Ch. 62 – Political Tensions
Eisenwald was enjoying a brief moment of peace. Markets were bustling, the Falkenrath mines were steadily delivering iron and steel to local blacksmiths, and the people were slowly adapting to life after Fenrir's recent victories. Yet, the shadow of the Luminaria Empire's politics was never far.
Fenrir sat in the map room of his manor, staring at the intricate carved map of the empire. A letter from Marquis Helbrecht had just arrived, summoning all vassals to an important assembly. Fenrir understood its true meaning: this was not just a casual meeting, but a battle for political influence among the Marquises.
Helbrecht and Reindhart, two of the five major Marquises, had long been rivals. Helbrecht was disciplined and militarily focused, while Reindhart relied on cunning diplomacy and economic pressure to expand his dominion. Eisenwald sat on the border of territory contested by both, making it a critical point in the political chessboard.
Fenrir exhaled slowly. He knew that even though the Eisenwald army numbered only 3,500 troops—far fewer than the thousands fielded by other Counts and Viscounts—strategy and loyalty could turn the tide.
Behind him, his gaze swept the reconnaissance reports: Reindhart's forces were gathering on the northern frontier, while Helbrecht's troops were concentrated at his eastern estate. Fenrir began calculating alliances, troop movements, and defensive strategies that could be applied.
A faint glow of red lava aura flickered around Fenrir. Even the guards standing behind him could sense the determination radiating from the young Baron. Fenrir understood that this internal conflict between Marquises was not just about land—it was about political supremacy, and every decision had to be measured.
He closed his eyes briefly, envisioning the battlefield: troop maneuvers, clashing lines, duels between generals, and opportunities to exploit weaknesses using strategies he remembered from his past life. Everything had to be prepared before his army moved.
Fenrir reaffirmed silently: "Eisenwald will not merely survive; we will show that even a young Baron can leave a mark on the politics of the Luminaria Empire."
With that resolve, political and military preparations began. Every letter, every reconnaissance report, every rumor about rivals was meticulously recorded. Fenrir knew that this war would be far more complex than any battle in the marshes. This was a political battlefield, and one misstep could be catastrophic.
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