A Single Thread of 100% Possibility
The next morning, immediately after joining the rebel forces.
I attended the meeting under the General Franklin’s invitation—well, more accurately, under her command.
There I stood, facing the leaders of the seven hundred rebel soldiers currently stationed at this Stenwick Fortress.
Given the modest size of the force, Franklin was the only general present; the rest were five vice-commanders, each overseeing between one and two hundred soldiers.
It was a far smaller gathering than the morning council I had attended in the imperial knight order.
Yet regardless of that fact, I had no choice but to hold my tongue and listen attentively.
“Very well. Let us begin by reviewing our current situation.”
This was the assessment session led by General Franklin.
In short, the rebel main force was heading this way, and to survive we had no choice but to hold the fortress until they arrived.
Fortunately, food was plentiful and the inner well provided reliable water.
The real problem was the imperial army encamped just outside the walls.
Their numbers were more than five times ours, their training far superior, and even with the fortress’s defensive advantages, victory would be anything but certain.
Everyone shared this same grim consensus.
And, of course, I already knew it from the original quest.
‘Of course I also know that eventually failing to hold the fortress led to their annihilation…’
I had somehow endured for a day, but the rebels collapsed after barely two days.
During that final battle, Franklin fought to the last and died at the hands of “Cromwell.”
It was a pity she had not met her end at my sword, but at least she had died with the dignity of a warrior to the very marrow.
All of this, however, was only the perspective of the game.
In reality, I now stood in the opposite position: I had to hold the fortress until the reinforcements arrived at any cost.
And because of that, using both my abilities and the insights I had honed through countless hours of grinding in the game, a thousand different strategies had already begun to form in my mind.
Yet…
‘Honestly, while there are plenty of ways to squeeze those fools dry even if it’s not easy… even so, carrying it out exactly as planned would be impossible in several respects.’
Unfortunately, I no longer possessed the free command of troops I had enjoyed in my imperial days.
Although I had defected and joined their side, I was not yet in a position to speak freely or issue orders.
Moreover, as a direct subordinate of General Franklin, I found it difficult even to act on my own initiative.
‘Still, I have basic instincts… so I should be able to muddle through somehow… Honestly, this part is a bit frustrating.’
Just as I had resigned myself to the fact that this was unavoidable…
“Excellent. Since the basic explanation is complete, I would now like to hear Colonel Cromwell’s thoughts.”
“…Eh? Who…? Me?”
General Franklin suddenly singled me out.
The sudden attention left me momentarily stunned.
In that calm, emotionless voice she continued.
“You are the only person in this room who clearly understands the imperial army’s movements. And since you were a well-known general even within the empire, something must be on your mind. Tell us what you are thinking.”
“Ah… Yes, of course…”
Despite her blunt manner, General Franklin was clearly a competent commander who worked efficiently.
Observing her impressive command style, I cautiously began to share my thoughts.
A large army was undeniably powerful, yet its sheer size made it slow and left many vulnerabilities.
Based on my experience, I laid out every idea I had.
Of course, I knew full well that the chance of it being accepted unchanged was extremely low.
‘At best I can offer some adapted suggestions… but of course they won’t take my words at face value.’
It had only been twenty-four hours since my defection, and I was still an ex-imperial knight captain leading a small contingent.
I had been accepted with a sob story, but the quest log had clearly stated their stance was still one of watchful waiting.
Even as I spoke, a faint regret weighed on me.
‘Trying to aim for more than simple endurance in this situation… is probably too optimistic.’
With that thought, I concluded my report and waited to see how the others would react.
But…
“I understand. Then we will proceed exactly as you suggest.”
“…Eh?”
“Accepting your entire proposal and moving forward as planned.”
“…”
“General…?”
General Franklin had made the decision far too swiftly.
I was left staring, dumbfounded.
And…
“Ah… Even so, this is an extremely reckless decision!”
“You defected, yet you expect us to trust you and make such an easy choice?”
“Admittedly, I have suffered losses, but it is still too dangerous to place full faith in Colonel Cromwell at this stage.”
Before I could voice my own doubts, the other vice-commanders sitting nearby began to speak, their voices heavy with concern.
However…
In response to their objections, General Franklin’s tone remained calm and unyielding.
“Indeed, the possibility of betrayal exists. But allow me to ask a different question. If we do not follow his words, what other options do we have?”
“…Eh?”
“W-well…”
The vice-commanders froze at the question.
Seeing their hesitation, General Franklin spoke with icy clarity.
“As I reported earlier, our situation is utterly hopeless. The enemy’s main force will arrive today or tomorrow. We can last at most half a day, or perhaps a day if we are lucky. Since defeat is already certain, isn’t it wiser to bet on that slim thread of hope?”
“…”
“However…”
“Anyone dissatisfied may remain. But if there is even the slightest chance of saving the soldiers’ lives and holding the fortress, I am prepared to seize even the devil’s hand.”
“…?”
Guided by the absence of any better solution, General Franklin had decided to accept at least the possibility I presented.
Watching her, I felt a quiet admiration.
‘She truly is an exceptional person. No wonder she wasn’t chosen as one of the final chapter’s bosses.’
As I basked in the quiet satisfaction of serving under this competent superior instead of that damned General Neto…
General Franklin addressed me once more with her usual precise voice.
“Then let us once again detail the plan. Each vice-commander, read it carefully and execute it exactly as written.”
“Yes, General.”
“We will follow your orders.”
*
Colonel Cromwell stood before them, explaining every detail in clear, measured words.
General Franklin fought to keep the smile of overwhelming anticipation and excitement from her lips.
‘Colonel Cromwell is truly magnificent…! In this desperate situation, he can still devise such bold strategies. Nothing can frighten me now! No matter the empire’s army, I can defeat them all!’
The words I had used to persuade the soldiers had been accurate, but even if the situation had not been so dire, I would have trusted and followed his every word.
This was not mere blind affection.
It was built on the thorough knowledge I had gained of Colonel Cromwell’s battles and the character he had always shown.
A man who never betrayed the trust placed in him.
Even if he were the enemy, a noble being who had taught me what true divinity meant on this blood-soaked battlefield.
Despite being on the opposing side, I had come to respect and admire him, and that feeling had grown stronger than I had expected.
At the same time, since these were the very tactics he had prepared using the empire’s situation he perfectly understood, I was already certain they would succeed 100%.
And a short while later.
The briefing on Colonel Cromwell’s operation—well, the mission assignment itself—had finally concluded.
General Franklin rose from her seat and spoke with renewed resolve.
“Then let us begin the operation at once. Remember that this is our only chance to survive. Execute every order with absolute precision, without a single mistake.”
“Yes, General.”
“Understood.”
The vice-commanders stood and began to disperse.
Turning to Colonel Cromwell, General Franklin spoke in a calm, steady voice.
“I have placed my entire trust in you. I beg you not to disappoint me.”
“With all due respect, General, I swear on my honor that I will meet your expectations to the fullest.”
Colonel Cromwell answered with a firm, handsome gaze that held unshakable resolve.
A single line flashed through General Franklin’s mind as she watched.
‘Heh…’
--- **END OF CHAPTER**