Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 267: What It Means to Be Reborn as a Ruler (2)

At the very frontlines of Brans Army, within Zeilant Castle.

"So, you’re saying the situation with Carlints’ forces has finally settled down?"

"Yes, that is correct."

In the central continent, the greatest issue at hand was inevitably the strange and dreadful plague that had swept through the region.

Brans Army, having seen Serpina’s actions and promptly locking down their borders, was the only force in the central continent that had remained unaffected by the disease.

"As for Chel’s forces and Aishus Army—the presumed source of the outbreak—it’s difficult to make any definitive conclusions at this stage... but there are reports that their situation is also stabilizing."

"I see. You’ve done well, Bellut. Given the circumstances, gathering this information must have been no easy task. But if not for you, no one else could have done it."

Bellut, still kneeling, responded in a serious tone.

"My lord, I have merely done what was expected of me. If you command it, I would not hesitate to throw myself into a sea of flames."

Watching Bellut, who spoke with such unwavering devotion, Lyn smiled.

"Fufu, that would be quite troublesome. After all, you are someone I need to work harder than anyone else for me from now on."

Never again would she make the foolish mistake of alienating those who served her.

"It is an honor, my lord. I will gladly dedicate this body to you and the revival of House Brans!"

After sending Bellut away, Lyn approached Parfalle, who was organizing the situation while studying the map beside her.

"What do you think?"

"...Carlints exhausted much of their forces trying to invade Chel’s territory while the plague was still rampant. As a result, they have very few troops left to mobilize."

"The plague... Speaking of which, what happened with that?"

"Which matter, exactly...?"

"What Yuri said—the claim that Serpina spread the plague through magic."

Of course, Parfalle was well aware of the rumors.

It had been one of the hottest topics across the continent lately.

The idea that a mage had appeared was shocking enough, [N O V E L I G H T] but a mage who could unleash a plague?

The very concept sounded ridiculous on the surface.

Yet, considering that the alleged perpetrator was the infamous Serpina, it suddenly seemed all too plausible.

"Well... considering that Serpina’s army has been risking their lives to operate relief camps while Aishus’ forces have been completely neglecting their own people... it seems the narrative didn’t play out in her favor as she had hoped. Instead, it backfired on them."

"Backfired, you say?"

"Yes. It almost feels as if Serpina orchestrated the entire situation so that Yuri would react the way she did... though I have no solid proof."

"..."

Lyn closed her eyes, picturing that silver-haired tactician in her mind.

Was this your doing?

Did you anticipate all of this from the start and push Yuri into a corner?

Naturally, there was no response.

Regardless of what had led to this outcome, one thing was clear—Serpina’s forces had won the war of public opinion, while Aishus’ forces had lost.

And in the end, only results mattered.

"I had considered Aishus Army a significant threat... but judging by their response to this crisis, I am beginning to wonder if their reputation was overblown."

"True. The reason we lost to Aishus before wasn’t necessarily because of Yuri herself."

"My lord..."

Parfalle hesitated, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she shook her head.

The past was the past.

Now, they had to move forward toward the future.

With newfound resolve, she met Lyn’s gaze and spoke firmly.

"My lord, I believe we must not let this opportunity slip away."

"What do you predict will happen with the plague?"

"It will likely subside soon. For our forces, this is the perfect time to make our final preparations."

"...I see."

Lyn slowly opened her eyes.

Despite Brans Army being fractured into three parts and suffering great losses, she was still standing.

As long as she was alive, she had to prove that House Brans had not fallen.

"It’s about time I sent a message to my foolish second brother, who cowers in the capital without achieving anything, despite all his pompous declarations. He needs a reminder—of just how terrifying the younger sister who usurped his position truly is. Don’t you agree?"

"My lord...!"

Her words may have sounded arrogant to some, but to Parfalle, they were nothing short of exhilarating.

Yes.

This was the Lyn Brans she knew.

A ruler whose overwhelming ambition drove her to conquer everything beneath her feet.

Was that not exactly who Lyn Brans was meant to be?

"It’s time to fully prepare for war. Our first target will be Carlints. Once we bring them under our control... we’ll move on to deal with Chel’s forces, where my eldest brother resides. Parfalle, ensure the message reaches the rear units. Can you do that?"

"Yes! Without fail!"

Lyn closed her eyes once more.

So much had happened.

And yet, at this very moment, she could feel a sliver of opportunity shining upon her like a bolt of lightning.

I will prove beyond a doubt who the true heir to Brans Army’s throne is...

Lyn’s sapphire-blue eyes gleamed with a fierce, unyielding light.

The proud genius of House Brans—

Had just begun the opening act of her grand reconstruction.

***

――A land where balance had been broken—the southern continent.

