The "Battle" Begins

"Welcome!" I said with a wide smile. Morgana looked me up and down suspiciously, clearly unsure of my intentions. Well, I couldn't blame her. Opening such a lavish bottle for the generals and scouts might raise some eyebrows. Seated at the head of the long table, the three generals faced me directly, while the ten scouts occupied seats across from me. "Thank you all for coming. Before we embark on this significant battle, I would like to take the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you. This is my first major campaign, and I believe building camaraderie among us is crucial before we face the challenges ahead," I said, my smile genuine, hoping they wouldn't see through my mask.

I could hear the cheers from the scouts, as well as the presence of Valeria and Katarina, who had taken their seats at the far end of the table. Before us lay a grand feast, prepared by my personal chefs. Amelia stood behind me, her eyes cast downward, ready to assist me at a moment's notice. "Since this is a milestone for me, I wanted to bring out a bottle of Noble Elixir," I continued. Amelia presented a large bottle filled with reddish-colored wine, pouring it into my glass. I swirled the wine, observing as it coated the glass with its rich color. "As you all know, this is an incredibly precious brand. I recently acquired it from my father, and I thought this would be the perfect occasion to open it," I said, savoring the aroma of the lavish wine. Amelia and her maids went around, pouring the wine for everyone present, a total of sixteen, including myself. Raising my glass, I exclaimed, "To Victory!" and those who had been skeptical of my intentions, including the Desolate Trio, couldn't resist the allure of the wine. After all, it was a rarity for anyone below kings and queens to even catch a glimpse of an empty bottle of Noble Elixir.

As everyone took a sip, I snapped my fingers, and heads began to droop, except for mine, Valeria's, and Katarina's. I had a three-minute window to implant my suggestion. "Scouts, the demon army is located in the south of the Leonhardt Kingdom," I declared. In unison, the ten scouts echoed, "The demon army is located in the south of the Leonhardt Kingdom." I continued, addressing the generals, "You will heed the scouts' directions without question, relying on them for guidance." The three generals dutifully repeated my words. It appeared to be a success.

With the gathering concluded, I lay in my bed, exhausted. It seemed that my plan would indeed work, but I knew it was a one-time solution. I needed to prepare for future attacks my father might unleash. However, for now, the plan to deceive the troops and lead them astray while wasting their resources on a southern journey would suffice.

With twenty-four hours remaining until the countdown's end, I sat across from Katarina, who wished to speak with me. "I understand your deep-seated hatred toward the demons, Katarina, but there is something you must realize. Zephyra could have let me go without reviving you and Valeria. In a way, she saved your life," I explained gently. I couldn't be angry with Katarina, especially considering that her parents had been killed during a demon invasion, specifically at the hands of demon bandits. "But do you remember when we passed Sinewind on our way home? Do you think they would have the capability to harm us humans?" I asked, referring to the peaceful demons who had hidden and avoided us as we passed through their city, having struck a deal with Zephyra. "I'm sorry, my Lord," Katarina apologized. "It's alright, Katarina. I apologize for involving you in my schemes," I said, bowing my head. Although she was my bodyguard, I had no right to force her to side with the demons. Yet she had chosen to do so for my sake, considering she had been by my side since my youth. While we had come to an agreement regarding my alliance with the demons to resolve the sins of our ancestors, I still felt guilt over involving Katarina in my intricate plan.

With five hours remaining until our departure for the "battle," I prepared my horse. "I'm proud of you, Cid," my father, the King, stated from behind me. I felt a pang of guilt for deceiving him, but this was the only way I could see to end this without further bloodshed. "Thank you, father," I replied as I petted my horse. "She's beautiful," I remarked, and my father noted that it was once my mother’s favorite horse. I decided to ask him what happened to my mother.

My father sighed, never having spoken to me about my mother's death before. But before he could answer, a scout burst into the stables, the King’s bodyguards attempting to remove him. My father raised his hand, halting the guards. The scout panted, saying, "My King, the demon army has been sighted in the south of the Leonhardt Kingdom." "The south? What are they doing there?" the King asked, genuine confusion and fear evident in his voice. "Do you think they're surrounding us?" I added. "Surrounding... Cid, I believe our battle plans must change. Prepare to leave within the hour!" my father exclaimed before rushing away in a panic. The five hours we had previously planned had been reduced to one. I instructed the scout to relay this information to the other scouts and generals.

Standing tall upon my white horse before an army of ten thousand soldiers, I addressed them with determination. "Today, we march forward not only to defend our kingdom but also to secure a safe future for all humans! Our scouts have recently spotted a demon army to the south of the Leonhardt Kingdom, our very own homeland! I stand here not as a prince, but as a fellow soldier! To victory, my comrades! Charge!" I shouted, raising my sword high and urging my horse forward, leading the charge out of the castle gates, with the three generals and an army of ten thousand following close behind. We charged into a demon army that did not exist, all in an effort to ensure a safer future for all races.