---

Burgai. Kaden. And Polrand. The three kingdoms located to the east.

Under the banner of alliance, they tried to unite against the Empire, but before that, they turned their blades upon each other.

Then, as if to punish them, an unprecedented great flood engulfed them.

Now the situation is such that if it weren’t for the Empire’s warm mercy, it wouldn’t be surprising if the country turned upside down at any moment.

Everyone thought the word “alliance” could never be used again.

Doubts arose among them, and emotions deepened, making it difficult to see how such a thing could happen.

But was it not said that the affairs of the world are unknown to anyone?

“Huuh.”

The commander of the Eastern Allied Forces, Bethel, let out a sigh at this absurd situation.

Indeed, he was none other than the commander who was in charge of battles in the Pavilion Area.

Due to his weakness of being from Polrand, he had been pushed around by Burgai and Kaden.

He was a veteran who had influenced Polrand under the Empire’s threats, coercion, and persuasion.

And now, he had become a commander once more. This time, leading the allied forces.

It wasn’t possible to ignore the signs. Honestly, he wasn’t that thick-skinned.

In this ridiculous situation, Commander Bethel had much to worry about.

“Burgai will follow Commander Bethel’s decision.”

That’s what they said calmly before anyone expected Burgai to push back the hardest.

“I won’t deny that the relationship between our two nations has always been awkward, Commander. But in the end, aren’t we all kingdoms from the east? Aren’t we all subjects of the Empire’s order? I ask that you send Burgai’s sons back safe.”

After receiving a prescription of mercy from the Empire, could they be so suddenly benevolent?

Or were they hiding the flames of anger within them while being cautious of the Empire?

Whatever it was, as Burgai took such a step, Kaden respected Bethel’s authority.

The brigade that had struggled during the alliance days finally emerged under the Empire’s command.

“Should I be happy about this?”

They had been drawn into someone else’s war. There were various political elements and practical reasons.

For the Empire, it was proof of their sincerity, while for them, it was a chance to gather their scattered soldiers and gain experience.

It was also an opportunity to give voice to the thirty thousand mouths of the three kingdoms, even if just for a moment.

The only worry was how the Empire would treat the Eastern Allied Forces.

Compared to the Imperial Legion, they were merely second-rate, no matter how much kindness was shown.

That fact had already been laid bare across the eastern front, so it was no surprise.

The Empire accepting their reinforcements wasn’t out of a desire for combat power.

It was an act of voluntarily sending troops from another country that highlighted the Empire’s authority.

For that, they were simply offering a positive response to sending reinforcements.

“What our allied forces are most concerned about is one question. How will the Empire utilize us?”

Some held positive thoughts.

They reasoned that the Empire had accepted the allied forces out of a sense of their own authority.

Surely, they wouldn’t do something foolish that would undermine that authority.

It might not be a splendid reception, but at the very least, they would show respect for the reinforcements.

However, that very point raised a vague fear in the others.

After all, as long as they were fulfilling their authority, it meant they had no idea how to utilize the reinforcements.

Talk of relinquishing command had emerged, and was that truly the right thing to do?

“Damn it.”

Once again, he was faced with a troublesome issue. It always happened when he was the commander.

Why was his luck always such a mess?

Bethel lamented his own fate repeatedly.

Meanwhile, the Eastern Allied Forces finally arrived at the designated gathering place set by the Empire.

As mealtime approached, everyone prepared what could be considered the greatest joy of the day.

For reference, half of their consumed resources had come from their homeland, while the other half was provided by the Empire once they entered its territory.

“The resources here are undoubtedly at a level that far exceeds what we have in the east. Even while waging war against Dedorant, they still have the capacity to care for us to this extent.”

Once again, a fear of the Empire’s national power surged within him.

To think they had attempted to rival such a power. While it pained him to see his homeland branded as a traitor, it made sense upon seeing this.

“Commander Bethel, it’s been said that the second princess of the Empire and the Imperial Chief of Staff will be visiting soon.”

So they’re finally coming, huh? It’s clear they want to discuss matters related to command.

As the two figures approached their camp, Commander Bethel trembled with tension.

Naturally, the second princess was a direct descendant of the current emperor, so it was inevitable.

But it was the Imperial Chief of Staff by her side that frightened Bethel even more.

“Kael Clausewitz.”

Firstborn of the Duke of Bertier Empire.

Known personally as a genius strategist within the Imperial court.

He had made absurd contributions just recently on the eastern front and in the south.

As he lowered his head before the Empire, he had learned more detailed information about him.

And upon learning more about what happened during the eastern front, he felt goosebumps.

Every time Kael’s stratagems emerged, the cohesion of the alliance shattered, and everything fell apart.

He was the mastermind behind their split during the Pavilion Area, and he was also responsible for strangling Burgai.

At every moment he claimed superiority for the Empire, he was always there.

He was the strategist among strategists, never once allowing them to relinquish that advantageous position.

Such a figure was now said to be coming to this place with the second princess.

“What should I do? Can I genuinely maintain command?”

Thoughts of concern spiral endlessly.

Putting those worries aside with great effort, Bethel welcomed the two.

“We greet the second princess of the Empire.”

