Chapter 97: The Second Winter War (1)

The 10,000-strong support force, quickly assembled, joined the resistance forces of the Kingdom. 

Naturally, they were also supplied with weapons made of Sun Iron, allowing them to buy some time.

The most terrifying aspect of the Wendigos was their near-immortality. 

To kill a Wendigo, the ancestors had tried every conceivable method, no matter how absurd.

They tried dismembering them, even grinding them into powder. 

Yet, over time, the Wendigos would reappear as if nothing had happened.

It could be argued that they were different entities, but the ancestors had marked them, and the same marks would reappear. 

So, they couldn’t be different entities.

In other words, before the invention of Sun Iron, there was no way to kill a Wendigo. 

However, it’s unclear why they had been dormant for so long.

But regardless of the reason, they had been defeated. 

And now, they had returned. 

Wolfgang was determined to ensure they were permanently eradicated this time.

The Empire, along with other nations, joined the war as per the treaty. 

The Empire’s 100,000 troops, combined with the allied forces, amounted to a staggering 500,000 soldiers.

“That’s the number the Empire can muster if it goes all out.”

“And the Empire’s future would be lost. Isn’t that right?”

“……You’re correct.”

If the Empire were to conscript every available soldier, they could mobilize at least 500,000, and up to 1,000,000 troops. 

However, there would be no future afterward.

This time, the Empire almost had to fight the war alone, but fortunately, the negotiations went well enough to share the burden.

After resolving various minor issues, including command authority, the continent’s 500,000-strong army finally began its march toward the Kingdom. 

Wolfgang let out a sigh.

“It took three months. The delay was longer than I expected.”

“Don’t say that. It’s a 500,000-strong army. Three months is actually quite fast.”

“I know that in my head. But I can’t help feeling anxious.”

Thanks to the weapons made of Sun Iron, they were no longer being pushed back, but the Kingdom’s situation wasn’t good either. 

At least they had support.

Without it, the Kingdom would have been completely overrun long ago. 

The fact that the capital had been swiftly seized by the Winter Queen was a significant blow.

Wolfgang sighed and tapped her eyepatch with her finger. 

Over the past three months, while preparing for the war, she had also been eavesdropping on the gods’ conversations.

Unsurprisingly, the gods were busy making bets among themselves about the outcome of the war. 

While we were risking our lives to prepare for the war, they were gambling………….

It was utterly disgusting, but Wolfgang did her best to suppress her revulsion. 

Fine, stay ignorant. I’ll make sure to kill you all.

“The time has finally come.”

“Yes.”

“Before we set out, isn’t there something we need to do?”

“What else is there to do?”

“Of course, a rousing speech from the hero to boost morale.”

The Empire’s soldiers and knights, clad in armor and wielding weapons made of Sun Iron, all looked at her with expectant eyes.

No wonder they were hesitating to set out. 

Seeing the playful smile on her lips, Wolfgang couldn’t help but chuckle. 

Many would die.

Of course, there are wars without sacrifices. 

But this isn’t one of them. Even with Sun Iron weapons, they only allowed us to kill the enemy, not guarantee victory.

They weren’t cheat weapons that ensured 100% success. 

But that’s why the leader must always stand tall, to quell everyone’s fears.

“What else is there to say? Follow me.”

And we will surely win.

Though brief, the trust embedded in her words was unimaginably deep. 

The soldiers roared in unison, filled with confidence from Wolfgang’s speech.

“Advance!!!”

With Wolfgang’s speech and Emperor Leifen’s powerful voice, the soldiers began to move. 

The allied forces, who had been preparing elsewhere, also started to march.

Thus began the Second Winter War.

The strategy was simple yet effective: a pincer movement. 

The Empire would take the north, while the south and west would be handled by the closest nations.

In terms of stationed troops, the north had 100,000, while the south and west each had 200,000. 

The north was at a disadvantage, but this was considering the Kingdom’s resistance forces.

The Kingdom’s surviving soldiers and nobles had gathered to resist, numbering around 30,000. 

Though it paled in comparison to their peak, it was still impressive for the Kingdom.

If it were any other nation, it would have been impossible. 

The Empire, which had entered the north first, joined forces with the Kingdom’s army.

This meant a reunion between Crown Prince Jaiha and Emperor Leifen. 

Who would have thought they’d meet again like this? Crown Prince Jaiha forced a bitter smile.

“To receive help from the Empire!”

“No matter what, how could you sell the Kingdom’s pride like this?!”

“Do you think anyone is happy about this? Please face reality.”

Even in this situation, some nobles still couldn’t get their act together and prattled on about pride. Of course, other nobles also disliked the Empire.

But now wasn’t the time to be picky. 

Without the Empire’s support, they wouldn’t have lasted three months, let alone gathered a resistance force.

Thus, Crown Prince Jaiha had no choice but to welcome the Empire’s forces with open arms. Personal dislikes aside, at least some courtesy was necessary.

After all, these were people who had come to risk their lives to help. 

Leifen also set aside his animosity and focused solely on the task at hand for the greater good.

“Who would have thought we’d meet again like this? The world is full of surprises.”

“I feel the same, Your Majesty.”

“….Is that the incompetent Crown Prince who led the Kingdom to ruin?”

What caught Leifen’s eye was a young man standing next to Crown Prince Jaiha. 

He had the same golden hair and blue eyes as Jaiha.

He bowed to Leifen but was busy looking around as if searching for someone. 

Of course, Leifen knew who he was looking for.

“Are you looking for Lady Leonhardt?”

“……”

“Silence means yes. Truly…………… a shameless man. Isn’t that right?”

“…Do not insult me, Your Majesty.”

“Y-Your Majesty, I apologize on his behalf. My brother has only recently regained his senses……”

Crown Prince Jaiha hurriedly intervened to defuse the situation as Jaiha reacted sharply.

But Leifen raised his hand to stop him.

“This isn’t an insult, but a fact. Crown Prince Jaiha.”

“…”

“Surely you’re not ignoring the wrongs you’ve committed against Lady Leonhardt, are you?”

Crown Prince Jaiha couldn’t bring himself to say anything. 

Brainwashing, manipulation—countless excuses came to mind, but he couldn’t voice them.

Because he remembered everything.

What he had done to her.

And the irreparable scars he had left.

He knew it all. 

No matter how much he wanted to ignore it, he knew it all too well. 

But even so, he just wanted one chance.

“At the very least, to meet her again and apologize…………..”

“You still haven’t come to your senses. Crown Prince Jaiha.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Restrain him immediately and throw him in prison.”

“T-that’s・・・・・・.”

The mocking smile that had been on his lips was now completely gone. 

What stood here now was the iron-blooded emperor, devoid of mercy. 

Do you still not know your place?

Then there’s no other way.

Even if I have to dirty my hands.

I’ll make sure you understand your place.

“He was the Winter Queen’s puppet. Am I wrong?”

“……You’re correct.”

“But is there a rule that says you shouldn’t betray us at a critical moment? Can we dismiss that as mere paranoia?”

“……No.”

“Then, for the sake of this war’s success, restraining him is the right course of action.”

Even setting aside personal feelings, Leifen’s words weren’t wrong. 

The Second Winter War had to be won. 

Thus, variables had to be minimized.

Of course, Leifen didn’t deny that personal feelings were also at play.