Capítulo 37: A Study of Tactics ( 37 )

Liana entered the main dining room and paused, leaning lightly against the doorway. Her eyes softened as she spotted Javier at the grand table, flanked by two household maids.

It was amusing to watch him adopt a noble demeanor—his back perfectly straight, every movement slow and deliberate. One maid dabbed the corners of his mouth with a napkin while the other refilled his goblet with juice.

Suppressing a laugh, Liana crossed her arms, observing quietly until Javier's sharp gaze caught sight of her.

"Oh, Liana. It's good to see you,"

Liana smiled as she walked closer, the two maids turning to give her slight bows.

"I will take it from here," Liana said, her voice carrying her usual calm confidence. "You two can continue your duties elsewhere."

"Yes, Miss Liana," the maids replied in unison before retreating gracefully.

Taking their place, Liana stood beside Javier. "Enjoying the royal treatment, young master?"

Javier grinned mischievously. "Naturally. But it's better when you're the one attending me."

After her young master finished eating, Liana dutifully followed him to the study room. It was a daily routine she knew well—Javier would usually pretend to read or tinker with something trivial while trying to convince her he was busy.

But today was different.

Javier was engrossed in a thick, leather-bound tome, his eyes scanning the pages intently. Liana raised an eyebrow but said nothing. It was rare to see him this focused on his studies, and she didn't want to interrupt.

She glanced at the book's title: "The Art of War and Battlefield Formations." It was a detailed guide on medieval warfare strategies. Liana was curious but chose to remain silent, allowing him to concentrate.

Meanwhile, Javier was less impressed with the content.

"Hmm… so old school," he muttered in a monotone voice, turning another page. "They don't even have guerrilla tactics."

The book outlined standard medieval formations:

Shield Wall: Soldiers lined up shoulder to shoulder with shields interlocked, designed to absorb frontal attacks.

Phalanx Formation: Spearmen in tightly packed ranks, focusing on defense and maintaining position.

Flanking Maneuvers: Sending troops around the enemy to attack their sides or rear, though the execution seemed overly simplistic.

Cavalry Charges: Heavy horsemen breaking through enemy lines with sheer force.

Pincer Movement: Surrounding the enemy from both sides, though poorly detailed in the book.

Javier sighed, tapping the table. "No creativity. They're all so rigid, like playing a game where everyone follows the same boring rules. What about deception? Misdirection? Ambushes?"

He smirked and scribbled notes in the margins:

Use decoy troops to bait the enemy into ambush zones.

Feign retreat to lure them into narrow terrain.

Hit supply lines to weaken morale.

Night raids to sow chaos.

"Ehehehe… Imagine their faces when they get hit by a surprise flank," Javier chuckled, clearly amused by his ideas.

Curious about his muttering, Liana finally spoke up. "Young master, are you planning to lead an army someday?"

Javier looked up with a grin. "Not exactly, but it doesn't hurt to be prepared. Besides, this world's tactics are… outdated. If I ever get dragged into a war, I'm winning it my way."

Liana shook her head, half-amused and half-worried. "Let's just hope you don't start one yourself, young master."

"Can't promise that, Liana," Javier replied, his mischievous grin widening. "You know how living beings are. No matter the race—human, elf, dwarf, beastkin—conflict is inevitable. So, better ready than sorry... ehehehe."

Liana crossed her arms. "You're seriously considering forming your own army, aren't you, young master?"

"Eh? Is that even allowed?"

"It's not uncommon," Liana explained, her tone calm but firm. "Every noble son has their own personal retainers, soldiers, or guards. Even Young Master Marcellus, Young Master Cedric, and your step-siblings have begun forming their groups. Of course, all under the supervision of Lord Garius."

"Ah, I see..." Javier leaned back in his chair, his smirk turning contemplative. "But doesn't that mean they're all just extensions of Father's authority? Where's the fun in that?"

Liana sighed. "Young master, this isn't about 'fun.' It's about responsibility. Soldiers aren't toys, and forming a group requires dedication, planning, and respect."

"Dedication, planning, respect..." Javier repeated mockingly, rubbing his chin like a philosopher. Then he shrugged. "Doesn't sound too hard. Imagine this—my own elite squad of misfits, trained to perfection, loyal only to me. We'll be unstoppable!"

Liana pinched the bridge of her nose. "Young master, I truly hope you're joking. You already have your hands full with crafting, sneaking out, and whatever schemes you're cooking up in that head of yours."

"Relax, Liana," he said, waving her concern away. "I'm not rushing into anything. But if Father's allowing my siblings to have their groups, then why shouldn't I have mine? Think about it. I could handpick the best talents—no bias, no politics, just pure skill and loyalty."

"And how exactly would you convince people to follow you, young master?" Liana raised an eyebrow.

Javier leaned forward, his eyes gleaming with confidence. "Simple. Charm, vision, and results. Who wouldn't want to follow a genius like me?"

Liana groaned softly, already regretting the direction of this conversation. "Just… don't turn the household upside down with your plans. And whatever you do, consult Lord Garius first."

"Ehehehe… Can't promise that either, Liana. But don't worry. When the time comes, you'll be my second-in-command."

"Second-in-command?" Liana blinked, stunned by the sudden promotion.

"Of course!" Javier declared. "Every great leader needs a cool, level-headed advisor. That's you, Liana!"

Liana let out a long sigh. "I should've taken my day off sooner…"

"Day off?! Huh? What are you talking about, Liana?" Javier's eyes narrowed in disbelief as he stared at her.

"Ah," Liana replied with an innocent smile, "I forgot to mention, young master. Tomorrow is my day off. You know, I've never had any time off since I was personally assigned to attend to you."

"But... but..." Javier stammered, clearly unsettled by the thought of his dependable Liana leaving him, even for a day.

"Don't worry too much about it, young master," Liana reassured him, her tone calm and composed. "The head maid has already arranged for a group of household maids to attend to you temporarily. It's not like I'm going anywhere far."

"Ugh..." Javier groaned, crossing his arms like a sulking child. "This feels... wrong!"

Liana chuckled softly at his theatrics. "Young master, you're perfectly capable of surviving a single day without me. Think of it as an adventure—a chance to experience how the others work."

"Experience?" Javier huffed, clearly unimpressed. ".... Fine, but what am I supposed to do if something important comes up?"

Liana smirked. "The household maids are well-trained. I'm sure they can handle anything you throw at them. And if not, just behave yourself for once."

"Behave myself?" Javier muttered, his voice laced with exaggerated horror. "That sounds so boring."

"You'll survive," Liana said, patting his shoulder. "Besides, it's just one day. I'll be back before you know it."

Javier sighed dramatically. "Fine. But if they mess up even a little, I'm blaming you."

"Fair enough," Liana replied with a knowing smile. "Now, finish your book. I'll be preparing for tomorrow."

"Ugh… This is going to be the longest day of my life," Javier grumbled as he buried his face back in his book.

( End of Chapter )