Trapped in Another World With No Magic

Chapter 84: Empire's Plan A and Kingdom's Plan B

Sundenelle studies the tactical map in the war room of the Imperial castle squarely in the capital of the Empire. Many things have happened since Mornistae summoned divine heroes from another world. It was long believed to have been a forgotten art, or even simply a fantastical myth. That it was accomplished is something almost miraculous. The gods can be fickle, so the the stories go, and this means it's difficult to simply pray or even cast spells and expect them to answer favorably.

In this case, there was some reason the gods decided to answer by sending not one, but two divine heroes. By all appearances, one of them has gone rogue, siding with a splinter group of demon-kin to found his own territory. It's understandable, to a degree, but Daniel has made himself an adversary to the Grand Zenkon Empire.

But, Sundenelle likely has him right where she wants him. She ordered a full retreat from Fort Twilight, allowing the demon-kin calling themselves 'the Fievegal' to capture the fortress. It's a calculated move, though one her inner court is split on.

If Sundenelle learned anything about Daniel over the course of several failed attacks on the Citadel, it's that he can't be simply treated like a simple adversary from the world of Zenkon. After all, he's most certainly not. She'd likely run into the same problems if Rikuto became an enemy as well. They both have wisdom and tactics not present on Zenkon, as well as a pool of technology within their memories that far surpasses the basics of what is available to any of the kingdoms within the alliance.

Daniel made a few specific demands in his letter, and by now, he's doing his best to try to figure out what Sundenelle's own angle is. She knows no one in their right mind would abandon a fortress the size of Fort Twilight without a fight, especially because the mountains are basically the last line of defense capable of actually slowing down the demon-kin from invading the east in force.

He'll be forced to prepare for attack, wasting time and resources, and he'll be more open to surrendering to Sundenelle when she makes her counter-offer.

Dragons or not, if she can starve them out or force them to ask for relief, they'll be at her mercy.

She smirks at the tactical map, showing the estimated positions of the three separate corps of the Imperial Allied Army.

Byleathea approaches the table behind Sundenelle, asking gently, "Are you certain your adversary will take the bait, your Grace?"

"I can't be absolute, but I have done everything I can to force him to make the next move. If he attempts to invade, we're in position to flank his forces. If he decides to simply hold Fort Twilight, we can circle around and cut off his supply lines. And, if he abandons Fort Twilight, we only need to reclaim it before the demons. Without the dragons aiding them, our odds are considerably more reasonable."

"I don't like it... The dragons usually don't partake in battles, but when they do, it can be devastating."

Sundenelle looks at her mother, relaxing her expression. She's not wrong, and she's only worried about Sundenelle making a critical mistake. Daniel may be the one on everyone's minds at the moment, but the demon army is still very much a threat, and they are unlikely to be idle. "Even now, our spies and reconnaissance teams have reported gathering demon forces in the north. It's highly probable they will attack Fort Peony."

"The furthest from the Empire..."

"The alliance stands strong, Mother. We will not falter on our share of the alliance's duty."

"I admire your honorable stance, my beloved daughter, but if I may, I am less worried about our enemies at our front."

Sundenelle is quiet. Byleathea is completely correct. No organization is without traitors and spies in its midst, and by choosing the furthest fortress from the centralized command, those traitors and spies buy themselves time for whatever their schemes are.