“I’ve carefully rigged thirty errors in this Magic Array. If you can find and correct them, you’ll be qualified to join the Emerald Army.”
After explaining the purpose of the Magic Array, Winnidith took a step back, shifting the focus to Isabella.
It was clearly time for her to explain the Emerald Army’s benefits.
Isabella showed no signs of hesitation.
Although the plan had only been proposed yesterday, after a night’s work, she had already summarized a preliminary military program.
“The Emerald Army reports directly to me. Your pay will be 30% higher than other soldiers in the fortress, and I will personally send representatives to distribute it every month.”
“Furthermore, you can provide a list of items you need to my agent here at Windwhisper Fortress every month. Whether it is magical reference books or magic items, I will use all my authority to find them for you. Once you accumulate enough merit, you can exchange it for these items. I will provide a first draft of the specific merit system to my agent before I leave, which will be updated later according to the actual situation.”
“At the same time, soldiers within the Emerald Army must adhere to the following rules, or they will be expelled. First, you will train six days a week. In addition to basic knowledge training, you must also engage in practical combat simulations. Second…”
Slowly, the mages’ attention shifted from Winnidith’s Magic Array to Isabella’s compensation package.
When they heard she would use her authority as a princess to help them find magic items or books, a small commotion broke out.
For these mages, most of whom were already wealthy and incredibly proud, such items were far more attractive than gold and silver.
“Of course, I can also petition the Royal Academy of Magic to find a mentor or an exceptional student to teach you high-end magic.”
Winnidith, who had already begun to yawn, suddenly shuddered as if some demon was staring at her.
Things became much simpler after that.
Once Winnidith broke the ice, several mages who had been hesitant to speak out of respect for her reputation as a magical genius immediately identified the problems in the array and corrected them.
Isabella accepted them all into the Emerald Army without hesitation, leaving the remaining crowd scratching their heads in frustration, their eyes wide with envy.
It seemed there were no more geniuses left.
Winnidith, who hadn’t slept well to begin with, let out another yawn.
After tossing the supervision duties to Monica, she prepared to head back for a nap.
“I… Can I really do it?”
Monica was overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.
She had always been a background character in the fortress, and her face turned bright red at being suddenly entrusted with such a responsibility.
However, Isabella could tell at a glance that this wasn’t from nerves, but from pure excitement.
“Since Wendy trusts you, you can certainly complete this task. Please have confidence in yourself.”
Isabella gently stroked her head, and the ecstatic Monica nearly fainted.
As for Isabella herself?
Naturally, she was going back to sleep with Winnidith!
“Wendy, what was the deal with that Magic Array?”
On the way back, Isabella asked as she linked her arm with Winnidith’s like they were close best friends.
How could a 2nd-tier Magic Array leave so many 6th-tier and 7th-tier Magic Users in deep thought?
Even if the Archmage Moledi were resurrected, he probably couldn’t achieve that, could he?
“Oh, that? That was actually just a bit of a trick,” Winnidith explained nonchalantly while stretching.
“Functionally, that Magic Array is indeed a Radiance Array. As long as mana is injected, it emits a bright light.”
“But I made some modifications to several insignificant parts. These changes don’t affect the usage of the array, but they ruin its aesthetic beauty. To someone with high magical talent, these modifications are as conspicuous as black ink on white paper.”
“But if that’s the case, shouldn’t those mages be able to find the problems just by comparing the standard Radiance Array with the one you drew?”
Isabella’s brow furrowed slightly.
She had no need for mages who only knew how to take shortcuts.
“Of course not. In fact, that girl Monica already noticed. Once all thirty errors are corrected, the function of the entire Magic Array changes. It transforms from a Radiance Array into a different array of my own creation.”
“However, as the errors are corrected one by one, those experienced mages will also realize it’s becoming a new array. After all, if we only looked at talent, I doubt we’d find thirty people. Besides, your private army needs some experienced old mages too, right?”
Winnidith tilted her head, her azure eyes reflecting Isabella’s calm expression.
“I really can’t hide anything from you, can I?”
The Princess smoothed her hair; she hadn’t intended to keep it a secret in the first place.
“The captain of the Emerald Army’s magic squad… What do you think about letting Monica take the role?”
Monica?
Winnidith thought for a moment and shook her head.
“Forget it. Though she has ambition and talent, she’s too young and has spent too much time being overlooked. She’s not suited to be a captain… well, at least not for now. It’s better to choose one of those experienced mages later.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
From that point on, the two stopped talking and simply walked side by side.
Just like their ancestors, Gold and Silver, Robert and Trenton, they had built the strongest Empire on the continent together.
The silence finally ended in front of Winnidith’s room.
She grasped the doorknob and finally mustered the courage to look Isabella in the eye.
“Bella, the news of you forming the Emerald Army will reach the Imperial Capital soon. When that happens, Uncle Victor and your brothers will all realize your determination to fight for the throne.”
“You will become their enemy… This is very dangerous.”
Although the Trenton family never discussed royal power struggles in front of her, Winnidith was no simple girl.
She possessed knowledge from another world and held a transcendent status as the daughter of the Trenton family.
With just a little investigation, she knew that in the struggle for the imperial throne, death was not an uncommon occurrence.
And Isabella…
Winnidith’s worry gradually turned into fear, a fear that was quickly melted away by a warm embrace.
“In that case, can I ask you to protect me, Wendy?”
Isabella caressed Winnidith’s face, her tone as gentle as ever.
“With Wendy by my side, I have nothing to fear, right?”
“You trust me way too much. No matter how much of a genius I am, I’m only a 5th-tier Magic User.”
Winnidith struggled weakly.
After realizing she couldn’t break free, she reluctantly returned the hug.
“And the Trenton family never gets involved in royal struggles. I can’t lead my family into danger.”
The Trenton family treated her very well.
Every member truly loved and protected her.
Thinking of this, Winnidith’s eyes dimmed, and she leaned into Isabella’s embrace.
‘I’m sorry…’
‘I can’t be that selfish.’
“It’s okay. I won’t make you do anything that puts you in a difficult position.”
Isabella gently patted her back, the doting affection in her eyes so thick it almost felt tangible.
“Regarding the throne, I have my own plans. I promise that even if I ask you for help, I will never drag the Trenton family into the vortex. Is that okay?”
“Mm.”
Listening to Isabella’s promise, the guilt in Winnidith’s heart deepened.
She took a deep breath, wishing she could press herself entirely into Isabella’s body.
“Bella, why are you so good to me?”
Why?
Isabella’s hand paused for a moment, then she gave a soft chuckle.
She couldn’t quite explain it herself.
Perhaps it was because during those years when everyone else looked at her with pity or disdain, she had seen the purest silver moon.