“Nice to meet you, Commander Bethel.”

After a brief exchange of greetings, Bethel quickly continued the conversation.

“I’ve heard the news. The Empire is achieving consecutive victories.”

“Yes, that seems to be the case.”

“It seems that no matter how formidable Dedorant may be, they’ve found their match in the Empire. Those who used to be mere gangsters in the west have finally met their master.”

He aimed to start positively. It wasn’t untrue, making it awkward to say it was solely flattering.

About a month and a half had passed since the war began between the Empire and Dedorant.

And the developments were clear: the continued grand victories of the Empire and the devastating defeats of Dedorant.

Originally, they had expected a tight contest at this side.

After all, Dedorant had merged with the renowned military power of Atria and even taken down DeGale.

While it might have been impossible to dominate the Empire, they had at least anticipated some form of a fight.

But how wrong they were. As soon as they clashed, they shattered and were pushed back aimlessly.

The Empire had brought forth reinforcements from all borders, even issuing mobilization orders, and their determination was rendered meaningless.

“I hear rumors that the military authority and even the ministers of finance and foreign affairs have all set their sights on ending the war before the New Year’s celebration.”

A plan that was grand to the point of being a little absurd: to finish this massive war within six months.

But the Empire was truly turning that into reality.

It seemed the battle would become quite arduous. Bethel had thought about lending a helping hand.

However, in that case, if things proceeded as they were, wouldn’t he be left with nothing to do other than carry loads?

“Come, have a seat, Commander Bethel. We have much to discuss.”

With worries weighing on him, Bethel could only sigh as soon the issue of command authority arose.

In the end, it seemed this was what they desired. He wanted to protect it as much as possible, but under such coercion, he could do nothing.

At the slightest cough from the Empire, the kingdoms of the east would instinctively shrink in fear.

“Transferring command authority is unavoidable. In that case, I must extract at least a slight compromise.”

Thinking so, as Bethel closed his eyes before the grim reality,

“Commander Bethel.”

Kael, the Imperial Chief of Staff who had thus far maintained his silence, quietly spoke.

“If you relinquish military command to the Empire, we will treat the Eastern Allied Forces with the same regard and provision as the Imperial Legion.”

“…Excuse me?”

“I have already spoken with the ministers of war, finance, and foreign affairs. I even received His Majesty’s approval. Now it only remains for you, Commander Bethel, to decide.”

What in the world is this saying? Commander Bethel urgently glanced at the princess.

His inner thoughts screamed that he could not believe this. Was this even reasonable?

Seeing the second princess, Isabelle, smile while nodding made him uneasy.

“…Is this true? You really mean to provide for the Eastern Allied Forces—”

“We will provide the same supplies and resources that the Imperial Legion receives. Furthermore, you will join the battle as a force belonging to the western front, and there will be opportunities to achieve merit.”

At Kael’s words, Commander Bethel quietly blinked his eyes.

“What on earth is the intention behind this? Why offer such goodwill?”

The Empire was winning victories. They had no need for reinforcements.

Simply coming to help from another country was enough.

Honestly, there was no reason to offer this level of treatment just for command authority.

Moreover, this was Kael, of all people, saying such things.

While hailed as a genius strategist, in the eyes of the East, he was the epitome of cunning.

With such a person proposing these shocking terms, suspicion was bound to arise.

Yet, it was impossible to show this feeling honestly.

After all, how much had the Empire already bestowed upon them?

If he were of sound mind, it would be absurd to reveal such inner thoughts….

“Why present such radical conditions? Are you perhaps hiding something?”

“…?!”

“Commander Bethel, you might be thinking that way.”

At Kael’s words, Bethel couldn’t help but flinch.

Could he really read his mind?

The Imperial Chief of Staff. A genius strategist born in the Empire. It was entirely plausible that he could.

“To cut to the chase, there is no such intention at all. It is merely giving a corresponding return for receiving command authority. Just bleeding alongside you as comrades from the Empire is enough.”

“…”

“And to answer your question about whether we are hiding something.”

Just as the genius strategist who had torn apart the east beamed a radiant smile.

“Does the Empire truly have a need for that?”

“…!”

Those were words imbued with numerous meanings.

The dying kingdoms of the east. Amidst their plight, the Empire had shown them mercy, allowing them to cling to life.

In that context, it was a sharp critique of why they would bother scheming against them.

It spoke to their lack of concern over what they should worry about, indicating that they had no intention of doing such a thing.

“That is correct, Imperial Chief of Staff.”

It was an answer that might sting the pride of others.

However, oddly enough, Bethel found his mind becoming at ease.

As that strategist had said, the Empire had no reason to act otherwise.

With their master showing mercy, they weren’t in a position to voice discontent.

“What do you say? Will you hand over command of the Eastern Allied Forces to the Empire under these conditions?”

“With treatment equal to the Imperial Legion, it would be quite welcomed by our side. Imperial Chief of Staff. I will do my utmost to help, so should you require assistance, please don’t hesitate to speak.”

“I look forward to working well together, Commander Bethel.”

Thus, after a successful negotiation, Kael and Isabelle exchanged pleased smiles with each other.

 

---