Crushing flags and claiming the Villainess-Chapter 224 - 223- Strategy

"They have already given us our roles. From here on, it depends on us how we operate." William voiced as he continued to assess the map of the northern region.

It was then that a knock on the door disrupted his focus.

"Who is it?" Gareth asked with slight annoyance in his voice. Unless it's an emergency the soldiers were forbidden from disturbing them.

"Commander, it's the Prince of Erybdor. Sir Austin is here."

Gareth frowned before he turned towards his Lord.

Eden himself couldn't take the decision here, so he turned toward William.

The blond swordsman wordlessly nodded, before Eden gave his consent to the Commander.

"Send him in," Gareth said before the door soon parted and revealed the blond Prince whom no one in the room had met before.

William finally tore his eyes away from the map to glance at the boy, but upon seeing the absence of the violet-haired beside him, he lost interest.

Austin glanced around the room. He was already informed by Selner that he would meet a few prominent figures of the human realm today. And as she said, he could see some canon characters sharing the discussion table.

"Prince Austin, I extend my gratitude for standing by our side in times of distress." The King politely thanked the younger one.

Austin nodded before he informed them what they must be eager to know, "Valerie would join us before the demonic army arrives. She is currently with Madame Selner, preparing for the war."

Charlotte flinched and William also showed a reaction when that name was mentioned.

The seventh-ranked S-rank, Darius Greyhound asked, "Are you closely acquainted with Madame Selner."

It was no surprise that they were aware of that name. As Selner mentioned she, at some point, has become the teacher of every S-rank warrior.

Austin slowly nodded, "Yes, I know her."

He was invited by the King to sit at the table.

Once the blond Prince was seated, Charlotte, who was not far away from him, asked, "I asked from Madame Selner that you had a plan and you needed me for that?"

Austin nodded, "Not only you but Sir William too."

He opened the map he brought along, which was hand drawn, and several lines and marks signified things that couldn't be found on regular maps.

Every eye turned towards the map as Austin began, "The western coast that would be the entry point of the demons is quite vast. Even if we combine the army of Ademerg and the forces sent by the Council we couldn't guard it all."

"We know that, duh." The third-ranked woman with pale green hair shrugged.

Hearing her words, Austin sighed before adding, "That's why we need to narrow down their entry point."

"And do you want me to make barriers at those points where we would be vulnerable?" Charlotte asked, trying to piece things up.

However, her barriers couldn't resist thousands of demons, and especially not the strong ones. Then, won't it be just a waste of Soul energy?

However, "That's what they all will think. They will push the region that would be protected, and once they break through, we will be waiting for them."

This content is taken from freeweɓnovel.cѳm.

"Hmm~" Charlotte's brows elevated. So, he means to fool them by pretending to protect their weak side. While they would be putting barriers where their forces would be densest.

"That can actually work." Darius agreed.

Charlotte also nodded, "Yes, it has a high percentage of success."

They can't defeat the enemy head-on. They have the numbers and quality. So they can lure the demons into a trap which would at least lessen their forces.

Since everyone seemed to have agreed to his plan, Austin was about to continue. When suddenly,

"It can backfire if they actually target the unguarded area. Our forces would be less there and Charlotte and I would be in a completely different region." William spoke sternly, his eyes looking down on Austin.

Charlotte frowned, "Using the usual method we cannot stop them from pushing their forces through different shores. Austin's method would at least grant us the chance to take down a huge amount of demons through unified effort."

William scoffed, "You really believe those Demons are idiots? Never underestimate your enemy or it's your death, Charlotte."

Austin sighed, he was feeling tired already. This self-righteous and wannabe protagonist is annoying him.

In a stern tone, Austin suggested, "Go ahead, Sir William, and make a strategy. If you can convince others with an actual good plan, I will just follow you."

Austin folded the map and sat down.

For the next thirty minutes, William tried to explain the strategy he had in mind. But,

"We are going with Austin's plan or you are going to the frontlines without me." Charlotte relayed her decision.

"Same here," Darius added with his arms crossed.

"Don't mind, Will, but the kid got a better plan." The third-ranked—Thea Angelwood, added.

William was left with no option. Going against his comrades to force his decision would be unfair.

However, if they are going to trust the Prince he should be aware of the weight this position carried.

Looking at Austin, William said, "Remember that, if your strategy fails and we end up losing more than we have anticipated, then you would be held accountable for that."

Austin remained silent, his eyes never wavering.

And that…was enough for an answer.

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AN:- People complaining about slow paced that I don't feel like giving characters enough time to grow. Haah~