Every nation in the world proudly claims to be the center of this continent.
Of course, it’s understandable. It’s a necessary part of the ruling class’s reasonable justification.
But in reality, those in the know all understand the truth—where the real “center of the continent” lies.
The Empire. Kroicen. The land of Altoran is nothing but a powerhouse lounging in wealth and abundance.
Geographically and otherwise, it fits the title of “the center of the continent.”
Which also means—if anything happens in the empire, whether good or bad, all countries will inevitably come to know.
“…So it has come to this.”
In the northern part of the continent, in the demon-race alliance of Nobogorod, in the capital Beograd, at one of the grand estates, Charlotte received the news and frowned slightly.
“War between the Empire and the Eastern Federation of the Three Kingdoms?”
“That’s right. But why the long face, Charlotte?”
“How could I not look grim?”
“Really? When I visited the council, all the councilors were jumping for joy.”
Oh, because those idiots only know half the story.
Charlotte sighed deeply, feeling profoundly exasperated.
Of course they’d think it’s good! The Eastern Three Kingdoms would weaken the Empire. After all, the Easterners don’t exactly get along with the Empire either.
When enemies team up like this, it means they’re serious about putting up a fight. The councilors believe the Eastern Three Kingdoms can bleed the Empire enough to cripple it.
Currently, they’re negotiating with the Empire, yes, but who knows when that might change? Nobogorod is just catching its breath for now, but the Empire can’t afford the luxury of rest.
So, it’s easy for them to smile and agree. But Charlotte was thinking further ahead.
‘If things really go as they expect, would the Moderates really join hands with the Hardliners for some grand alliance?’
Charlotte couldn’t help but laugh at the absurdity of it. Such short-sightedness! Do they even deserve their seats in the council?
“You know, we should have done what the Empire did in the past—clean house and get rid of all these fools.”
“Charlotte!”
“It’s not wrong! Even Father says so sometimes.”
From what Charlotte knew, there was a time when the Empire cleared up its parliament. Back then, instead of constructive debate, the lawmakers were locked in useless factional conflicts. The Imperial Family stepped in, resolving the mess, and as a result, the Empire was healthier for it.
The opposition shifted from “opposing for the sake of opposition” to “opposing for the sake of national interest.” Something that clearly didn’t happen here in Nobogorod.
“That’s because these morons know just enough to be dangerous.”
“Yeah, exactly! It’s frustrating! They only ever see as far as the tip of their noses.”
“Honestly… ahem, I have to say, I’m a bit relieved the Empire might get weaker for a moment.”
“Not you too, Father! You’re oversimplifying things!”
Even if the Eastern Three Kingdoms formed a unified front, they’d still pale in comparison to the Empire—both in population, territory, and resources.
And worse, they’ve already made their declaration of war without a strong justification. It’ll be hard for them to sway opinion internally or drag neighboring nations into the conflict.
Even if Lady Luck smiles on them and they achieve a major victory in this war, it’ll only be a minor change. The Empire won’t collapse because of that. They’ll be lucky enough if the Three Kingdoms don’t end up fighting each other over scraps.
“On the contrary, if the Empire wins, the order in the East will be rewritten, and that will have ripple effects across the continent. We, Nobogorod, might find ourselves in its sphere of influence.”
Kalande’s words made Charlotte nod.
The chances of the Eastern Federation winning against the Empire are slim. Meanwhile, the probability of an Empire victory is incredibly high. And the gains from that victory? Enormous.
Low risk, high return. Such a greedy trade-off!
‘Not to mention that man—Kael Klauwitz, Duke of Bertier. He’s said to be accompanying the army again.’
Charlotte often revisited previous battle strategies, and she was left with the impression that this man knew just how to find and exploit his opponents’ weaknesses. Imagine facing him on the battlefield—absolutely no fun.
He takes control of every situation before even planning a strategy. Winning psychological battles even before physical ones are fought.
Like shooting stars or foggy arrows, every move he makes is calculated, leaving his opponents bewildered.
Kael wasn’t just a brilliant strategist—he was crafty, like a cunning serpent.
“Ah, Charlotte, it seems we’ve received some news on the Eastern front.”
“Hurry up and show me!”
“Be patient! Why are you so insistent?”
