Chapter 104: For That Man’s Sake 4

Love possesses the power to compel one to act for another’s sake.

And that utterly natural impulse stemming from the desire to win someone’s heart often precipitates wholly unanticipated events.

Take, for instance, the recent actions of Estel – sister to the lord of Repsodis.

‘While uncertain how effective this endeavor may prove… I have no choice but to try.’

Having essentially pledged her allegiance to Bohemia by accepting Santara’s betrothal, Estel began contemplating her own approach to capture his heart in earnest.

Ordinary overtures would prove ineffectual against Santara – not only the leader of the Heretical Alliance but forging pacts with numerous other territories besides.

True, as his fiancée, Repsodis had avoided the outrageously exploitative terms Santara imposed upon his allies.

Yet merely providing mundane support amidst that extensive coalition would likely pale against contributions from wealthier allied lords.

From this perspective, Estel recognized the need to offer something extraordinary – beyond their peers’ capabilities yet impossible for Santara to overlook.

The singular solution she devised proved attainable only within Repsodis among all Holy Empire domains.

If presented adroitly, she believed it could gradually melt even Santara’s seemingly loveless pragmatism underlying their marriage pact.

‘It shall not be easy, but neither is it impossible… For the one I know always prioritizes their nation’s interests above all else, despite our lack of acquaintance.’

“Fuhh…”

Expelling a weary sigh, I gently set down the training sword.

Its surface was thoroughly scored, cracked and on the verge of shattering from the concentrated magical forces I had channeled through it until moments ago – leaving it in tatters, hardly an ideal state.

“It seems this remains the extent of my current abilities…”

Reinforcement – the art of infusing weapons with mana to enhance their durability and cutting power.

The principle involved enshrouding the object in magical energies before rapidly spinning them, essentially replicating an ultra high-speed rotary blade akin to power saw.

The inherent friction and heat generated from this process risked shattering the wooden practice blade. Failing to maintain proper control could even degrade and warp genuine steel.

Yet having sustained this Reinforcement technique on a simple wooden sword for nearly a week signified a respectable degree of proficiency in manipulating mana.

Of course, intermediate-level practitioners could maintain indefinite Reinforcement on wooden blades without replacement – underscoring how much further I still had to progress.

‘Well, barely scraping Rank 3 presently is hardly impressive. But it’s still a noticeable improvement over my previous state.’

Though my elder sisters and even youngest brother would effortlessly crush me, steadily growing stronger held undeniable merits – both pragmatically for health and preparedness against potential crises.

‘However, no need to become overeager. At least for the foreseeable future, outright warfare seems highly unlikely.’

Leveraging my foreknowledge, I recognized an upcoming period of relative tranquility despite divergences from the original timeline thus far.

Mirroring the source material, Mansfelt’s forces had suffered a crippling blow – leaving them incapable of independent large-scale actions for now.

Simultaneously, the devastation they had wreaked upon the Palatinate and surrounding imperial domains forced the Emperor’s armies to temporarily disband for regional reconstruction efforts.

‘Well, while this visibly troubles Friedrich, it cannot be helped.’

During Mansfelt’s ravaging of the Palatinate he once ruled, Friedrich had understandably agonized over his former subjects’ plight.

Having safely evacuated his Lorund-based family helped regain his composure.

Yet reports of his beloved people’s ongoing suffering clearly tormented him still.

‘Admittedly, he has an upstanding character despite severely lacking in competence as a ruler…’

Possessing a handsome visage and gentle disposition, Friedrich’s kind-hearted naivete and charisma deficiency rendered him ill-suited for leadership.

This very aspect ultimately doomed him in the original narrative – his blind trust in Mansfelt and Christiane’s pledges to reclaim the Palatinate instead cost him what little popular support he still retained, becoming another casualty of that conflict.

Certainly, his own gullibility shared culpability. Yet his plight remained a cautionary tale.

‘In any case, the warfront has entered a temporary lull. This period calls for consolidating our domestic foundations while devising strategies to fully exploit Friedrich’s potential.’

Though his domains now lay in ruins, Friedrich’s foreign ties still offered invaluable utility.

As the son-in-law of Brittany’s princess with connections to Calmar and Rorand, properly leveraging him could overcome the Heretical Alliance’s inherent limitations.

‘Well, that’s a consideration for another time. For now, escaping this refugee plight must take priority.’

Approaching the patiently waiting Polena, she greeted me with a warm smile – offering a towel to wipe my brow.

“Your diligence shows ever greater fruits, my lord.”

“I’ve still far to go before reaching serviceable combat levels akin to my youngest brother Dust. At present, I remain firmly in a protected status.”

“Heheh, be not so hard on yourself. Such pursuits demand patience – the surest path lies in steadfast perseverance.”

“Haha, I suppose you’re right as always.”

As Polena imparted her customary sage counsel, I felt as though she had assumed a mentor’s role for me – despite never broaching such a dynamic.

‘A mentor, huh? Well, not an inaccurate impression, considering how invaluable her guidance has proven.’

Observing Polena’s ever-graceful smile, certain aspects continually piqued my curiosity despite our lengthy rapport.

Her consistently dignified poise and demonstrated competence. Her seemingly profound mastery of the arcane arts glimpsed through subtle mannerisms.

The more I observed, the more enigmatic she became. Yet I felt no urgent need to pry into her affairs.

Her efforts undeniably benefited me tremendously, inspiring considerable trust in her from my end.

With no overt signs of ill intent, I harbored no desire to interrogate an invaluable ally.

‘Well, the full truth will inevitably come to light given time.’

Dismissing my lingering doubts, I returned her smile and made my way toward my quarters – oblivious to whatever thoughts may have flickered across her features in that moment.

‘That aura… Could it be from him?’