“Appoint me as a provisional special commander. I will rally some of those who crossed over to the Empire with me and, with them alone, prove my loyalty on the battlefield.”

Hearing Viktor’s request, Theodore quickly checked the Emperor’s reaction before responding.

“…Haha.”

Empress Luise’s face held an expression of delight—not the usual languid look she showed others, but a deep, almost predatory smile.

Theodore felt a surge of hatred, nearly overwhelming. From the first moment he laid eyes on Luise, her striking beauty had captivated him, and he had strived tirelessly to win her favor. Rising to lead the imperial faction, humoring the nobility, and showcasing his talents and strength in meetings—all for her approval.

Luise might wield the "Sword of Bloodline," which granted her authority, but at her core, she was a farmer from the backwoods village of Steilberg. Theodore had thought that with the right gestures of support, he could become her trusted confidant in the foreign court and ultimately win her heart.

But Luise had been an impenetrable wall.

Even when he introduced new talents to her court, her smiles were fleeting. Her expression always remained flat and distant when looking at him.

Yet here she was, showing Viktor a smile.

Theodore’s mind, burning with anger, raced, and he soon devised a better approach than revealing his fury.

“Your Majesty.”

“Ah, Sir Theodore.”

Theodore, drawing Luise’s attention, felt Viktor’s intense gaze bearing down on him. However, confident in his own authority, he was unfazed. With Luise present, Viktor wouldn’t dare act physically.

Theodore actually took comfort in Viktor’s attention on him and advanced toward Luise, bowing slightly.

“The forces that surrendered with Viktor number over twenty thousand, primarily conscripts. They only recently held arms against us; they’re unlikely to accept a call to fight for the Empire.”

“I’m aware that those truly loyal to me may only number six thousand or even fewer. But those who follow me do so with genuine loyalty, and I believe that, despite the number, we can achieve significant results. I understand the Empire has many conflicts across various regions. Should it not be the Kingdom of Rus, I will prove my worth elsewhere.”

Seeing Viktor’s rebuttal before Luise could respond, Theodore gave him a disdainful smile.

“While Viktor is confident, a small force can only achieve limited impact.”

Theodore’s criticism of the force size wasn’t to outright reject Viktor’s proposal to become special commander.

At present, openly opposing Viktor’s suggestion would be unwise. Although Viktor appeared threatening now, building influence in the Empire without a base would be a challenge for him. Directly blocking him could frustrate Luise, causing more harm than benefit.

There were still ways to keep Viktor in check without going against Luise’s will.

“Additionally, although he swore loyalty out of gratitude for your mercy, entrusting him with an army still poses a risk. A small-scale deployment could provoke enemy nations and escalate conflicts. I suggest bolstering the numbers to a significant level to ensure that he achieves measurable results.”

“Increase the size?” Luise looked intrigued rather than displeased at Theodore’s suggestion.

“The defensive forces are struggling against the Brotan Kingdom. Currently, General Gerhardt Weisschild leads a ten-thousand-strong reserve force awaiting deployment. Appoint Viktor as special legion commander and have him join Gerhardt’s forces in the battlefront. If Viktor harbors ulterior motives, General Gerhardt would be capable of handling him.”

Observing Luise’s reaction, Theodore acted as though he was supporting Viktor’s proposal by suggesting he be given more troops.

In truth, Theodore didn’t hold Viktor’s strategic abilities in particularly high regard. What bothered him was Viktor’s sway, the impressive mass surrender he’d orchestrated, and the way he’d captured Luise’s attention.

Theodore had harbored a grudge ever since he’d personally met Viktor when Viktor was still a prisoner. Viewing Viktor through a lens of disdain, he credited Viktor’s achievements to the disarray within the noble faction and dismissed his fame as the result of the Kingdom of Rus’s need for a hero.

In contrast, Gerhardt Weisschild was a seasoned imperial general, highly respected within the Empire and known for his loyalty to the Emperor. His authority and control were unparalleled, and the well-trained forces under him were leagues beyond the conscripts from the Kingdom of Rus.

This was the foundation of Theodore’s confidence.

Though Viktor would technically join as an equal commander, his position as "special legion commander" was temporary, and his forces smaller. In practice, Gerhardt’s influence would dominate on the battlefield.