Pavilion, a crucial stronghold that the Empire must secure for a smooth advance, is also a place the Eastern Federation must break through to stop the Empire.
Word has it the Empire has deployed their elite 12th Legion here. As a bonus, their rising star has also joined the ranks.
‘What’s the flow of the battle? What did the Empire, and Kael, do in this early skirmish?’
Though the daughter of the chairperson, Charlotte’s interest lay more in the battlefield than the council. Especially since she had witnessed firsthand just how magical his strategizing could be.
Kael wouldn’t resort to any ordinary moves. That was the kind of man he was.
What new antics will he pull this time? Who’ll end up flustered?
It’s not fair for just Nobogorod to suffer losses. Someone else needs to take a hit too!
Only then can it be said that this wasn’t Nobogorod’s fault alone, but that Kael had merely relied on luck.
“…”
Charlotte realized her predictions hadn’t been wrong. Using his own reputation to fish, clever formations kept hidden until the very end, even a trump card causing enemy factions to turn against each other—it was all there.
What made it particularly alarming was what he aimed for. Most of the strategems Charlotte knew were focused on tactics or part of a larger strategy. Where to fight, how to lure the enemy, and how to retreat—those were enough to earn the title of a strategist.
Yet Kael was different. He focused on something else entirely—the psychology of those on the battlefield. How to shake and break their resolve. He was incredibly skilled at this—like cutting a steak with a kn*fe, he carved through them with his cunning plans.
“…”
Unconsciously, she murmured to herself, feeling immense relief.
It wasn’t stupidity that led to their defeat—it was inevitability. It was less frustrating to lose to someone overwhelmingly skilled.
Yes. As long as it doesn’t happen again, Charlotte thought.
*
At the residence of the Bertier Duke, amidst the family of the Klauwitz clan, an icy atmosphere had settled.
“Please let me go.”
Ever since the family’s eldest son and heir Kael left for the Eastern front, the precious little girl of the Duke and Duchess, Kaya, had started throwing tantrums.
Where to? Not to social events or gala parties—her destination was much further away: the battlefield!
“Nonsense.”
Of course, the Duke would never allow it. Kaya was only fifteen! A girl! He, more than anyone, knew how harsh the battlefield could be. Why would he let his not-yet-adult daughter go?
But Kaya wouldn’t back down. She too had her reasons.
Her father had once gone to war at her age.
“I can do it too, Daddy.”
“Times were different then.”
“Let me go.”
“You impudent child!”
“Let me go.”
Though the Empire prided itself on being relatively egalitarian, where men and women were judged equally by their abilities, the realities of physical differences couldn’t be ignored.
When the Duke refused, Kaya headed straight for the family practice grounds.
“Forgive me, Commander.”
Kaya held a spear—not even considering the use of a sword.
Yet with only that spear, she managed to triumph over yet another obstacle in her path.
“Ugh!”
The Commander of the Bertier Dukedom’s elite knights—the best swordsman there—had lost. Without any allowances or handicaps, he had gone all out, and yet…
“Haha…have you grown stronger, Miss Kaya? Incredible…haha!”
Though defeated, the Commander beamed with pride. His own master’s daughter had bested him, after all.
What would become of this young lass who was already so skilled? The thought of it filled him with anticipation and joy.
He could already imagine her sweeping down with her spear and sword, enemies falling like cherry blossoms in the spring winds.
Just then, news of the battle at Pavilion came to the Bertier dukedom. Of course, Kaya’s next move would be to cling to her father.
“Daddy!”
“No!”
Father and daughter continue their ongoing battle. Finally, the Duke decided to lay down a condition.
“Ah, Kaya. Do you see your spear there?”
“Yes… Why?”
“If you can hit the tip of your spear with an arrow, I’ll reconsider.”
“Really?!?”
Thrilled, Kaya agreed. The Duke smiled smugly, knowing his daughter had no skills in archery. He’d witnessed her daily spear practice with his own eyes. To make matters worse, the distance was far—so far the spear was barely visible.
It was a clever scheme by the father to keep his too-young daughter at home.
But had Kael been there, he might have tilted his head in confusion. Betting without knowing your opponent? That’s how people end up bleeding.
“Done?! Are you letting me go?!”
“…”
Faced with Kaya’s perfectly aimed arrow that hit the spear’s tip, the Duke could only stare blankly.
