ALL NOVEL Chapter 26
Chapter 26: The Princess’s Desire
Back to what was previously mentioned, with the Shadow Guards dividing and interspersing their attacks alongside the defenders battling on the city walls, those orc climbers, while strong enough, couldn’t stir up much if they had no reinforcements.
Although the sturdy lion-men and tiger-men could easily reach a level comparable to human mithril or even fine gold, that was under the condition they had no equipment.
The rest, well, needn’t be elaborated.
One by one, the strong orcs fell in the siege, and at that moment, Miss Hua returned to Liliya’s side after completing her task.
She first glanced in astonishment at the enormous golden curtain enveloping the city’s ramparts. Although she’d sensed it from a distance before, being up close revealed a solid and heavy aura far surpassing any legendary level, enough to make the powerful adventurer’s heart race.
Fortunately, it seemed to be just a defensive magic. If it were an attack…
Hua could hardly imagine such a scene.
However, having spent some time with Vilyric, she was no longer tangled after a brief shock.
“Lili… Your Highness, it’s all cleared up.”
“Hmm, thank you, Sister Hua. Did you notice anything amiss?”
While keeping an eye on the chaotic battlefield, Liliya turned her gaze towards the red-haired archer, showing concern and inquiry.
Hua pondered for a moment, adjusting her fitted ranger’s attire, which bore not a single drop of blood but only slight wrinkles. “It’s a bit strange. There are no experts among those orcs; the strongest are at most Ink Steel level. That shouldn’t be the case; the proportion of strong foes in the Beast Kingdom should be higher than ours.”
“Indeed, that makes sense.”
As if purposely explaining for Vilyric and Hua, Liliya simply stated, “We still don’t know who the commander of the Beast Kingdom’s forces is in this war, but the opponent is clever. This move is merely to probe our strengths, to see if we have the capital to resist.”
“That guy clearly doesn’t want a life-or-death struggle with the kingdom. If we show weakness in this first confrontation or any signs of being unable to continue, they will flood their army in and take Wanku Fortress.”
Vilyric seemed to come to a realization. “So, Liliya tosses out her trump card, the Shadow Guards, to deliberately frighten the opponent? I get it, it’s a show of force.”
“Right.” Miss Princess smiled. “The main fighting force at Wanku Fortress is only around a hundred thousand. If it comes to a brutal fight without any cost considerations, we’ll definitely suffer. We may have revealed a bit too early this time, but as long as we buy ourselves some time, reinforcements from our country will keep pouring in, and we will be completely safe then.”
Actually… it wasn’t as simple as Liliya said. Considering the personalities of her royal brothers, they would likely disregard the broader picture, trying to block and delay reinforcements just to eliminate this pesky rival for the throne. Whether there would even be reinforcements remained a mystery.
This was something Liliya, Vilyric, and Hua were all aware of. But they certainly had to talk things up positively now to stabilize the current situation.
“Your Highness, the orcs are retreating.”
“Hmm? So soon? I thought we’d have to clash a few more times…”
Liliya’s decisive actions were effective; seeing their first detachment wiped out so quickly left the Beast Kingdom puzzled about what was happening, thus refraining from further reckless assaults.
Although they attempted to send more warriors over, ever since the mages from Wanku Fortress joined the fray, most of the orcs were struck by fireballs and lightning mid-air or collided with various small barriers, making it nearly impossible for any to reach the city walls.
They’d faced each other for countless years, and amidst the myriad of tactics previously employed, they must have come up with effective countermeasures.
“Well then, let’s go. The orcs probably won’t attack again for a while. General Layton, I trust you will follow the previous plan, rotating the First, Second, and Third Legions to guard the walls, ensuring the warriors are in good shape, as this should be a long tug-of-war.”
“Rest assured, Commander, I understand.”
Liliya led Vilyric and Hua, the three of them walking side by side down the ramparts, turning into a secluded corner.
“Ugh!”
Seeing no one around, the Princess suddenly lost color, leaning against the wall and began to hurl rainbows.
“Ha… I knew it.”
Vilyric and Hua exchanged helpless glances; the latter stepped forward to support the Princess’s arm, while the Priestess gently patted Liliya’s delicate and smooth back, casting a low-level calming spell.
Earlier, when she visited the ailing General Layton, Vilyric had noticed.
This beautiful princess, who appeared so clever and decisive, actually had a poor tolerance for dire environments. Even the slightest medicinal smell and decaying odor could make her pale, let alone the immense pressure from tens of thousands of people and the overwhelming stench of blood during conflict.
It seemed Liliya was experiencing a battlefield for the first time; although how she managed to hold out during the suppression of the Imperial Guards’ rebellion was unknown, Vilyric deliberately conjured a large-scale barrier to filter out the oppressive ambiance of iron and blood, helping the young girl feel at ease.
But the comings and goings of the messengers and commanders carried an unavoidable stench of blood. Let’s not even mention those who returned missing limbs or bandaged up from injuries; that was something Liliya would have to adapt to herself.
This was a necessary growth process if the Princess truly wished to become a capable queen.
Once the spell took effect, Liliya’s color improved considerably, and she shook her head with a wry smile.
“Sorry for letting you see such a spectacle.”
“It’s nothing; I was no better when I killed for the first time, either.”
Miss Hua, uncharacteristically softening her expression, comforted her, and Vilyric nodded repeatedly in understanding.
After all, she was just a sixteen-year-old girl; a princess is still human. Besides, Liliya seemed to be around level 2-3; managing to keep her composure in such a situation was already impressive.
“By the way, Miss Vilyric’s abilities are quite miraculous; I’ve received treatments from priests before, but none were so immediate. One could say you’re really…”
Seeming to hit a sensitive topic, Liliya stopped, avoiding mention of the battlefield situation, instead raising her head and suddenly looking at Vilyric with eyes full of yearning and anticipation.
“I know this might sound ungrateful, but… could you perhaps lend me some of your strength, Miss Vilyric? I’ve been tested since childhood and found to have no magical talent; I’m completely unskilled in martial arts. Aside from having a decent mind, I can only rely on others for protection…”
“I’ve heard that the faith-based magic of the Holy Nation allows even those without talent to wield great power if their hearts are sincere enough. As the princess of the United Kingdom, I definitely can’t worship the gods of the Holy Nation, but if…”
“Oh… huh?”