Chapter 74 First Strategy Meeting
-- POV Freya --
I was in the meeting room of the manor and all the female commanders of the army were standing in front of me. Lia had just announced the beginning of this meeting so I straightened up to speak.
"To begin with, Persea, Ynir are the gates of the Empire open ?"
The butterfly woman would nod to her dryad partner before answering me.
"No your highness, we were just waiting for this meeting and your permission to do so"
"Perfect, once this meeting is over, open the doors while maintaining the illusion at the entrance. Your section will patrol the area around the wall to protect it if necessary. For the section in the air, has a scouting been done ?"
Persea and Ynir nodded as the gray-haired young woman spoke up. Trioa had prepared notes as she answered me with what she had written with slightly shaky hands.
"We haven't spotted any humans in the forest yet, there are also half-humans and beastmen still scattered throughout all areas of the Dark Forest. As you ordered, we have located their various camps which I have marked on the map."
It was important to always keep an eye on the surrounding area, it had been over a month since the adventurers had been killed and still no sign of more adventurers. I knew the humans all too well to know that they were up to something. We had to stay on guard and get as many people back as possible before the counterattack started. Trioa had already done a good job as the people they had found would not need to be searched.
"Very well, I want all of your best soldiers out on patrol for the next few days. We don't know if we're running out of time so the sooner we act, the less trouble there will be."
As I gave my orders, Caipy timidly raised her hand.
"Your Highness, regarding my section what should I do ? There are still only 12 of us and no one has mastered magic yet."
I had not forgotten the dark elf as I looked into her eyes.
"Send one of your soldiers to each section to assist them medically, except for Luna and Trioa. As for the other 6, it's up to you to decide, they are under your responsibility.
Turning then to the half-panther I explained my choice.
"Your team will be in charge of the area closest to the roads and Yarlford to the southwest. As head of intelligence you are the most likely to run away in case of an unexpected encounter. Therefore, you can't have a doctor in your team for more mobility. Unfortunately Trioa can't handle it with you as she will be tasked with flying over the northeast mountains with her team."
"Of course your highness !"
With a serious face, Luna nodded as I ran my fingers under my chin to think.
*I also need to be able to have enough food to accommodate the newcomers, I could check on that with Gaya once this meeting is over*
While I was lost in my thoughts, the beautiful lamia with the black scales spoke up followed by Ralph.
"Your Highness, I would cover the area to the north where half-humans are hidden. I would have no trouble finding my way around there as it is a swampy area. Of course, the vice-commander Naïa will accompany me."
"As for me I would take the Southeast area, I'm pretty good at getting respect from other races like the ogres."
The two half-human commanders had serious faces and eyes that shone fiercely with determination. If Nixia took the northern zone, she would indeed have a better chance of successfully navigating the swamps. As a lamia, she was used to this environment more than anyone. I wasn't worried about the young fox either because she understood quickly and was getting better every day.
As for the young hybrid woman, her alpha temperament and her strength made her quite capable of dealing with ogres. They were proud creatures and sometimes a bit stupid, basing themselves only on the strength and the value of an individual.
*Emilia could also have gone, but I feel that Ralph is perfect for that*
I knew that I could trust them both, so I nodded while they understood without me speaking that I counted on them. Only Emilia and Thorunn were left. Luna would leave for the Southwest, Ralph the East, Trioa the Northeast, Nixia the North while Caipy would stay in the Empire and Ynir and Persea would take care of the defense.
"Emilia !"
"Yes your Highness"
"You will be in charge of patrolling the center of the forest. You are the commander with the most soldiers, so it will be faster for you to cover the area. Be careful when you're there, despite Trioa's patrols we don't know for sure if any humans are lurking around."
Turning back to Thorunn, I stared at her with my violet eyes before addressing her.
"You will be with Emilia, spread out all over the center of the Dark Forest and find the races that still inhabit it !"
