Across the firebreak, flames raged fiercely, licking toward our side several times.

But thankfully, I’d ordered more men to widen the firebreak further, clearing every flammable object around us and pulling our troops back a full kilometer.

Now, no matter how violently the fire burned on the other side, it couldn’t touch us.

Seeing the situation clearly, Herates decided to retreat back to the city. Next, we’d send waves of troops to harass them—but judging by earlier results, it likely wouldn’t work well. In the end, Stanki’s side might still suffer heavier losses.

Watching the dense forest still roaring with flames, Herates let out a helpless sigh. *Only because my strength isn’t enough*, he thought.

Though we spotted Herates’ forces, we couldn’t pursue them. The elemental demon still rampaged, blocking our path.

The fire burned for a full day and night. Only by evening did the flames gradually weaken. It would likely die out by tomorrow.

Delayed this long, I already guessed what awaited us at the siege: piles of defensive weapons.

Boulders. Fire oil. Just thinking about it gave me a headache.

As an enemy, I had to admit—it was brilliantly played.

Without reclaiming Barzak and Mentu, this battle would be precarious.

The opposing commander had turned troop formations into an art.

And this was just light infantry. In a real clash, if he wielded mixed units with such ease… we’d face a grueling fight.

War couldn’t be won by individual strength alone.

Barzak and Mentu were strong—but when armies scaled up, a brilliant commander mattered far more.

I wouldn’t be wrong calling him a master of tactical shifts…

Gazing at the direction of Stanki’s retreating army, I couldn’t help but admire him.

Unaware of our mutual respect, Herates hurried back to Stanki City to report everything.

Knowing yourself and your enemy was paramount. Karl *had* to understand the situation.

Karl’s costly contingency plan had failed completely—outmaneuvered by the enemy.

Now, Stanki had lost its natural defenses. Problems multiplied.

That fire tactic seemed childish, simple. Yet Karl had agonized for hours before burning that forest.

If fire attacks were so easy, why weren’t they used more often?

Too many variables. One misstep, and you’d dig your own grave.

This time, Karl’s plan to bury Baha Balm in the forest had buried himself instead.

After a full day’s ride, Herates finally returned. Time was tight—Baha Balm would arrive in less than two days.

He ignored everyone, rushing straight to the castle to find Karl.

Willis the Duke stood beside Karl. Herates hated reporting in front of that fat fool—he’d rage, blame his men, but never seek solutions. Only chaos.

But there was no time. Asking Karl to speak privately before the Duke would only breed suspicion.

Resigned, Herates reported everything in the hall.

Predictably, Duke Willis hurled his wine cup at Herates.

“Fools! Worthless fools! Trading four thousand men for two thousand—is *that* your ‘attrition’?!”

Willis’ face twisted with fury and fear, all dignity gone.

“And you, Karl! Die! Is *this* your brilliant scheme? Idiot! Burning a forest and still failing to kill them?! Fall on your sword now! Aaargh!”

He overturned the dining table. Food and shattered dishes scattered across the floor.

As servants trembled while cleaning, Willis kicked one, spewing vulgar curses at the innocent man.

Watching this, Herates and Karl exchanged a glance, then shook their heads helplessly.

*Mud that can’t be propped up.*

All Willis’ rage was just a mask for his terror.

In this crumbling empire, his ducal title meant nothing. Stanki was his only lifeline.

Defeat meant losing everything: fine wine, gourmet meals, beautiful companions…

“Aaargh!”

“Please calm down, Your Grace.”

“Didn’t I order you to die?! Why are you still here? Hah?!”

“I will fall on my sword after this battle ends.”

“…”

Willis glared fiercely at Karl, but Karl didn’t flinch.

“General Herates and I will resolve this. Await our good news.”

“Tch.”

Thwarted, Willis could only sputter in discontent.

“Go! Do whatever it takes to stop Baha Balm!”

“As you command.”

Once Willis settled, Karl exhaled quietly.

With enemies outside, internal chaos would be disastrous.

“Master Karl…”

“I know what you’ll say. I’ll fall on my sword when this ends.”

“But Stanki needs you!”

Karl just shook his head.

Perhaps it was foolish loyalty. But principles mattered. Debts must be repaid—even with his life.

“Baha Balm marches straight for us. No need to guess their plans. Now it’s pure strength against strength. Whatever they bring… we’ll meet it head-on.”

“Aye!”

Sensing Karl’s resolve to die, Herates said no more.

All he could do was fight with everything he had to save Stanki.