Chapter 93: National Integration Conference (3)

After listening to the Grand Duke’s detailed explanation, Wolfgang immediately wrote a report and submitted it to Leifen. 

Fortunately, thanks to the Grand Duke’s cooperation, they were able to gather a lot of information.

Currently, a resistance force, led by Crown Prince Jaiha, has formed within the kingdom to fight back. 

Unlike the Grand Duke, they chose to remain in the kingdom and resist Wendigo until the very end.

Wolfgang clicked her tongue in regret. 

It wasn’t that she suddenly felt a familial bond with Theodore at this point, but the thought of losing such valuable talents so meaninglessly was undeniably frustrating.

Especially since she had seen Jaiha and Theodore with her own eyes. 

That made her regret even deeper than she had expected. 

However, there wasn’t much she could do at the moment.

“Do you know where the resistance is located?”

“I heard that after losing the battle, they retreated close to the empire’s border.”

“Then at least we’ll be able to provide some support.”

No matter how dire the situation was, she couldn’t just deploy troops immediately. 

Moving forces across a foreign border without permission was practically an act of treason. Of course, Leifen would likely turn a blind eye, but…

It was best not to create a bad precedent. 

However, if they were near the border, they could at least provide supplies—food, as well as weapons made from sunsteel.

“If they can use weapons made of sunsteel, it will definitely help them.”

“But we don’t even know their exact location.”

“That’s something we’ll have to leave to Jackal.”

“Understood.”

Jackal was second to none when it came to reconnaissance. 

He had an incredible endurance that allowed him to survive even a year without food, and his tracking abilities were unmatched. 

If they left it to him, there was no doubt he would find them.

Although Wolfgang only had basic military training due to mandatory service in her past life, ten years of experience had shaped her into a competent commander.

In her mind, a rough strategy for victory was already forming. 

First, support the resistance to buy time, then use that time to reorganize and launch an offensive.

“Alright, this battle—we can win it.”

The resistance would be a great help to them. 

Since winter hadn’t fully set in yet, there would still be many survivors. 

And if they could unite all those survivors…

On top of that, they had experience gained from the winter war. 

If they put everything together, she was convinced they could win. 

The only real variable was time.

“On that front, we’ll have to rely on Leifen.”

“Captain, we’ve got a message from Jackal.”

“Already? It’s only been ten minutes.”

“Looks like he was already within sprinting distance at full speed.”

At Black’s report, Wolfgang let out a sigh. 

If Jackal could reach the location in ten minutes at full speed, that meant it would take half a day on horseback.

Jackal never used his full strength when there were others around. 

The moment he did, his movements were far from human.

That’s why, when Wolfgang first heard that Jackal had been defeated by Van, even she couldn’t help but be shaken. 

Not just anyone—Jackal, the incarnation of Wendigo, had been taken down?

‘…Well, at least things are going smoothly now.’

Whoosh.

“Ugh?!”

Just as she let her guard down for a brief moment, golden flames flared up once more. 

A sharp, burning pain seared behind her eyepatch, and Wolfgang quickly focused her mind.

When she was fully alert—her entire body tense and prepared—she was fine. 

But the moment she let her guard down, this happened. 

As she hurriedly suppressed the flames…

Did she hear it? 

Or did she see it? 

She wasn’t sure how to describe it, but for a brief moment, she sensed something foreign. Startled, Wolfgang immediately lifted her head.

“Captain? Is something wrong?”

“Your seal seems unstable again.”

“………No, it’s nothing.”

Whatever that bizarre presence had been, it seemed only she could perceive it. 

Keeping her unease hidden, Wolfgang forced herself to stay composed.

With war looming on the horizon, she couldn’t afford to cause unnecessary disturbances

***

Thanks to Jackal’s efforts, Wolfgang easily located the kingdom’s resistance force and immediately moved to support them. 

Fortunately, their fighting strength was still relatively intact.

It was unclear what had happened to the nobles and knights who had remained in the capital, but Jaiha and Theodore, realizing the impending disaster, had gathered as many people as they could and fled.

Because of that, they were able to secure enough people and supplies to form a resistance. But even then, they had lost far too much. 

Letting out a heavy sigh, Jaiha spoke.

“How did things end up like this…?”

“…Crown Prince.”

“I am no longer a crown prince. I’ve lost everything.”

“So, can you finally give me a proper explanation?”

Jaiha looked at Wolfgang with weary eyes. 

But Wolfgang couldn’t bring herself to meet his gaze—because his body was no longer whole.

“How did you lose that arm?”

“I lost it while pathetically fleeing. Truly disgraceful.”

“But an arm is not what matters most. The future of the kingdom is.”

Losing a limb—especially when one had been whole before—was undoubtedly a massive shock. And yet, Jaiha’s eyes weren’t filled with despair.

“…What I’m about to tell you might shake you to your core. Will you still listen?”

“At this point, what could possibly make things worse?”

“If that’s your choice, then it’s only right that I answer.”

With a sigh, Wolfgang began to recount everything she had experienced. 

Even for someone as battle-hardened as Jaiha, it was difficult to believe at first.

“So, the goddess we’ve been worshiping all this time was a fake?”

“Yes. And the real goddess is right here.”

“…That is?”

“A relic. If you hold this, you’ll be able to speak with the goddess.”

Since the goddess was tied to the kingdom, it made sense for Jaiha to be the one to possess the relic. 

With that judgment, Wolfgang handed him the sacred artifact she had been safeguarding.

‘…I really can hear her voice.’

“Did you think I was lying?”

“It’s hard to believe… but at this point, I have no choice.”

After that, Jaiha began conversing with the goddess. 

She was likely telling him everything without any lies. 

But that wasn’t the only gift he was about to receive.

“Wait, there’s one more present.”

“I’ve already received the goddess herself. What else could you possibly give me?”

“I happened to come across this. Here, take it.”

“…Brother?”

Before Wolfgang could even finish speaking, someone stepped forward from behind her.

At the sight of the familiar yet completely unexpected face, Jaiha’s carefully maintained composure shattered.

The one standing before him was none other than Prince Jaiha. 

Lowering his head in shame, he avoided his younger brother’s gaze.

With a sigh, Wolfgang answered on his behalf.

“He was offered as a sacrifice to the false goddess. We barely managed to rescue him.”

“…Brother, please. Say something—anything.”

“Do you really have nothing to say to me? Brother!!”

Jaiha’s voice trembled with emotion, rising in frustration. 

Even Theodore, who stood beside him, flinched in surprise and tried to intervene.

But Wolfgang held up a hand to stop him. 

Suppressing emotions wasn’t always the best choice. 

They should be controlled when necessary—but released when needed.

“…I was a fool. I’m sorry.”

Thud!

Muttering a weak apology, Jaiha barely managed to get the words out before Jaiha’s fist slammed into his face.

Despite taking the blow head-on, Jaiha couldn’t even bring himself to look up.

Jaiha couldn’t forgive him. Not after what he had done to the kingdom.

And yet…

“I’m just glad you’re alive, Brother.”

No matter how much he resented him, family was still family.

Just as Wolfgang silently observed their awkward reunion—

The golden flames flared once more, bringing fresh pain.

And this time, she saw it clearly.

…?