The vampire and the half-human cat nodded, indicating that they understood. With their 66 soldiers together, the searches of the temple, the caves, the camps would be that much faster and more efficient. Emilia and Thorunn were both powerful women and just like the other commanders I had appointed, I trusted them.
"Empress.."
Lia leaned towards me to give me the map she had prepared during the discussion, which showed the areas covered by the different commanders.
"Good job !"
As I congratulated her, I could see the young rabbit woman bowing with a slight blush.
[Aww~!]
*Sigh..*
Shaking my head and sighing slightly at the situation, I stood up from my ice seat, towering over them from my height. I could feel my passive "Commander" skill activate as I spoke.
"Now that you know what you have to do, prepare your soldiers and leave tomorrow. The priority is not to fight, but to offer our help to those who are still hiding. It's up to you to organize yourselves as you wish, but I don't want anyone to get hurt. If anything happens, as leaders you will be held responsible."
My words may have sounded harsh but it was reality. On our decisions depended a multitude of other lives that we had no right to foolishly endanger. The Empire was still small, but I knew that it would one day become perhaps more than an Empire...as a symbol for all races. Therefore, the commanders had to take their jobs seriously now and become excellent leaders.
With this thought in mind, the women in front of me still silent, I continued.
"The humans will come no matter what, that's a certainty. After what we did towards the ruins, there is bound to be retaliation. Never forget that and on your mission, put your life and the lives of others first. I don't want unnecessary fighting, especially if you have people among you who want to join the Empire. I have promised protection, so it must be granted as soon as the will to join us has been formulated and accepted. I trust you !"
As I finished saying what I had to say, the 10 young women stood up in unison. They all knew that saving the life of another race was more important than taking the life of a human. Their eyes shone on their warrior faces, they were beautiful, determined and I knew with that look they would not disappoint me.
"At your command your Highness, we will not forget that the priority must be the people being rescued !"
I looked at them with pride as a satisfied sneer crossed my face and one of my canines glowed. There wasn't much more to say and I had to go to my office to check on what had been said during Gaya's meeting. I also had a lot of other things to organize, people to meet, so I had to finish this strategic meeting.
As I was about to release them to go back to their organizing and preparations, the door to the room suddenly opened with a bang.
"Mommy it's me !"
It was Shiro who had pushed the door open with all her might with her little arms. She was running towards me with a wide smile as Triss ran behind her.
"Princess please come back ! Her highness is in a meeting.."
Obviously, the half-human cat had not been able to stop her and my little moon was already hugging me. The women in the room bowed in silence as I grabbed Shiro to carry her in my arms.
"Hey sweetie ! Did you have a good evening and morning with your friend ?"
As I spoke to her, I waved the others off as I didn't want to hold them back any longer. Knowing their assignments, the commanders bowed one last time before leaving the room. Only Triss and Lia were left, and they also left to wait for me at the door. Shiro was all rosy cheeks and couldn't help but respond to me with a non-stop laugh.
"Yesterday I was a little tired but you know I didn't sleep right away. Kate and I told each other a lot of things and I told her how strong and brave I thought you were. Afterwards I don't remember much because I fell asleep but this morning it was great with all the kids ! Did you know that the morning Kate eats a lot ? I didn't know that but she eats at least twice as much as me can you believe it ? hihi~"
My little moon was happy and kept talking to me without stopping about all the things she had done. She was telling me that she was looking forward to going to school, making more friends even though Kate was her best friend. My daughter's tail as usual was wagging from right to left and her little hands were making big gestures to better explain to me. Shiro was absolutely adorable.
As she finished, I didn't have time to answer when she asked me a question I wasn't expecting.
"What about you ? Did you have fun with mom Gaya ?"
[Pfffhahaha~ given the good news I have to believe they did ! hehe~]
*Shhh, good thing she can't hear you !*
While I ignored Kira's joke, I kissed my little girl's pink cheek before answering her.
