News of Brotan’s march soon reached the Imperial Army’s war council.

“...Their forces consist of 40,000 recently conscripted soldiers, 20,000 previously stationed near the Kaen border, and 10,000 positioned along our shared border. Altogether, approximately 70,000 troops are advancing toward Saint-Toir.”

Viktor stood in the center of the council chamber, reporting Guillaume’s movements as displayed on the tactical map.

“Saint-Toir, huh.”  

Gerhardt pondered the situation as Viktor concluded his briefing.  

“...It seems everything is proceeding as planned, Deputy Commander.”  
“It would have been strange if it hadn’t.”  

The officers whispered amongst themselves, their excitement barely contained.  

“Such a meticulous plan.”  
“Every tactic complemented another, tightening the noose around the Kingdom of Brotan. I dare say, it’s perfect.”  

The strategists marveled at Viktor’s insight, which had masterfully leveraged the political and military circumstances of both Brotan and its neighboring kingdoms.  

“To push Brotan into a corner like this, with virtually no loss of troops or supplies... astounding.”  
“He’s not just a brilliant tactician; his political and diplomatic instincts are exceptional for someone so young.”  

Even officers unfamiliar with politics were awed by the plan’s staggering results.  

---

Gerhardt, silently listening to the murmurs, finally spoke.  

“While the Deputy Commander’s plan has succeeded, the game isn’t over yet. They’ve mustered 70,000 troops, hastily gathered though they may be. We must respond accordingly. What are your thoughts?”  

As the chatter died down, Gerhardt turned to one of the brigade commanders.  

“Commander Klaus, let’s hear your thoughts.”  
“Yes, Commander. The Deputy Commander’s strategy successfully forced their hand, and we’ve already identified their intended target. Considering their haste, simply fortifying Saint-Toir will be enough to strain the enemy. They’ll feel the weight of the initiative shifting to us.”  

Klaus offered a straightforward opinion, which many of the officers shared, nodding in agreement.  

“And what do the rest of you think?”  

“I concur with Commander Klaus. The walls of Saint-Toir have been fully restored, and the enemy will struggle to mount a proper siege.”  
“Agreed. Even if the enemy’s forces are substantial, over half of their troops are conscripts. A direct assault on fortified walls will be difficult for them.”  

The Imperial officers leaned toward their usual safe approach: a solid defense.  

“While their troops may lack quality, their numbers are nearly double ours. We must remain cautious.”  
“Furthermore, Saint-Toir is surrounded by open plains. After their experience at Apitelo Lake, the Brotan forces are unlikely to split their army this time.”  

With wounded soldiers still recovering and guards needed for the prisoners, the Empire had only about 40,000 combat-ready troops—respectable, but clearly outnumbered.  

“What about intercepting them at a choke point? Here, this area narrows, making it difficult for their numbers to be an advantage.”  
“Hmm... Narrow terrain does favor us, but abandoning the defensive advantage of the fortress walls isn’t necessary.”  
“Exactly. Since bypassing Saint-Toir is impossible, the enemy will have no choice but to attempt a siege.”  

Some officers suggested interception, but most dismissed it, favoring the more secure option of holding the fort.  

---

Gerhardt, known for his preference for cautious strategies, might normally have agreed with the defensive approach. But the intoxicating success of Viktor’s bold maneuvers had him looking elsewhere.  

His gaze fell on Viktor, seated beside him, and the expectation in his eyes was unmistakable.  

“...That’s my opinion, but what do others think?”  

As the officers noticed Gerhardt’s subtle shift, they gradually fell silent, awaiting Viktor’s input.  

“...”  

The room grew still. While sudden silence during a war council was rarely a good omen, the officers, including Gerhardt, wore faint smiles.  

“...What is it?” Viktor finally asked.  

“Haha. Is the great Deputy Commander Viktor pretending not to know?” Gerhardt teased, a hint of mischief in his tone.  

After a brief moment of reflection, Viktor responded.  

“I have an idea.”  

