Published: July 3, 2025
The defeat at Desbrough Plains and the betrayal of the northern nobles were reported to the Royal Castle on the same day.
Due to a very strict gag order, the citizens of the royal capital were not informed.
While it sounds good to say it was an "information blackout to suppress panic," what the kingdom's government officials were truly thinking at that time remains unclear.
However, actions had already been taken by the late crown prince, and it was still unknown to anyone that these actions would have a significant impact on subsequent developments.
"Could it be that all the northern nobles have rebelled...?"
In the office of the Minister of Finance, Fuka groaned, the owner of the room.
"The one at the center must be Duke Flitwick," replied his subordinate, Matthew, calmly.
"Your highness, or does he want the throne even at the cost of dividing the country? If we invite the Empire in, we won't just divide the country; we'll perish... why can't he understand that?"
Compared to Matthew's calm demeanor, Fuka was angry.
Unlike the flustered ministers and bureaucrats, it might be said that his "anger" was characteristic of him.
Although he had some problems and his methods were both praised and criticized, Fuka had been collecting taxes and allocating budgets with thought for the good of the nation in his own way.
However, this reckless act, which seemed to nullify all of that... it was only natural for him to be angry.
"The enemy forces seem to be heading south toward the royal capital. Almost all of the north has turned against us, so there are hardly any obstacles... Their arrival is in seven days? It seems their numbers have swollen, causing a decrease in speed."
While going through a report, Matthew informed him.
"In the meantime, we are trying to gather as many soldiers as possible from the surrounding towns. It seems the Ministry of Military Affairs is taking action, but will it be in time...?"
Fuka took a deep breath and continued speaking.
"Well, with the high walls of the royal capital, we should hold them off for a while. Our strategy seems to be to fend off the enemy with the walls while waiting for reinforcements from various areas."
"I believe something like this has happened before?"
"Yes, but that was several hundred years ago. No matter what... the sight of the enemy forces approaching the royal capital will surely shock the citizens."
Fuka sighed deeply once again and shook his head multiple times.
"Deputy Chief, the advancing speed is unbelievably slow."
Deputy Jurgen remarked, swaying gently on horseback.
"This time, we need to advance slowly."
Oscar, who had been informed of almost all the details of the operation by Emperor Rupert, responded.
"But if we proceed slowly, won't that allow for obstacles to the defenses of the royal capital, as well as delays in reaching it?"
"First of all, now that the northern nobles have turned to our side, the only obstacles to the royal capital will be the garrison troops at various locations. That won't be a problem."
Oscar replied to Jurgen's question, appearing somewhat disinterested.
"I see. And what about the defenses of the royal capital?"
"Surely, the forces that fought at the plains won't need to capture the royal capital as well? There's no rule stating that the same unit must engage in both field and siege warfare."
At Oscar's words, something flashed in Jurgen's mind.
"Could it be that the siege corps has already advanced ahead...?"
"The garrison troops that the kingdom had deployed in the north were gathered at Desbrough Plains, and the northern nobles were turned against us in order to allow a different unit to invade the kingdom through a different route. The slow progression of the battle at Desbrough was all part of that plan."
"While the people of the royal capital are focused on our movements, that unit is...?"
"Well, that's how it is."
That night, there were shadows lurking in the darkness of the royal capital.
Strangely, those shadows were clad in the equipment of the Ministry of Internal Affairs' royal capital guard.