In the year 476 of the Eleventh Era, the Godma Empire marched north. Emperor William Davidow, known as the "King of Blood Pools," intended to annex the northern kingdoms, moving his main forces beyond the national borders. This campaign, known as Godma's First Northern Expedition, began with the Battle of Krividoxins and concluded with the Battle of the Flottant de la mer. Among these conflicts, the most horrific warfare took place in Cynthia, historically recorded as the Siege of Cynthia.

By then, the Godma forces had captured Krividoxins, a city on the southern bank of the Dobi River, which served as a crucial strategic point for crossing. However, even after crossing the Dobi River, without breaking through Cynthia on the northern bank, they could not advance and would have to retreat. Thus, Davidow issued a clear command: take Cynthia at any cost. After a moment's contemplation, he prepared to give further orders to Duke Raveirmom "The Falcon" Dear.

He stood at the head of the long table, hands planted firmly on its surface. He wore simple attire, not much different from ordinary nobles. "Rather than ornate garments and a crown, I prefer power in its purest form" - this was Emperor William Davidow's maxim. Before him lay a massive map, scattered with a dizzying array of colored pieces: most of the blue pieces had already been pushed beyond Godma's current borders.

"I want to hear any other opinions or suggestions." This wasn't a question, but a command. His fingers drummed rhythmically on the table's surface, and none dared to complain.

"Your Majesty, I advise against a full assault on Cynthia. As is widely known, Cynthia is easily defended but difficult to capture, with only one main gate. In the 4th century, Floren, now our province, once attempted to violate Cynthia's borders. However, they couldn't even cross the Dobi River," Duke Glor stated his opinion and bowed slightly.

"Absolute nonsense!" Sir Eyoch, the Commander of the Royal Knights, exclaimed heatedly. "Floren's cavalry back then were all malnourished specimens - their horses could barely carry a single peasant! How dare you compare them to our invincible Godma cavalry?"

"Hmph, you have a point, Eyoch," Doruni, the Spymaster, stroked his chin. "The reason Floren's horses were so weak was that they spent most of their time swishing their tails in pastures or stables. From what I hear, you too spend most of your time swishing your tail at court ladies - though yours is attached to your front rather than your back."

Scattered laughter filled the council chamber, while Eyoch's face turned crimson. Davidow made no attempt to smooth things over, instead turning to Glor: "Well then, Glor. Tell me your thoughts."

"I suggest we position a small portion of our forces at Cynthia's main gate," he began gesturing on the map. "Then, deploy most of our infantry and a few heavy cavalry units to the Wyma Forest," he moved a blue piece into Cynthia's walls, "and break through from the west."

"A diversion tactic, creating a false front while striking elsewhere," Doruni stroked his goatee. "This might work for ordinary cities, but let's not forget what our respected Eyoch mentioned - Cynthia has only one main gate. For over five hundred years, they've rested easy thanks to this damn design. No one has been able to disturb them."

"Even the strategy we used at Krividoxins won't work here," Eyoch had finally regained his composure. "Krivi was a timber country, which made it vulnerable to fire attacks. But Cynthia's walls are entirely stone-built, nearly impregnable. Moreover, Cynthia's outskirts are vast and open - if we approach with a large force, we'd be nothing more than walking targets."

"Besides, Krivi's military strength was nowhere near Cynthia's. Cynthia is arguably one of the strongest northern kingdoms, with a conservative estimate of thirty thousand cavalry. Their infantry numbers roughly twice that..." Doruni's voice trailed off as they realized they had completely ignored their Emperor.

Davidow gestured for them to continue.

"What about siege engines?" Glor pointed to the previously mentioned position. "We could transport them to the open ground between Cynthia's western wall and the Wymar Forest, and break through from there."

The room fell silent as everyone considered this new proposal.

"Not feasible," Davidow spoke this time, and all heads snapped up. "Most of our siege engines are heavy machines that would move too slowly. By the time we transport them to Cynthia, they could have already summoned reinforcements from nearby Duviliel." He flicked a red piece, which rolled to a kingdom north of the Kulen Mountains.

"We could transport the materials and assemble them on site."

"The space between the western wall and the Wymar Forest is too narrow. Assembling siege engines there would be suicide - we'd be within range of their archers and stone-throwers. If we try to do it inside the Wymar Forest, we'd be vulnerable to all sorts of ambushes. The Cynthians have the home advantage."

"I agree, Your Majesty," Doruni concurred. "Our battle lines are already stretched thin. We don't know where the Cynthians might have set their traps, and we can't afford such losses."

"Then what should we do?" Eyoch asked impatiently. "Are we just going to march our entire army to their doorstep?"

Davidow raised his hand for silence. "For now, we'll stick to the original plan and focus on breaking through the main gate." His cold gaze swept across everyone present. "That's all for today. Doruni, Raveirmom, you two stay."

Though Eyoch clearly wanted to say more, he could only swallow his words and bow out alongside Duke Glor. Duke Raveirmom, who had remained silent throughout the discussion, now moved to stand beside the Emperor.

"What are your thoughts, Raveirmom? Any good strategies?"

"I do have an idea, Your Majesty," Raveirmom nodded. "Though it's merely a passing thought, and I'm unsure of its feasibility."

"You may keep your thoughts to yourself, Raveirmom," the Emperor continued studying the map. "Report to me once you've developed this notion into a viable plan. I asked you to stay for different matters." He left the table and walked to the window.

"The commoners... the fewer, the better... Raveirmom, you understand my meaning?"

"Perfectly, Your Majesty." Raveirmom bowed deeply. Having campaigned with Emperor William across the lands, he had witnessed firsthand how the Emperor's path was marked by pools of blood. Instinct alone was enough to grasp the implications.

"Regarding Cynthia," continued the Emperor, "this battle is crucial, and I want you to command it personally, no matter the cost. Do you understand?"

"I understand, Your Majesty."

"As for the Queen of Cynthia, I want you to send envoys before the battle to persuade her to surrender. If she yields, spare her life, and we can take Cynthia without bloodshed. If not, kill her." The Emperor stroked his chin. "But the princess - I want her brought to me unharmed. For this task, you'll need Doruni's assistance."

The Spymaster stepped forward when the Emperor mentioned his name. "Doruni, tell us what intelligence you've gathered."

After bowing, the spy began his report: "According to our information, the Queen and King of Cynthia gave birth to a baby girl in early January this year. She currently resides in the Cynthian palace with her parents. She is the royal couple's only offspring and the legitimate heir to the Cynthian throne."

"Early January?" Raveirmom asked, puzzled. "So the Cynthian princess is only five months old? How are we to identify her? And how can we extract her during the chaos of battle, should it come to that?"

"Indeed, this presents a challenge, though not an insurmountable one," Doruni continued. "There are only a few infants in the entire Cynthian palace. Moreover, it's said that when she was born, her cries echoed throughout the court, and she only quiets when held by her parents. I trust finding the little princess won't be difficult for you, Duke."

"Indeed not, Doruni," he turned to face the spy. "After all, I'm not one who merely talks." Doruni responded with a smile.

Davidow gazed at the stars through the window, only to realize they were merely reflections in the pool. "These are the two matters I wished to discuss. Since you both understand the weight of your responsibilities, you should know that I do not tolerate failure." He turned to face them both. "Now, you are dismissed."

The two bowed once more, then withdrew in silence.