Chapter 242

* * *

Currently stationed at the far eastern edge of the present Brance Army, lies Jeilrant Castle.

This rather unimpressive fortress, after Brance Army split into three nations, had unexpectedly become a crucial forward position for the traditional Brance forces.

Originally just a castle along a route that was bound to be taken over sooner or later, Lin was incredibly fortunate as the Kalintz Army and Chel Army were preoccupied with each other, allowing her to hastily set up defenses and organize troops to stabilize the borderline.

And now, seated in the position of the castle’s lady was not the previous lord Ray but the ruler Lin herself.

“Lord. As you commanded, I have issued a blockade order to the eastern sector.”

At Ray’s report, Lin nodded in satisfaction.

“Good work. Where’s Parphale?”

“She hasn’t returned from the blockade site yet. She mentioned something about handling various issues and might be delayed…”

“Hmm?”

Parphale can be trusted with this.

Turning toward Lin who seemed at ease, Ray hesitated before cautiously speaking up.

“Uh… Lord.”

“What is it? You have a question?”

“N-no, it’s nothing… It’s not like you need to explain anything…”

“What is it?”

Ray, after much hesitation, finally asked:

“Would it be alright if I ask why such measures were taken?”

“Eh? That’s all? For a moment there, I thought you wanted to quit or something.”

‘Because I couldn’t bring myself to question your orders…’

As Lin let out a somewhat exasperated smile, Ray swallowed his true thoughts.

“It’s because Serpina Army did something similar.”

“…”

“You know, currently Chel Army is at war with Aishias Army, right? You’re aware of that much?”

“Yes, I’ve heard as much…”

“Think about it. Why are those two at war? What do you think?”

“Well… Isn’t it because Chel Brance killed one of Aishias Army’s founding heroes, Erhandorf?”

Lin nodded slightly at that but indicated with a finger wag that it wasn’t entirely correct.

“That’s more like the result than the cause. My point is, why did they even meet? How could Chel have killed a founding hero of Aishias Army?”

“Uh…”

Not wanting to say something stupid like the old Lin would scold her for, Ray hesitated.

“If you don’t know, it’s okay to say so. I’ll tell you.”

“…I… I don’t know.”

With a gulp, Ray tensed for a moment but Lin didn’t get angry or embarrass him. Instead, she openly shared her thoughts.

“In my opinion, the root cause is that Serpina Army pulled their forces from the border. Think about it. If they hadn’t withdrawn their troops, would Chel Army and Aishias Army have met?”

As Lin said, while the immediate trigger was Chel killing Erhandorf, the situation arose because Serpina vacated their territory in Central Continent.

Otherwise, the two nations wouldn’t have had any real reason to clash.

“Ah… You’re right, my lord.”

“Right? And apparently, the Serpina Army has set up a blockade near Kelshtain Castle, thoroughly preventing entry by commoners and outsiders alike.”

“So… Are you issuing a blockade simply because Serpina is doing it?”

“Exactly.”

Lin started twirling her blue hair with her finger – a habit she developed when deep in thought.

“While everyone talks about the war between Chel Army and Aishias Army, what Serpina is actually doing is blocking entrances to their own nation. So, I suspect that abandoning their territory on Central Continent isn’t because there’s rebellion in Northern Continent… but rather to preemptively avoid some disaster here in Central Continent.”

“Disaster in Central Continent… Surely you don’t mean…”

Lin, with the same youthful vigor as when she pushed aside her two older brothers to become heir and wear the crown for the first time…

Blinked her blue eyes and cheerfully stated:

“Maybe a plague outbreak.”

“!!!”

“Why else would I issue a blockade?”

Lin smiled faintly and continued explaining.

“So, they abandoned their territory in Central Continent, right? Otherwise, it doesn’t make financial sense. From greedy Serpina’s perspective, why abandon the Central Continent territory they barely managed to secure just to make two nations fight? No matter what, whether Chel perishes or Aishias perishes, it only shifts the balance of power – and it’s not beneficial to Serpina Army. In my opinion, perhaps the war between the two nations wasn’t really part of her plan.”

“Though… If everything you say is true, how could Serpina possibly know whether a plague will or won’t occur? Objectively speaking, her actions resemble the whims of a cruel witch known for her capriciousness…”

“…”

At Ray’s question, Lin’s smooth flow of words came to a halt.

She slowly closed her eyes.

“…I don’t trust Serpina.”

“…”

“How could I trust that wretched woman? The one who killed her own flesh and blood for the crown… Though, maybe it’s not something I should mention since our army split…”

Lin said this with a brief bitter smile then continued.

