"I see... So that was your intention."
"Precisely. Luring the enemy out of their fortress is a far easier method than launching a full-scale siege."
Only after multiple explanations did Yuan finally seem to grasp her plan, but Serpina did not reprimand him.
No matter what kind of life she had led before, the Serpina von Eingart of today was a sovereign who walked the path of conquest—an absolute ruler who would not tolerate anything standing beside her.
Many despised her, calling her a tyrant, a demon, a witch, and their hatred was not unfounded.
However, despite her fearsome reputation, she was not the kind of ruler who governed through terror within her own ranks.
Serpina’s public image was stained with blood, but inside her own nation, she ensured the loyalty of those who served her.
After all, even if she was the last living heir of the fallen Eingart Empire, the loyalists of the former imperial court had never seen her as their rightful ruler.
To them, the true heir had been Algott von Eingart, the eldest son—now long dead.
The retainers of the empire had no reason to welcome her, especially considering her brutal reputation.
She understood that ruling by fear alone could make people obey in the short term.
Executing subordinates at the first sign of disloyalty, enforcing an iron grip through purges—it might keep the state functioning, especially since her army had swallowed up the entirety of the northern continent and the imperial capital itself.
However—
That was not how a unified empire was built.
A ruler who could not inspire true loyalty in their soldiers would crumble when it mattered most.
This was the conclusion she had reached after thoroughly studying The Prince and other famous treatises on rulership.
Thus, Serpina had established her own unshakable principle:
Those who follow me shall never be disregarded.
She ruled with strict but fair discipline—
She never punished soldiers simply for failing to understand her instructions.
She would explain as many times as necessary and only executed punishments when betrayal or treason were involved.
This starkly contrasted with Lyn Brans, the ruler of Brans Army, who practiced a far more ruthless method of governance.
Lyn Brans was not stupid. Despite her recent string of irrational mistakes, she had proven to be a competent ruler.
Even though she had inherited a solid foundation, expanding her dominion further and becoming the dominant power in the central region had been no small feat.
However—Lyn was highly emotional.
She ruled through fear rather than merit.
Punishment was not based on the severity of an offense, but on how she personally felt about an individual.
If she disliked someone, she discarded them immediately, regardless of their capabilities.
Her approach had worked for a time—so much so that some had even praised her leadership style.
After all, the Brans-controlled territories in the central continent had remained stable, avoiding rebellions unlike the volatile northern territories under Serpina’s rule.
For instance, if there was an officer like Airen Juliet—someone Lyn personally disliked—
Lyn Brans would execute her without hesitation.
But Serpina von Eingart would employ Airen, as long as she proved her worth.
She would never personally engage with someone she disliked,
but as long as they performed their duties, she would ensure they were rewarded accordingly.
Thus, despite her tyrannical reputation, Serpina’s inner circle remained fiercely loyal to her.
Most rebellions against her came from former imperial officials who had held high ranks in the old empire,
or from those who had once supported Algott as the true heir.
She understood something fundamental about ruling—
A fear-based regime was stable only as long as the ruler remained untouchable.
The moment cracks appeared in their authority, the entire structure would collapse like a house of cards.
Serpina recognized this instinctively.
That was why she had chosen the harder path—
A path where loyalty was earned, not enforced.
And given that Brans Army was now beginning to unravel, it seemed she had made the right choice.
Her ultimate goal was to unify the continent.
And as long as that goal remained, she would continue forging herself into an ideal ruler—
A sovereign whose absolute presence only grew stronger over time.
"But, my liege," Yuan spoke cautiously, looking up at her.
Serpina gazed down at him, her expression inviting him to continue.
"The strategy itself is brilliant, but... it hinges on Laccline Castle making the first move and attacking us, does it not?"
"Correct."
"What if the enemy does not fall for the trap?"
Serpina did not answer immediately.
She remained silent for a moment before parting her shining lips,
her words flowing like an edict of war—
It was a sight that made her appear not as a mere ruler, but as a goddess of battle itself.
"You are correct. This plan is not without risk.
If we waste too many supplies waiting for them to take the bait—if we hold this position for too long—
there is no such thing as an ‘absolute’ scenario in warfare.
Brans Army could make a move. Other unforeseen variables could arise.
From a purely tactical standpoint, simply waiting for the bait to be taken is inefficient.
However—
I am certain that the Aishus Army will bite."
"...May I ask why?"
Yuan’s voice was cautious.
Serpina’s answer was calm, but unshakable—
"It is obvious.
They despise me."
Yuan fell silent.
Her words lingered in his mind.
Truthfully, it was far easier to count the number of people who liked Serpina
than those who hated her.
Even though Yuan deeply respected and followed his ruler,
he was not delusional enough to ignore the reality of how she was perceived.
Serpina had devised this entire operation based on one undeniable truth—
The Aishus Army hated her.
"I refuse to share the same sky as you..."
For a smaller nation to boldly use such hostile language against a stronger power was nearly unheard of in diplomatic affairs.
Even among the other nations that had rejected her offers of surrender,
not a single one had ever expressed their hatred so explicitly.
