“Paola…?”

The Border Duke’s voice carried disbelief as she watched the imposing figure emerge from the swirling snow. Behind Paola, knights in black uniforms marched forward, their blades shimmering with aura. Yet it wasn’t just the Raven Knights who had arrived. Adventurers with rugged appearances were mixed among their ranks, and soldiers bearing the familiar crest of Count Agon followed in orderly formation.

“Just in time, Duke. The damned obstacles on the way kept us longer than expected,” Paola growled, her mace still embedded in the ground before her.

One of Leon Benning’s knights, the visor of their helmet shattered by Paola’s earlier strike, turned to face the newcomers. There was no fear in their expression, only a faint bitterness etched across their exposed face.

“So, you’ve finally made it.”

“You made us work for it, though. Blocking the entrance like that—your people sure know how to put up a fight,” Paola snarled. Her forces were visibly battered, many of them wounded and bloodied. Some trudged forward with missing limbs, yet their resolve burned brighter than ever, a fiery intensity that seemed hot enough to melt the forest snow.

The knight studied them silently before speaking. “But does it matter? By coming here to aid the Border Duke, you’ve played directly into our hands. While you’re stuck here, you can’t imagine what’s happening back in the capital. Count Benning’s forces may take a hit, but it’s the First Princess’s side—your side—that will suffer the greater loss.”

“Well, that’s a lovely theory,” Paola said, wrenching her mace free from the ground. “But it doesn’t change the fact that this place will be your grave.”

“You’re bluffing.” The knight’s voice remained steady. “I’m prepared to fight to the death here if it means keeping your strongest forces occupied. As long as we hold you here, the real victory will happen in the capital.”

As the knight spoke, the Border Duke caught a glimpse of their eyes through the shattered visor. They weren’t fixed on Paola but were searching the crowd behind her, scanning for someone.

“Did you really think the First Princess would commit her entire force to this skirmish?” the Border Duke said, her tone cutting.

The knight’s eyes widened slightly, betraying their unease. “…Where are Hugo Bern and Maxim Apart?”

“Who knows?” Paola shrugged carelessly. Though her tone was mocking, the growing aura around her mace radiated deadly intent. “Not that it’s any of your concern.”

“Tell me where they are!” The knight’s composure cracked, their voice rising in frustration. Paola met their outburst with a smirk, aura crackling around her weapon like a living thing.

“They’re off to collect your precious Count’s head.”

Five Hours Earlier – Royal Capital Adventurer’s Guild

A large table dominated the center of the room, a detailed map of the royal capital spread across its surface. Surrounding it were the leaders of the resistance, with the First Princess at their center. Count Agon, though experienced in strategy, refrained from dominating the discussion, acting as an intermediary to summarize the group’s opinions for the Princess. He was careful not to overstep, wary of being perceived as overshadowing her leadership.

Leon Benning… You’ve thrown this kingdom into chaos. We’ll see to it that you pay the price, with Her Highness delivering the final blow.

Count Agon’s thoughts reflected his measured approach. None in the room faulted him for his caution; they understood it was born of respect for the First Princess and a desire to avoid unnecessary internal strife.

“…So,” a deep voice broke the silence, followed by a loud thud as a hand landed on the map.

“We’ve agreed that connecting with the Border Duke is crucial to balancing the scales of power. But do you truly think Leon Benning doesn’t anticipate this? He’ll do whatever it takes to stop us from linking up with the Duke’s forces.”

The speaker, Pierre, a former adventurer, was actively contributing to the discussion. His instincts honed from years in the field lent weight to his words.

“No doubt about it,” Paola replied, nodding. “This is the last obstacle for them. They’ll throw everything they have at stopping us.”

“…Which means that if we fail to join forces with the Duke, we’ll lose what little hope we have,” said Hugo Bern grimly. His words cast a somber air over the group, the knights exchanging uneasy glances.

Michelle Loire, the First Princess, who had been listening intently, finally spoke. “Then how do you think Leon Benning will act?”

“He’ll lock down every gate leading out of the capital,” Hugo replied without hesitation. “Every guard available will be stationed to prevent anyone from leaving or entering.”

“And that’s not all,” Pierre added. “While lesser forces keep us under surveillance, he’ll send his main force outside the walls to intercept the Border Duke. He won’t send a manageable force. It’ll be overwhelming.”

Michelle’s gaze lowered to the map, her expression tightening. The roads leading out of the capital were blocked, and the Duke’s reinforcements would likely be intercepted before they reached her. The scenario was clear: they were trapped, with Leon Benning free to dismantle her forces at his leisure.

“Your Highness,” Hugo said firmly, his voice cutting through her thoughts. “If you give the order, we’ll cut through their defenses and ensure the Duke’s forces reach us.”

Michelle hesitated. It wasn’t a bad plan, but it wasn’t perfect. She turned her gaze to Maxim Apart and Theodora, who had remained silent throughout the discussion.

“What are your thoughts?” she asked.

Theodora exchanged a glance with Maxim before speaking first. “My father… Leon Benning, always has a second or third move prepared. Even if we succeed in joining forces with the Border Duke, he’ll have another plan ready.”

Her voice was calm but carried an undertone of venom that silenced the room. Those familiar with her personal connection to Leon Benning knew better than to interrupt.

Pierre, however, frowned and broke the silence. “Are you suggesting we just leave the Duke’s forces to fend for themselves? Pray they somehow break through on their own?”

“No,” Theodora’s reply was interrupted by Maxim, who placed a steadying hand on her shoulder and stepped forward.

“We use this against him.”

“…Use it against him?” Pierre’s brows furrowed.

“While Leon Benning’s forces are spread thin to intercept the Duke, we strike at the heart of his operation.”

Maxim’s suggestion left the room in stunned silence. Only Paola, her arms crossed, responded.

“So, you’re proposing we use the Duke as bait and charge directly at Benning?”

“Put bluntly, yes,” Maxim admitted with a wry smile. His proposal split the room; some nodded thoughtfully, while others frowned deeply. Paola, visibly displeased, regarded him with a stony expression.

“Maxim…” Theodora gripped his hand tightly, grounding him. He continued, “If we consolidate our forces, both sides will have time to regroup. Leon Benning will plan for that. We need to act before he can.”

Michelle, her resolve hardening, made her decision. “We’ll split our forces.”

The room fell silent. Michelle’s tone left no room for argument. She pointed at the map.

“One group will go to meet the Duke. The other will head straight for Leon Benning.”

Pierre frowned deeply. “Your Highness, splitting our forces would put us at a severe disadvantage. They’ll pick us off.”

Michelle shook her head. “Leon Benning won’t hesitate to kill Louis while we’re distracted. Can you guarantee we’d reach him in time?”

She slammed her hand on the table. The room fell quiet. Her voice grew colder.

“I will save my brother. The throne, the kingdom—none of it matters if I fail to protect him.”

The tension in the room was palpable. Paola broke the silence, raising a hand. “Then let’s send a small strike team to the palace. Hugo, Theodora, Maxim, and a few others. The rest can focus on meeting the Duke.”

Agon muttered, “Risky… but it could work.”

Michelle turned to her strongest knights. “Can you do this?”

Hugo stepped forward, grim but resolute. “If it’s your command, nothing is impossible. We’ll clear the way to Benning and bring your brother back.”

Michelle nodded, her decision final. The die was cast.