A table that shows a 3D map of the Draconian empire is found at the center of the emperor’s study. Gathered around the table were Ser Ludwig Vein and other imperial knights, along with the emperor, Lord Earl Occidens, and other noblemen who were residing in the palace during the accident.
“We cannot just wait and cut off their support. The back of the town is the ocean, they can always get resources from the oceans.” The vice-captain of the imperial knights pointed out.
“Hmmm, that would be true. It is not a wise choice, also there is a forest on its west side, and other resources can be found there.” Ser Ludwig added.
“Even without them having resources nearby, we cannot go for that strategy, they have hostages. This town’s men are hostages, not just prisoners. They can kill them if we do not give them what they want.” Lord Earl also commented.
“Well, what do they want?” One of the noblemen asked.
“They want the princesses, well either of the two of them.” The emperor answered calmly.
The room fell silent as they looked at the map with figurines representing the siege and the town that was taken captive.
“I demand that you open the door and let me inside!”
All of their attention went to the door as it opened harshly, revealing an angry Flizeria with her dragon holding the neck of one of the knights guarding the doors.
Flizeria looked at the emperor and then at the gentlemen inside the room.
All of them bowed, “Princess.”
Flizeria also curtsied, “Emperor. Knights. Noblemen.” She acknowledged them one by one.
*****
I looked at my grandfather’s eyes and it is clear as the day that he does not want me here.
“What are you doing here, Flizeria?”
“I am here to present a strategy.”
The men looked at me and then at each other, some are even holding a laugh.
“Laugh at me and I will your throats.” I cut them, I am not here for games, I am here to help and I have an idea.
“Well, thank you granddaughter but I believe I gave the knights strict orders not to let you outside the chambers.”
He looked at the knights outside sharply.
“Yes, but I got away and now I am here, with a strategy.”
Grandfather looked like he is holding back his anger but he only massaged his forehead and nodded for me to come inside.
“Well, what do you have, princess?” Ser Ludwig asked as he pointed at the map.
“I heard that the people who took captive of the town are fallen nobles?”
“Where did you hear that?” Asked one of them.
But I did not answer, “Also they want either me or Fae.”
Grandfather looked at Omorfos.
“Anyway, since these are fallen nobles they are most likely drunk fools who only know how to gamble and to fck.”
Everyone in the room gasped at my choice of words.
“What are you so horrified about, it is true.”
Grandfather cleared his throat, “Go on, my child.”
“And when it comes to the number of men, we outnumber them by 5 to 1 but we are still at a disadvantage because they have hostages.” I continued.
“They also have some peculiar weapons. A metal barrel that shoots something out, it would blast people’s heads off.” The vice-captain also added.
“They have guns and we only have swords. We are at a disadvantage.”
“They have what, my child?” Grandfather asked.
“Guns.” I looked at them as if I am stating the obvious until I remembered guns are not yet invented in this era.
“Never mind, let me continue. Fallen nobles, who no longer have power meaning someone is backing them up, and that someone may be one of the people here.” I looked at them one by one.
“Are you accusing us as traitors to the empire?!” Someone lashed out and immediately Omorfos is pointing his talon at his neck ready to cut his throat out.
“No, but I am being careful. Now leave. Knights wait outside. Gentlemen, enjoy the rest of your evening. I will only talk to the Emperor.”
Omorfos let him go, others grunted and gave a sound of opposition but no one spoke a word about it.
After everyone left, Grandfather raised his eyebrow.
“You know, I could behead you for your actions. Those are my most trusted men and you did not ask for my permission. While I am here, I preside over this palace, this empire.”
“Well, behead me then.” I looked up at him and challenged him.
He sighed and sat down.
“What is making you act like this?”
“I am frustrated, grandfather and I want to be of use. I have read books about wars and different strategies, I know I can do something about the situation.”
“And you are angry.”
“And I am angry. Did you plan on sacrificing a whole town for us? And you never intend to tell us?”
“You do not need to know.”
“I need to know, I am the crown princess. I am also responsible for these people. I cannot just sit back and enjoy comfort while others are dying.”
“Well, you can. Because you are not yet empress.”
“Then when do you think, are you planning on preparing me to become one? Until it is too late?”
“You are still a child.”
“I am a child, but you know full well that my mind is not of a child’s.”
I challenged his look once again, he stared into my eyes and I know he knows what I am talking about.
“Okay, now tell me what your plan is.”
I stood there, loss for words with my mouth hanging open. I was prepared to convince him, to make an argument with him but he just-
“Well, go on child. As you said, many are now dying while we are having this chat.”
“Oh, okay sorry.”
“Again, these fallen nobles are drunkards. And surprisingly they have a lot of people under them. Nevertheless, these people give heed to them.”
“Go on.”
“We must bring them the finest and strongest wine we have and let them drink all night until morning.”
“Do you think they will drink the wine we give them?”
“They will.”
“And how sure are you?”
“They will, because Aunt Emilia will be the one who will deliver it to them.”