"Of course my little moon, we even have some very big news to tell you !"
Shiro's eyes opened wide as she grabbed me by the shirt to shake me as best she could, excited and curious.
"Oh mommy tell me pleeease !"
Then suddenly she stopped, releasing my clothes as she lowered her head and ears.
"Sorry, I...I didn't mean to shake you."
A small sad look crossed her face as I pinched her cheek gently.
"Sweetie it's okay don't worry, your mommy is the strongest in the world hehe~"
To make her laugh, I winked at her, puffing out my chest with a proud look and happily sticking out my tongue.
"Hihi~"
Shiro had started laughing out loud again as she also stuck out her tongue to imitate me. Her smile was one of my treasures and as I kissed her on the forehead, I headed for the door.
"Let's go see if Gaya is done, we both want to tell you."
My little girl still in my arms nodded vigorously as I opened the door to see Triss and Lia talking on the other side.
"I'm not going to my office just yet, I have some important things to do. You can go on with your work, meet me in an hour in the lounge of my private quarters."
True, I had a lot of work to do, but telling Shiro that she would soon have a baby brother or sister was more important.
"Sure your highness, we will take our leave then."
The two young women walked away as I took the opposite path towards the second meeting room.
"Mommy...how do you keep from getting lost ? Everything is so big.."
Shiro was looking around and I knew she was lost. From her small height, it was indeed easy to see this huge mansion even bigger and confusing. As I continued walking, I smiled and told her not to worry.
"Don't worry, when you've spent more time at home you'll know every place by heart."
"Is that true ??? When ??"
"Well...with time. Patience is very important you know ? If you're patient and determined, I'm sure you'll be able to do great things."
"As amazing as what you are doing mommy ?"
Shiro clenched her fists and looked at me seriously and silently. I had never seen my daughter's eyes shine with that gleam that did not appear the first time I met her. From the height of her five and a half years, my little moon was already beginning to change.
"You're going to be more amazing than me sweetie."
At these words, her gaze still kept its serious look but her tail had begun to flap furiously betraying her emotions. She then turned to where we were going while I heard her whisper to herself.
"More amazing than mommy...is it possible ?"
Chuckling slightly, I hugged her gently as I spotted Gaya in the distance talking to her team.
"Shiro, I don't think you'll have to wait until you know what the surprise is"
____
FULL STATUS
Name : Freya
Age: 0 years / Mentally: 25 years
Sex : Female
Course : Ice Demon Wolf of chaos - Adult
Race : Major Demon
Titles : Blessed by Titania, Goddess of endless Chaos and eternal frozen Hell.
Dragon tamer
Ruthless slayer
Level : 33/70
Exp required for next level: 100 / 34 000
HP : 90 000 / 90 000 MP : 45 000 / 45 000
Strength : 425
Defense : 421
Agility : 435
Stamina : 428
Speed : 427
Intelligence : 425
Charisma : 410 (imperial she-wolf)
Attribute points to allocate : 0
Married to: Gaya
Daughter : Shiro
Empire (menu)
Subordinates : 387
Humans killed : 148
Elements: Ice / Chaos
Skills (all):
Attack - Demon Claws (Lvl 5)
- Bite of hell (Lvl 5)
- Infernal ice spikes (Lvl 6)
- Fighting techniques (lvl max)
- Mastery of the katana (lvl max)
- Demonic aura of the empress (lvl 5)
Defense - Ice demon wall (lvl 6)
- Demonic cloak (lvl 5)
Pain Resistance (lvl 3)
Attack/Defense - Domain of the Ice Empress "frozen wrath" (lvl 1) - (under condition)
Others - Humanoid form
- Ice creation (Lvl 5)
- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)
- Devouring chaos (Lvl 5)
- Analysis
- Second soul (Lvl max) - unique
- Telepathy
- Mana detection (lvl 1)
Passives - Commander (lvl max)
- Natural Aura of the Ice Empress ]
I was in the meeting room of the manor and all the female commanders of the army were standing in front of me. Lia had just announced the beginning of this meeting so I straightened up to speak.
