Dragons are, by nature, fickle creatures, yet once they fixate on something, their obsession is often stronger than that of any other being. Among dragons, this tendency is especially pronounced in Red Dragons, known for their mercurial emotions, which swing from one extreme to the other.

“Hmm…”

After closing the door to her quarters, Luise touched her face, feeling an unusual warmth rise to her cheeks.

She had believed that all she wanted was a human hero, someone with remarkable abilities—almost too extraordinary to be human—and achievements that would be difficult for any mere mortal to accomplish.

That was why she had continued gathering uniquely talented humans, despite repeated disappointments.

But after meeting Viktor, or more accurately, after witnessing his audacity in challenging a dragon, Luise finally understood what she truly desired.

“Fascinating…”

The Viktor of legend was a classic hero who saved his country, but Luise’s attraction wasn’t rooted solely in his overwhelming feats in dire situations or his reputed integrity.

Quite the opposite, in fact.

Through various encounters and subtle pressures, she had observed flashes of vulnerability in his intense gaze—fear, anxiety, doubt—that he was adept at concealing. Behind his outward confidence lay subtle signs: the slightest tremor in his fingers, tension in his stance. Although Viktor hid these well, they could not escape a dragon’s keen perception.

And that realization stirred something within Luise.

Tired of idealized, one-dimensional heroes from stories, she sought the layered complexities of humanity up close. In this sense, Viktor embodied the perfect paradox: a human who was not flawless but embodied the very reason legends painted their heroes as such.

“A perfect-looking human…”

Not a perfect human, but one who “appeared” perfect. Viktor was a man who strove for excellence, and Luise couldn’t even begin to imagine the effort he put into crafting that image. Before she had observed him closely, she had wondered if he might be more than human.

Gradually, as Viktor continued displaying his consistent character, Luise’s interest in him overshadowed her disappointment with other humans. At some point, her focus shifted from observing humanity to observing Viktor, and her expectations for him grew.

This mission, then, was her final test—a way to confirm if this entire game she was playing could be dedicated to him.

Half-convinced that someone like Viktor would never appear again in this era, Luise prepared herself to abandon him and end her game if he disappointed her.

“Please… succeed.”

Her crimson, slit-like eyes gleamed, and with genuine hope, Luise wished for Viktor’s success.

---

In war, it’s always crucial to deny the enemy time to react.

*Clop, clop, clop.*

“Viktor, sir! A bit slower… please!”

That’s why, instead of taking a carriage, I rode at full speed with my escort.

The day after the order was issued, I left quickly, carrying the Emperor’s decree.

I had to reach the Zhavinsk outpost, convince my subordinates, and then lead them to join Gerhardt’s forces. Although word of my involvement in the war against the Brotan Kingdom might not spread quickly, minimizing lost time was clearly beneficial.

Even if there were attempts to intercept me, my speed alone would likely render most such efforts futile.

The Emperor had suggested I use Phlegethon to make the journey swifter, but I declined—such a resource was too valuable to waste. As long as I could reach Gerhardt’s encampment without lagging behind the Emperor’s messenger, a steady pace would suffice.

“Let’s rest for a moment.”

“Hah… hah…”

For the sake of my escorts, I had to move with a bit more consideration than if I were alone.

While I carried only essentials like the decree, they were clad in full armor and armed, making their horses tire faster and sapping their strength quickly.

“…Is this how you normally travel?”

“Yes.”

They already thought I was eccentric, so I didn’t bother mentioning that I often used the mini-map to ride through the night.

“Is everyone ready? Let’s move out again.”

“Yes…”

With the nearest station not far ahead, I urged the resting escorts to prepare for departure.

---

Several days later.

After allowing a bit more leeway near the end of our journey, my group arrived in decent condition at Gerhardt’s encampment.

“You made it swiftly.”

Josef Steiner greeted me with a sour expression.

“Has the messenger arrived?”

“Yes. Viktor, they say you’re to determine the fate of the prisoners—is that true?”

Understandably, he was not pleased. The Emperor’s order giving me authority over the prisoners was, in effect, a declaration that Josef’s jurisdiction over them was nullified.

“There’s something I’d like to discuss with you regarding that.”

“Hmph…”

To persuade him, I left my escorts outside and entered his tent alone.

“What is it?”

“Indeed.”

Despite the “temporary” and “special” labels attached to my position, as a legion commander, I ignored his skeptical gaze, pulled a chair in front of him, and sat.