After suffering near-total annihilation at the Battle of Tepello Castle, Karelia’s forces were in no condition to resist the full-scale invasion of Lunarian’s Army.

In reality, Lunarian’s attack force was advancing at an unprecedented pace, annexing Karelia’s territories one by one—so quickly that history itself would remember this campaign.

At the head of the army was their sovereign, Lunarian.

Jinor served as the chief strategist, while Kyle handled supply logistics.

Leading the charge were two of Lunarian’s youngest warriors—Francis and Charlotte—backed by Metz and other high-ranking officers.

Additionally, Aaron and Gustav, both newly appointed generals, lent their strength to this blitzkrieg.

Calling it a "territorial conquest" was putting it mildly—it was, for all intents and purposes, little more than looting an abandoned house.

With no proper resistance, Karelia’s lands were falling at breakneck speed.

Given the scale of the operation, there was no need for Tifa to waste her strength using magic on the frontlines.

Jinor had even insisted that she take a proper rest.

This translation is the intellectual property of Novelight.

As for Karelia’s so-called "dream team"—Vanessa, Sade, and Cecil—they had been utterly destroyed, with Sade barely escaping with his life while the other two clung to their last breaths.

Naturally, mere lords had no hope of stopping Lunarian’s relentless advance.

Some of them, realizing that there was no way to overturn the situation, opened their gates of their own volition.

Since both Karelia and Lunarian’s forces placed great importance on honor and loyalty, such actions were met with fierce condemnation from those who adhered strictly to those ideals.

But—

"If their desire for a peaceful world aligns with ours, then I don’t believe they need to fight until the bitter end." ƒreeωebnovel.ƈom

Rather than condemning them or executing them in the name of honor, Luna chose instead to allow these lords to retain their positions.

After all, they still needed people to govern Karelia’s lands.

Mindless bloodshed in the name of loyalty would serve no purpose, nor would it be an efficient decision.

Besides, as a newly formed army born from rebellion, Lunarian’s forces needed as many allies as possible.

And so, as they continued their unstoppable advance, conquering Karelia’s territory—

Before long, the vanguard could see it in the distance.

The capital city of Madralan, with its dark green banners fluttering atop its towering spires.

"Madralan Castle..."

Luna gazed at the sight with a complicated expression, prompting Jinor to approach her.

"You’re only one step away, my lord."

"One step away, huh..."

There were still a few remaining territories beyond Madralan Castle.

However, as the symbolic heart and final stronghold of Karelia, its fall would likely lead to the rest of those lands surrendering without a fight.

Luna thought back to her first arrival at Madralan Castle.

When she was still an outsider—once the ruler of a small, weak nation.

At the time, everyone had regarded her with suspicion.

Yet Karelia had welcomed her with a kind smile, granting her the position of lord without hesitation.

...

Luna buried the guilt deep within her heart.

She had simply seized an opportunity when it presented itself.

In truth, if she had not taken this opportunity, her life would have likely been at risk due to Vanessa.

So she did not regret her actions.

Even this guilt was merely part of the burden she had to bear as a ruler.

Whether they were tyrants or wise sovereigns, all rulers bore the same fate—to stain their blades with the blood of others.

The only thing they could do was ensure that the weight of that bloodshed carried meaning.

To overthrow the villain Serpina.

To bring peace to the continent.

And most of all...

To keep the promise she had made to him.

"...Everyone."

Luna turned to look at those who had followed her to this point.

Jinor, her strategist.

Kyle, who had supported her since the days of Cain.

Charlotte and Francis, the siblings who had become her spear and shield.

Gustav and Aaron, who had answered her call.

Metz, and all those who had chosen to cast aside Karelia and bet everything on Lunarian’s future.

"This will likely be our final battle against Karelia’s forces. The enemy will fight to the death, determined to defend their capital. Please, I ask you all—lend me your strength for just a little longer."

Their strategy was simple.

They would use their 100,000-strong army to siege Madralan, where the remaining 35,000 defenders awaited.

It was, for all intents and purposes, a battle they could not lose.

But—

They could not afford to be careless.

"Jinor, if you sense anything unusual, report it immediately."

"Understood, my lord."

Though he said that, Jinor was not particularly concerned.

After all, Lunarian’s Army would win.

At this point, he no longer had any doubt about that fact.

Because his words were always correct.

And that man had already declared it—

That she was the ruler who would unite the continent.

As Luna finished her conversation with Jinor, she let out a quiet sigh.

Then, turning to face everyone one last time, she spoke.

It was a desperate plea—

The foolish sincerity of a ruler who had no choice but to send her comrades into battle.

"Everyone... please, no matter what, survive until the end."

***

And so—

With their forces now fully reorganized,

Lunarian’s Army once again began its march.

Their boots thundered against the earth as they charged toward their final target.

The capital city of Karelia—Madralan.