Night had fallen on the Phoenix Court, yet its lights shone brightly. Tyrion, as Lord of War, was still hard at work. Since returning to Lothern, the Eternal Queen's champion had tirelessly managed logistics, gathered troops, organized Osuan's defenses, and strategized the best use of the elite human forces and their two ironclads.
In contrast, Teclis had a lighter workload, while Phoenix King Finuba was busy preparing for ceremonial activities, including a two-hour daily ritual. Thus, the defense of Osuan fell squarely on Tyrion and Teclis's shoulders. With Finuba's lack of military skill, he could only serve as a symbolic figure at the rear, encircled by White Lion Guards, unmoving and expressionless like a mascot.
The beautiful Phoenix Court, adorned in white, blue, gold, and red, shimmered under the quiet night sky, accompanied by the distant hum of the Great Vortex. Tyrion stood alone in the War Council's meeting hall, deep in thought over a map on the table.
Footsteps echoed outside, and Althena the Scholar briskly entered, nodding to the War Lord as he passed through the gaze of the Sea Guard and White Lion Guards. "Lord Tyrion."
"You're here, Althena? How are things going? Have the humans made any suspicious moves?" Tyrion asked in a low voice, eyes still fixed on the map. "What about that dark elf?"
"Not much to report. They only went sightseeing in the Foreign Quarter and bought a few items," Althena replied, somewhat exasperated. "That dark elf hasn't shown herself."
After relaying some minor details, Althena finally sighed in frustration. "The Knight-King told me he was going on a date with his wife and sent me away."
"A date? Really?" Tyrion raised his head, initially tempted to comment on humans' seemingly boundless lust but thought better of it, his tone changing. "It's not that unusual. The Knight-King is passable looking, and his wife is indeed a beauty. Let them roam and spend freely; it does no harm. Just keep an eye out for any ulterior motives, especially with that dark elf. I feel like I've seen her before. Engage with them if you get the chance."
"Understood!" Althena replied, pausing before retreating as more footsteps echoed down the hall.
Prince Eltharion, Warden of the Kingdom and the Grim Reaper, strode in wearing his enchanted silver Ithilmar armor and helm, his waist bearing the poisoned sword of Aesarian and a Hoeth talisman. By his side was Princess Eltira of Tiranoc, Lilith's chosen champion and a new member of Tyrion's War Council. Donning full armor and crown, her presence was powerful and dignified.
"Are we ready?" Eltharion wasted no time with pleasantries. "Yvresse is prepared."
Tyrion showed no reaction. The once-mighty Yvresse was now in decline, reduced to a single city. Summoning its forces was no challenge for Eltharion, a figure revered for his successful raid on the dark elven capital of Naggarond, known for his authority and strength. His mere word could summon the last of Yvresse's meager forces—fewer than ten thousand soldiers.
"Tiranoc needs a few more weeks," Princess Eltira informed him, adding, "We'll need time to gather our forces."
"At least you're here," Tyrion replied, his gaze moving over Eltharion and Eltira. "That's enough for now. Others are still en route, and some have claimed their kingdoms are facing difficulties that might delay them by years."
"Eltharion?" Eltharion's tone was ice cold.
"Who else?" Tyrion maintained his composure. "We'll wait and see how many we can muster before we finalize our strategy."
High elven armies largely consist of two main types: conscripts under mandatory service and voluntary forces in standing armies. The latter began under King Caledor the Conqueror, who, after the costly War of the Beard, created a standing army recruited from the citizenry. In contrast, the conscription policy arose during King Morvael's reign when declining population, economic downturns, and repeated defeats necessitated a mandatory service period for all Asur to bolster defenses.
The conscription policy saved the high elves during their most challenging times, though it was hardly a popular solution among the Asur, hence Morvael's reputation as a "reckless king."
---
Meanwhile, on the bustling, lamp-lit streets, Ryan and Sulia wandered together, sharing laughs. Ryan wore a mask shaped like a fox-panda hybrid and held a skewer of meatballs, savoring the moment. "Conscripts rarely stay long in battle, and that's even truer for elves," Ryan explained to his wife, holding her hand. "They serve short periods and come from various elven lords and autonomous manorial organizations. Unless Osuan faces a massive invasion, it's almost impossible to gather all conscripts, and their absence could ruin smallholders financially."
