Her Graceful War Song by Summer's Blaze

Chapter 1298

The two military advisors noticed the shift in Oliver's expression, so Alec quickly interjected, "Have you seen the archery skills of the Elite Marksmanship Unit, Marshal Prince? Or the ballistaes we've improved? They're quite ingenious."

"I have seen them," Oliver replied curtly. When he first arrived at Southern Frontier, he had gone to oversee their training sessions.

Timothy recalled the visit as well. But at that time, they had just selected a new batch of archers and had been working on their accuracy. They hadn't even had the chance to use the new ballistaes either.

"We also have matchlocks," Louis added. "But when it comes to a direct confrontation between armies, we won't be relying on them. A sword is far more effective. Speed is the key."

Matchlocks were more useful in close-quarter combat, where there was cover to hide behind. After firing a shot, one could reload while staying out of sight. However, in a face-to-face battle, before one could even raise the weapon, their head might already be taken off.

more points,

Oliver's reaction, he said, "I've heard that the Ministry of Defense is working on improving the matchlocks, and

booster for Oliver, who might feel at a disadvantage, with Sandoria using matchlocks while

remark only solidified Oliver's belief that his decision to flee had been the right one. The continuous shipment of weapons to Southern Frontier-even the matchlocks that had previously been underused-was proof of just how intense the impending conflict with Sandoria

though he added only the most superficial input. His suggestions were shallow, uninspired, mere regurgitations from military textbooks, and entirely unsuited for the unique challenges posed by Sandoria. By the time the discussion carried on into the late hours,

but Oliver smiled warmly and insisted, "This soup you must try. It's a mushroom soup made from mushrooms that my wife had someone sent from the capital. She made sure to

no doubt rumors would swirl about Zoey's reputation and how it might be affected. The servants brought in five bowls of soup. One was handed to Oliver, and the rest

the mushrooms carefully. It wasn't that he distrusted Oliver, but certain mushrooms were poisonous, and one could never be too careful. He inspected the mushrooms closely, but they

suspicion, followed

them, blowing lightly on his bowl before drinking his own. The mushrooms, of course, were safe to consume. However, the illusion powder, ground into fine dust, was sprinkled in just before serving and mixed well

or two-by which time they'd have already returned to their quarters. Even if someone noticed something was off, they'd likely just assume