"To begin with, Persea, Ynir are the gates of the Empire open ?"
The butterfly woman would nod to her dryad partner before answering me.
"No your highness, we were just waiting for this meeting and your permission to do so"
"Perfect, once this meeting is over, open the doors while maintaining the illusion at the entrance. Your section will patrol the area around the wall to protect it if necessary. For the section in the air, has a scouting been done ?"
Persea and Ynir nodded as the gray-haired young woman spoke up. Trioa had prepared notes as she answered me with what she had written with slightly shaky hands.
"We haven't spotted any humans in the forest yet, there are also half-humans and beastmen still scattered throughout all areas of the Dark Forest. As you ordered, we have located their various camps which I have marked on the map."
It was important to always keep an eye on the surrounding area, it had been over a month since the adventurers had been killed and still no sign of more adventurers. I knew the humans all too well to know that they were up to something. We had to stay on guard and get as many people back as possible before the counterattack started. Trioa had already done a good job as the people they had found would not need to be searched.
"Very well, I want all of your best soldiers out on patrol for the next few days. We don't know if we're running out of time so the sooner we act, the less trouble there will be."
As I gave my orders, Caipy timidly raised her hand.
"Your Highness, regarding my section what should I do ? There are still only 12 of us and no one has mastered magic yet."
I had not forgotten the dark elf as I looked into her eyes.
"Send one of your soldiers to each section to assist them medically, except for Luna and Trioa. As for the other 6, it's up to you to decide, they are under your responsibility.
Turning then to the half-panther I explained my choice.
"Your team will be in charge of the area closest to the roads and Yarlford to the southwest. As head of intelligence you are the most likely to run away in case of an unexpected encounter. Therefore, you can't have a doctor in your team for more mobility. Unfortunately Trioa can't handle it with you as she will be tasked with flying over the northeast mountains with her team."
"Of course your highness !"
With a serious face, Luna nodded as I ran my fingers under my chin to think.
*I also need to be able to have enough food to accommodate the newcomers, I could check on that with Gaya once this meeting is over*
While I was lost in my thoughts, the beautiful lamia with the black scales spoke up followed by Ralph.
"Your Highness, I would cover the area to the north where half-humans are hidden. I would have no trouble finding my way around there as it is a swampy area. Of course, the vice-commander Naïa will accompany me."
"As for me I would take the Southeast area, I'm pretty good at getting respect from other races like the ogres."
The two half-human commanders had serious faces and eyes that shone fiercely with determination. If Nixia took the northern zone, she would indeed have a better chance of successfully navigating the swamps. As a lamia, she was used to this environment more than anyone. I wasn't worried about the young fox either because she understood quickly and was getting better every day.
As for the young hybrid woman, her alpha temperament and her strength made her quite capable of dealing with ogres. They were proud creatures and sometimes a bit stupid, basing themselves only on the strength and the value of an individual.
*Emilia could also have gone, but I feel that Ralph is perfect for that*
I knew that I could trust them both, so I nodded while they understood without me speaking that I counted on them. Only Emilia and Thorunn were left. Luna would leave for the Southwest, Ralph the East, Trioa the Northeast, Nixia the North while Caipy would stay in the Empire and Ynir and Persea would take care of the defense.
"Emilia !"
"Yes your Highness"
"You will be in charge of patrolling the center of the forest. You are the commander with the most soldiers, so it will be faster for you to cover the area. Be careful when you're there, despite Trioa's patrols we don't know for sure if any humans are lurking around."
Turning back to Thorunn, I stared at her with my violet eyes before addressing her.
"You will be with Emilia, spread out all over the center of the Dark Forest and find the races that still inhabit it !"
