Each magic crossbow required 50 mana stones, one mage, and five soldiers to operate. While it lacked the raw firepower of a magic cannon, it was easier to handle and allowed for greater flexibility in targeting angles. To optimize their use, the forces divided management of the crossbows between the left and right flanks.
Magic cannons, on the other hand, were far rarer artifacts. Each shot consumed 500 mana stones and required two mages and fifteen soldiers to operate. They were massive and immensely powerful. A direct hit from a magic cannon could obliterate even a first-class magical beast in a single blow. However, their drawbacks were significant.
For instance, a magic cannon might be incapable of keeping up with the flight speed of someone like Marcus or even Miaomiao. Moreover, stealth attacks were nearly impossible; the process of a magic cannon charging its mana was so conspicuous that it could be spotted from over a kilometer away.
Thus, while magic cannons were formidable, magic crossbows often proved more practical. Even the continent's strongest warriors, third-tier knights, were vulnerable to a well-placed bolt from a magic crossbow. This vulnerability was why such knights rarely entered the battlefield against standard troops.
The meeting extended late into the afternoon, with numerous issues beyond the deployment of magic crossbows and cannons requiring attention. As Michael led the discussions with unwavering focus, Crown Prince Randolph narrowed his eyes.
"This won't do," Randolph thought. "I need to gather more soldiers and seize an opportunity."
Later that evening, Princess Elise and Crown Prince Randolph met in secret, taking a stroll through a small garden within the fortress. Their rendezvous was carefully supervised by Elise's attendants, who watched from a distance. This, too, was part of Elise's plan—to heighten Randolph's longing by keeping him at arm's length.
Her strategy worked. Randolph's feelings for her deepened with each passing day. He had already expressed his desire to marry Elise to the monarchs of their respective nations. Henry III warmly supported the union, and Charles V's response was similarly positive.
That night, Elise wore a pearl necklace gifted by Charles V, proudly displaying it. Yet, despite the romantic setting, Randolph appeared unusually dejected.
"Ah, it's about that leadership nonsense again," Elise thought, already aware that Randolph and Philip were scheming together.
Stopping their stroll, Elise gently took Randolph's hand, pulling him closer. Startled, he glanced toward her attendants, only to be reassured by her mischievous smile.
"Don't worry, Randolph," Elise said. "They're my trusted aides."
They soon found a bench ensconced in rose vines and shared a passionate kiss. Once Elise confirmed that Randolph's spirits had lifted, she cautiously inquired, "Randolph, is something troubling you? Is there anything I can do to help? I want to be of service to you."
Her caring words, spoken like a wise and devoted partner, provided Randolph with a profound sense of comfort. After a moment's hesitation, he confessed, "Elise, I want to go to the battlefield. I don't want to hide in the rear like a coward—I want to achieve great deeds and stand proud before you and my father."
A faint wrinkle appeared on Elise's flawless brow, her concern only enhancing her beauty. Her outward expression of worry masked a cold and calculated inner resolve.
The Elonian royal family did not want Randolph on the battlefield. Should anything happen to him, the Kingdom of Lania would bear the full brunt of the blame. Still, it was impossible to dissuade him. There was only one option.
"Randolph… will you still go, even if I ask you not to?" Elise asked.
Randolph nodded firmly. The moment he did, Elise turned away and began to cry. She had practiced countless times in front of a mirror and knew precisely how to cry beautifully.
Seeing tears fall from her eyes, Randolph panicked.
"Why—why are you crying, Elise? I'll be fine. Don't you trust me?" he stammered.
"It's not that, Randolph. How could I not trust you? I just… I resent the situation that forces you to go to war," she replied, her voice trembling with emotion.
If she couldn't stop him, she would ensure he had as much support as possible—while also leaving him indebted to her.
"Take my and my younger sister's escort forces and soldiers with you," Elise offered. "If the fortress falls, we've resolved to take our own lives rather than face dishonor. In that case, escorts will be unnecessary."
She gazed at Randolph with a sorrowful expression. No man could remain unmoved by the idea of a beloved woman sacrificing herself for his sake. Randolph, overwhelmed by love, embraced her tightly.
In his arms, Elise wrapped her arms around his neck and locked eyes with him. Her tear-drenched lashes trembled delicately.
"But I have a request," she whispered.
"Anything," Randolph replied, planting a soft kiss on her lips. "Tell me."
"Randolph, I want us to marry—even if only in a simple ceremony. I don't need an extravagant event. I just want to become your true partner. I want to give you everything I have…"
Elise's words hung in the air as she parted her rosy lips slightly, her gaze smoldering with allure. Despite her provocative request, her cheeks flushed deeply, and her eyes gleamed with shyness.
Moved by her vulnerable yet seductive demeanor, Randolph pulled her into a fervent embrace and kissed her passionately.
"Oh, my dearest Elise! Let's marry at once. I'll find a priest, exchange vows, and spend the night together. Would that be acceptable?" he exclaimed.
It was precisely what Elise wanted. Even a simple ceremony officiated by a priest would solidify their union. If Randolph died on the battlefield, Lania could no longer disown her.
As she rested in Randolph's embrace, Elise smiled coldly. Tonight, she would use that potion. A magical concoction guaranteed to ensure pregnancy.
The potion came with risks—a high chance of the child being born with disabilities. But if it secured her position as the future queen of Lania, that was a price Elise was willing to pay.