Ch.379Chapter 379. Fate (1)

* * *

In the central part of the continent.

Castle Raclaine, formerly under the Aeshus Army, now under the command of Serpina Army.

This territory was originally located on the border with the Brans Army, but after the Brans territory was occupied by the Lunarian Army, it became a territory situated on the border with the Lunarian Army.

From long ago, three nations—the Brans Army, Aeshus Army, and Serpina Army—had fought to claim this place, resulting in severe devastation.

But since the Serpina Army took control, the area had been gradually regaining its forgotten vitality through policies focused thoroughly on internal affairs.

However.

As the Lunarian Army began concentrating troops near the border, the winds of war once again started swirling around this place.

Perhaps because of this.

From morning, the barracks were noisy with the sounds of soldiers training.

“Everyone, do not neglect your training! You must understand that the only way to prevent war is to be thoroughly prepared for it!”

“Yes!”

Training supervised by none other than the Corps Commander!

The situation was sufficiently overwhelming just from the pressure of rank, but—

What motivated the soldiers wasn’t the imposing presence of the Corps Commander title.

‘This is the legendary training of Lady Irene!’

‘Despite being Corps Commander, she’s taking time to train us personally. We absolutely cannot take this lightly!’

Irene Juliette.

The overwhelming trust her name commanded.

Despite being Corps Commander, she showed attentiveness by personally coming to the barracks to assess the situation, along with the gravitas from her various military achievements.

Moreover, during her time as a general, wasn’t Irene always the one who led by example, enduring hardships alongside her soldiers when necessary?

Naturally, the soldiers’ morale was soaring higher than ever.

After the training ended.

A female knight serving as her adjutant rushed toward Irene as she was leaving the barracks.

“Corps Commander.”

“What is it, Seira?”

“The Lunarian Army’s movements are concerning. It seems they’re deploying far more troops in this direction rather than near Castle Anel.”

“……”

Castle Anel, a natural fortress.

Breaking through from the southern direction would be more than twice as difficult as a normal siege.

She knew this well, having been the defense commander of Castle Anel herself. If conditions allowed, she could easily handle forces coming from the southern direction that were two… no, even three times larger.

Assuming 30,000 defenders, the castle could comfortably repel up to 90,000 attackers!

If Castle Anel had any weakness, it would be the northeastern side where flat plains stretched out.

If she were the commander, she certainly wouldn’t touch Castle Anel unless advancing from that direction.

And.

The fact that she could think of this meant—naturally, others could think of it too.

‘So we must fight after all.’

Irene looked up at the sky.

She had heard news that they had departed from Einhart Castle, but it would inevitably take time to come down from the northern continent.

Even if only a small detachment were moving, it would consume considerable time, let alone leading a large occupation force, which would take much longer.

Perhaps… they might have to engage the Lunarian Army with just the current garrison troops, without the occupation force.

“What will you do?”

“I’ll do what needs to be done. Have the walls and towers thoroughly inspected once more, and organize a special unit to destroy siege weapons.”

“So you believe war is coming?”

“…I won’t deny it.”

“Understood.”

To her loyal adjutant who bowed, Irene gave additional orders.

“Seira. I’d like you to select a soldier to serve as a messenger immediately.”

“Yes!”

Swen wasn’t here right now, but he was an extraordinary man.

If she sent him a detailed assessment of the current situation, wouldn’t he be able to provide an answer?

She thought she should send Swen a detailed map, the situation of their forces, the potential enemy Lunarian Army’s situation, available troops, and a list of generals…

‘Once decided, all that’s left is to act.’

Irene headed straight for the meeting room.

She intended to do everything she could from her position.

* * *

How many days had passed since sending the messenger to Swen?

Unfortunately, Irene’s prediction came true.

“The Lunarian Army has declared war…?”

“Yes, Corps Commander! They’re heading toward Castle Raclaine with 135,000 soldiers…!”

The cloth tied around the kneeling messenger’s arm was clearly dyed red.

‘135,000… We have 90,000 at Castle Raclaine, so judging by numbers alone, it’s a battle we can fight.’

Though she hadn’t yet received Swen’s response, Irene was a general who also showed strength in defensive battles.

Although not as talented as her specialty in siege warfare, which earned her the title of “Specialist”… she judged that if the numbers were manageable, they could hold out.

“Who is the opposing general?”

“According to our information, it seems the ruler Lunarian Ineanne is personally commanding as Supreme Commander. As rumored, she appears to be leading from the front in this battle as well. Ginor Nighthart is serving as Chief of Staff, and persons of concern include Francis von Einhart and Charlotte von Einhart.”

“It seems the magician Tifa is not participating?”

“Multiple testimonies suggest she was dispatched toward Castle Anel, not in this direction.”

That side has two fronts, after all.

It would be difficult to concentrate strong forces in one place.

“Even if a magician had come, she’s known to use magic that enhances her own strength at close range rather than long-range attacks like Lady Reika, so we could have established sufficient countermeasures. Of course, being a magician, nothing can be stated with certainty…”

We probably don’t need to worry about her suddenly using long-range magic.

If she could do that, she would have done so already.

