Chapter 379

Ian stood with his arms crossed, staring down at the map.

With Burgos pressing from the front and Luswena advancing from behind, neither side could afford to let their guard down. This was a situation that demanded the utmost caution and careful decision-making.

“Prince Noah.”

When Ian called out, all of Noah’s subordinates turned their heads in unison. The man who had been silent until now finally spoke in a steady voice—how could anyone not pay attention?

“Yes?”

“We expect a clash between Luswena and Bariel forces in the east, within the territory of Clifford. Bariel’s soldiers are strong and proud, but Luswena’s strength is still unknown, so it’s hard to predict who holds the advantage. Have the people of Clifford’s eastern region begun evacuating?”

“The areas invaded by Burgos have already started evacuating, and some are taking detours to continue moving toward the capital. But we’re still uncertain about Luswena’s movements. Above all, if we get surrounded by both Burgos and Luswena, it’s effectively isolation. Our food supplies are limited; I don’t know how long we can keep sheltering refugees.”

At that, Ian finally lifted his head. His absinthe-colored eyes caught the light of the lantern, glowing warmly.

“Your Highness, do you believe we will be surrounded?”

Thoughts are the foundation of words. Ian had been thinking deeply about this, which was why he spoke so plainly. Noah flinched, and one of the generals, sensing the tension, added a word.

“Frankly, it’s almost certain. In any battle, if you’re attacked from both front and rear simultaneously, it’s ruin. The only alternative is to hold out indefinitely.”

“…I’m speaking hypothetically, assuming the worst-case scenario.”

Noah raised his hand to stop the general, signaling that it was fine, and Ian nodded again, arms still crossed.

“I understand. Sometimes, looking at reality harshly makes the problem seem simpler. Anyway, Bariel’s forces are reinforcements, not the main army. Even if a battle breaks out, Minister Tweller will likely choose to minimize casualties and secure supplies before joining us. Meanwhile, Luswena will probably be moving through Clifford’s eastern routes alongside Burgos.”

“What are you trying to say?”

“If we can’t stop them outright, it might be better to open the path and gather everyone here.”

If you can’t block them, let them pass. A rigid tree breaks, but reeds bend without snapping. Instead of resisting pointlessly and shedding blood, why not use them to evacuate the eastern citizens?

Noah frowned.

“Open the path? Are you suggesting we abandon Clifford’s land?”

“Not at all. It’s common in war for land to be occupied and retaken. As you know, the power of the mages agitates the fractures beneath Clifford’s crust. The dead monsters outside are the same. Since we can’t use that power lightly, it’s better to gather them all and settle the matter in one decisive battle.”

Mage power had to be used carefully. So Ian judged that it would be better for Clifford’s crustal stability to face Luswena in a single battle after gathering forces, rather than fighting piecemeal.

Noah rested his chin on his hand, deep in thought. This was Ian’s opinion, but the choice was his—and so was the responsibility. He was fully aware that countless lives and Clifford’s history hung in the balance.

“There’s another reason I think it’s better not to respond to Luswena.”

“What is it?”

“Are you aware that Luswena has mages as well?”

“I know. But I’ve heard Luswena’s mages aren’t very cooperative. Their participation is uncertain.”

“Does the King of Clifford have anything he cannot do?”

No matter how powerful a mage, if the king of their own country commands or requests something, they cannot easily refuse—unless they choose exile.

I heard they prefer a reclusive life, but for the sake of future peace, they’ll have to humor the king to some extent. And above all, they are Luswena’s own people.

“If both the Black Armored and the mages are mobilized, Clifford’s regular soldiers can never hold Luswena back. So again, I believe it’s wiser not to respond directly. Even if attacked from front and rear, the tactics differ depending on the distance between those fronts. Blocking the palace’s front and back gates versus blocking the eastern and western borders each has pros and cons, but I would choose the former.”

Sending troops far out means you can’t respond immediately, and defeat only leads to meaningless deaths.

But if they come close to the capital, you can respond quickly and flexibly—and with mages on our side, it’s a fight worth having. The fatal flaw, however, is that if the capital falls, it means Clifford’s collapse.

“Noah sighed, running a hand over his face. Should he try to stop them just in case? Or, as Ian suggested, gather the troops and strike in one blow?

The deeper Noah’s dilemma grew, the darker the expressions of his officers became.

“Ian.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Just one question. In this war, will you treat Clifford as your own and give it your all? Can you swear that? I’ve heard mages have spells they recite when swearing—could you use that to help me decide?”

All eyes turned to Ian. He tilted his head, as if puzzled by the strange question.

“No. Why would I treat Clifford as equal to Bariel? I have only Bariel, and everything I do here is for Bariel’s sake, Your Highness.”

If Clifford falls, or if monsters flood through the fractures, Bariel will suffer too. That’s why Ian was staying up nights helping them—not for Clifford, but for Bariel.

Ian denied it firmly, but Noah somehow felt more reassured by those words.

“Right. That was a foolish question.”

If Ian had said he was doing it for Clifford, that would have been a lie and a wrong path. Because Ian acted for Bariel, he hoped Clifford would remain strong.

Noah finally nodded.

“Open the eastern route for Luswena. Guide them through the Grappling Forest. Evacuate refugees by other routes—”

He hesitated, then signaled to a subordinate.