Baranga Yuri Aishus.
Just what was the source of your hatred?
At what point did I become a presence you despised so completely?
"....."
Useless sentimentality.
This was not a thought befitting Serpina von Eingart, the ruler.
She erased it immediately.
If they hated her—
Then she would simply turn that hatred into a weapon.
And crush them with it.
"....."
At that moment, Serpina recalled something Jenna had once told her—
A young man with white hair is currently among the Aishus Army.
Would this war eventually bring her face-to-face with him?
The likelihood of him being the man from her dreams was incredibly low.
But that was precisely why she wanted to find him quickly—
to confirm with her own eyes that he was not the same person.
Perhaps just seeing his face would settle her mind.
As she entertained the thought, a voice called out to her—
"My liege!"
She turned her head.
A tall, striking young man with black hair approached and knelt before her.
"Irian al Kasky, reporting upon hearing of your arrival!"
Irian al Kasky.
The son of the late General Crelmton al Kasky, a former military prodigy who had graduated top of his class from Eingart Academy.
He had played a key role in both the Kelstein Castle campaign and the suppression of central continent forces—
one of the most promising young talents to emerge in Serpina's army.
"I see. I've heard of your deeds—you've done well."
"It is only because you placed your trust in me, my liege. I am simply grateful for the opportunity to prove myself worthy of that trust."
Serpina offered no verbal response—only a seductive, knowing smile as she gazed down at him.
Seeing that smile, Irian felt a surge of conviction—
that this woman was the only ruler fit to lead him.
Lowering his head further, he made a solemn request.
"My liege. Please allow me to lead the vanguard in this operation. I swear to claim victory."
"Are you not overextending yourself?"
"Not at all. I am deeply grateful for your concern, but I—"
"That is not what I meant."
Serpina cut him off sharply.
Her voice was cold, so precise and sharp it felt like a blade slicing through the air.
"If you push forward recklessly while not in peak condition and fail, the responsibility does not fall on you—it falls on me."
She held his gaze and spoke clearly.
"So, answer me properly. Can you guarantee success?"
"...Yes. Entrust it to me. If I fail, you may take my head."
"....."
Serpina silently watched him.
If her intelligence reports were accurate, Hernandorf Arisian was among the forces at Laccline Castle.
This would be an opportunity to test Irian’s true capabilities.
"Very well. I will grant you this command once more."
She spoke with an unshaken certainty.
"But do not disgrace the emblem of Eingart."
"Yes, my liege! I will not fail!"
After sending Irian off, Serpina left the royal keep, lost in thought.
Even as she focused on crushing the Aishus Army, her mind remained vigilant.
"It’s about time I checked on Brans Army’s movements."
If they moved as she expected, things would unfold even more favorably.
With that thought, she continued advancing her conquest of the central continent.
***
"Do not panic! Maintain formation!"
Anima was desperately trying to control the rear guard,
but issuing commands from within a palanquin made it nearly impossible.
The frontline forces had already engaged the Serpina Army ahead—
but as a result, the central formation had become even more chaotic.
Updat𝓮d from freewēbnoveℓ.com.
That alone would have been manageable—
But something about the enemy forces attacking from the rear felt off.
They were too strong.
The Aishus Army was being pushed back too easily.
Anima had no way of knowing this,
but their rear was being assaulted by mercenaries—fighters specialized in ambush tactics.
I should have left at least one capable general to guard the rear...!
Two other generals had been stationed with her,
but neither was particularly skilled in combat.
They had been selected for tactical coordination,
not for their ability to fight in the thick of battle.
Looking back now, it was such a fundamental mistake—
Had she been just a bit more cautious,
Had she considered even the slightest chance of a rear attack—
She would have made different preparations.
But in her desperation to seize this opportunity,
she had pushed forward too recklessly—
and now, she had walked straight into a trap.
"Arghhh!"
"Come at me, you bastard!"
The battlefield was pure chaos.
She wanted nothing more than to go forward
and assess the frontline situation herself—
But right now, she had no choice but to stay here
and hold the line at the rear—
Or else they would be completely crushed from both sides.
"Ern... I'm leaving the front to you. Please, survive this...!"
*
At the Frontline
As Anima feared—
At the very front of the battlefield,
Hernandorf Arisian and Irian al Kasky had come face to face.
"So, you’re Hernandorf Arisian?"
"......"
Hernandorf did not answer.
But his identity was unmistakable—
His massive frame, his distinctive weapon, his silent demeanor—
He was exactly as the rumors described.
"I am Irian al Kasky, of the Serpina Army!"
Irian smirked confidently.
"I will be the last man you meet before you die—so remember my name well."
It was a taunt.
But Hernandorf only stared him down,
gripping his weapon tightly before muttering in a low, gravelly voice—
"You talk too much. Come at me, boy."
"......"
There was no point in further words.
Irian raised his hand, signaling his troops—
"Charge!"
WAAAARRRGGHHHH!!!
The Serpina Army and the Aishus Army clashed in full force.