Deliberately hiding one’s strength in war was nearly inefficient.

In any case, not having variables was good, or at least not bad.

“I understand. Order the special unit to prepare for deployment immediately. Leave the defense of the castle to Seira and Wilhelm.”

“Does that mean…?”

Irene, her violet eyes gleaming, said to the soldier:

“I will command the special unit myself.”

* * *

Turning time forward, to the Serpina Army occupation force procession.

“We should arrive at Castle Kelstein soon.”

“I see… Thank you for letting me know.”

“Not at all, Strategist. Excuse me.”

After hearing the soldier’s words, I closed the carriage door.

‘…I’m tired.’

Several days after being discharged from the hospital, I could now be certain.

It seemed I hadn’t completely recovered to my original condition.

My sleep time had noticeably increased, and moving my body had become more difficult than before.

My strength stat was already rock bottom, and now… honestly, if I were told to ride a horse instead of a carriage, I’d probably collapse from exhaustion.

Having taken a spell that could literally annihilate a person with my entire body, recovery wouldn’t be easy.

Of course, I had no intention of showing this in front of Reika.

I managed my expression carefully and leaned lightly against the carriage wall.

“Um… Castle Kelstein is—”

“We still have a long way to go.”

Reika sighed deeply at my words, seeming worried.

“Is something wrong, Reika?”

“Huh? Oh, no… I’m just feeling a bit anxious.”

“Anxious?”

“Yes. It’s nothing serious… just, I’ve been having nightmares since yesterday… and whenever I think about Lady Irene, my chest feels tight…”

I firmly held Reika’s hand.

Her trembling hand hesitated for a moment, but she didn’t push me away.

“Don’t worry too much. You know better than anyone how amazing Lady Irene is, right?”

“M-me…?”

“Well, you were always by Lady Irene’s side.”

Reika stared at me blankly for a while, then nodded vigorously.

“Y-you’re right…! I won’t worry. We need to hurry and help her…! And, and… there’s no guarantee the Lunarian Army will wage war anyway…!”

‘……’

War, huh.

Judging from my conversation with Ginor, Luna must also know I’m here.

Of course she would know. Besides rumors, my existence would inevitably be revealed publicly after taking the position of national strategist.

If she attacks despite knowing I’m here… what does that mean?

‘Given that someone of Ginor’s caliber attempted to contact me, it’s clear that Luna is still waiting for me.’

So, if she attacks—

It must be directed at Serpina, not me.

In other words, there was likely some kind of misunderstanding.

‘It’s okay. We don’t necessarily need to go to war… we can resolve this by talking.’

Though I had no idea where to begin untangling this mess—

Nevertheless, I was thinking somewhat opportunistically that we could resolve this without war.

At that moment.

Knock, knock, knock, someone opened the carriage door.

“Are you there, Strategist?”

Upon opening the door, a soldier greeted me.

“A messenger has just arrived. It’s a letter from Corps Commander Irene.”

‘Lady Irene is writing to me?’

I accepted it.

“Please convey my thanks for the long journey.”

“Understood.”

After sending the soldier away.

I closed the door and quickly checked the letter.

This is…

“Ah, w-what did Lady Irene send…?”

“It seems she’s asking for my advice on strategy.”

The content of the letter was simple.

A map of the area around Castle Raclaine, which is close to the border with the Lunarian Army, a list of the potential enemy Lunarian Army’s troops and available generals, and similarly, a list of our troops and available generals.

‘If someone of Lady Irene’s caliber sent this, she must have judged that war is coming…’

So it can’t be avoided after all.

Anyway, I needed to focus on the letter now.

She thought I was a strategist, so she probably sent this letter seeking advice—

The problem was that I couldn’t provide any answer unless I received a question.

Of course, having played this game to exhaustion, I could come up with strategies on my own. In fact, several countermeasures came to mind without much difficulty.

But the opponent was the Lunarian Army. As the nation destined for the Unified Empire, simple tactics wouldn’t work against them.

As I was wondering what to do—

“Um… Swen?”

‘…Ah.’

I have someone who can ask me questions, don’t I?

“Reika. Would you like to read this?”

“M-me…? But you said it was about battle…”

“It’s fine. Just read through it once.”

Reika obediently followed my instructions.

After reading the letter with her large eyes scanning the text, she turned to me.

“I’ve finished reading.”

“What do you think?”

“Huh? I’m sorry, but what are you asking about…?”

“The most efficient way to win if a battle with the Lunarian Army occurs. What do you think it is?”

At my words, Reika waved her hands frantically, clearly at a loss.

“I-I don’t know about such things!! Didn’t Lady Irene ask you, not me…?!”

“Ask me what?”

“The efficient way to win against the Lunarian Army…!”

‘Got it.’

Thank you, Reika.

Having obtained the question, I immediately entered it into my mind.

‘If the Lunarian Army launches an invasion against Castle Raclaine, what is the most efficient way for our army to win?’

—And.

Just as it had always happened before.

Just as it always happened whenever I entered a question, the undoubtedly correct answer came, bluntly…

[You cannot win.]

…mercilessly arriving for the Serpina Army.