Chapter 267

At the frontline of the Brance Army, Jeilrant Castle.

“Word has it that the Kalintz Army seems to have truly calmed down?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

So long as they remained in the Central Continent, the biggest topic could only be the horrifying plague that had swept through. The Brance Army, having locked their borders early on after observing Serpina’s actions, was the only nation among those in the Central Continent unaffected by the plague.

“The Chel Army and the Aishias Army, suspected as the direct origin of the plague… While it’s impossible to accurately deduce at this stage, there are rumors that even they seem to have stabilized for now.”

“I see. Thanks for all your hard work, Belrut. It must’ve been a tough job running around like this amidst such a situation, but I don’t think anyone else could’ve done it besides you.”

“That… It was merely my duty, my Lord. If commanded by you, I would leap into any blazing inferno.”

With Belrut kneeling earnestly and speaking in a serious tone, Lin smiled gently and said,

“Ho ho ho, that’d be troublesome. You’re someone I need to rely on going forward.”

Never again will I make the foolish mistake of turning against those who work for me…

“It is an honor, my Lord. This body shall gladly dedicate itself to your revival and the rise of the Brance Clan!”

After dismissing Belrut, Lin approached Parphale, who was reviewing maps nearby.

“What do you think?”

“…Kalintz, during the height of the plague, rashly attacked the Chel Army with their forces, so their available troops aren’t many.”

“Speaking of the plague… how did that turn out?”

“Turn out?”

“You know, what Yuri mentioned. That claim about Serpina using magic to spread the plague.”

That story was naturally something Parphale knew well.

It had been one of the hottest topics across the continent recently. Sure, a mage appeared, but spreading plagues? On paper, it wasn’t too far-fetched. And if the perpetrator was the infamous Serpina, it sounded even more plausible—but…

“…While the Serpina Army risked their lives operating relief camps, the Aishias Army turned a blind eye to their territorial people dying from the plague. As a result, the anti-Serpina sentiment they hoped for didn’t form. Instead, it seems they’ve been put on the defensive.”

“On the defensive?”

“Yes. It almost feels like Serpina orchestrated a grand plan to guide Yuri into reacting this way… though there’s little evidence for that.”

“…”

Closing her eyes, Lin recalled the white-haired strategist and asked,

Was it you?

Did you predict all of this and corner Yuri?

Naturally, no answer came.

Regardless, in this massive battle of public opinion, the Serpina Army emerged victorious while the Aishias Army suffered defeat. All that remained was the aftermath.

“I had judged the Aishias Army to be highly threatening… But judging by their recent behavior, it seems their nation might’ve been overrated.”

“To be fair, we lost to Aishias not because of Yuri but for other reasons.”

“Lord…”

Parphale hesitated to speak but then shook her head. The past is the past; they needed to move forward. Changing her gaze, she looked directly at Lin and said,

“My Lord, I believe we shouldn’t miss this opportunity.”

“What do you think about the plague?”

“Soon, it’ll end. For our army, this final period of preparation will be a good time.”

“…Alright.”

Lin slowly opened her eyes. Despite the Brance Army splitting into three factions and losing much, she still breathed. As long as she lived, she had to prove that the Brance family hadn’t fallen yet.

“Seems it’s time to inform my second brother, safely holed up in the capital without achieving anything. Let him know just how terrifying his younger sister, who became the heir despite being a woman, truly is. Right?”

“My Lord…!”

Though Lin’s words carried a hint of arrogance, Parphale felt it was a sign that she was regaining her spirit. In fact, it made her happy.

Yes, this is how Lin should be. An overwhelming conqueror striving to place everything under her feet—this was none other than Lin Brance!

“We must prepare for war seriously. Our target is the Kalintz Army. Once we subjugate them, we’ll deal with the Chel Army where my eldest brother resides. As for the rear, Parphale, you handle it. Can you do it?”

“Yes! Of course!”

Lin closed her eyes slowly and thought. So much had happened, but at this moment, she felt a sliver of opportunity shining down upon her like lightning.

“The true master who deserves the throne of the Brance Army… I will certainly reveal who it is, Brother.”

Lin’s blue eyes shone with unparalleled wisdom.