In the event of a victory, the majority of the credit would go to Gerhardt, limiting Viktor’s rise. Achievements by a few thousand troops wouldn’t outshine those of a formal legion, and the nobles, wary of Viktor’s potential threat, would likely side with awarding Gerhardt.

If defeat occurred, the blame could easily fall on Viktor. The nobles, after all, would be reluctant to point fingers at Gerhardt, a well-established figure.

“And if he fails to deliver, he must be punished accordingly.”

Theodore secretly hoped for Viktor’s downfall. Brotan Kingdom was a distant problem; the immediate threat lay with Viktor.

Losing a few eastern territories to the Brotan Kingdom didn’t concern Theodore.

“Hmm.”

Luise leaned on her chin thoughtfully. Contrary to Theodore’s assumption that she wouldn’t notice, she understood that his proposal wasn’t in Viktor’s favor.

“Viktor, what are your thoughts?”

Luise, hoping to see the heroic figure she envisioned, asked Viktor with a hint of expectation.

“…I will follow your will, Your Majesty.”

Although his response might have seemed passive, Luise sensed a silent determination in his eyes.

“Very well! Viktor, I hereby appoint you provisional special legion commander. Head to the Zhavinsk front, decide the prisoners’ fate, and then swiftly lead your troops to join General Gerhardt’s forces to drive out the Brotan Kingdom!”

“I accept the command.”

Luise rose from her throne, accepting Theodore’s proposal.

Theodore, seeing Viktor bow his head with a resigned expression, felt satisfaction as he stepped back.

He failed to notice the faint smirk on Viktor’s lips.

---

After the meeting.

“Ha-ha.”

Without a home yet in the Empire, I laughed quietly in the temporary quarters assigned to me.

“The Brotan Kingdom, is it?”

My strength lies in the overwhelming information from the mini-map and the tactical control afforded by the overlay.

The Brotan Kingdom, which relies on sheer numbers, similar to the Kingdom of Rus’s early conscription strategy, offers a perfect stage for me. By exploiting their low morale and the difficulty of managing untrained soldiers, I could accomplish impressive feats even with a smaller force.

Joining forces with General Gerhardt is an advantage too.

Despite his high status as a count, Gerhardt is one of the few true soldiers in the Empire, valuing practicality over political power plays. He’s the type who can be persuaded if I show him the utility of my abilities.

Even if I can’t sway him, he’ll still be doing his best against the Brotan Kingdom, and I can capitalize on his movements to establish my achievements. The larger and more chaotic the battle, the more my abilities shine.

With Gerhardt’s forces, there’s little chance of defeat against the Brotan Kingdom.

Glory? Influence?

No scheming can diminish undeniable victories.

And as long as Theodore continues to act cautiously under the Emperor’s watchful eye, my position will be secure. The nobles, still far behind the imperial faction, won’t pose much of a threat.

-Knock, knock, knock.

While I was envisioning this promising future, I heard a familiar rhythmic knock.

-Click.

“Greetings, Your Majesty.”

Seeing that it was Luise entering, I rose and offered her my respects.

She’s now unmistakably my sovereign; I can’t afford to act as casually as before.

“Relax. No one else is watching.”

Though she’d come alone, without attendants…

“You are my ruler now. I cannot address you as I did when you were the enemy.”

“Hm. I see. Well, that’s fine.”

Maintaining my upright stance, I watched as Luise slowly approached me.

“Since you know I’m a dragon, you might as well speak comfortably.”

“…Understood.”

“You know, I have a deep interest in you. So far, you haven’t disappointed.”

Her half-closed eyes gradually opened.

“Even during the meeting, I could see your confidence—your assurance that you wouldn’t be overshadowed by General Gerhardt or defeated by the fierce Brotan Kingdom.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

“Or rather…”

She let her aura flare briefly, placing her hand on my shoulder.

“I am fickle in minor matters.”

“…”

“Though you please me now, I won’t tolerate disappointment.”

But failure is out of the question—I have nothing to fear.

With confidence, I lifted my head slightly, meeting her gaze.

“I understand.”

“Surrendering the Kingdom of Rus was impressive, but it isn’t enough. So, take this opportunity to prove you’re no ordinary man. Should you succeed brilliantly again…”

Holding my gaze for a moment, she turned to leave.

“…I will support you with all my strength. You can count on that.”

With a final smile, she departed.

-Click.

The Emperor of Dragonia’s unequivocal support.

“…Good.”

It had been a brief visit, but it was all the motivation I needed.