The vampire and the half-human cat nodded, indicating that they understood. With their 66 soldiers together, the searches of the temple, the caves, the camps would be that much faster and more efficient. Emilia and Thorunn were both powerful women and just like the other commanders I had appointed, I trusted them.
"Empress.."
Lia leaned towards me to give me the map she had prepared during the discussion, which showed the areas covered by the different commanders.
"Good job !"
As I congratulated her, I could see the young rabbit woman bowing with a slight blush.
[Aww~!]
*Sigh..*
Shaking my head and sighing slightly at the situation, I stood up from my ice seat, towering over them from my height. I could feel my passive "Commander" skill activate as I spoke.
"Now that you know what you have to do, prepare your soldiers and leave tomorrow. The priority is not to fight, but to offer our help to those who are still hiding. It's up to you to organize yourselves as you wish, but I don't want anyone to get hurt. If anything happens, as leaders you will be held responsible."
My words may have sounded harsh but it was reality. On our decisions depended a multitude of other lives that we had no right to foolishly endanger. The Empire was still small, but I knew that it would one day become perhaps more than an Empire...as a symbol for all races. Therefore, the commanders had to take their jobs seriously now and become excellent leaders.
With this thought in mind, the women in front of me still silent, I continued.
"The humans will come no matter what, that's a certainty. After what we did towards the ruins, there is bound to be retaliation. Never forget that and on your mission, put your life and the lives of others first. I don't want unnecessary fighting, especially if you have people among you who want to join the Empire. I have promised protection, so it must be granted as soon as the will to join us has been formulated and accepted. I trust you !"
As I finished saying what I had to say, the 10 young women stood up in unison. They all knew that saving the life of another race was more important than taking the life of a human. Their eyes shone on their warrior faces, they were beautiful, determined and I knew with that look they would not disappoint me.
"At your command your Highness, we will not forget that the priority must be the people being rescued !"
I looked at them with pride as a satisfied sneer crossed my face and one of my canines glowed. There wasn't much more to say and I had to go to my office to check on what had been said during Gaya's meeting. I also had a lot of other things to organize, people to meet, so I had to finish this strategic meeting.
As I was about to release them to go back to their organizing and preparations, the door to the room suddenly opened with a bang.
"Mommy it's me !"
It was Shiro who had pushed the door open with all her might with her little arms. She was running towards me with a wide smile as Triss ran behind her.
"Princess please come back ! Her highness is in a meeting.."
Obviously, the half-human cat had not been able to stop her and my little moon was already hugging me. The women in the room bowed in silence as I grabbed Shiro to carry her in my arms.
"Hey sweetie ! Did you have a good evening and morning with your friend ?"
As I spoke to her, I waved the others off as I didn't want to hold them back any longer. Knowing their assignments, the commanders bowed one last time before leaving the room. Only Triss and Lia were left, and they also left to wait for me at the door. Shiro was all rosy cheeks and couldn't help but respond to me with a non-stop laugh.
"Yesterday I was a little tired but you know I didn't sleep right away. Kate and I told each other a lot of things and I told her how strong and brave I thought you were. Afterwards I don't remember much because I fell asleep but this morning it was great with all the kids ! Did you know that the morning Kate eats a lot ? I didn't know that but she eats at least twice as much as me can you believe it ? hihi~"
My little moon was happy and kept talking to me without stopping about all the things she had done. She was telling me that she was looking forward to going to school, making more friends even though Kate was her best friend. My daughter's tail as usual was wagging from right to left and her little hands were making big gestures to better explain to me. Shiro was absolutely adorable.
As she finished, I didn't have time to answer when she asked me a question I wasn't expecting.
"What about you ? Did you have fun with mom Gaya ?"
[Pfffhahaha~ given the good news I have to believe they did ! hehe~]
*Shhh, good thing she can't hear you !*
While I ignored Kira's joke, I kissed my little girl's pink cheek before answering her.
"Of course my little moon, we even have some very big news to tell you !"