The arrogant prodigy of the Brance family had just begun the prelude to her dream of rebuilding, bathed in blue light.

* * *

In the southern part of the continent, where the balance had shattered.

The Karelia Army, nearly annihilated during the Tevelo Castle siege, found themselves unable to withstand the Lunarien Army, which had reorganized their forces and pushed aggressively into their territory.

Indeed, the Lunarien side’s attack force was rapidly annexing Karelia territories at a historically swift pace.

Commanded by the monarch Lunarien, Chief Strategist Jinoru, and supply overseer Kyle, the vanguard consisted of two young talents of the Lunarien Army—Francis and Charlotte—backed up by battalion commanders including Mets.

And with newly-promoted generals Aaron and Gustaf contributing to this blitzkrieg, the invasion resembled little more than a house robbery, allowing territories to fall at light speed.

For an attack force of this scale, there was no need for Tifa, the mage, to unnecessarily step onto the front lines.

Jinoru had even insisted that Tifa take some rest for the time being.

Vanessa, Sad, and Cecile—the dream team of the Karelia Army—had crumbled, leaving only Sad alive while the other two barely survived.

Of course, mere castle lords couldn’t possibly resist the Lunarien Army’s rapid advance. Some, realizing the futility of resistance, even opened their gates themselves.

Although voices strongly criticized such betrayal within the ranks of the Karelia Army—and to some extent, the Lunarien Army as well—who valued loyalty above all else,

“Ultimately, if our intentions align in creating a peaceful world, I believe it’s unnecessary to fight to the bitter end.”

Luna reproached such critics, choosing instead to allow these lords to retain their positions rather than enforcing honor killings.

Since managing the Karelia territories required capable individuals, continuing meaningless slaughter in the name of honor would be inefficient—not to mention, the fledgling Lunarien Army, whose history began with rebellion, desperately needed collaborators.

Thus, sweeping through Karelia territories like bamboo shoots breaking through soil, they soon found themselves gazing upon—

The spires of the green-flagged Capital City of Madlen.

“Madlen Castle…”

Looking at the spires, Luna wore a complex expression as Jinoru approached.

“One last step remains, my Lord.”

“One last step…”

Behind Madlen Castle lay a few more territories, but realistically, once the symbolic fortress fell, the others would likely join without resistance.

Recalling her first visit to Madlen Castle, Luna remembered how everyone had cautiously regarded her as a foreigner and former ruler of a minor state. Yet, Karelia had welcomed her warmly, granting her the position of Lady.

“…”

Luna buried her guilt deep within her heart. She simply seized the opportunity when it arose. In truth, failing to seize it might’ve endangered her life due to Vanessa. Thus, she harbored no regrets about her actions.

This regret was simply another burden she must bear as a monarch.

Whether tyrant or wise ruler, those holding the title of monarch inevitably stained their swords with human blood. Their task was to fulfill the hopes contained within the weight of spilled blood.

Driving away the wicked Serpina, rooting peace throughout the continent, and honoring her promise to that person…

“…Everyone.”

Turning her head, Luna looked at those who had followed her: Strategist Jinoru, Kyle who had aided her since Cain’s era, Charlotte and Francis, Gustaf and Aaron who kept their promises, and all those who bet everything on the possibility of Lunarien instead of Karelia.

“This will likely be the final battle against the Karelia Army. They will defend with all their might. Please grant me your strength until the very end.”

The strategy was simple:

To capture the enemy’s capital city of Madlen with 100,000 soldiers against the remaining 35,000 enemies.

A battle they were bound to win, but caution was still necessary.

“Jinoru, please alert me if anything seems amiss.”

“Understood, my Lord.”

Even as he spoke, Jinoru wasn’t particularly worried. After all, the Lunarien Army was bound to win. He no longer doubted their victory. His word was absolute—if he declared someone would unify the continent, it was as good as fact.

Concluding her discussion with Jinoru, Luna sighed softly and addressed everyone one last time. It was the reluctant truth of a ruler sending comrades to the battlefield.

“Everyone… please, survive until the end.”

* * *

And so, after reorganizing their forces—

The Lunarien Army’s occupation force marched swiftly toward the capital city of Madlen, belonging to the Karelia Army.