After confirming that no one was listening, with the help of the mini-map, I retrieved the Emperor’s decree from my coat.

“This is the Emperor’s command.”

“Hmm.”

After reading the decree, Josef’s face turned red with anger, and he crumpled the paper, tossing it to the ground.

“To leave the prisoners’ fate entirely in your hands? Ridiculous. I, Josef Steiner, am the one holding these prisoners. If you think this decree alone will settle everything, you’re mistaken…”

As expected.

Even though the noble faction lagged behind the imperial faction, Josef would see this as an insult.

I bent down, retrieved the decree from the floor, and…

*Rip!*

“…What are you—?”

I tore it in half.

Josef’s face flashed with a mix of surprise and anger, which quickly shifted to confusion.

“Managing prisoners isn’t easy, especially when there are so many.”

Before he could regain his composure, I pressed on.

“You likely diverted a large force just to guard them, and your supplies are undoubtedly depleted daily. Not to mention, they’re hardly necessary for holding the Kingdom of Rus as it stands.”

“…”

“You’d probably like to release them, but large-scale dispersal is a difficult decision. Sorting them? That would be challenging unless they were entirely cooperative.”

Instead of arguing, Josef fixed me with a glare filled with frustration and unease.

“Though the Emperor has ordered me to decide the prisoners’ fate, I’m willing to accommodate your requests if you have any.”

“Requests?”

“How about this? I take those who are rebellious or might become rallying figures, like Captain Anna, with me. Those with homes in Empire-occupied territory can be sorted and released. You’ll only be left with a smaller, more manageable group. If you plan to govern the Kingdom of Rus, it’s better to reduce hostility now.”

Josef’s stern expression didn’t waver, but the fact that he didn’t outright refuse my proposal hinted that he found it reasonable.

“Viktor. What’s your angle?”

Rather than making his own decision, he questioned my motives for tearing up the Emperor’s decree and proposing a favorable deal.

His interest suggested he saw the merit in my proposal, so I offered a faint smile.

“Josef Steiner. I hear you’re part of the noble faction.”

“…Already trying to align yourself after barely joining the Empire?”

“Not exactly.”

Josef, stationed at the front lines, might be slow on information, but any lie would eventually be exposed. So I told the truth.

“I dislike Theodore Offenschtat.”

Josef’s eyes widened briefly.

“Explain.”

“He behaves as though he’s the Emperor himself, merely because he has her backing, and constantly obstructs me. He practically sent me to die, ordering me to lead a force of prisoners against the Brotan Kingdom.”

I exaggerated my anger at Theodore, revealing my disdain openly.

It’s well known that I have a more emotional reputation—a man of loyalty to his subordinates and devotion to his king. Even at the time of my surrender, I didn’t hide my feelings of humiliation. Josef likely thinks I can’t mask my emotions well.

Moreover, tearing up the Emperor’s command likely appeared as though I was severing ties with her. Josef wouldn’t search my coat, so he wouldn’t find the identical decree I’d kept as a backup.

“An ‘interim special commander,’ was it? So that’s why.”

“Though I detest following his orders, I have no choice but to comply. But I’ll need your help if we’re to succeed.”

Though I’d proposed the legion commander role myself, it was still Theodore who assigned me to the Brotan front, so I didn’t deny it.

“Does this mean you’re interested in joining the noble faction?”

“Since Theodore leads the imperial faction, I suppose so, though I’m no noble myself.”

“Ha!”

Realizing he had nothing to lose, Josef let out a hearty laugh at my joke-laden remark.

“The prisoners have been a headache, that’s true. Fine! We’ll cooperate, then.”

With his broad acceptance, I gripped his outstretched hand firmly.

---

With Josef’s cooperation, I quickly wrapped up the tasks at his encampment.

My main objective was the prisoners’ well-being, so I prioritized their release over trying to sway them to join. In the end, five thousand soldiers, including Anna and Alexandr Kalichin, chose to stay with me, while about ten thousand prisoners from the Empire-occupied territories of the Kingdom of Rus were released and sent home. They expressed gratitude not only to me but also to Josef, which pleased him considerably.

It was beneficial for me as well. Though the numbers were smaller, those who chose to follow me despite the

 offer of release were loyal and among the most skilled.

“…Are you leaving?”

“Yes.”

Avoiding unnecessary suspicion, my forces, carrying only essential supplies like water and food but no weapons, set out toward General Gerhardt’s legion.