Volume 1, Chapter 50 – The Plan to Destroy the Unsinkable Moon

The so-called backyard that Claire mentioned was actually just a small courtyard enclosed by a low fence. Nearly every house on the street had one, differing only in size and decoration.

The yard was piled with firewood and water containers, giving it a much stronger sense of daily life compared to the living room. Fia could also see a pot and a long spoon used for alchemy. It was worth mentioning that, perhaps due to Claire’s curse, there were no residents around the clinic—the neighboring backyards were desolate.

Of course, rather than observing the surroundings, Fia was more concerned about what Anastasia had just said.

When had she ever mentioned destroying the Unsinkable Moon? Hadn’t it always been about finding opportunities to investigate its effects?

However, Anastasia’s expression had been deadly serious—no hint of a joke. Since Fia was certain she had never spoken of destroying the Unsinkable Moon, only one explanation remained:

There had been a misunderstanding between her and Anastasia.

Confirming this, Fia glanced at Anastasia beside her, who was wiping her face with a towel. The blue patterns on her beautiful profile complemented her golden hair, adding a mature, feminine charm. Unconsciously, Fia recalled Anastasia under the moonlight last night, and her cheeks flushed uncontrollably.

To think she had been calling Fia’s name while doing… that… No, now wasn’t the time for such thoughts.

Fia quickly shook her head and cleared her throat.

Ahem. “Anastasia, did you tell the other Royal Guards about investigating the Unsinkable Moon?”

If not many knew, there might still be room to salvage the situation. Dealing with Anastasia alone wasn’t too difficult for Fia.

Unfortunately, after putting the towel back into the wooden bucket, Anastasia gave Fia the answer she didn’t want to hear.

“Yes. Now, all Royal Guards are operating around the Unsinkable Moon. We bribed some clergy and cross-referenced their statements to compile credible intelligence. The Unsinkable Moon’s power lies primarily in offense and blockade capabilities. When used offensively, its force can easily penetrate the walls of heavily fortified cities—even a dragon couldn’t withstand it head-on. When used as a blockade, it severs all connections between the inside and outside, preventing even the exchange of elements.”

“However, outside these two functions, the Unsinkable Moon has no other notable features. It doesn’t enhance the user’s power, and before casting offensive magic, the user must accumulate sufficient mana. This gives us an opening.”

“Your Highness’s judgment was correct. The Holy Kingdom believes you’re severely injured and incapable of fighting, so they’ve carelessly left the Unsinkable Moon suspended in the sky. There’s never been a better time to destroy it. Even if we can’t destroy it outright, we can sever its connection to the Holy Kingdom and claim it for ourselves. Bringing the Unsinkable Moon back to Silvar would be a feat worthy of being recorded in elf history.”

As she spoke, Anastasia’s eyes shone with reverence. Fia almost felt that, if not for the inappropriate setting, Anastasia would have already started applauding.

Not only had she told the other Royal Guards, but she’d also investigated the intelligence to this extent…

Fia had the urge to facepalm.

Given the elf princess’s prestige among her subordinates, if the other Royal Guards were here, they’d undoubtedly praise her with remarks like, “As expected of Her Highness the Crown Princess.”

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The thought of the Royal Guards’ starry-eyed admiration made Fia feel trapped. Just in case, she tentatively asked:

“Anastasia, did you convey the message as ‘destroying the Unsinkable Moon’?”

The answer was resolute.

“Yes. After hearing Your Highness’s plan, everyone marveled at your foresight and courage. It’s rare to see them so motivated. We’re undertaking an unprecedented endeavor—one our predecessors wouldn’t have dared imagine. Upon our return, we’ll all be hailed as heroes, and you will undoubtedly become the next elf king—no, elf queen.”

“Ahh…”

Fia’s expression stiffened.

Though she had expected this, hearing Anastasia’s confirmation—especially her bright visions of the future—made Fia feel deeply troubled.

How had things come to this?

She couldn’t just fire an orbital bombardment on the city to save face.

Admittedly, lying had been her mistake, but she had only done so to reassure Anastasia. Who could have guessed that her word “investigate” would be interpreted as “destroy”? If she corrected herself now and said she only wanted to investigate and understand the Unsinkable Moon, with no intention of destroying it, Anastasia and the other Royal Guards would be sorely disappointed, and the elf princess’s hard-earned authority would plummet.

Since she had vowed to surpass the original elf princess, she couldn’t afford such a mistake right from the start.

Still, there was room for redemption. If she couldn’t find the problem in herself, she could shift the blame to a third party.

Her gaze sharpened as she feigned a thoughtful expression and lowered her voice.

“You’ve gathered intelligence on the Unsinkable Moon, but what about its guards? It’s hovering right above the temple—they wouldn’t leave it unguarded.”

As long as she could use the excuse of excessive temple guards and the risk of heavy casualties, she could reasonably abandon the plan to destroy the Unsinkable Moon. This would preserve her dignity as the elf princess without disappointing her subordinates. A perfectly logical solution.

Sure enough, Anastasia’s eyebrows rose, and her expression grew solemn.

“Just as you predicted, the Unsinkable Moon is heavily guarded. The humans aren’t unprepared. Though there were few guards on the first day, their numbers increased sharply by the first night. Even approaching the temple slightly draws their attention.”

