Livia Tallwood, being a major General, had been appointed commander-in-chief of the Garrison at Grastide. Saying she was in a tough predicament was an understatement. Unexpectedly, the Antlaturs bypassed Grastide and headed to the capital. Livia had expected to stall them or even stop them at Grastide, but instead, she was pinned down by their token Force. Livia's mother was also a great General and constantly talked about maintaining the initiative. She lost the initiative and was left on the back foot with the clock against her.

“The situation of our kingdom is quite bleak, isn't it.” The governor of Grastide, Alistair Redmond, commented while leaning back in his chair. The governor of Grastide was the governor of the second-largest city in the Kingdom and was also the most important military base in the nation. Its Governor only served 3-year terms, but just being appointed meant one was a respected and well-connected noble in the Kingdom of Black. Alistair Redmont was no exception to the rule. Like most of the former governors, he had a respectable military and Civic career. Being 45, he was rounding out his military career before retiring to the High Council of the Kingdom to serve the rest of his days as an elder Statesman.

“Our kingdom has pulled itself out of worse predicaments before,” Livia commented, masking her unease. They were in his office in the governor's mansion at the heart of the City, awaiting an esteemed guest.

Alistair shrugged, “I don't know about you, Lady Tallwood, but I am quite concerned this is the largest Invasion our kingdom has ever faced, and yet our main force battles a force which outnumbers them.”

Livia listened silently before asking him, “So you want me to go out and fight as well?” Everyone around her had been urging her to do that ever since it became clear that the golden stallion would bypass the city and the enemy token force would ravage the countryside. The population of the countryside had long since abandoned the area. Still, the damage to the fields and houses, or what few of them there were, was severe. In addition, even if one could move their livestock, one couldn’t move their barns or homes, which were also burned. Even her soldiers were agitating her to go out and fight, which probably had more to do with their blood lust than any particular opinion about the economic damage done to the area.

Alistair slid a cigarette into his mouth. He smoked it in such a way that he almost came across as elegant and refined. “I'm worried about the continued existence of our nation. If we manage to break through their token force, we could cut off their supplies from the rear and at least drive them back to the Black Valley.”

Livia observed him quietly for a moment. “He isn't wrong, but he doesn't understand,” she thought. Marching out and fighting was the easy part, but winning was hard. The enemy had an advantage in numbers and a fortified encampment. She would also have to leave a part of her Army behind so they couldn't attack the city in her absence. She saw no reason for them to leave their fortified encampment. Instead, it would be her on the offensive unless the enemy commander was an idiot or had a guaranteed win.

A knock came at the door before she could respond. After Alistair granted permission to enter, the butler entered and announced, “Lady Elia Sanchez, her younger sister Lady Monica Sanchez, and their cousin Sir Vincent Sanchez have arrived, governor.”

“Excellent.” Alistair said, “Send them in, and I would say prepare tea, but we don't have any.”

Three figures entered the room shortly afterward. Leading the group was a girl who appeared to be 17 with long, straight black hair, a small face, and beautiful violet eyes. She was a petite and childish beauty who was the type to invoke protective instincts. Her small stature meant she could pass herself off as someone even younger. But how she dressed, stood, and carried herself displayed elegance. She had a charming and seemingly genuine smile, but anyone who had the slightest idea who this was wouldn't believe her lovely smile for a second. Livia stood up out of courtesy, and Elia curtsy perfectly. “My name is Elia Sanchez. It’s nice to meet you.” Being unable to curtsy while dressed in a military uniform, Livia Bowed courteously. She was still an aristocrat.

Eila gestured towards the young man standing beside her. “This is my cousin, Vincent.” Unlike his cousin, who seemed to have a permanent graceful smile, he remained utterly expressionless. But he bowed with just as much grace as Elia and shook hands with Livia. Vincent was tall and lean, unlike his cousin's short and petite frame. They shared the same black hair, violet eyes, and refined disposition, and he was just as much of a heartthrob as his cousin. Under different circumstances, Livia probably would have had sex with him.

The last member of their family to be introduced was Monica, who seemed to be acting as her sister's attendant rather than participating in the conversation. Her curtsy was well-practiced, but her handshake was unsteady. She looked like a younger version of her sister and was probably only 12, but she might have been older.

Despite her young age, Elia Sanchez was undoubtedly the most powerful person in the city and probably one of the most powerful people in the country. The Nobles of Grastide had formed an independent power block due to being estranged from the National Administration. These nobles were primarily the so-called registered Nobles. That is, they had many of the obligations of Nobles but lacked many of the perks. Not being titled was a huge career blow to anyone who saw broader opportunities in the National Administration. They felt they got a raw deal because they served as Knights, the same as the Nobles of Lapetra, but could only share a few perks.

Elia united them, overcoming local rivals to make House Sanchez the most powerful in the city. Although the governor still held full legal authority, the Sanchez family and their new union formed a power block that threatened the governor. However, many nobles in the city remained loyal. Along the way, many rival nobles mysteriously disappeared while House Sanchez went from poverty to newfound wealth due to her business savvy. She even betrayed House Sanchez's long-time ally and Patron House Bertrand. According to the rumors, killing its patriarch with her own two hands earned her the nickname Elia “The Serpent” Sanchez.

