A Risky Gambit for Peace

As I cautiously approached the imposing gates of the castle, I couldn't help but question the wisdom of immediately revealing my deal with Zephyra to my father. "Katarina, Valeria, we need to stick to my story." I whispered with a sigh as we made our way inside. They didn't utter a word, but their understanding was palpable.

After taking a moment to freshen up and cleanse myself from the weariness of the journey, I entered the grand audience hall. My father, King Leonhardt, sat regally on his throne, flanked by his formidable generals and loyal bodyguards. "Welcome, my son," he greeted me with a smile. It appeared genuine, but I struggled to return it fully, knowing the atrocities he had committed against the demons. I managed a smile, though he could likely discern its lack of sincerity.

"Father, I apologize, but I failed to eliminate the Demon Queen Zephyra. She managed to escape," I confessed, lowering myself to one knee. Katarina and Valeria knelt behind me, showing their solidarity. My father let out a disappointed sigh. "I see. If she eluded even you, it means she has ascended to realms beyond our reach," he muttered, a mixture of disappointment and fear evident in his voice. It was a warranted fear, considering I was deemed the strongest swordsman among the four kingdoms. If Zephyra had slipped away, it signified the challenge we faced.

"At least you're still alive," my father remarked, his gaze shifting between me, Katarina, and Valeria. I sensed his mind already racing to find alternative ways to eradicate the demon threat. "Father, if I may..." I began, only to be interrupted by his explosive anger. "Release the demons? How dare you, my own son, suggest such a thing?!" His voice reverberated throughout the audience hall, and even the generals trembled in fear. I couldn't fully fathom the depth of my father's hatred for the demons.

"I apologize," I murmured, casting my eyes downward, the weight of his disappointment heavy upon me. "They took everything from me, Cid. That is why I intend to repay the favor," my father declared, his tone a chilling blend of calmness and fury. "You have failed me, Cid, but fear not. We have many means at our disposal to vanquish them." It became apparent that changing his mind would be an insurmountable task. With a sigh, I resolved to continue the meeting.

After about thirty grueling minutes, I departed the audience hall, Valeria and Katarina trailing behind me as we entered my private chamber. Taking a seat in a comfortable chair, I watched as Amelia, my loyal maid, gracefully knelt before me, removing my heavy boots. With gentle precision, she undressed me until I was left in nothing but my underwear, then meticulously cleansed my body with a soft white cloth and fresh water. Once the cleansing ritual was complete, she helped me don a fresh set of clothes.

"Amelia, summon Katarina and Valeria, and ensure no one disturbs us," I instructed, taking a seat at my desk. Amelia nodded courteously and exited the room, carrying with her the cloth and the bucket of water. Moments later, Katarina and Valeria entered, their presence reassuring. "One of you needs to report to Zephyra about our encounter. Meanwhile, I'll contemplate ways to forge peace..." I spoke, intending to strategize. Before I could finish, Katarina's body suddenly went limp, and Valeria caught her just in time. I was about to voice my concern when Katarina returned, but it wasn't her voice—it was Zephyra's.

"Ah, Zephyra... my apologies," I responded, momentarily taken aback. "Do not fret, Cid. We shall find other avenues to address this matter in due time," she reassured me. I exhaled deeply, realizing that Zephyra could inhabit Katarina's body. Katarina's voice soon resurfaced, apologizing for the odd occurrence. I assured her it was of no concern and dismissed them from the room. Lying on my sprawling bed, I pondered how to bring about peace between two races consumed by fear and hatred. It was an immense undertaking for someone of my age, but I remained resolute in seeking a resolution.

As the next month passed by, my daily routines remained unchanged, with my rigorous training sessions and instructing the new swordsmen and knights in the art of combat. However, on that particular day, after my training session and Amelia attending to my needs, I received a summons from my father to the Audience Hall.

The sight that greeted me there was intimidating. Standing before me were the three notorious generals: General Lucious, known for his towering stature and strength, who single-handedly annihilated the Kingdom of Highwind in response to their attack on one of our gold mines; General Cedric, a short and muscular man with an impressive mustache, who wiped out several demon villages that mistakenly encroached on our hunting grounds; and General Morgana, a strikingly beautiful woman with a dark heart, whose army had mercilessly decimated countless demon villages solely due to their demonic nature. They were collectively known as the Desolate Trio, and they stood tall in the presence of my father.

"Cid, you will lead Lucious, Cedric, and Morgana in an attack on Shadowmoor and Sinewind. Will 5000 soldiers suffice?" my father inquired, referring to the number of troops accompanying us. The suddenness of this order struck me. The notion of attacking these cities, which housed peaceful demons who had never harmed any humans, troubled my conscience. However, before I could voice my objections, my father interjected, "Let's make it 10000 soldiers. That should be sufficient. Each of you will lead 2500 soldiers.”

I was rendered speechless, unable to oppose my father's decisions. He was determined to wipe out two major demon cities. Morgana, sensing my discomfort, spoke up. "No offense, sire, but the three of us being led by...Cid?" Her words reflected her disdain for being led by someone she perceived as soft. My father cast a piercing glance at Morgana, causing her to quickly lower her gaze and apologize. "You will depart in 72 hours," my father concluded.

It appeared that my options were limited, as my father made decisions without considering my input. If I did nothing, these two cities would be easily eradicated. "Understood," I replied to my father, and I left the Audience Hall accompanied by my two loyal bodyguards. As soon as I reached my chamber, I began pacing back and forth, desperately searching for a way to delay or resolve this situation without bloodshed. I called upon Katarina to seek guidance from Zephyra, to inquire if there was any possibility of averting this impending disaster. "Cid, the decision is yours to make. But if they begin killing demons, I will not hesitate to eliminate them." Zephyra conveyed, emphasizing that she was still testing my resolve. The challenges had intensified, as I was now faced with the burden of finding a solution on my own. I needed to devise a plan that would spare the lives of both humans and demons. Suddenly, a flicker of an idea illuminated my mind, but it would require careful preparation.

Later that night, after Amelia had prepared my bed, I instructed her to summon Katarina and Valeria and ensure that no one would disturb us. As I changed into a dark set of clothes and donned a mask to conceal my identity, Katarina and Valeria entered my room, visibly concerned, but I reassured them not to worry. "I am going to meet with Zephyra. Valeria, I want you to guard the room with Amelia and allow no one to enter. Katarina, I want you to lie in my bed, cover yourself with a blanket, and pretend to be me and asleep.”