Those four words broke the stillness, and Gerhardt nodded for him to continue.  

---

“We should not focus on defense or interception. Instead, we must launch an aggressive offensive against Guillaume’s expeditionary force.”  

Viktor once again advocated for attack over defense.  

The officers, momentarily stunned, looked to Gerhardt to gauge whether this was a joke. But Viktor’s unwavering gaze left no doubt about his seriousness.  

“...No matter how often I hear it, I can’t get used to it,” Gerhardt muttered.  

The officers murmured in agreement, their confusion evident despite having braced for Viktor’s unconventional approach.  

“Can you explain your reasoning?” Gerhardt asked.  

“Of course. First, let’s consider Guillaume’s intentions in advancing toward Saint-Toir.”  
“His intentions? Are you suggesting his goal isn’t actually to retake Saint-Toir?”  
“Exactly.”  

Standing, Viktor addressed the room.  

“Guillaume’s march is a political and symbolic gesture to restore his pride and respond to the pressure we’ve applied. It’s not because Saint-Toir suddenly gained strategic importance.”  

“...”  

“He knows his army is poorly trained and ill-equipped. His true intent is likely to avoid battle while using this expedition to mitigate the pressure we’ve placed on him. Once the tension eases, he’ll withdraw his forces.”  

The officers, who had viewed Guillaume’s attack as a clear threat, felt a chilling realization as Viktor explained.  

“If we focus on defense...”  

“Guillaume might interpret our defensive stance as a victory. He could attempt a half-hearted siege, then claim we hid behind our walls out of fear. This narrative would allow him to preserve his image and regain political standing.”  

“...Hah.”  

“The nobles of Brotan would be satisfied, believing their kingdom had displayed its strength, while Guillaume could boast about our ‘passivity’ to reassert his authority.”  

Viktor continued, his tone calm but firm.  

“Even if we counterattack after their siege or pursue them during their retreat, we’ll struggle to deal significant damage. Guillaume’s forces will avoid prolonged engagement and prioritize an orderly withdrawal. They’ll be prepared for a chase.”  

The room was silent as the officers absorbed Viktor’s explanation.  

“Our goal is not merely to repel them but to crush their resistance completely and end the Kingdom of Brotan. We cannot allow those 70,000 troops to retreat intact.”  

Viktor gestured to the map spread across the table.  

“To achieve this, we will march our forces here.”  

His finger landed on the Baldua Plains, an open field at the foot of the Crejon Mountains and near the terminus of the Vildorne River.  

“If we openly challenge them to a pitched battle, Guillaume will have no choice but to accept. Declining such a fight would leave him worse off than if he had never marched in the first place.”  

“...True. With superior numbers and the pretense of legitimacy, refusing a direct engagement would be a significant blow to his standing,” Gerhardt agreed.  

“If we defeat them in open battle, the Kingdom of Brotan will fall. Guillaume’s authority, already fragile, will shatter completely.”  

“True. But there’s still the matter of the numbers. They have 70,000 to our 40,000. And on open plains, where terrain offers no advantage, we might even be at a disadvantage. Can you guarantee victory?”  

Gerhardt’s question hung heavy in the air.  

Viktor, undeterred, replied with conviction.  

“Only 20,000 of their troops—those stationed near the Kaen border—are truly combat-ready. The rest are conscripts. Meanwhile, we have a formidable cavalry force of 8,000, which they cannot counter effectively.”  

“And Guillaume himself?”  

“Guillaume’s lack of experience will work against him. His troops are untrained, and even his capable generals failed to rally under his leadership. This army will crumble under pressure.”  

Viktor’s confidence spread through the room like wildfire.  

“We will destroy their army. Defeat is not an option.”  

---

Gerhardt, after a moment of consideration, made his decision.  

“Prepare for battle! We’ll march to the Baldua Plains and deliver the final blow to the Kingdom of Brotan!”  

Several days later, with 40,000 troops, including 8,000 cavalry, the Imperial Army marched toward the final confrontation.