The tale has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.

When Antlaturs were ravaging the countryside, the Noble houses of the city protested, demanding that Livia go out and fight them. But House Sanchez had remained peculiarly silent on the matter. Alastair was convinced that the noble houses would not have dared risk such an action without the serpent's implicit approval. After a few days in the city, Livia was convinced of the same thing.

This meeting was called to end the protest. Livia wanted time to consider her options and plan accordingly, not to rush into a foolish battle she had no hope of winning. Fundamentally, she was a military-minded person who didn't care about the economic or long-term damage to the region so long as the kingdom emerged Victorious. Of course, the local nobility deeply cared about the economic activity of their city, as their own financial status and wealth depended on it. Ever since the Second Empire of Man, almost all Nobles relied more on wealth than military power due to the Advent of national armies. Making money and the ability to earn more money were of paramount concern to all noble families. Currently, their economic interests are being damaged by the war. Alister had already explained the conflict of interest at play. However, the meeting still had to be held to prevent a potential internal conflict from destroying the city's defense. But what she feared most was that the serpent would open the gate for the enemy.

Livia didn't beat around the bush, “I want you to put pressure on the Nobles and the citizens to cease protesting at least for the duration of the war.”

Elia raised an eyebrow. “You must understand that we of House Sanchez are just another Noble family.”

She seemed to want me to continue, so Livia stopped her with a raised hand. “I don't particularly care how you view yourself. I just want you to tell the Nobles to stop the protests and the citizens from committing treasonous activity.”

“Treasonous activity?” Elia had a seemingly genuine look of horror on her face. Livia might have bought it if she hadn't heard about her beforehand. “General, you must understand that the people are merely protesting their poor living conditions due to having taken refuge in the city and their property being destroyed. I don't believe that qualifies as treasonous.”

“Interfering with the war effort, which might have the continued sovereignty of the Black Kingdom at stake, is treasonous activity and will remain treasonous,” Livia stated flatly. “If you cannot get them under control, then I'll have no choice but to declare martial law.” She had no intention of engaging in a war of words with her opponent because she knew she would lose. Instead, she just flatly stated her demands and gave her ultimatum without giving her conversational opponent a chance to respond.

Elia's look of horror happened a second too late to be genuine. But Livia had said she intended to leave her piece with her threat still looming. When the door slammed open, a soldier rushed in behind her, the flustered-looking butler who seemed to be trying to stop her. Livia recognized the face of her Aid Lola Corralo. “General, an urgent messenger from the first division,” she said, still panting.

Elia and her entourage returned to their mansion after Livia was called away. The moment the two were seated, Elia turned to her cousin with a bit of annoyance. “I would have appreciated some support out there, Vic.”

Vincent looked unapologetic. “What was I supposed to say? That General knew she was no match for you in a war of words, so she blatantly delivered her threat and didn't intend to engage you. You would have lost regardless of my assistance.” Although she continued looking annoyed, deep down, she admitted he was entirely right.

“We got lucky,” she finally stated. “Saved by the Bell.”

“Well, this might turn out to be a good thing.” Vincent said, “We both know Valarius won his battle against Redtowers. Complying with her demands won't be a loss for us.” They had stationed spies in Valerius's army. Hence, they knew while Livia remained ignorant, primarily because Valerius had neglected to send a report.

She nodded in agreement. They'd been secretly planning to open the city gates if the kingdom of Black looked like it would lose. Elia didn't want to betray the kingdom but did not intend to go down with the ship. They only got involved with the Antlaturs after it became clear that the city of Lepetra was the target. After the capital fell, it was only a matter of time before the rest of the Kingdom folded. To keep House Sanchez's involvement in the matter silent, she'd used other houses deeply in debt to the Sanchez's as their go-betweens. The Antlaturs only knew that those families were plotting to betray the city, and they hadn't heard of the Sanchez name. They would only reveal themselves to their enemies once it was time to betray them. This would keep them safe just in case it was exposed.

But betraying the kingdom was the last thing that the House Sanchez wanted. It wasn't like the Antlaturs were going to reward them with titles. In the Kingdom of Black, Grastide Nobles were treated like second-class Nobles, but they still had a lot of influence, leading the second-largest city in the nation. But the Kingdom of Antlatur's status would decline further as the city would only be one of many, and the Nobles would be treated like traitors from a foreign nation.

Even after all that, Elia had made preparations just in case the kingdom went down. She viewed herself as a pragmatist, although others would call her an opportunist. But with Valerius's victory at Erinvale’s and other news, it looked like the tide was turning in favor of the Kingdom.

Elia asked Vincent, “What should we do if the Kingdom of Black emerged victorious? “

Vincent didn't hesitate for a moment before responding. “We should expose those Houses who were secretly plotting to open the gates for the Antlaturs”

“What if they expose us?”

“The ramblings of traitors. They don't have any proof of us being involved in their treasonous plots. The governor won't be able to do anything even if he knows exactly what is happening.”

Elia thought about it for a moment. “ All right, we'll do that but expose them publicly so their accusations will be discredited even more.”

Vincent finally revealed a smile. “That's why you're the serpent.”

“Don't call me that. You know I prefer ‘Minx.’ It's more feminine.”