Became a Strategist with a 100 Intelligence and 100\% Accuracy-Chapter 90: Encounter with the Serpina Army (5)

"Serpina’s army has invaded Zelstrom Castle?"

"...Yes."

Upon Hernandorf’s report, Anima fell into deep thought.

"At this point, they’re attacking Zelstrom first instead of Raklein?"

She had assumed that if Serpina’s forces advanced, their first target would definitely be Raklein.

From a strategic standpoint, Raklein was the most valuable prize for Serpina’s army.

If they seized it, they would not only share a border with Hesna to the south but also establish a position to encircle Brans’ army.

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It was the most advantageous target.

Anima pondered.

Why had they invaded Zelstrom instead of Raklein?

"Don’t tell me..."

It didn’t take long to deduce the reason.

"Has Serpina shifted her focus from Brans’ army to us, Aishus?"

If that assumption was correct, everything made sense.

If Serpina intended to deal with Aishus before Brans, then Zelstrom Castle—the hardest for Aishus to defend—was an obvious target.

What was difficult to defend for Aishus... was easy to conquer for Serpina.

So, did this mean they had no choice but to sit back and be swept up in Serpina’s plans?

Just as Anima was deep in contemplation, a familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"...So, what do you intend to do now?"

Hernandorf, his massive frame casting a shadow, walked over to where Anima sat in the lord’s seat.

"Hern, what do you think I should do?"

"...I."

Hernandorf lowered his head before her.

Physically, he was looking down at Anima.

But in truth, it felt more like he was looking up to her.

"Anima, I will do as you command. You have always been right."

"I wouldn’t say I’ve always been right."

"Doesn’t matter. Even if you weren’t, I’d just make sure you became right."

Anima smiled faintly.

"That’s reassuring."

Even as he spoke, even as he listened—

Hernandorf’s face remained expressionless.

But beneath that stoic exterior, Anima caught a glimpse of it.

A sliver of sorrow.

"I never understood it," he said. "Yuri’s decision. No matter how capable he was, there was no reason to demote you from chief strategist."

"Let’s not dwell on that. Objectively speaking, Jinor is an exceptional individual. A ruler must know how to place talent where it belongs. Besides, back then, the Empire was still just our homeland. Refusing anyone who had once served it would have been a childish stance."

"...Are you truly okay with this?"

Anima could read the unspoken meaning in his words.

Are you really okay with someone who once served the Empire holding a high position in Aishus’ army?

That was what Hernandorf was silently asking her.

"I hereby appoint Jinor Nighhardt as the new chief strategist."

Yuri’s words.

At that moment, no one had been more outraged than Hernandorf.

He was a sworn vassal of the Aishus family.

A man of immense strength—but not one known for his intellect.

Perhaps because of that, he had always followed her plans without question, placing the most faith in her out of anyone.

"...Alright."

Anima slowly nodded.

Hernandorf observed her in silence for a moment—

Then, stepping back two paces, he suddenly knelt before her.

And in a voice as solid as steel, he declared:

"Give me any command. I will win."

"..."

Anima gazed down at him, lost in thought.

If Serpina’s forces were truly sending 70,000 troops to Zelstrom Castle—

Then they had definitely been deployed from Hisphil Castle, the closest stronghold.

According to recent reports, the remaining forces were stationed along Brans’ border.

Which meant...

Could they strike Hisphil Castle while it was lightly defended?

"Should I send in spies first? ...No, that would take too long."

Speed was the key to any surprise attack.

If she wasted too much time gathering information, she could lose the crucial moment.

"What’s the best course of action?"

Anima wanted results.

Even if she had been removed as chief strategist, she needed to prove that she was still indispensable.

She was anxious.

But acting without information would be reckless.

"...Even if it means missing the perfect timing, I need intelligence on Hisphil Castle first."

Charging in blindly, only to find it still heavily defended, would be disastrous.

They would suffer heavy losses, which could even cost them Raklein Castle in the long run.

Aishus had long sought to establish a foothold in central territory.

She couldn’t betray Yuri’s trust by rushing in blindly out of impatience.

"Even if I miss a chance, I must act carefully."

Making her decision, Anima finally looked at Hernandorf.

"Hern."

"Yeah?"

"Send a general here. I have an assignment."

"..."

Hernandorf gave a silent nod, rose, and marched out of the chamber.

Left alone in the empty audience hall, Anima leaned on her one remaining arm, biting her thumbnail.

"I have to produce results—no matter what."

Serpina von Eingart—

The sworn enemy who had appeared before her.

Defeating her would prove Anima’s worth.

That singular drive was what kept her moving.

Days later.

"They’re marching?"

"Yes, we saw it with our own eyes."

A messenger arrived with urgent news—

The forces at Hisphil Castle, carrying yellow banners, had departed through the western gate.

And if they were heading west—

That meant their destination was Elgaim Castle, Brans’ territory.

"So my prediction was correct."

Anima had been granted unusual autonomy for a castle lord.

She could make significant strategic decisions without Yuri’s direct approval.

Recently, she had secured a one-month ceasefire agreement with Hesna’s forces.

Now, it was time to act.

"Summon General Hernandorf."

"Yes, ma’am!"

As the messenger rushed out, Anima thought of Yuri.

"I will be your wings."

That promise—

It still held true, now more than ever.