The afternoon sun cast long shadows across the golf course as the group engaged in casual conversation while taking turns at the tee. However, it quickly became apparent that Doran and Chandler were more captivated by their discussion than by the actual game of golf.

Their conversation began with international affairs but gradually evolved into an impromptu battle simulation right there on the green. As they became increasingly engrossed, Veronica, Dario, Cullen, and Niall found themselves relegated to observers, silently watching the animated exchange between the two men.

Perhaps noticing the younger members of the party standing idly by, Chandler paused his analysis and gestured toward them with a welcoming smile. "Why don't you join us? I'd be interested to hear your perspectives on this scenario."

A brief silence followed before Veronica stepped forward. With measured confidence, she assessed the makeshift battlefield they'd created using cups and tees. "Given the strong enemy presence on all flanks, a direct assault would be unwise. Strategic patience would serve us better—holding our position seems the most prudent approach for now."

Niall couldn't help but internally acknowledge the wisdom of Veronica's suggestion. Had Veronica not spoken first, she doubted she would have arrived at such a sound conclusion herself. The slight nod and smile of approval from Chandler confirmed the merit of Veronica's tactical assessment.

Dario didn't hesitate to build upon the strategic foundation. Moving two cups that served as battlefield markers, he explained, "I would advocate for a pincer movement—flanking from both sides simultaneously." His suggestion earned appreciative nods from Chandler, Doran, and Maxwell, their expressions revealing clear satisfaction with his military acumen.

All eyes then turned expectantly toward Cullen and Niall.

Niall studied the improvised battlefield, her mind racing to formulate a compelling strategy, but nothing remarkable came to mind. She glanced at Cullen, hoping he might go first.

As if sensing her hesitation, Cullen spoke up. "Our remaining forces lack the strength to defend the city directly," he observed, "but if we position troops to the northwest to cut off the enemy's retreat path, we could potentially reverse our fortunes."

Doran clapped his hands with enthusiasm. "Brilliant thinking! And what next?"

Niall remained quiet, carefully analyzing the battlefield layout. Gradually, an idea took shape in her mind. With newfound confidence, she smiled and offered, "We could mobilize our southeastern forces to launch an attack toward the northwest. This would allow us to capture the city in a single decisive move."

Her suggestion directly contradicted Veronica's earlier recommendation to maintain their positions. On the surface, Niall's plan sounded reasonable, but the moment she finished speaking, Veronica responded with calm precision.

"The forces you're proposing to move are positioned at a crucial strategic juncture," she explained. "Relocating them would cause our entire defensive structure to collapse immediately."

Niall froze, the implications of her error dawning on her.

Before she could recover, Dario added with a light chuckle, "Ms. Crystal, perhaps you didn't notice that those particular troops are occupying the key tactical position contested by both sides?"

Everyone else had apparently understood this fundamental aspect of the simulation without it being explicitly stated. Niall genuinely hadn't recognized this critical element, and her proposed move had effectively rendered the entire strategic exercise moot. There was no point in continuing the simulation after such a catastrophic error.

Heat rose to Niall's cheeks as she realized the magnitude of her mistake. While everyone else had contributed sound tactical insights, she had single-handedly derailed the entire exercise.

"I apologize," she said, struggling to mask her embarrassment. "This is my first time participating in this type of strategic game. I'm clearly not very adept at it—I didn't mean to spoil everyone's enjoyment."

Chandler offered a kind smile. "It's merely a casual exercise. No need to concern yourself too much."

Since they had come primarily to play golf, they abandoned the simulation and returned to their game. As they continued around the course, Niall couldn't help noticing the warm, familiar manner in which Chandler and Doran addressed both Veronica and Dario. Their genuine respect for the young people was unmistakable.

It made sense that they would hold Dario in high regard, but their attitude toward Veronica seemed equally appreciative. They even used Veronica's nickname affectionately while maintaining formality when addressing Niall.

Niall wondered if Veronica's academic paper had truly impressed them to such an extent that they considered her exceptionally talented. The thought made her press her lips together in silent contemplation.

As the afternoon progressed, Niall observed another curious dynamic—Veronica and Cullen maintained a conspicuous distance from each other, never exchanging a single word. They carried themselves as though they were complete strangers with absolutely no connection between them.