Chapter 39

*

Let’s rewind the clock, to when Swen and his group had just arrived at Kelshtain Castle in the northern region.

At the royal palace within Racclaine Castle, located at the far eastern end of the Brance Army’s territory, Parphale—the nation’s strategist of the Brance Army—and Nate, the lord of Racclaine Castle, were having a discussion.

“Did you say that our lord has sent 46,000 troops?”

“Yes, Strategist.”

A number exactly 10,000 short of the requested 56,000.

That 56,000 was what Parphale calculated as the maximum number of troops available for immediate deployment after accounting for border defenses.

So, this meant 10,000 troops would remain idle.

While normally insufficient to counter the Aishias Army, they were planning to attack the Alepel Army soon.

Deploying the full 56,000 would’ve been faster and more certain, but even so, it wasn’t an impossibly small force.

“Could there be other troops deployed elsewhere besides here?”

“I’ve heard that 10,000 troops were sent to the north.”

Upon hearing Nate’s words, Parphale mentally slapped her forehead.

‘So, he finally listened to that guy?’

Swen. The man who eerily seemed to see through her plans.

Lord Lin had always held him in high regard from the start.

Though her proposal passed during the meeting, Lin essentially told her he couldn’t ignore Swen’s input.

Of course, while she was initially surprised by how much Swen understood, his subsequent absurd arguments quickly lost her interest.

How many subordinates fail to live up to their lord’s expectations anyway?

However…

Lin rarely took such keen interest in any of her subordinates.

Moreover, Swen slightly adjusted his stance but ultimately agreed with General Iren’s opinion.

Given Lin’s unusual reluctance toward Iren, this indicated a significant level of trust in Swen.

Even if dividing the forces differently might’ve worked,

Parphale found herself oddly curious now.

Lin may act whimsically and struggle with crucial decisions, but he wasn’t entirely foolish.

Perhaps Swen, whom Lin highly regarded, might actually have a point.

Regarding the secret pact proposed by Charan.

Could it truly be a double-edged blade aimed directly at us?

If true, continuing this operation would be perilous.

‘…Our lord must have reasons. I shouldn’t dismiss the possibility that Swen is correct. It’s worth considering.’

If the Aishias Army were conspiring with both the Charan and Alepel Armies to deceive us—

we should turn this strategy against them.

But if they aren’t betraying us, acting rashly could ruin the joint offensive plan.

Charan may be crude, but he delivers on his promises without unnecessary complaints.

“Has there been any additional envoy from Charan?”

“Yes, indeed.”

Nate had already discussed the secret plan with the envoy.

Parphale carefully asked:

“When an envoy arrives… could you summon me before responding?”

“Strategist Parphale? Of course, your request will be honored… Is there a specific reason?”

“I need to confirm a few things.”

“I see…”

Parphale nodded, and Nate reciprocated without further inquiry, trusting her judgment.

She was well-respected within the Brance Army.

After leaving the royal palace, Parphale paused in thought.

After much deliberation, uncharacteristic for her usually decisive nature, she decided to set aside her stubbornness.

‘…I shouldn’t blindly distrust them.’

Parphale, renowned across the Brance Army for her various accomplishments, was referencing someone else’s opinion for the first time in years.

* * *

Later.

For quite some time, I followed General Iren, primarily treating wounded soldiers.

Each morning, only a few of those I saw yesterday recovered; most soldiers succumbed to their injuries right there.

It was heartbreaking to watch soldiers, who bravely fought hopeless battles, cry while looking at Iren before their lives flickered out.

In the game, conscription merely involved pressing a button to gather faceless numbers.

But could these people, who courageously fought and suffered so vividly, truly be reduced to mere statistics?

For some reason, James’ face came to mind.

What wrongs did these people commit to meet such an end?

‘Should I have tried harder to dissuade Kalintz?’

Realistically, there was nothing I could’ve done.

Kalintz was obstinate, and trying to interfere might’ve put my own life at risk.

Not every wise advisor is beloved by all commanders.

Besides, persuasion itself… What could I possibly achieve knowing only the outcome?

