Invasion (1)
If the Levatein Duchy was responsible for defending the northern border of the Magic Kingdom, then the region bordering it directly—responsible for the Empire's southern defenses—was a place called Yarnvidr.
Stationed there was the Empire's southern elite knight order, the Iron Warriors, currently commanded by Marquis Gunror, a fiercely belligerent noble who strongly advocated for war among the Empire's aristocracy.
The combination of the knight order hailed as the Empire's southern finest and the marquis's aggressive nature had resulted in unprecedented hardline posturing as of late. They frequently deployed troops near the border, casually knocking on the duchy's outposts by crossing over uninvited.
Just recently, under the marquis's orders, they had raided an outpost in the Levatein Duchy, smuggling in some forces including a senior knight. It was a simple mission for the senior knight: scout the duchy's situation and military deployments, then return.
The marquis's provocations weren't mere whims. The Empire was truly preparing for war with the Magic Kingdom. Infiltrating Willis Graham as an instructor at Terastial Academy, and now deploying even a senior knight to probe the duchy—all part of an intelligence war in preparation for conflict.
Regrettably, Willis Graham had died without notable achievements, but this time would be different. No matter how formidable the Levatein Duchy's forces, it would be impossible to find Godin Hazard—a senior knight—if he was serious about hiding in that vast territory.
"My lord marquis, it appears they've successfully breached the outpost."
"As expected. For Sir Godin, that would have been child's play."
And so, Marquis Gunror waited confidently for news. He believed Godin would return safely with intel on the duchy.
But no word came, no matter how long he waited. They'd sent Godin, a senior knight among the better ones... yet not even a single report.
Surveillance outposts reported no sightings of Godin or the infiltration team. At this point, even Marquis Gunror had to entertain one suspicion. The implications were clear.
"...Don't tell me he's dead? Sir Godin?"
The marquis slammed his desk, barking at the man beside him. "What happened? You assured me Sir Godin would return without issue!"
"...Indeed, it's baffling to me as well."
He elegantly sipped his warm tea and set it down. Even that simple motion exuded nobility and grace. Glancing at the furious marquis, he offered a light smile.
"Godin is a man I respect. For him to fail such a simple mission against the current duchy... it's puzzling."
"Then did he defect?"
"Unlikely. Godin was as loyal as he was strong."
"Then he's dead! Your judgment was wrong, Captain Agnar!"
Agnar. Agnar Balderte. Captain of the Empire's southern elite, the Iron Warriors knight order—and one of the Empire's top five strongest knights.
Even in the adjacent Levatein Duchy, only Duke Elcarus Levatein himself could face him head-on, so his prowess needed no elaboration.
Thus, few in the Empire could speak to Agnar so bluntly. Marquis Gunror, wielding immense authority over the south, could tolerate such minor insolence.
Agnar, smile unwavering, replied, "Calm yourself, marquis."
"Do I look calm? The plan's unraveling! With the outpost breached, they'll bolster defenses— this operation might as well be scrapped!"
"True, but Godin's failure was unforeseen, wasn't it? Even you couldn't have anticipated it."
Agnar continued, "So, let's analyze what we can glean from it."
"...It's not that they lack the power to repel Sir Godin."
"But finding and eliminating him is another matter. That requires overwhelming him, not just matching. And such figures in the duchy... can be counted on one hand."
The duchy had those who could surpass Godin, but not many. Duke Elcarus himself, or veterans like Adel Raymond among the senior knights close to him.
"Especially now, with the Levatein executioner away from the family. At most, the duke and two or three others."
"...What if Elcarus Levatein found him personally?"
"The duke's out on a beast subjugation. How could he? Unlikely."
Agnar snapped his fingers lightly, sharing his theory. "I suspect the prodigal son returned... or a entirely new force has emerged in the duchy. Something we haven't detected."
"A new force? What does that—"
The marquis scoffed, but Agnar insisted it was the only explanation.
"Nothing else fits, marquis."
"...Assuming you're right, we can't proceed with the grand operation. Central commands we attack tomorrow. Shall we report we can't?"
The marquis scowled. "Godin had to return, no matter what. We'd gauge their strength and prepare accordingly—but now, no options left."
"It's fine, marquis. As long as only we know."
"What do you mean?"
Agnar finished his tea and stood. He kindly explained to the marquis.
"If we know, no panic over the new force, no issues. Ignorance could doom us to a sudden ambush—but knowledge changes everything."
With confident tone, he patted his scabbard. "I'll eliminate the variable."
"......"
Fail, and the plan would collapse again—but the marquis couldn't argue. As one of the Empire's top forces, doubting Agnar meant doubting all others.
"...So, proceed as planned?"
"Yes, marquis. That's central's order."
Agnar added, "His Majesty's will is absolute. We dare not quibble."
"...Of course."
"Prepare as usual so the troops don't panic. I'll rest for tomorrow."