“Are weapons still being manufactured at the palace?”

“Yes. It’s slower than expected.”

They meant weapons made with mana-sealing stones and Idgallo. Akorella clicked her tongue and muttered.

“Honestly, they can’t do anything without me. How many have they made? I heard they even expanded the forge. By now, they should have over a hundred, right?”

“Ah, we just passed thirty.”

“That’s maddening. Hale, you idiot.”

Ian had kindly explained how to speed things up, so what on earth were they doing to produce only thirty? Akorella rolled her eyes in frustration, while Noah pretended not to notice.

“We need to hurry. If Luswena has mages mobilized, those weapons will be crucial. The enemy probably already has similar ones.”

“Yes, I’ll urge them.”

“They’re probably working hard too. It’s just that the results are disappointing. Ian, what if I go? I could head to the palace and call Hale here. Though I’m not sure if he can even see the mana stones. Ian! When we get back, let’s fire Hale!”

“No!”

Beric immediately objected to Akorella’s angry outburst.

“Why not?”

“No one pulls mana out faster than Hale when Ian’s struggling.”

“Is that so? Then we can’t fire him. Hmm.”

They both stared intently at the faintly glowing mana stones. Their eyes sparkled like animals discovering a fascinating new object, sniffing it curiously.

Ian motioned for them to ignore the two, and Noah and his men quickly turned their heads away.

“Send scouts. We need detailed intel on Luswena’s movements.”

At Noah’s order, the soldiers rushed out, leaving only Ian and Noah in the strategy room. Noah followed Ian’s lead, arms crossed, studying him carefully.

“What if letting Luswena approach near the capital goes wrong?”

“Your Highness, may I offer a piece of advice?”

Ian’s words made Noah’s ears twitch slightly. Perhaps he had been unconsciously hoping for this—not diplomatic maneuvering, but a glimpse into the curious man’s inner thoughts.

“Whatever you think, Your Highness, you are always right.”

“What?”

“If you believe you will win this war, you will win. If you believe you will lose, you will lose. Whatever happens, Your Highness, you are right. Do you understand?”

Noah was left speechless. The words were arrogant yet somehow piercing, striking straight to his heart.

“This applies not only to war. In life, whatever you do, believe you are right. Then, whatever path you take, you will be walking the right one. And as a side note—”

Ian lightly rubbed his fingertips together and smiled. It was a gentle gesture, free of tension.

“I always believe Bariel will find eternal rest in the everlasting light.”

Whether that’s a hundred years ago or a hundred years from now, no matter who becomes emperor.

Noah ran his hand through his hair in response to Ian’s firm and straightforward words. It felt like he’d just been hit with a sharp truth—frustrating, yet somehow awe-inspiring. How could he even begin to describe this conflicting mix of emotions?

Tap, tap, tap!

Knock, knock!

“Your Highness!”

Just as Noah was about to reply, a soldier burst hurriedly into the tactical room. Tension instantly thickened, and Noah took a deep breath. What now? Had the Burgos forces made a move? But outside the window, those creatures still stood rooted in place.

“The Minister of Imperial Defense from Bariel has arrived.”

“What?”

“A wizard sent by the minister has come through the small eastern gate, not the main gate where we’re facing Burgos. They want to quietly transfer secured supplies and have requested the gate be opened. They’re expected to arrive within the hour.”

Noah quickly grabbed his cloak, and Ian straightened his collar as they headed outside.

Though the Burgos side, expecting to receive supplies, must know the supply route is blocked, those sitting idly out front probably have no idea what’s really going on.

Ian and Noah hurriedly mounted their horses and galloped toward the eastern side gate.

Tap, tap, tap!

“Ian!”

On the wall stood a wizard among the soldiers—the one sent to join forces with Bariel. When he spotted Ian, he practically bounced with excitement.

“You should open the gate.”

“Slowly, and quietly. No noise.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Clack!

The wizard dismounted and pulled back his hood, then reported what had happened.

“Ian, Minister Maxim Tweller is incredible. We just guided him from the sky, but it’s like he had a map in his head—he caught up to the lead carriage first.”

“Are all the Bariel reinforcements coming in?”

“No, for now they’re only moving the secured supplies to Clipford. Minister Tweller also wants to meet you. More importantly, Burgos, knowing they’re being tracked, have veered off the route and are wandering aimlessly. They’re trying not to reveal the supply base.”

“So they’ll be heading back out soon.”

“That part’s unclear. Oh, here they come!”

The wizard pointed, and a group of soldiers appeared—horses’ hooves and carriage wheels moving silently. Bathed in moonlight, they emerged from the darkness and swiftly entered the gate.

Clack.

Tweller immediately recognized Ian, and Ian recognized him in return. As soon as he dismounted, Tweller reached out his hand for a handshake. Dried blood, mottled and unwashed, still crusted on his skin.

“You must be Ian, Minister of Magic. A pleasure to meet you. I’m Maxim Tweller, newly appointed Minister of Imperial Defense.”

“Likewise, Minister Tweller. I’m Ian Hiel.”

“There was much worry at the palace—concerned something might have happened to the Minister of Magic. Seeing you safe is a relief. I’m sure His Majesty feels the same.”

Meeting Jin through someone else after so long, Ian gave a slight smile and gestured inward.

“There’s much to discuss. Please, let’s eat, Minister.”