Divinity 100 might’ve implied extraordinary intellect, but all I could do was make accurate predictions.

Closing my eyes, I silently prayed for their souls.

“Lord Lin Brance will carry your spirits with him forever.”

Sadly, this was the only comfort I could offer.

Days passed.

One soldier, recognizing Iren tending to the wounded, rushed over.

“Excuse me, are you General Iren?”

“Yes, I am.”

“Master Miguel urgently requests your presence.”

“Urgently…?”

Though uneasy about the urgency, prompt action was often best.

Iren and I headed towards the fortress.

Inside, Miguel greeted us with a grim expression.

“So, you’ve arrived, General Iren. That makes everyone present, then.”

“What is the matter?”

Miguel sighed deeply, delivering the distressing news in a somber tone.

“…The Serpina Army is advancing on this fortress with over 33,000 troops.”

Bad things do come in succession.

Miguel’s words confirmed it.

A single misjudgment by an otherwise competent commander.

That mistake snowballed into something uncontrollable.

*

The Serpina Army invaded.

They likely noticed the fortress’s weakened state.

They probably sent troops to Cherryen Castle too.

With Kalintz doing everyone’s dirty work, it’s only a matter of time before the Serpina Army stabilizes the situation.

Even without intervention, given their national strength, the rebellion by An’s army would’ve been swiftly crushed—but Kalintz made it easier.

Evidence lies in the current assault on this fortress.

Had we remained quiet, it might’ve gone unnoticed.

But due to the fortress’s depleted forces, they likely seized the opportunity to clean up everything at once.

Thus, this fortress being attacked is akin to scratching an itch unnecessarily.

“…”

Iren lowered her head, dark clouds shadowing her face.

She seemed to have foreseen this vaguely during meetings.

She possessed a sharp intuition beyond her in-game intelligence score—perhaps honed through repeated battles.

Anyway.

Kalintz, the instigator, was captured and absent.

Now, Miguel, Kalintz’s former assistant and second-in-command at the fortress, bore the responsibility to resolve the situation.

“…”

But what could he, merely an assistant, possibly do in such a predicament?

Certainly not due to incompetence, but because no one could devise a solution under these circumstances.

Fleeing might be the best option—or better yet—

‘Burn the fortress and escape.’

Destroying the newly built fortress would prevent the Serpina Army from easily claiming it.

Strategically, burning it made sense since the fortress would benefit them more than us.

Of course, only someone like Kalintz could dare such bold action without explicit approval from the monarch.

Additionally, many stationed soldiers participated in its construction; seeing their hard work go up in flames might devastate morale.

Based on Miguel’s demeanor, it was clear he lacked the resolve for such a drastic decision. He was visibly sweating, unsure of what to do.

‘Anyway, reckless resistance isn’t an option.’

Fortunately, Miguel didn’t seem inclined toward futile, patriotic last stands.

Though Brance Army’s continuous defeats were inconsequential, losing Iren or endangering her life would be problematic.

My life was equally precious.

Thus.

When opinions were sought, I planned to raise my hand and suggest: “Losing the fortress is regrettable, but retreating to Kelshtain Castle for future gains is necessary.”

And conveniently enough…

“…To everyone here, does anyone have a good idea for this situation?”

I slowly observed the room.

No hands raised.

Naturally, openly suggesting abandoning the fortress would be burdensome.

Perhaps it was my turn since I didn’t intend to stay long with the Brance Army.

‘Hmm.’

Still, since the question was posed…

I decided to input a query into my mental database just to check.

‘Is there a good solution in this situation?’

I expected the answer to be [Burn the fortress and retreat].

The battle lines were clearly unfavorable.

Conclusively, Kalintz’s actions turned out poorly, but based on my game knowledge, that seemed like the right move.

As usual, the answer materialized instantly.





[Fortify where the enemy is visible and hold out.]

‘Hmm… fortify and hold out, you say. I see…’

Chewing on this response, I began to…

‘…?’

Gradually realizing the meaning of the reply.

Wait.

What?

Hold out?

‘Are you saying holding out is the correct move???’

Once again,

my infallible internal compass pointed in an unexpected direction.