The Earth Clan reinforcements, led by Ector, reached Gloucester on the front lines just a day after Shiomi—a result of their forced march at maximum speed.
After the ambush by the northern fairies and with the intelligence Shiomi brought, Ector knew there was no time to lose and pushed his forces to move faster.
The Earth Clan, known for forging weapons and armor, brought hope that the equipment lost in battle could now be replenished, and damaged arms and armor repaired. This news quickly lifted the morale of the other clans. The Fang Clan was no exception. Wryneck's personal strength didn't mean the Fang Fairies had no need for weapons.
"Some bad news," Grímr told Shiomi. "Besides Mab leading the northern fairies, there's also a human among them. You should know him—the lover who was with Mab ten years ago."
Inside a tent in the main camp, the savior's group held a private meeting.
Shiomi folded his arms. "We've only heard rumors. We've never had time to visit that side, let alone meet him."
"Who he is doesn't matter. The key point is that, as Mab's husband, he's her right-hand man," Grímr said with a sly grin.
There were even rumors that Mab had been imitating Aesc's example by marrying him, though no one could confirm it.
"My husband is also my right-hand man," Aesc remarked. "Or should that be the other way around?"
"That's not the issue here, you two…" Grímr sighed, exasperated. "From reorganizing the northern army to designing their strategy and tactics, that man's the one who handled it all."
At those words, Shiomi immediately realized the problem.
Humans in Britannia might have short lifespans due to their artificial nature and innate flaws—but their overall aptitude was high. That was why humans could create the culture and luxuries the fairies themselves never could.
If, by chance, a human with exceptional talent for warfare and command appeared… Mab had found such a human. She was drawn to him and allowed him to fully unleash his abilities.
"Ten years ago…" Shiomi calculated. "And they married. So how old is that human now?"
Grímr shrugged. "If my information's right, he's thirty."
"...If that's true..." Shiomi pressed his lips together.
"Does my husband intend for the allied forces to stall the northern fairies until Mab's husband dies of old age?" Aesc asked.
"Hard to say. It might just be false intelligence. For all we know, that man's far from reaching his lifespan limit," Shiomi replied, shaking his head. "If this war drags on, the southern fairies will be doomed."
"The clans can't agree. The Fang Clan wants a decisive victory, while Wind and Wing want to conserve strength. The Earth Clan, being the last to arrive, hasn't been blamed yet, thanks to us keeping order…" Aesc noted the fragile state of their so-called alliance.
Shiomi called out, "Baobhan Sith, bring the map."
"Yes."
Baobhan Sith immediately fetched the map, ran to a nearby rack, hung it up, and secured the corners with weights.
Gloucester's geography was much like Manchester's—open plains to the front, mountains to the rear. From Gloucester, one could head east, then north to connect with Manchester or south to reach the Wind Clan in Salisbury.
"What if we use Gloucester as bait, to lure the northern fairy army deeper into our territory?" Grímr suggested. "Mab's intelligence is likely similar. She'll probably try to cut off Gloucester's connections to the other cities first."
"Divide and conquer," Aesc said, scanning the remaining clan territories.
Mab's strategy was clear: move southward, conquering city by city. If Gloucester fell, the northern fairies could attack from both the north and south simultaneously, while the southern clans would lose access to the northern plains—further shrinking their strategic room to maneuver.
"Contract our defenses to lure the northern fairies' main force deeper in." Shiomi's finger rested on the central plains. "Once the northern fairies begin monitoring Gloucester while severing the central plains—"
"The allied forces of the four clans will launch a three-pronged assault from Gloucester, the western edge of the Great Hollow, and Salisbury," Aesc pondered. "But our forces here are limited..."
"This is no ordinary war." Shiomi looked at Aesc. "As individuals, our very existence and combat power will overturn conventional battlefield strategies."
Grímr wore an amused smile. "You wouldn't be planning to lead a decapitation strike on Mab's headquarters with your esteemed wife while the allied clans execute the three-pronged assault, would you?"
"Is that not possible?" Shiomi asked. "You've seen real battle before—you know better than I do."
"Of course it's possible," Grímr replied. "But you'll need to move quickly. If you're too slow, dividing your forces into three will only weaken your strength. By the time the southern fairies' army is wiped out, you might still not have taken down Mab."
Shiomi traced the raised patterns on his robe.
"That's true."
"But Sage, your reputation and that of the Witch are widely known. If the northern fairies have scouts keeping track of your movements..." Baobhan Sith stepped forward, voicing her concern.
"You mean if Aesc and I don't appear on the battlefield, Mab will hold back her forces and drag us into a war of attrition?" Shiomi nodded in thought. "That's something we'll have to take into account."
Aesc glanced at Baobhan Sith. "Could it be this child actually has a talent for strategy?"
"What, is the Witch thinking of taking on an apprentice?" Shiomi asked with a smile.
"I've never taught anyone before, but once the war ends, Britannia should be peaceful for a while," Aesc mused. "Baobhan Sith, what do you think?"
Baobhan Sith lowered her head shyly. "I... I'm just a low-ranking fairy. How could I possibly deserve guidance from the Witch herself?"
"Heh, if you ask me, you should cure her of that inferiority complex first," Totorot joked.
"Magecraft is the art of manipulating external phenomena through self-awareness. Without confidence, the results will be poor," Grímr added casually.
Lighthearted laughter gradually filled the tent.
Shiomi approached the entrance and lifted the curtain. The Black Knight and Wryneck were waiting outside.
"The battle plan is set. Prepare to relay the orders."