The Lithuania Territory was a vast region encompassing the western borderlands of the Infractus Empire. Its size was so immense that it dwarfed the combined territories of several minor nobles. However, the Lithuania Territory wasn’t always this large. When the Infractus Empire was first founded, the Lithuania Territory was no bigger than the lands of other lords.

So, how did the Lithuania Territory grow to such an abnormally large size? The reason lies in the events of the early days of the Infractus Empire.

During an era when countless heroes emerged, the founding emperor of the Infractus Empire, who was born with the qualities of a ruler, conquered the chaotic continent through sheer force and established the Infractus Empire. Though the emperor was one of the strongest individuals of his time, founding a nation was no easy task. While he subdued enemy nations with the force of a tidal wave, managing internal affairs proved even more challenging.

As a result, when the Infractus Empire was first established, the emperor’s authority wasn’t as absolute as it is today. And as always, enemies lurked within, waiting to exploit any weakness.

Taking advantage of the unstable imperial authority, a group of nobles near the Lithuania Territory, dissatisfied with their granted lands, plotted a rebellion. These nobles, who had been pushed to the borderlands during the empire’s founding, harbored resentment and began to rally others to their cause.

Over time, the rebellion grew to an unimaginable scale. What started as a small group of disgruntled nobles had now become a massive rebel army, even beyond the expectations of its leaders. The initial instigators, now emboldened, began sharpening their blades, ready to march on the imperial capital.

Faced with this situation, the founding emperor had no choice but to act. Though he had the power to crush the rebellion, the thought of the ensuing civil war and its toll on the already war-weary empire gave him pause. He needed a solution that would minimize bloodshed.

At this critical moment, a man stepped forward: Carolus Sword Heart, the first patriarch of the Lion Heart Family. He boldly declared to the emperor that he would negotiate with the rebels and requested permission to lead the charge.

The emperor hesitated, fearing the consequences if Carolus failed. But with the rebel army already advancing toward the capital, he had no choice but to act. He issued the order for Carolus to suppress the rebellion, hoping for a swift resolution.

Carolus, with only a thousand soldiers, marched against the massive rebel army. Against all odds, he succeeded, crushing the rebellion and capturing its leaders. The emperor, astonished by Carolus’s success, held a grand celebration in his honor and granted him a request. Carolus asked to be appointed as the Margrave of the western borderlands, and the emperor, moved by his loyalty, consolidated the region into what is now the Lithuania Territory.

This marked the beginning of the Lion Heart Count Family, a lineage that continues to this day.

***

The Lithuania Territory is renowned for its stunning natural landscapes. Its vast expanse includes everything from plains to mountainous regions. Among its most beautiful locations is Bismarck, the western gate of the empire and home to the Lion Heart Count Family. Nestled within the Akel Mountain Range, Bismarck is a fortress city often referred to as the “Fortress at the Edge of the World.” Despite its remote location, it is considered one of the empire’s top five scenic spots.

However, the Lion Heart Family’s presence in this remote city is not without reason.

“Chieftain, it’s time to make a decision,” said a man with a scar across his nose, addressing a towering figure gazing at the Akel Mountains.

The chieftain, Tarhal, remained silent. A man of immense stature, Tarhal’s long, wild hair and strong jawline reflected his unyielding personality. The scarred man, Munkus, sighed inwardly, understanding Tarhal’s dilemma. Crossing the Akel Mountains to raid the empire for food would mean great sacrifice, but with food stores dwindling, they had little choice.

The Tribe Union, a coalition of tribes, had long been at odds with the Infractus Empire. The empire’s people viewed the tribes as barbarians, and slave hunters often captured tribesmen, treating them like animals. This history of conflict made peaceful negotiations impossible.

Tarhal, the chieftain, was torn. As a warrior, he was ready to fight, but as a leader, he bore the responsibility of his people’s survival. His sister, Brynhild, a formidable warrior in her own right, urged him to act.

“Brother, we have no other choice,” Brynhild said, her sharp eyes fixed on the mountains. “I will lead the vanguard.”

Tarhal hesitated, knowing the risks. But as the chieftain, he had to prioritize the tribe’s survival over personal fears. He finally made his decision.

“Call a meeting of the Tribe Union. We will elect a Great Chieftain and prepare for war.”

Munkus hurried off to deliver the message, while Brynhild stood firm, ready to lead the charge. Tarhal, though conflicted, knew that the tribe’s future lay beyond the mountains, in the empire’s fertile lands.

The fate of the Tribe Union now rested on their shoulders, and the path ahead was fraught with danger. But for the sake of their people, they would march forward, ready to face whatever lay beyond the Akel Mountains.