Turning back ti slightly—
Shortly after the Brans Army fractured into three, the southern continent had fallen into chaos.
Unlike Serpina’s forces, who remained unexpectedly quiet without launching any invasions, the south «N.o.v.e.l.i.g.h.t» had beco a storm of ceaseless upheaval.
Karelia, one of the southern nations, was also swept up in the tides of war.
Inside the royal palace of Madralan Castle, the ruler Makana Karelia sat, listening to a report from her chief strategist, Vanessa Trinity.
"Ohanan forces, you say?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. Their movents suggest they are preparing to invade Hesna. This pattern has been observed three tis now."
Vanessa responded with a respectful bow.
"So it has co to this..."
The current situation in the southern continent was as follows:
To the northwest, Roland’s army shared a border with the second Brans Army, led by Lord Carlints.
To the northeast, Hesna’s army had borders with the second Brans Army, Serpina’s forces, and Aishus’ military.
Among these factions, Hesna seed to be in the most advantageous position—for now.
After all, they had successfully annexed a central territory that previously belonged to Brans’ forces.
However, in doing so, they had stretched themselves too thin, leaving their borders exposed.
And now, Ohanan forces were preparing to exploit that vulnerability.
"It seems the ti has co for us to move our own troops."
"What is the state of our military readiness?" Makana asked.
"Having been away from large-scale warfare for so ti, our soldiers have undergone relentless training to ensure they remain at peak condition. I am confident they can perform well on any battlefield."
Vanessa’s tone was firm—unyielding.
Indeed, Karelia’s forces had been put through rigorous drills under strict discipline, ensuring their combat readiness.
Yet, while their training had been brutal, their performance on an actual battlefield remained untested.
Even so, Vanessa held no doubts.
"In other words—"
"Yes. The ti has co."
Vanessa t her sovereign’s gaze, her eyes shining with determination.
"It is ti, my lady."
At last, war was upon them.
Even as the rest of the continent remained embroiled in turmoil, the south had managed to maintain relative peace for an extended period.
That peace was now at an end.
Still, if it ant rescuing the people of the continent from the suffocating rule of Serpina’s tyranny—then drawing their blades here was necessary.
"Then we must begin assembling an invasion force. We will need to send word to Tepello Castle."
"Your Majesty, before that—I have a request."
"Speak."
"Would you be willing to convene an ergency council eting today?"
"A eting...?"
"I wish to discuss a critical matter."
"...I see."
Makana imdiately understood what Vanessa was implying.
This was not a simple tactical discussion.
She wanted to bring up that topic—one that had been brewing beneath the surface for so ti.
Seeing her ruler’s hesitation, Vanessa lowered her head.
"Your Majesty. I humbly ask for this opportunity."
"...Very well. If we are to go to war, gathering everyone’s opinions first would be the wise course of action."
"I am grateful, Your Majesty."
The ti had co.
As Makana mulled over Vanessa’s words, she focused on the plans she needed to solidify for the future.
Of course, there was still sothing she had to do first.
***
That evening—
By order of Makana Karelia, an ergency eting was convened at Madralan Castle.
Unlike the regular assemblies where all the lords of Karelia’s territories gathered, this eting was strictly among the military officers stationed in the capital.
However, with both the sovereign and the kingdom’s chief strategist present, its importance was undeniable.
Madralan, being the capital, housed so of the most politically experienced officers in Karelia’s military.
And the issue presented at the eting was—
"We will soon set a date to invade Ohanan territory."
At Makana Karelia’s words, the gathered officers remained silent, bowing their heads slightly in acknowledgnt.
War was not an unexpected developnt.
Rather than opposition, the air in the chamber was one of inevitability.
They had all known this mont would co.
After all, doing nothing would bring about no change.
To seize dominance in the ever-shifting chaos of the south, Karelia had no choice but to act.
"I wish to hear your thoughts on the best approach. Do not hesitate to speak freely—at this mont, rank and formality do not matter."
"Your Majesty."
This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight
The first to speak was Cecil Lohengrin, the poised and intelligent heir of House Lohengrin.
A woman with neatly trimd hair and glasses that suited her sharp deanor, she was Karelia’s greatest financial backer.
"I believe the most rational approach would be to appoint Lady Lunarian as the supre commander at Tepello Castle and launch an invasion of Alscon Castle, located at Ohanan’s border."
Several officers nodded in agreent.
Even Makana found the suggestion reasonable and gave a slight nod—
However, her gaze drifted toward Vanessa Trinity, and she knew.
That wasn’t why this eting was called.
Truthfully, there had been no need for a debate.
Even Makana herself had planned to entrust Lunarian with command at Tepello Castle and lead the invasion from there.
