Chapter 202

After that, no matter how much I called, Hersela didn’t respond.

Stubborn, huh? Well, she won’t last long like that anyway.

I couldn’t figure out the principle, but as long as my consciousness didn’t fade, it seemed she couldn’t surface and take control of the body.

So, for now, I still have the reins. Thankfully.

If she could’ve popped out on her own whenever she wanted, she’d probably have gone wild like an untamed beast every time.

Anyway, I’ve achieved half of what I wanted, so I’ll take that for now.

The other half—borrowing her power or learning how to use it—can be achieved gradually.

At least I clearly remember the four techniques I saw that day.

A defensive move that disperses shockwaves in all directions, an attack that swings a net of blades, a strange motion that forcibly twists the arm to deflect the sword’s direction…

And I also saw how to detect the presence of the Ghost Sword by spreading Life Force like mist.

It’ll take a lot of practice to use it as skillfully as her, but… I’ll get the hang of it eventually.

I smiled as I looked down at my left hand.

A red thread formed at my fingertips, swaying like smoke.

It wasn’t as refined as what Hersela had shown, and if my concentration wavered, it would dissipate pathetically.

Still, I think I’ve got the gist of it.

—

Hersela had said that Leopold’s strategy was bound to fail.

While Leopold and I were only concerned about the speed of Faelun’s reinforcements, she suggested the possibility that they might not even arrive.

She said that if external enemies tied them down and surrounded Leopold’s forces deep in enemy territory, that would be the end.

External enemies.

It was a possibility I’d overlooked.

She was probably referring to the beastmen beyond the northern Sky Mountains of the Empire.

Right. Unlike Vien, Faelun is a grand duchy that shares a border with the beastmen.

Just like Landenburg, which was tied down by Ka`har, if the beastmen launched a large-scale invasion, Faelun would have no resources left to support Leopold’s forces while defending against them.

Leopold’s promised material support would be a later issue; if they couldn’t stop the beastmen’s invasion immediately, the entire Faelun territory would be in danger.

For a regional Great Lord, the most important thing isn’t loyalty based on contractual relationships but the safety of their territory and its people. Even during a succession war.

When their territory faces a critical crisis, prioritizing its defense isn’t dishonorable—it’s only natural.

Maybe I’m overthinking it.

Isabella is a powerful witch, but she’s not from the Empire, and how could she possibly control the beastmen beyond the mountains?

However, Isabella has always defied common sense, mocking our complacent judgments and toying with everyone.

Now I understand.

It’s pointless to define her limits based on our standards of what’s possible or impossible.

So, I should focus on the risks, not the possibilities.

I got up from the sickbed and headed to Leopold’s office.

With each step, my chest throbbed painfully, but the priest who treated me must’ve been skilled because it was bearable.

—

“You think Isabella will mobilize the beastmen? How?”

When I arrived, Leopold was reading a paper on his desk.

A letter with a familiar seal. It seemed to be correspondence from Landenburg, and judging by the faint frown on Leopold’s brow, it wasn’t good news.

“I don’t know either. There’s no concrete evidence. But if it’s her, nothing would be surprising. She’s always been like that.”

“That’s true, but…”

“Maybe she doesn’t even need to scheme. The Empire is in a civil war—why would they miss that opportunity?”

If an enemy country is split in two, fighting among themselves, and the front-line defenses are weakened… I’d want to attack too.

“…You make a fair point.”

Leopold put the letter down.

The white paper was filled with a status report written by Ludwig.

—

The Ka`har forces are currently stationed far south of the border, near the barrier, and have set up camp.

They have about 4,000 infantry and 1,000 cavalry, but given the large number of horses behind their camp, it’s likely the infantry can switch to cavalry at any time.

Strangely, they show no signs of attacking yet.

They might be waiting for their main force, but considering how they’ve been delaying since my arrival…

It seems they’re waiting for the civil war to intensify and weaken the eastern defenses.

Given these movements, it appears they’re far more informed about the Empire’s current situation than we thought.

It might be an overreaction, but if true, we must assume there’s some unknown connection between Isabella and Ka`har.

Currently, they’re sending small raiding parties to pillage Dane’s border and return repeatedly.

Once sufficient forces are gathered and we’re certain this isn’t Or-han’s trap, we’ll attack immediately.

– Ludwig Wilhelm von Landenburg

—

It seems the eastern front hasn’t engaged in battle yet.

Ludwig seems to have reached a similar conclusion as me.