Shiro's eyes opened wide as she grabbed me by the shirt to shake me as best she could, excited and curious.
"Oh mommy tell me pleeease !"
Then suddenly she stopped, releasing my clothes as she lowered her head and ears.
"Sorry, I...I didn't mean to shake you."
A small sad look crossed her face as I pinched her cheek gently.
"Sweetie it's okay don't worry, your mommy is the strongest in the world hehe~"
To make her laugh, I winked at her, puffing out my chest with a proud look and happily sticking out my tongue.
"Hihi~"
Shiro had started laughing out loud again as she also stuck out her tongue to imitate me. Her smile was one of my treasures and as I kissed her on the forehead, I headed for the door.
"Let's go see if Gaya is done, we both want to tell you."
My little girl still in my arms nodded vigorously as I opened the door to see Triss and Lia talking on the other side.
"I'm not going to my office just yet, I have some important things to do. You can go on with your work, meet me in an hour in the lounge of my private quarters."
True, I had a lot of work to do, but telling Shiro that she would soon have a baby brother or sister was more important.
"Sure your highness, we will take our leave then."
The two young women walked away as I took the opposite path towards the second meeting room.
"Mommy...how do you keep from getting lost ? Everything is so big.."
Shiro was looking around and I knew she was lost. From her small height, it was indeed easy to see this huge mansion even bigger and confusing. As I continued walking, I smiled and told her not to worry.
"Don't worry, when you've spent more time at home you'll know every place by heart."
"Is that true ??? When ??"
"Well...with time. Patience is very important you know ? If you're patient and determined, I'm sure you'll be able to do great things."
"As amazing as what you are doing mommy ?"
Shiro clenched her fists and looked at me seriously and silently. I had never seen my daughter's eyes shine with that gleam that did not appear the first time I met her. From the height of her five and a half years, my little moon was already beginning to change.
"You're going to be more amazing than me sweetie."
At these words, her gaze still kept its serious look but her tail had begun to flap furiously betraying her emotions. She then turned to where we were going while I heard her whisper to herself.
"More amazing than mommy...is it possible ?"
Chuckling slightly, I hugged her gently as I spotted Gaya in the distance talking to her team.
"Shiro, I don't think you'll have to wait until you know what the surprise is"
____
FULL STATUS
Name : Freya
Age: 0 years / Mentally: 25 years
Sex : Female
Course : Ice Demon Wolf of chaos - Adult
Race : Major Demon
Titles : Blessed by Titania, Goddess of endless Chaos and eternal frozen Hell.
Dragon tamer
Ruthless slayer
Level : 33/70
Exp required for next level: 100 / 34 000
HP : 90 000 / 90 000 MP : 45 000 / 45 000
Strength : 425
Defense : 421
Agility : 435
Stamina : 428
Speed : 427
Intelligence : 425
Charisma : 410 (imperial she-wolf)
Attribute points to allocate : 0
Married to: Gaya
Daughter : Shiro
Empire (menu)
Subordinates : 387
Humans killed : 148
Elements: Ice / Chaos
Skills (all):
Attack - Demon Claws (Lvl 5)
- Bite of hell (Lvl 5)
- Infernal ice spikes (Lvl 6)
- Fighting techniques (lvl max)
- Mastery of the katana (lvl max)
- Demonic aura of the empress (lvl 5)
Defense - Ice demon wall (lvl 6)
- Demonic cloak (lvl 5)
Pain Resistance (lvl 3)
Attack/Defense - Domain of the Ice Empress "frozen wrath" (lvl 1) - (under condition)
Others - Humanoid form
- Ice creation (Lvl 5)
- Storage of chaos (Lvl 4)
- Devouring chaos (Lvl 5)
- Analysis
- Second soul (Lvl max) - unique
- Telepathy
- Mana detection (lvl 1)
Passives - Commander (lvl max)
- Natural Aura of the Ice Empress ]
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