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“Umm…”

It had already been five hours. The Crown Princess was seated, attending to her duties.

Usually, those around her would express concern for her well-being.

But today, at least for this moment, that was not an option.

After all, the Emperor had not had a proper night’s sleep for the past two days.

War. A massive conflict unlike any previous squabbles.

A staggering eleven legions had crossed the border, with tens of thousands more in reserve.

Moreover, the transportation unit supporting them exceeded a hundred thousand.

Hundreds of thousands were moving at the same time. All for a single outcome.

The Empire’s victory. A victory that would reign supreme and glorious for the Empire alone.

In such tumult, how could the one at the very top find peace?

The war situation changed at every moment. Thus, everyone had to remain flexible.

Wars are often lost by those whose minds become stubborn first.

If separated from the battlefield, one must at least keep a keen awareness.

That is why the Crown Princess was once again forgoing meals today to review reports.

[b][Dedorant’s Western Territory Fully Occupied][/b]

[b][Roads Leading to Atria Secured][/b]

[b][Encounter with Remaining Resistance Forces of DeGale][/b]

The Western campaign, which began after the declaration of war.

It was nearly two months in, and the Empire was achieving nothing short of a grand victory.

So much so that discussions about the possibility of “victory in war” were already underway.

Of course, it was still premature, and everyone remained cautious.

However, the overwhelming force of the Imperial Legion was undeniable.

Even the formidable Dedorant Army was being crushed.

[b][Dedorant’s Sporadic Counterattacks. Each Legion Repelled Immediately][/b]

[b][Reports from Each Legion Commander Indicate Trained Troops Outmatched by the Imperial Legion][/b]

Yet, considering Dedorant’s former military might in the west, there were some counterattacks.

It was said that several legions had suffered damage from their sharp assaults.

But even that was quickly repelled and obliterated.

“Did the command center mention something about ending the war before the New Year’s celebration?”

As the Empire welcomed the new year, they aimed to grant the Emperor and its citizens a glorious victory.

To remind the other kingdoms—who were beginning to forget the Empire’s great name—of its might.

And to lay a strong foundation for the newly established command center.

“Though it’s a bit unsettling how smoothly things are going…”

If there was any gap or oddity somewhere, measures would have been taken.

Yet both the Ministry of War and the command center, as well as each legion’s command, were managing remarkably well.

In such circumstances, advising caution could be seen as unnecessary interference.

It might even be a foolish act that dampened the morale of those fighting well.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

At that moment, someone escorting the Crown Princess approached her.

“I bring news of the current war situation.”

“What happened?”

“Yesterday, the Dedorant frontline forces faced another intense counterattack.”

“And?”

“Did our side suffer a defeat? What about the enemy’s losses?”

“Reports indicate that our legions handled it well. Additionally, the command center anticipated this and prepared reserves, so no significant disaster occurred.”

“…That’s a relief.”

Yes, indeed it was a relief. The enemy’s momentum continued to wane, while our forces steadily rose.

Whether in a battle between individuals or nations, it ultimately boils down to one thing: momentum.

No matter how vast a nation is, if it loses momentum, everything tends to go awry.

Conversely, even a small nation can easily vanquish a larger one if it rides the wave of momentum.

“Your Highness the Crown Princess. The Emperor requests your presence.”

“I’ll go at once.”

As the Crown Princess made her way to the office at the Emperor’s call,

she reflected on the current situation of the Empire.

The war was continuing in resounding victories. It was nothing short of perfect.

The internal situation was also stable. The lives of the people were still quite good.

However, if the war dragged on longer than necessary, that could change.

“The Ministry of War and the command center will be even more eager to conclude this swiftly.”

Despite the Empire deploying its full strength across the north, east, and south,

the only reason it could muster such immense forces in the west was that all matters there had been resolved quickly, avoiding unnecessary expenses of resources and time.

Knowing this well, there was no choice but to desire a swift, effective, and overwhelming victory.

“…I must say, the Imperial Chief of Staff is truly impressive.”

Having crushed the spirit of Nobogord and torn apart the allied eastern kingdoms,

he had utterly shattered the Southern Kingdom’s might, led by Benito, without a trace.

Despite his modest demeanor, Kael was undoubtedly a genius strategist.

He was the type of strategist who could manipulate everything as if it were at his fingertips.

“Your Majesty.”

“You’ve arrived.”

The Emperor’s eyes bore the weight of fatigue. The Crown Princess felt a pang of sympathy but did not show it.

No matter how much one told him to rest, he was not the kind of person to heed such advice. And even she would not do so herself.

With all the officials and soldiers, as well as the citizens bearing the brunt of the struggle,

how could the ruler of the Empire feign comfort in eating and sleeping soundly?