"What about the standing army?" Sulia, wearing a grey mask with a red-scarfed dog design and holding a box of golden, crispy takoyaki, asked as she leaned against Ryan. Their regal, handsome presence drew admiring gazes from passersby.
"With the standing army, the Phoenix Court doesn't fund them; the kingdoms do. So, they're often more like private armies," Ryan explained with a chuckle. "The Court faces what we call the 'Four Undesirables'—distant campaigns, wilderness expeditions, low pay, and incompetent generals."
Sulia chuckled, taking a delicate bite of her takoyaki. "It sounds a lot like our Bretonnian knights; they only answer summons based on favorable conditions."
"Well, we have chivalry to motivate our knights, who'll fight passionately for the Grail. But elves? Much harder to convince," Ryan replied.
"At least with one word from you, the dukedoms' armies would rally at once," Sulia said warmly, lifting a piece of takoyaki to Ryan's lips. "Want a bite? Say 'ah~'."
"Ah~ Mmm~" Ryan took a bite, savoring the taste. He closed his eyes, smiling contentedly. "Delicious! I want more."
"Oh, look at you!" Sulia rolled her eyes, giggling as she offered him another. "Ready for another?"
"Of course!" Ryan eagerly nodded.
"Close your eyes… I'll feed you~"
"Ah~" Ryan closed his eyes and opened his mouth.
"Just kidding!" Sulia pulled the takoyaki back and quickly ate it herself, playfully scolding, "You always run off with Olica and make me dress like this. Tell me honestly, have Veronica and Morgiana dressed like this for you too?"
"My love, don't change the subject—that was the last one!" Ryan protested, blushing with slight embarrassment. "If you won't share, I'll just buy out that shop!"
"Good luck with that!" Sulia laughed, shaking with mirth as she pulled down her mask, adopting a playful tone. "I'm just a little doggie without any feelings~"
Their laughter filled the air as they wandered hand in hand. For a moment, the busy street faded around them, leaving only each other.
A few steps later, Ryan, still smarting from her teasing, plotted a little revenge. Spotting an apple candy stand, he led Sulia over. "Let's get you an apple candy, my lady."
"Apple candy?" Sulia glanced at the stand, intrigued. "Is it wrapped in syrup?"
"Exactly, let me get you one!" Ryan pulled her along, quickening his pace, prompting her to hold down her skirt with a laugh. "Ryan, the shop's not going anywhere!"
When they reached the stall, the owner greeted them with a smile. "Ah, Your Majesty Ryan of Bretonnia! Welcome, both of you."
"Two apple candies, please. And how'd you know who I am?" Ryan handed the vendor a few copper coins.
"Your emblem is unmistakable," the vendor replied as he passed them their candies. "The book and sword motif, with the Fleur-de-Lis and Grail crest—only the Knight-King's family bears it, and only three people use it."
"Fair enough." Ryan took the apple candies, giving Sulia a mischievous look. "My lady, do you know how to eat these?"
"How? Lick, or bite?" She looked flustered, then reached over and gave his waist a playful pinch. "Out with it! I'm not falling for that."
"Close your eyes and open your mouth~"
Without hesitation, Sulia opened her mouth, only for Ryan to nudge the whole apple candy against her lips.
"Here you go!" Ryan tried to fit the candy in her mouth, but her lips couldn't take the full size. Sulia was left with sticky sugar all over her mouth. Blushing, she grabbed the apple candy from his hand and shoved it into his mouth. "You try it!"
"Mm!" The candy filled Ryan's mouth, leaving him to mumble as he comically struggled, the stick poking out.
Sulia couldn't contain her laughter, losing her dignified composure. "Oh, Ryan! Hahaha~ this is too funny."
After a bit of effort, Ryan finally managed to pry the candy out, laughing along with her. He cleaned up and held her hand as they continued down the lively street.
"Youth is a beautiful thing," the
vendor remarked, amused.
"Well, since my lady gave it to me, I must finish it!" Ryan smiled as he polished off the apple candy. Taking Sulia's hand, he led her onward. "Come along, my dear. The best part is just ahead."
"The best part?" Sulia asked, curious but hesitant.
"Oh yes," Ryan said with a grin. "It's the most fun part of the night!"
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