“There’s someone trustworthy involved.”

“…”

The person Lin trusted wasn’t Serpina. More likely, it was someone who probably advised Serpina directly with a high probability of success regarding this incomprehensible behavior. This problem-solving approach wasn’t unfamiliar to her.

Once upon a time, the white-haired strategist whose advice was always correct…

Lin opened her eyes.

Then, smiling again, she spoke.

“Anyway… Dwelling on the past is meaningless, isn’t it?”

“Y-yes…”

Though the explanation was interrupted midway, increasing Ray’s curiosity, he decided against pressing further. He didn’t want to unintentionally irritate Lin and face her wrath.

Indeed, this line of questioning itself was quite challenging for Ray, who knew all too well how difficult it was to please the arrogant and moody Lin, having risen to become the Lady of Brance Castle.

Of course, he’d heard rumors that Lin had changed drastically since the division of their army, almost like a different person… But people’s hearts are unpredictable until seen firsthand.

Cautiously asking questions while worrying about being reprimanded turned out to be worthwhile.

Ultimately, Lin felt significantly different compared to before.

She didn’t get annoyed by questions, didn’t belittle ignorance, and instead kindly explained things without embarrassing him.

Though her tone and mannerisms were similar to the old Lin, anyone could tell the emotions behind them had changed.

‘Did my lord truly change?’

The strategist had mentioned that Lin before and after the division of the state were completely different people.

Now seeing it firsthand, Ray believed it to an extent, but trust once broken is hard to rebuild.

‘She’s probably just keeping a low profile because the situation is tough. Better not rely on her too much.’

While looking down at Ray bowing before her, Lin already sensed his thoughts.

Recognizing the cautious demeanor, familiar from the days when she believed no one above her existed…

‘There’s no need to elaborate unnecessarily…’

Lin held a bittersweet smile.

All she could do was continuously show her subordinates remaining by her side the changes within her.

Anyway, if her prediction – or more accurately, the prediction of the man she trusted – was correct, Central Continent was about to fall into unprecedented chaos.

It wasn’t time to take center stage yet. Just a bit longer… Accumulating strength while waiting patiently.

‘The time will surely come.’

Lin resolved to hunker down further.

For the day when Brance Army’s sky-blue banner would once again cover Central Continent.

* * *

Aishias Army’s field base camp.

“…So we lost?”

“That’s right. Please forgive me… Allow me to die!”

To the armed soldier bowing deeply before him, Yuri responded coldly.

“Pointless. Killing you gains me nothing. What’s the meaning of saying such things?”

“B-but…”

“Enough. If you wish to demonstrate loyalty, compose yourself. Go to the battlefield and earn merit. That’s all I desire.”

“…”

“…What are you waiting for? Go.”

“…Understood.”

After dismissing the soldier, Yuri sighed deeply.

He thought conquering Chel Army would be quick… But things weren’t going as planned.

Repeated forced marches, continuous battles, ongoing sieges – the fatigue level of Aishias Army soldiers was nearing its limit.

The warriors were equally exhausted, unable to fight at their initial peak condition.

“Damn.”

Yuri slammed his fist on the desk.

Erhandorf was still suffering in the afterlife.

Until he avenged Chel, that thorn in his side, he couldn’t rest easy.

Though dulled, Chel was still the first sword of Brance. Despite Emma and Epinal’s efforts… They lacked that decisive blow.

‘…I should consider recruiting mercenaries.’

Continuing as is would only lead to repetitive attrition warfare. Perhaps it’s better to create a clear numerical advantage and conquer decisively.

Though this would consume a tremendous amount of gold, potentially preventing implementation of Plan B…

Right now, erasing Chel Brance from the map was more important than anything else to Yuri.

‘Yeah. I’ll discuss this with Anima when she arrives.’

Just then, he realized the strange discomfort he’d been feeling.

Why…

Isn’t Anima here yet?

She should have arrived hours ago.

‘…Still sleeping?’

No.

Anima, who never slept in late, staying asleep this long was unusual.

Yuri slowly rose from his seat and headed toward Anima’s quarters.

Something felt off.

Though he couldn’t pinpoint why… It was an instinctive unease.

Finally reaching Anima’s room, Yuri cautiously asked:

“Anima, are you there…?”

There was no response.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Yuri pushed open the door.

And…

“!!!”

What met his eyes was…

Gagging sounds filled the air.

“Y-Yuri…”

There lay Anima, in obvious distress, repeatedly coughing and drenched in cold sweat in her bed.