Chapter 186: The War Between the South and North 1

Immediately after returning from interrogating Nune and Tine, I found myself vividly recognizing my current circumstances – even before savoring their pathetic groveling.

‘As depicted in the original work, those individuals have begun making their moves in this reality as well…’

While the intelligence from Nune and Tine regarding the enemy’s scale, force composition, and internal affairs was certainly valuable, another matter demanded my utmost attention.

‘Wallenstein, Otto, and Hestia. The so-called protagonist party from the original has officially taken the field.’

The holy knight Otto Kaiser, his patron Wallenstein Alfred, and his comrade Hestia Flamer.

In the original work, this trio incessantly struggled to salvage the crumbling Holy Imperium from its relentless descent into the abyss of despair.

Following the Emperor’s command, they battled adversaries, aided immortals, and persevered through unending crises, desperately seeking any glimmer of hope.

Had I remained a holy knight, they likely would have become stalwart allies – comrades I anticipated meeting during my fundraising endeavors.

However, due to the upheaval caused by the imprisoned Nune, Tine, and the disgraced Bishop Maxim, they had effectively become my staunchest ‘enemies.’

‘Truthfully, they aren’t adversaries I wish to combat…but having utterly renounced the Church’s forces, I no longer possess a choice. Decisively, I now lead the very heretical faction they oppose.’

Though unintentional, I had inadvertently assumed the role of the final boss from the original narrative’s perspective.

Certainly, my combat prowess as a mere 4th-rank mage paled in comparison. Yet from the standpoint of commanding this faction, the protagonist Otto likely envisioned slaying me as his paramount objective.

And regarding that inevitability, having long forsaken any reader’s sense of obligation, I naturally harbored no intentions of yielding meekly.

‘Since they aim their blades our way, we must respond accordingly. It’s time we too began making preparations in earnest.’

In the north, Chris IV and Mansfeld’s forces steadily advanced southward.

Opposing them, General Tilly and Wallenstein’s troops marched northward.

However, amidst this situation commanding everyone’s focus, my attention lay elsewhere.

‘Although those two seem on the verge of clashing, that moment hasn’t arrived yet. In all likelihood, the other side will make their move first, preceding the conflict between them.’

Of course, with so much already altered, the narrative needn’t strictly follow the original.

Yet considering the overall circumstances, the possibility remained plausible – prompting me to take preemptive precautions, just in case.

‘This should provide some aid to that dimwitted ally, at least. No matter what, he shouldn’t struggle to even secure provisions…’

In warfare, victory often hinged on one’s ability to deceive the enemy.

Though portrayed euphemistically as ‘strategy and tactics,’ the fundamental essence remained deception:

How adeptly could one deceive their adversaries?

And in that regard, the individual covertly maneuvering troops currently wore a profound smile:

General Spinola, the governor of Esfahan and a pivotal imperial military commander.

‘Finally…I can fulfill my long-cherished ambition.’

Ostensibly remaining in the Palatinate due to ill health, General Spinola had actually been stealthily repositioning the region’s garrison forces.

Despite his age, his physical condition proved sound – a mere pretext to facilitate this operation.

Quietly advancing northward with nearly 20,000 troops, Spinola’s destination differed from General Tilly, Wallenstein, or Chris IV’s locations.

His army currently marched toward the so-called ‘Lowlands’ region of Lorraine.

An eccentric move, perhaps, to outside observers.

Yet this entire undertaking had been predetermined through prior discussions among the Imperial generals.

While Tilly and Wallenstein opposed Chris IV’s southern advance, their objectives extended beyond mere defense and counterattack – they also served as ‘bait.’

The two commanders led over 50,000 troops against Chris IV’s vast army.

Such a massive force naturally drew the world’s attention.

Comparatively smaller contingents could then maneuver unnoticed amid the furor, concealing their movements as Spinola had done.

Thus, evading other nations’ scrutiny, Spinola’s stealthy approach near Lorraine proved successful.

At this moment, his heart swelled with the prospect of finally achieving a long-cherished goal.

‘I’ve yearned for this opportunity since the past…to reclaim Lorraine, once under Esfahan’s domain within our Holy Imperium. Since my youth, I’ve aspired to this restoration.’

A central commercial hub amassing immense wealth, Lorraine had historically belonged to Esfahan and been cherished as the proverbial ‘goose laying golden eggs.’

However, emboldened by their vast riches and religious conflicts, they eventually declared independence – successfully seceding from Esfahan’s authority during Spinola’s youth.

As a proud Esfahan nobleman and the region’s governor, reclaiming Lorraine became Spinola’s life’s mission.

This endeavor filled him with greater elation than even the Palatinate’s prior conquest.

‘They’ll never suspect our presence here. Moreover, 20,000 troops should suffice to overwhelm them. A surprise attack to swiftly conquer Lorraine.’

Deeming his plan flawless while leading an overwhelming force, Spinola felt victory assured – an assessment objectively justified.

Yet at that moment, the general tragically overlooked a crucial fact:

His adversaries proved far more formidable than anticipated.

“Hmm…so they’ve truly come…”

Regarding the stealthily advancing army with a taut expression, the ruler of Lorraine and heretical alliance member Duke Moritz tensed visibly.

“Indeed…events unfold exactly as the Prince-Elector forewarned. They aimed for Lorraine from the outset.”

“Precisely – intelligence provided by my friend Santana. Since they’ve appeared as anticipated, we too must act, mustn’t we?”

“Of course. The preparations are complete. All that remains is proceeding as planned.”

Replying to Prince-Elector Friedrich with anticipation lacing his tense tone, Moritz signaled the awaiting soldiers into action.