There was no better forward base, and among all the lords under her rule, Lunarian Iniang had achieved the most outstanding results.
Even in the recent martial tournant, Lunarian had displayed an extraordinary level of skill, despite her small stature.
The only reason she had not claid victory was due to the tournant’s cancellation following a flood in the kingdom.
But had it continued—
There was no doubt she would have won.
And yet—
Makana knew exactly why Vanessa had insisted on this eting.
Because she did not approve of this plan.
"Your Majesty."
Vanessa slowly bowed her head before speaking.
"I request that General Gail be appointed as the new lord of Tepello Castle and that Lunarian, along with all the officers who accompanied her, be reassigned to Madralan Castle.
We can discuss the invasion of Ohanan afterward."
"Hold on, Chief Strategist."
Karelia’s ergency council followed one absolute rule—
During discussions, hierarchy did not exist.
Regardless of rank, anyone could challenge an idea, even if it ca from the sovereign or the chief strategist.
"General Gail is certainly an exceptional officer, but his expertise lies in defensive warfare. He is not suited to lead an invasion force.
Given the circumstances, it seems more logical to entrust command to Lady Lunarian, who has demonstrated clear results and earned the trust of the troops."
"Lunarian Iniang is indeed a talented commander."
Vanessa spoke calmly, yet firmly.
"But she is also an untrustworthy one.
For the sake of Karelia’s future, I believe General Gail is the more reasonable choice."
"Forgive , but isn’t that simply your personal opinion, Chief Strategist?"
"..."
"If Lady Lunarian is the most suitable for the role, then removing her for personal reasons will only weaken our army.
This is a military decision, not a matter of individual trust."
Vanessa closed her eyes briefly—
Then, as if bracing herself, she t Cecil’s gaze.
"And what of you, Lady Cecil?
You seem excessively protective of Lady Luna.
The question of who leads the invasion is not the most critical issue.
While capable commanders are important, ultimately, battles are won by soldiers.
And General Gail is an exceptional leader, nearly on par with Lady Luna herself."
"Nearly, yes—but not superior to her."
"Even if he is slightly less skilled, is it not wiser to trust a longti, proven officer over an outsider whose loyalties remain uncertain?"
"Wait—pardon , but may I interject?"
Makana’s voice cut through the debate, and Vanessa lowered her head respectfully.
"Please, Your Majesty, speak."
"Why do you not trust Lunarian?"
"..."
"I have t with her many tis during our regular assemblies.
She possesses keen insight and formidable combat ability.
General Gail is not incompetent, but Lunarian surpasses him in every aspect.
So tell —what exactly is the issue?"
Vanessa responded without hesitation.
"It is because she is too capable."
Her tone was unwavering—unyielding.
"Lunarian Iniang was once a ruling noble.
If she were to gain substantial military power, there is a very real possibility that she would reveal hidden ambitions.
I cannot ignore the risk that her sword may one day turn against you, Your Majesty.
I urge you to reconsider."
"..."
"I disagree."
This ti, Cecil spoke.
"I will not deny that I share a personal connection with Lady Luna.
But because of that, I can say with absolute certainty—
She is not the type to stab soone in the back.
I, Cecil Lohengrin, pledge my family’s honor as guarantee.
Your Majesty, please place your trust in Lady Luna.
I assure you—she will beco an irreplaceable general in Karelia’s army."
Makana sighed inwardly.
She already knew that Lunarian was not the scheming type.
She had spoken to her face to face and seen her eyes—
There was no deceit in them.
"...What does the rest of the council think?"
With that, the room’s stances beca clear.
The council was split evenly.
Half sided with Cecil, arguing for Lunarian’s leadership.
The other half supported Vanessa, believing the risk was too great.
An interesting pattern erged—
Most of Cecil’s supporters were Karelia’s veteran officers, who had served for years.
anwhile, Vanessa’s backers were newer recruits, those who had joined more recently.
Makana closed her eyes, deep in thought.
Vanessa’s reasoning was not unfounded.
If Lunarian ever turned against her, she would be an undeniable threat.
And Vanessa was no fool.
She was the single most competent strategist in Karelia’s military.
Under her managent, both the size and strength of Karelia’s forces had grown significantly.
She was objective and fiercely loyal—this was not jealousy.
She truly believed that Lunarian posed a danger.
"In the end, the decision is mine to make."
After long deliberation—
Makana slowly opened her eyes and spoke.
"Vanessa."
"...Yes, Your Majesty."
From the way her na was called, Vanessa had already anticipated the answer.
She closed her eyes and bowed her head.
And Makana—
As Vanessa had predicted—
Spoke the words that would decide the future of the campaign.
"I am sorry, Vanessa—
But I have decided to trust Lady Lunarian."
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