"Understood. I trust you, Captain Agnar."
"I'll meet expectations."
Agnar smiled amiably, rose, and left the office.
Marquis Gunror stared at the empty teacup long, then sighed deeply.
"Too competent for his own good. Acts like he owns the place."
Displeased by Agnar's arrogance, he clicked his tongue. "...Still, if he steps in, the preemptive strike will succeed."
Regardless of feelings, he trusted Agnar Balderte's skill. Swiveling his chair, the marquis stood, clasped hands behind his back, and gazed out the window.
Below, Yarnvidr's troops stood in formation for final checks—ensuring no issues on operation day.
Watching them, the marquis smirked faintly, deciding to view Agnar positively, imagining the emperor's reaction to success.
"Tomorrow should be interesting."
Time had flown since arriving at the Levatein Duchy; the experiential learning period was ending. Seong Hyun-jin and company, set to return by carriage that afternoon, gathered in the drawing room from morning, all doing the same thing: writing reports.
Submitting these would validate the period as class equivalent, and they'd factor into final exam scores—mandatory.
"Ugh!"
"What? Junior Hyun-jin, done already?"
"Nah, just stretching."
"Ah~."
Ciela laughed lightly, surprised he'd finished early. Seong Hyun-jin turned. "Serena, you done?"
"Not yet..."
No one enjoyed reports; all sluggishly scribbled amid groans.
"We'll be back at the academy soon."
"Disappointed?"
"Kinda?"
Recalling his mountain cabin days pre-academy, Seong Hyun-jin said, "Fighting strong beasts freely feels like home."
"You lived with Lady Karin, right?"
"Yeah."
Clarice's eyes sparkled at Karin's mention. No match for Seong Hyun-jin's devotion, but she was a fan of the Sword Star—and curious about her disciple. Seizing the chance, she asked what she'd always wondered.
"What was living with Lady Karin like?"
"Just a mountain. Full of ordinary beasts and monsters alike."
Seong Hyun-jin explained, "Super high, so thick fog was daily. Clear elsewhere, but rain or snow there. Snow especially—heavy winters blanketed everything white."
"That sounds rough for snow removal. Our territory invests most manpower yearly."
"Snow clearing? Not really."
"Pardon?"
Clarice tilted her head; Seong Hyun-jin elaborated kindly. "Master swung her sword a few times—snow vanished. Cleared the cabin roof and yard that way."
Ciela snorted in disbelief. "Sweeping snow with a sword? Hard to believe."
"A true divine skill!"
Clarice, thrilled by Karin's feat, beamed. "Surprisingly, she didn't make you do it."
"Daily avalanches like that? Unmanageable without her. I lacked skill as a kid anyway."
"You could now?"
Serena asked; he nodded casually. "Obviously."
"Really?"
"Wanna see?"
Seong Hyun-jin spoke like he'd demonstrate outside; Serena chuckled, shaking her head. "Reports first. Slack off, and you won't finish."
"...Strict."
"For your sake. You're furthest behind—despite doing the most here."
"But the duke said no Empire stuff in reports."
"National security—can't include in reports teachers read. Still, you have most to write."
Serena pointed at his sparse report. "Yet you're last. 'Whatever, I'll rest!' No."
"Sit and write."
Seeing Serena force rising Seong Hyun-jin down, Ciela teased, "Junior's suffocating, Serena junior. You're naggy."
"I'll handle it, Senior Ciela."
Their gazes clashed; Clarice muttered amid sparks, "You two look scary."
As Serena and Ciela bickered, Yeonhui sidled to Seong Hyun-jin.
"Junior, writing tough?"
"Kinda. Organizing thoughts coherently... not my thing."
"May I help?"
Yeonhui asked timidly; he brightened. "Sure!"
"Ah."
"I'll help...!"
Ciela and Serena, belatedly blocking, but Yeonhui clung, advising.
Serena grumbled. "Senior, have some shame and back off?"
"Just teaching report tips. I messed up before, but helping now's fine, right?"
"Urk..."
Serena found no retort. Yeonhui wasn't touching or pressing—just close.
"If uncomfortable, I'll scoot."
Yeonhui shifted her chair; Serena, unable to argue, refocused, whispering to Seong Hyun-jin.
"...Can't hold back and ask Senior Yeonhui?"
"Why refuse help?"
Scratching his head, he soothed, "You next time."
"Th-think that'll make me happy?"
Serena feigned indifference, but others thought the same watching her.
'She's happy...'
'She is.'
'Very much so...'
Chattering thus while writing—
"Milady!"
Suddenly, someone burst in: Adam Baidgen, the duke's head butler.
"What is it?"
Clarice asked; Adam replied gravely.
"Th-the Empire has invaded."
"......Pardon?"
Clarice blinked in disbelief; Adam reiterated earnestly.
"The Empire crossed the border! Yarnvidr's army and the Iron Warriors are advancing south!"
"......!"