Chapter 88: War Written as ‘Reclamation’, Read as ‘Destruction’ 2

“A pleasure to finally meet you. I am Mansfelt Ernst.”

“Likewise, Lord Mansfelt. I am Christiane Braun.”

The two exchanged greetings, their massive armies arrayed behind them.

Having traveled such a great distance to this encounter, Mansfelt appraised the woman before him with keen scrutiny:

Christiane Braun, the ‘Madwoman of Halberstadt’…

Finally meeting her in this northern Palatinate region, Mansfelt could not help but regard her with a conflicted expression.

‘So this is Christiane… The true instigator who maneuvered Duke Carlos into hiring me, and simultaneously accrued such infamy these past weeks – even I was astonished.’

Mansfelt was well aware of the rumors portraying this younger Braun sister as mentally unsound.

Her unnerving smile and the eerie manipulation of her steel prosthetic unmistakably conveyed an aura of aberrance far beyond conventional norms.

Yet in that moment, Mansfelt’s reaction toward this woman diverged from mere revulsion or rejection.

Her trail of extortion against local lords for funds and troops, mercilessly demolishing any who defied her – church or heretic alike…

Such wanton conduct, even amidst war, could only stem from utter insanity.

However, from Mansfelt’s perspective as the commander of a vast mercenary host, Christiane’s actions – though extreme – possessed an undeniable pragmatic utility.

Had not Mansfelt’s own band frequently resorted to pillaging surrounding regions whenever provisions dwindled?

The sole distinction being that, as a contracted mercenary, Mansfelt could not entirely disregard his employers’ sensibilities unless utterly desperate.

Perceiving her faint aura of madness coupled with a kindred spirit, Mansfelt found himself unexpectedly drawn to this woman, a sense of familiarity prompting a wry smile.

“Well then, since we have both traveled far, shall we retire to my tent to converse and rest?”

“Yes, a sound proposal, Lord Mansfelt.”

After allowing their troops a respite, the two retired to Mansfelt’s tent to discuss their forthcoming endeavor.

Within the central command tent of the Mansfelt-Christiane allied forces, the pair faced each other as negotiations commenced.

“So then… Regarding the remaining payment, you propose one-third now, and the final two-thirds upon completing our objective?”

“Precisely. Having amassed a considerable cache en route, I shall tender one-third immediately following this summit.”

As Christiane outlined the staggered payment structure, withholding the bulk until the very end, Mansfelt slowly nodded, grasping her underlying intent.

‘Indeed… From the moment she proposed partial upfront payment, I realized this was no naive woman.’

By continually deferring the final installment while providing incremental sums, Christiane sought to minimize any temptation for Mansfelt to betray her until the absolute last moment – a simple yet calculated precaution.

Under such terms, to secure the full payment, Mansfelt would be compelled to remain loyal until their objective’s completion.

Recognizing Christiane’s meticulous pragmatism, Mansfelt perceived her as far more than a mere madwoman – a ruthlessly calculating adversary.

‘Not that I have cause to reject this contract regardless. Crucially, General Spinola’s massive army remains encamped nearby, monitoring our movements. In this situation, aligning with this woman is my sole viable option.’

Having reached this conclusion, Mansfelt addressed his employer with a wry smile:

“Very well, let us proceed accordingly. Now then, what is expected of me? I presume returning to Braun is not your intent…”

Her audacious pillaging and personal command of troops implied grander ambitions beyond mere territorial defense.

Acknowledging this likelihood, Mansfelt inquired further, prompting a sly chuckle from Christiane:

“Huhuhu, indeed, my aims extend beyond such paltry goals as defending Braun. Employing one such as yourself for that alone would be foolish. What I… or rather, what Duke Carlos of Braun desires is the reclamation of the Palatinate.”

“…Reclaiming the… Palatinate?”

Taken aback by this unexpectedly grandiose objective, a hint of trepidation tinged Mansfelt’s surprise.

The Palatinate now firmly under Spinola’s occupation…

Retaking it would inevitably necessitate defeating the general’s formidable forces – a confrontation Mansfelt wished to avoid, even with Christiane’s auxiliary troops.

Spinola remained a daunting adversary, rendering a direct clash undesirable for Mansfelt.

Yet as if anticipating his reservations, Christiane maintained her eerie smile, declaring:

“Of course, I do not speak of the conventional ‘reclamation’ you envision – a reckless frontal assault against Spinola’s vastly superior army would indeed be folly.”

“Then…?”

“My proposed ‘reclamation’ involves inflicting grievous harm upon our lord’s enemies while minimizing our own casualties.”

Christiane’s darkly manic gaze hinted at the depravity underlying her words.

Yet sensing an opportunity to avoid unnecessary bloodshed, Mansfelt set aside his misgivings and lent her his ear. A sardonic grin soon spread across his features.

“Such a ‘reclamation’ certainly has its merits. With our might and a plausible pretext… Perhaps this is indeed the optimal course in our current predicament.”

“Precisely. Then let us proceed with the preparations.”

“Agreed. We shall rest today and tomorrow, then depart at first light the day after.”

As Mansfelt and Christiane finalized their forthcoming advance, the mercenary’s earlier hesitation had entirely dissipated.

Keenly aware of their military superiority, his countenance brimmed with anticipation.

Their combined forces currently outmatched the Imperial troops, rendering even Spinola powerless to directly confront them – the undisputed apex predators within the Palatinate region for now.

Maneuvering their army thus would force Spinola onto the defensive, compelled to yield ground.

And exploiting this advantage, the pair devised their stratagem, cloaking their true intent behind the lofty veneer of ‘reclaiming the Palatinate’.

Declaring themselves a ‘righteous host’ enacting ‘divine judgment’ against ‘the Church’s wicked allies’…

Mansfelt and Christiane unfurled their banner emblazoned with ‘Friends of God, Foes of the Clergy’ and commenced their march.

Under this sanctimonious pretext of ‘punishing the evil Church’, their blades targeted not Spinola’s occupying forces, but the ‘wicked powers’ of the Palatinate’s towns and cities – those who had surrendered to the Emperor and Church.