understand."
Elucia nodded, signaling for Shiman to withdraw. Then she turned around and began analyzing the data on the desk.
...
(Elucia is amazing, to be able to process so much information simultaneously.)
Lonis, who was serving beside her, quietly glanced at the table.
Such complex reports were basically incomprehensible to her... The only thing Lonis clearly understood was that Insolania's current situation was not optimistic.
Probably tomorrow, the entire city's capacity would be at its limit.
So something had to be done tomorrow.
And Elucia, worthy of being a wise princess, made equally unexpected countermeasures.
"Lonis, go tell Senior Yicheng. Have her inform the military department that the breach plan proceeds as scheduled."
"Mm, understood! Senior Yicheng..."
...
The battle strategy Elucia deployed was surprisingly not to attack outside the city, but to destroy the pure white walls protecting the royal capital, deliberately letting the demons in!
Because compared to going out to meet the enemy and being ambushed, controlling the battlefield in one's own territory obviously had better odds of victory.
The demons were all brave and skilled fighters, plus ordinary demons knew about the food shortage... So if a gap appeared in the royal capital's walls, they would definitely swarm in to attack.
At that time, just by placing some food at the gap, it could even disrupt the enemy army. If the annihilation battle went smoothly, it could even affect the whole situation with one move.
Because of greed, those ambushing demons would definitely make moves, and General Guyanis could also lead the Sword and Shield Guards to strike at the right moment and sneak attack the catapults!
...
When Lonis first learned of Elucia's plan, she was absolutely impressed by her.
The opponent used a desperate food-cutting tactic? Then their side could also tear open a gap in the opponent through life-for-life fighting!
However, although this method was a brilliant strategy, it was equally dangerous.
Because letting demons into the city was originally a huge gamble.
Although it could annihilate the demons' vanguard forces, the demons could also take advantage and invade the royal capital's interior in one fell swoop.
If they couldn't hold them back then, the entire royal capital would fall instantly.
So Elucia was repeatedly considering every battle line, absolutely not allowing any negligence.
"Mm... the gap can't be too big, and someone needs to control the situation. Currently, only Senior Yicheng can do this."
Elucia pondered, continuing to deduce the war situation: "And Sethilu needs to stand on the high platform in West Plaza to boost morale, because only this way will people not panic due to the demons' intrusion."
"The area near the gap happens to be a quarantine zone, so we don't need to evacuate in advance, allowing our ambush troops to hide in buildings... For safety's sake, we can set up three lines of defense."
...
...
Watching Elucia working, Lonis didn't dare breathe heavily, afraid of disturbing her thoughts.
Because this was a matter of life and death. The outcome of war would directly affect the survival of the Bright Ember Kingdom.
(I don't want to experience failure again... So we absolutely can't lose!)
Lonis quietly clenched her fist, praying silently.
Just then, Elucia suddenly said: "Lonis, where do you want to go tomorrow?"
"Huh, me...?"
"Mm, tomorrow I'll first go to the gap to command, then complete the secret plan. Princess Sethilu will also go to the plaza tomorrow for supervision. You can accompany her."
"Ah, that!!!"
Without thinking, Lonis wanted to answer that she'd stay by Elucia's side!
Because she wasn't stupid—how could she choose another girl in front of Elucia?
But Elucia suddenly said before Lonis could answer: "I'm not testing your loyalty, but want to determine where you want to go from the perspective of winning."
"Huh?"
"You can go wherever you want, and it will make a difference: Although Princess Sethilu has guards around her, for some inexplicable reason, she's somewhat tired... So when stationed at the plaza tomorrow, Princess Sethilu might faint at any time."
"Uh?!"
"And if Princess Sethilu suddenly faints, you'll need to replace her in disguise. Of course, this is insurance, so you can choose whether to stand by."
"Then... what about the front lines?"
"The front lines might have some accidents, so I'll require you to stay in a rather dangerous position to distract the demons' attention."
"!"
"Although you won't die, when the real fighting starts, you might be surrounded by countless demons, have them cut you in half, have them shoot arrows through your head, your body rolling on the ground, in extreme pain."
"!!!"
Hearing Elucia say this, Lonis seemed to already imagine herself being slaughtered... That feeling of having her heart pierced would definitely be very painful!
But compared to that pain, Lonis understood Elucia's feelings better.
The pressure this girl faced... was indescribable.
Princess Sethilu would have many familiar generals around her, many Sword and Shield Guards as companions.
But around Elucia, there was only herself. If Elucia encountered any pressure, the only one who could help relieve it was herself.
So...
"Miss Elucia, I will stay by your side."
"Hmph, are you sure? Lonis, I'm not testing you... In fact, tomorrow's battle will definitely be chaotic, and I won't have time to protect you."
Elucia just raised an eyebrow, those crimson pupils revealing no joy whatsoever.
But Lonis still nodded.
"Mm, I'm sure."
"The reason?"
"Uh, the reason..."
Lonis was stunned. Although she really wanted to answer "I'm very worried about Elucia, so I want to stay by Elucia's side."
But saying that would be very disrespectful to Elucia, wouldn't it?
What partners needed was trust, and if she didn't even have this much trust in Elucia, could she still be called a partner?
...
However, Lonis's hesitation was only momentary. Soon, she said:
"No reason."
"No reason? Lonis, do you think this war is still some child's play... If you cry out in pain then, don't blame others for not helping you."
"No... I don't think this is child's play. But..."
...
Lonis took a deep breath and said seriously to Elucia: "Does a maid staying by her master's side need any reason?"