Chapter 268

* * *

The Royal Palace of Madlen Castle.

Lord Karelia and Strategist Vanessa, as if completely ignoring the current state of emergency—were enjoying an incredibly leisurely tea time.

The clinking sound of porcelain was the only thing filling the quiet Audience Chamber.

Vanessa was skillfully preparing the tea with practiced ease.

—Truth be told, both Vanessa and Karelia were fully aware.

A battle would soon begin.

And no matter what we did… our army had no chance of defeating Lunarien’s forces.

With over 100,000 enemy troops bearing down on us, our army numbered a mere 33,000 soldiers.

Even in a defensive battle, morale was at rock bottom. It was only natural; every day brought news of defeat.

Since the moment we failed with 200,000 troops… this situation became unavoidable.

“Vanessa, having such a relaxed time with you like this is truly a rare occurrence.”

“…”

“It’s not so bad to be a ruler once in life when someone like Vanessa Trinity personally serves me tea.”

Karelia wore a carefree expression while making a joke, but Vanessa remained silent, quietly placing the tea before her without a word.

“Please drink.”

Afterward, the two sat silently, sipping their tea.

After some time passed… Karelia finally spoke in a serious tone, as if steeling herself.

“I know what you’re about to say… but forgive me. I will absolutely not run away.”

She declared this with resolute determination.

“Run, my Lord! Holding out here in a hopeless siege will only lead to a meaningless death.”

“Even so, it doesn’t matter. If heaven has chosen Lady Luna over me, then that is its will.”

“My Lord, please! This stubbornness is pointless. Even this moment is too late. Surely you understand that once your life ends, the cause for which you’ve fought loses all meaning!”

“No amount of persuasion will work!”

Karelia said this to Vanessa—or rather, shouted it. Her voice trembled as she looked into Vanessa’s momentarily shaken eyes.

“I… will never flee. How can I abandon you, the soldiers, and the vassals who have trusted me until the end? What good would it do for me alone to survive? Tell me that!”

Now crying softly, Karelia looked toward Vanessa, who sighed lightly and bowed her head.

“My Lord, you are a symbol yourself. We have gathered here under the banner of Makana Karelia, dreaming of great heights. Unlike other lords, you have always valued righteousness and walked the path of justice. Your footsteps have been our hope and future.”

“I want to live under the skies of Karelia. With you, My Lord, we can defeat the tyrant Serpina, who has usurped the incompetent Einhardt imperial family. Even now, I believe this thought is not wrong.”

“The day will come when even you are proven wrong, Vanessa. I am merely one among countless lords. A man who could not break the balance of the Southern Continent with his own hands… someone who simply rode the times well enough to secure a position. But…”

“Lady Luna is different. She broke the balance with her own hands and has come all the way here to Madlen Castle. If peace can be achieved across the continent, does it really matter whose gaze watches from above? I believe that Lady Luna will govern with virtue.”

“Lunarien Iniyan betrayed your trust and rebelled. At that point, any belief in her virtuous governance seems unfounded.”

“That too is ultimately due to my lack of virtue. No one else is to blame—not even you, Vanessa. It’s simply because I wasn’t strong enough.”

“My Lord…”

If only Karelia had lashed out and blamed Vanessa, it might have been easier to bear. Instead, Karelia was shouldering everything—taking responsibility for the betrayal, the deaths of the soldiers, and even the fall of the nation—all on himself.

“Vanessa, you are a talented person. Despite past conflicts with Lady Luna, I believe she will recognize your brilliant abilities rather than dwell on personal grudges. Therefore, it’s not too late. Surrender and continue serving her. Please overthrow Serpina and bring peace to the continent.”

“…”

“From now on, consider Lady Luna as ‘me.’ The name Karelia… ends here. I’ll take all the burdens upon myself. Please, help Lady Luna achieve peace for the continent.”

Vanessa remained silent, her head bowed, staring at her empty teacup.

That’s right—the teacup.

Karelia’s teacup was empty. And now… the effects would soon start to kick in.

“My Lord, allow me to offer you one final piece of advice as your Nation’s Strategist.”

“Vanessa…?”

“If you regain consciousness, immediately retreat to a secluded place to gather strength. The rugged mountains near Brance Army’s western continent are perfect for hiding. Then, seize the opportunity to rise again from the western continent. The current Brance Army stationed there is nothing more than a paper tiger compared to its former glory. They will undoubtedly lose control of the western continent soon.”

“What… what are you talking about…?”

Karelia’s eyes widened suspiciously as she stared intently at Vanessa—but Vanessa continued calmly reciting her prepared words.

“Cherish the name Karelia. Your beliefs and legacy are invaluable assets no other lord possesses. You will surely find people willing to support you, just as you did in the southern continent.”

“Vanessa, what… what are you saying…?”

At that moment…

Karelia slumped back against her chair, unable to continue speaking.

“Mu… mu… what…”

Suddenly, her body felt as heavy as if filled with water. Though clearly still seated, it felt as though she were being pulled into a pit, enveloped by an unseen force.

—Wait a second.

“Regain consciousness…” That’s what she said?

“Y-you… put… sleepin’… stuff…”

Karelia finally realized what Vanessa had done.

…You drugged the tea?!

“And let me leave you with one final message.”

Vanessa finally raised her bowed head.

She smiled.

A genuine smile.

Vanessa gave what would be her last smile to the only master she’d ever served in this lifetime.

“To have been born and served someone like Karelia-sama is the greatest honor of my life. I will never forget.”

“Van… ess… sa…”

Thud.

Karelia lost consciousness shortly after, and moments later, another woman entered the room.

“Miss Cecile, you’ve arrived.”

“…”

This woman, Cecile, silently stared at Vanessa’s face.

“As we discussed, please escort my Lord to the western continent. Take advantage of the chaos caused by the siege and exit through the northern gate. I’ll provide you with a detachment of a hundred elite soldiers. I wish I could give you more, but there’s a risk of discovery.”

“Strategist, is this truly the end? Our Lord needs you more than anyone right now. Without you, the Karelia Army…”

Cecile pleaded desperately, but Vanessa’s resolve was unshakable.

“My usefulness as a human ends here, Miss Cecile. This rebellion began because of me. For our Lord to rise again beyond Lunarien, my presence must end here.”

If she remained, there was a risk the people wouldn’t rally around Karelia.

Vanessa understood this reality better than anyone.

“Such…”

“Don’t worry about it. After all, it’s a life my Lord prolonged slightly.”

Vanessa stood up and spoke.

“You mentioned having relatives in the western continent?”

“Yes. Their territory currently falls under Brance Army’s jurisdiction, but it should be safe for the time being.”

“I see. Understood.”

Vanessa faced Cecile directly.

“Cecile-sama, please take care of my Lord.”

“…”

Without a word, Cecile nodded, then left the palace with several soldiers, carrying the unconscious Karelia.

Looking back now, the Battle of Tevelo Castle truly demonstrated how much Lunarien was loved by the world.

The sudden appearance of two mercenary units and the awakening of a powerful mage made it feel like everything in the world was moving solely for her benefit—an overwhelmingly one-sided battle.

But initially, when she first arrived here, she was just another failed lord.

She sought refuge with our army and seized her opportunity to reveal her ambitions.

Why couldn’t Karelia do the same?

“Karelia-sama… I sincerely hope you escape safely.”

My final wish: please grant Karelia-sama the same opportunities you granted Lunarien.

With that foolish thought in mind, I prepared for the final battle.

* * *

—and a few hours later.

An army led by emerald banners charged fiercely toward Madlen Castle.