“I offer my congratulations, Your Majesty. The war situation is reportedly exceptional, and I believe all this is due to Your Majesty’s fortune.”

“Dedorant is being pushed back, is it not?”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

At the Crown Princess’s response, the Emperor briefly pushed the report aside.

“To be on the safe side, I’ve mobilized all personnel from the Ministry of Special Affairs. If even a hint of anomaly is detected, they are to report immediately.”

“Indeed, Your Majesty’s foresight is commendable.”

“Yet, that too is nearing its limits.”

The Imperial Legion was continuously advancing into the west.

The speed at which they were doing so defied description.

In such a situation, it wouldn’t be easy for even the Ministry of Special Affairs to keep pace.

The speeds of military advances and those of covert agents and informants cannot be the same.

Thus, no matter how hard they tried, gaps in information were bound to occur.

“…What if we were to slow down the pace of the advance?”

The Crown Princess voiced that suggestion, though she seemed uncertain about it herself.

If it were to suppress the heightened morale of our forces,

and in turn allow the enemy, once pushed to the brink, to miraculously recover,

it would only serve to prolong the war—a war that could have been concluded more swiftly and with fewer casualties.

“I have not overlooked that. But there are multiple reasons behind it. You know this well, Crown Princess.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

With the mobilization order issued, a prolonged war should be avoided.

Once momentum is seized, it is beneficial to maintain it.

One must not easily give up a newly claimed offensive position.

Although she did not know the intricacies of war, she understood that much.

This left her in a delicate state where both joy and anxiety coexisted.

“Your Majesty, wouldn’t it be better to deploy the Imperial Chief of Staff to the frontline?”

From the Crown Princess’ perspective, this seemed to be the best option available.

A proven talent, someone who had already brought victory to the battlefield twice.

If he were present on the same front, much of the anxiety would dissipate.

And it seemed she was not the only one with such thoughts.

“Indeed, that’s precisely why I summoned you, Crown Princess.”

The Emperor then presented another report.

[b][Command Authority Transferred from the Southern Kingdom Troops][/b]

[b][Eastern Allied Forces, Commander Bethel. Command Authority Transferred After Acceptance of Several Conditions][/b]

It was no small feat. In fact, it was quite a challenging endeavor.

The act of passing over command authority of one’s own troops is not a decision to be made lightly.

Still, Kael had finalized the transfer smoothly as soon as the reinforcements arrived.

“Now, only Nobogord remains.”

“I’ve heard he plans to meet with them tomorrow to finalize negotiations.”

“Negotiating command with not just anyone, but the northern Demon Tribe. It’s unlikely to be an easy task, so the fact that the Imperial Chief of Staff is involved gives me hope.”

If the capable Eastern Allied Forces and command over Nobogord were secured,

that would yield a combat force of as many as 60,000, which was undoubtedly a fortifying factor.

But beyond that, both the Emperor and the Crown Princess were most curious about how Kael would manage to secure the true intentions of the Demon Tribe.

“Once that matter is settled, I intend to assign the Imperial Chief of Staff to the second line of the Western front.”

“You plan for him to oversee the overall war situation from his position?”

For now, this seemed to be the most rational judgment the Empire’s leadership could make.

*

Ross Tanika.

The only kingdom resisting Dedorant in the west after DeGale had fallen.

They understood their situation. Alone, they knew they could never defeat Dedorant.

Thus, they sent out desperate pleas for support, weeping as they requested assistance from the Empire.

In response, the Empire finally declared war.

However, that did not mean Ross Tanika’s burden was completely lifted.

In fact, they were certain that the truly tough and painful moments were just beginning.

Dedorant was not foolish enough to ignore a two-front war.

No matter how Ross Tanika’s ground forces might pale in comparison to DeGale,

they at least possessed the strength to hold Dedorant’s ankles tightly.

For that very reason, they would undoubtedly seek to solidify their rear before engaging the Empire in full combat.

—This had been the forecast of Ross Tanika’s command until recently.

And indeed, the painfully prolonged situation persisted.

Yet, recently, they began sensing something odd.

“The enemy’s offensive suddenly dwindled?”

“Yes, Commander. The drop in their momentum is evident.”

“It can’t be that they’re suddenly exhausted now…”

Could it be that the reserves filled in the gaps while their main forces rotated?

But it certainly felt too tangible—a noticeable shift in the war situation!

There was something distinctly off. Thus, they’d reported this news to their superiors.

And Ross Tanika was about to relay that information back to the Empire.

Yet, those fleeting moments of hesitation can become fatally detrimental at crucial times.

 

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