Her tone darkened further as she added:

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“The area is filled with ballistae, detection traps, and magic casters. Anyone entering or leaving the temple’s street must undergo identity checks. The distance exceeds five hundred yards—ordinary magic and arrows can’t reach it. Considering the Unsinkable Moon’s altitude, we’d be turned into moving target practice long before we could get close with Flight magic.”

Perfect. Now was the time to abandon the plan.

However, before Fia could voice her relief, Anastasia’s next words dashed her hopes.

“However, the paladins guarding it are low-ranking—no higher than the third tier. While I can’t storm them head-on and eliminate them all, causing enough chaos to divert their attention is entirely possible.”

“The others will handle the ballista operators and magic casters on the ground. Your Highness need only approach the Unsinkable Moon and destroy it with your [Red Lotus of Calamity]. Even if it isn’t destroyed, the explosion from fifth-tier magic will sever its connection to the user. Once the explosion subsides, you can easily retrieve the Unsinkable Moon, and we’ll break through the western gate.”

Anastasia, you’re too competent.

Fia inwardly groaned.

Competence was good, but not in this context. With every step meticulously planned, there was no room for retreat.

As Fia scrambled for a response, Anastasia lifted her lively blue eyes, looking like an eager puppy awaiting its master’s praise.

“So… how was it? Does it align with Your Highness’s plan?”

What is “Your Highness’s plan”? I was just trying to brush it off—when did I ever plan to destroy it?

Fia couldn’t help but complain. If anything, she was a pacifist. Unless absolutely necessary—like when her life was in danger—she wouldn’t drop an orbital bombardment on a city.

—Wait.

Suddenly, something occurred to her.

Anastasia had exposed her own tail.

Since Anastasia believed Fia had a plan, she could use this opportunity to find out.

Maintaining her thoughtful expression, Fia crossed one arm over her chest and rested the other against her chin.

“What about casualties? Force breakthroughs inevitably incur losses, no matter how weak the humans are.”

“Losses are necessary for results. As long as Your Highness remains unharmed, we can accept the outcome.”

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Hey, hey, that’s way too loyal.

Fia’s frown deepened as she scoffed lightly.

“But I can’t accept that. The Royal Guards are the elite of the elite. We’re already few in number—we can’t afford more losses. Risking annihilation for results is unacceptable. Moreover, the enemy isn’t a disorganized mob. If we push the Unsinkable Moon’s user to desperation and they deploy it offensively, how would you respond, Anastasia?”

“This…”

The Unsinkable Moon was an artifact bestowed by the Goddess of Life. Even a dragon couldn’t withstand its attack, let alone elves, whose bodies were infinitely frailer.

Seeing Anastasia stammer, Fia pressed her advantage.

“Furthermore, we don’t know the full extent of the Holy Kingdom’s hidden strength. Remember, the Unsinkable Moon appeared in Aurora City because the Holy Kingdom’s main forces returned from the front lines. There might be individuals among them with higher tiers than you, Anastasia. If such figures exist, your tactic of creating chaos to distract the paladins would fail.”

After a long pause, Anastasia took a deep breath and bowed her head in shame.

“My apologies, Your Highness. I was inconsiderate.”

Good. Crisis averted!

Fia inwardly cheered.

Until Anastasia lifted her hopeful blue eyes again.

“As expected of Your Highness—you’ve considered everything far more thoroughly than I have. So, what is Your Highness’s plan? I’d love to hear it.”

Huh?!

Fia froze as if struck by lightning.

If she didn’t know Anastasia better, she’d think this was mockery. But precisely because she knew Anastasia was sincerely seeking guidance, Fia felt even more cornered.

My dear Anastasia, why must you defy my expectations?

Fia stole a glance at Anastasia, whose eyes were filled with nothing but admiration, eagerly awaiting her answer.

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Anastasia was convinced Fia had another plan.

The elf princess’s head throbbed.

At this point, there was no turning back—she had to press forward.

Fia subtly touched the tip of her nose before turning toward the washbasin.

“I’m not omnipotent. As I said earlier, aside from the Holy Kingdom itself, no one knows if Aurora City harbors individuals stronger than you, Anastasia. So…”

“So we should scout their strength before acting?”

“Precisely.”

—Precisely nothing!

As it turned out, subordinates with too much initiative weren’t always a good thing.

Fia desperately wanted to pinch Anastasia’s cheeks and teach her not to interrupt her superior’s speech.

“I understand. I’ll make arrangements immediately.”

Ahem. “Be careful not to repeat last time’s mistake. Don’t fall for any false intelligence the Church plants.”

“I won’t step into the same trap twice. You can count on me, Your Highness.”

“Good.”

With Fia’s approval, Anastasia quickly finished washing up and headed for the living room.

“Ugh… Why did things turn out like this?”

Fia finally allowed herself to facepalm in despair.

The only silver lining was that she had bought herself some time. As for what to do next, she needed to carefully strategize—perhaps quickly learn some powerful long-range magic to discreetly disable the Unsinkable Moon. That was far better than firing an orbital bombardment on the city.

Holding onto this hopeful thought, Fia began her morning routine.