Only You Cheat, Huh?
System Note: You have mustered all available forces: 50 cavalry, 300 archers, 600 infantry, 200 expendables, with your two Queen's Knights and yourself as the core strike force.
In the command tent, Guiliniweier reviewed troop counts in a low voice:
"After raising them all this time, this is all we can field… but New Darrlington truly cannot sustain more. Fortunately, fairy soldiers don't need rations—only the humans do, and we can even produce some by magical means."
He studied the campaign map:
"Though small in number, this is sufficient against Solsberry. Fairyland's populations are sparse; large-scale deployments are impossible. And close-combat prowess often beats sheer mass—exactly to my advantage."
Early June 2018, Night:
You fulfill your promise by sending out first those gladiators who will secure their freedom with five fairy heads each.
You order your main force to don dark cloaks and conceal their banners, sowing confusion so Aurora's spies cannot discern your true strength.
Guiliniweier smiled to himself:
"As expected, Aurora relies on planted spies but cannot tell truth from rumor. She assumes this is merely a rebellious skirmish, unaware our main force lies in wait."
He issued his deceptive orders:
Spread word that the escaped gladiators are pillaging villages and demand Solsberry pay 500 million Morg pounds for you to 'suppress the uprising.'
Across the water-mirror, a polished Aurora appeared sympathetic:
"Those poor souls… I will show mercy and take them in. There is no need for Princess Tristan to intervene."
System Prompt: Aurora regards this as blackmail and rejects the proposal.
Guiliniweier remained composed:
"Just as she said: she'll first use those gladiators to block my true army. That suits me: I'll concentrate my elite troops and eliminate her proxies. Bavanshi, do not worry—they are merely pawns."
Two days later:
Those gladiators, marching at the forest's edge, are ambushed by Aurora's 'rebel' forces and suffer heavy losses. You had stationed archers mid-mountain to ambush the attackers; then your cavalry struck out, encircled the rebels, and annihilated them.
Before the discarded armor and bodies, Guiliniweier sneered:
"The so-called rebels wore Solsberry colors—clearly Aurora's doing. Now I have a pretext to enter the city: 'pursuing rebel agents.'"
You advance on Solsberry, notifying Lord Woodworth of Oxford to ensure he sends no aid.
With Aurora's proxy force crushed and the city's defenses in disarray, you swiftly breach the walls and capture Aurora and her inner circle alive.
At the execution ground's pavilion, Corall was brought before him. She recognized Guiliniweier and spat in anger:
"Traitor! Aurora treated you well—how dare you repay her thus?"
Guiliniweier spoke calmly:
"Aurora never truly understood me. Corall, I remember you once tried to save me; I remain grateful. Now, her crimes are undeniable, yet the city and its clans endure. If you aid me, I will help you rebuild Solsberry: let the Wind Clan truly flourish, no longer trampled under her rule. Will you stand with me?"
Corall hesitated:
"Why betray someone who once helped me?"
His gaze was unwavering:
"Because her actions have harmed many. You know better than anyone that the clan's future cannot lie with her. Beyond punishing the chief offender, fair treatment must extend to the folk. With you at the helm, we can restore justice and improve livelihoods. The chance is here."
At last, Corall bowed her head:
"I understand, Guiliniweier. This time, I will fully cooperate."
System Note: You secure Corall's loyalty and announce that tomorrow in the city square Aurora and her faction will be dealt with.
Late that night, Guiliniweier spoke with Bavanshi via the water-mirror:
"Aurora's fate is set, but I delayed announcing her crimes because hidden supporters remain in the city. I must root them out first to restore true peace to Solsberry. Do you understand?"
Bavanshi nodded, muttering under her breath:
"You always resort to such schemes… Teacher, you really are cheating, huh?"
He smiled faintly:
"'Cheating'—that's apt. Indeed, I constantly leverage simulation experience and hidden intelligence. But the real test lies here: even without my 'cheats,' I must execute the plan. Simulations give perspective and strategy, but in actual battle, judgment and preparation prevail."
Bavanshi looked doubtful:
"Aren't you afraid that without these 'cheats,' you might be helpless?"
He spoke gravely:
"Cheats are just tools. The core lies in mindset: understanding people's hearts, reading the situation, deploying forces wisely. Simulations help me rehearse possibilities and sharpen caution, but I never depend on any single tool. What you must learn is this strategic vision and execution."
Bavanshi reflected silently, as if absorbing a vital lesson.
Next morning, at Solsberry's central square:
Aurora and her adherents stood before the assembled citizens. Guiliniweier, Corall, and Bavanshi watched as the charges were laid bare: the true story of the "rebels," Aurora's abuse of power, and a cohort of high-ranking fairies' conspiracy. The crowd was stunned—some sighed, some stood in silence.
After the sentence was carried out, Corall was pardoned and appointed to assist in reconstruction. Guiliniweier and Bavanshi collaborated on new policies: abolishing the old oppressive statutes, aiding victims, and stabilizing the populace. Solsberry's winds of turmoil began to calm, and the people glimpsed hope at dawn.
System Feedback: Solsberry's order is restored. Your and Bavanshi's prestige rise greatly. New Darrlington and Solsberry form an alliance, laying the foundation for further expansion.
Guiliniweier turned to Bavanshi:
"Do you see now? A true ruler does not revel in slaughter; rather, one wields power to remove genuine threats, wins hearts, and drives reforms so the realm can prosper. That path will truly bring Mother joy as she sees your growth."
Bavanshi stared into the distance, resolve shining:
"I understand. Teacher, I will continue striving."
He nodded slightly, thinking: The real trials have only just begun.