That Isabella had some connection with external enemies and brought them in for the civil war.

“My vision was too narrow. When the eastern forces were tied down by Ka`har, I should’ve considered the possibility that the northern forces could also be blocked…”

Leopold leaned back deeply into his chair.

He pressed down on his temple with his left hand.

The look of extreme fatigue was evident. A deep sigh scattered into the air.

“So, what do you plan to do now? If you push forward with the current strategy, no offense, but you’ll end up as Isabella’s plaything. Wouldn’t it be better to withdraw the advance plan?”

“No, that’s not possible. The moment the northern army is tied down in Pailoon, whether we advance or defend, this war is as good as lost. So…”

Covering his eyes, Leopold remained silent for a while.

So much so that it seemed like he might have fallen asleep.

“…Uh, Your Highness Leopold. Are you… asleep right now?”

“……”

This guy, did he really just pass out…?

Would tapping the prince’s shoulder to wake him up be considered treason or not?

After a moment of hesitation, just as I reached out my arm to do so…

“Ah, right. That should work…”

Leopold removed his hand from his face.

Though his eyes were weary, his gaze was sharp and bright.

Seems like he wasn’t actually asleep after all.

“Did you come up with some groundbreaking alternative?”

“I’m not sure if it’s groundbreaking, but something did come to mind… Though I’ll need the princess’s help.”

Me?

You’re not asking me to go to the north and deal with the beastmen, are you?

Like, live up to the nickname “Beastman Devourer” or something.

“Me? Wasn’t I supposed to head east…?”

“It won’t take long. Shortly, I’ll invite a few people to the office for a brief discussion. All you need to do is stand quietly by my side and fully utilize your usual specialty. Simple, right?”

My specialty?

You mean using force?

“I wouldn’t recommend smashing someone’s head in the office.”

Bloodstains on furniture or books would be hard to remove, and the smell wouldn’t be pleasant either.

“No, not that! I mean creating an atmosphere of fear…!”

Oh, that.

I thought you meant the traditional method of blowing up one or two heads to make the rest obedient.

“If that’s the case, no problem. Leave it to me. I’ll bring them to the brink of a heart attack.”

“I’ll count on you. And… there might be something a bit unpleasant for you in this discussion… I’ll ask for your understanding in advance. I’ll make it up to you someday, so please bear with it for now.”

Leopold gave a slight bow.

Did Hersela’s rampage leave a big impact on the prince? Ever since waking up, he’s been subtly watching my reactions.

Even now. The guy who used to act first and apologize later is now bowing his head beforehand.

What on earth is he planning to say that he’s being so humble…? It’s making me a bit uneasy.

“…As long as it’s not something like an arranged marriage.”

“It’s not that, so don’t worry.”

Well, then, no problem.

I nodded readily.

“Then… Sir Persval, Sir Georg, and Sir Duver, go and inform them that I have an urgent matter to discuss and that they should come to the palace immediately.”

“Sir Georg and Sir Duver…? Uh, Your Highness, if I may be so bold, isn’t it possible they might refuse your summons? If that happens, what should I do? May I ask for your guidance?”

Persval hesitated, looking a bit flustered as he asked.

I don’t know who they are, but if Persval is acting like this, they must be pretty big shots, huh?

Leopold chuckled coldly, resting his chin on his hand.

“If they forget their place and act arrogantly… then remind them. That Duke Bien’s knights are stationed in the palace, and that I am still one of the legitimate heirs to the throne. They’ll understand what that means. It seems you’ve already grasped it too.”

“Yes! Understood. I’ll deliver the message right away!”

Persval saluted hastily and hurried out of the office.

“Who are Georg and Duver that he’s acting like that?”

“They’re the leaders of the Imperial Knight Order and have served as commanders of the Imperial Army. I’ll send them north to fill the void left by Pailoon. While we might lack elite forces, two Imperial Army legions should be enough to hold the line against the beastmen.”

So, send the Imperial Army north to hold off the beastmen, while Pailoon focuses on fighting Isabella’s forces.

I doubt Duke Pailoon would be thrilled about entrusting the safety of his territory entirely to others.

Wait. Before that, will those two even obey Leopold’s orders?

“They’re Imperial Army commanders. I don’t think they’ll just follow along willingly.”

…Honestly, it doesn’t seem very likely.

They’ve maintained strict neutrality even during the witch controversy.

“We’ll have to make them obey. That’s exactly what you and I need to do.”

His reply was soft but carried a strong resolve.

…Can I really trust this guy?