What Happens When The Second Male Lead Powers Up [EN]: Chapter 666

Sub Male Lead’s Strike – Episode 666 (666/920)

#666

Fake Bunt Slash (2)

A good ruler wins wars.

But a great ruler knows how to envision the nation after victory.

“Hello.”

“……”

“……”

That was precisely why Frederick Riestel pushed a young man with little political experience to the edge of a cliff.

The Grand Duke seemed unusually nervous today.

He didn’t act like a snot-nosed kid, but his voice trembled slightly, and his gaze was uneasy.

Nevertheless, the Emperor firmly believed this was a necessary step.

Because this war would inevitably end soon.

And with a very high probability, the Riestel Empire would emerge victorious. This wasn’t arrogance but a statement grounded in reality.

State Preceptor Werner Venetian had committed the grave crime of regicide against a royal family member and plotting treason, devising countless schemes and machinations over a long period to succeed.

Thus, he instigated a battle that neither the late Emperor Celine nor Frederick wanted, one that anyone with a sound mind would avoid.

Fortunately, the heir to the enemy kingdom desired dialogue more than bloodshed.

As a result of the talks between the representatives of both nations, Crown Princess Elysee agreed to bring her father to the front lines.

White hope seemed to rise into the jet-black night sky.

However, the criminal abandoned his child, honor, and status, fleeing.

Beyond the land of gods and fairy tales, shrouded in blue mist.

It was a tragedy made all the more bitter by its commonness.

Until he was captured, confessed, tried, and executed, this history would not be complete.

It was a fight for the Empire’s honor and future, a battle they could not afford to lose.

However, Frederick was always one to consider several steps ahead.

She found it difficult to imagine her own death in battle or an early demise—she was physically too strong for that—but having an heir and preparing for the future after abdication was a natural course.

So, who would assist the Crown Prince and support the Empire?

“As Your Majesty has commanded, I will be the first to speak before my esteemed commanders today. I look forward to working with you.”

“……”

Which of them would take the lead in rebuilding Riestel after the war, dedicating themselves to the lives of the people, rescuing local cities suffering from financial and manpower shortages, and reconciling the conflicts between displaced Venetian immigrants and citizens to create a harmonious nation?

“Before discussing the capture of the ‘Puppeteer’s Path,’ I’d like to briefly review some of the key tactics our forces have used in major battles so far. The reason this is necessary is that a clear understanding of the tactics we can employ will greatly aid in understanding their application.”

The answer was simple. She, the Emperor, would personally establish that person for the sake of posterity.

“Marquis.”

“Yes, Border Marquis Mute.”

Caroline raised her hand lightly, and the Grand Duke responded calmly.

The Swordmaster asked with an expression devoid of any emotion.

“First, we need to clarify the definition of ‘our forces.’”

“I see. Thank you.”

“……”

Then, Aurelia nodded almost imperceptibly.

This was also a necessary step for the Grand Duke to gain the trust of the commanders.

Naturally, it was better to be pointed out by someone friendly than by someone hostile.

“As you all know, it has already been half a year since I came back to life and joined the Imperial Army. Of course, it has been much longer since I received my territory and title from His Majesty. As a victim murdered by Werner Venetian……”

“……”

“I have never wanted to belong to the Divine Kingdom, and I never will. Therefore, I would like to make it clear that my ‘allies’ are the allied forces of the Riestel Empire and the Coreleone Principality.”

“Very good.”

Francois Duhem nodded in response.

The Grand Duke seemed a little strained but finished his statement without faltering this time as well.

The Emperor quietly looked back at her heir.

Cedric maintained a stoic expression, upholding the silence of the Imperial Family.

The chief commanders exchanged glances, and the deputy commanders nodded and murmured here and there.

Then, the young man calmly brought up what he had prepared.

He pointed to the map on the table…….

-Thump!

“First, let’s examine the Battle of Trossart, which was the biggest fight after passing through the neutral zone.”

From that moment on, the atmosphere completely changed.

In a battlefield devoid of entertainment, Frederick found a satisfying amusement for the first time.

“In summary… The Imperial Army has generally fought battles centered on the front lines, and His Majesty, known as the greatest sword in the continent, has come this far without ever breaking the front lines. Since you have to move troops simultaneously on land and sea, the overall strategy has changed slightly. However, as you know, our main specialty and best tactic is, without a doubt, the ‘Hammer and Anvil.’”

“Oh? You know that?”

Whether he had memorized it overnight or learned it over several months with his quick mind, it was unclear.

What was clear was that the Grand Duke had an exceptional talent for gaining the favor of others.

It wasn’t just because of his handsome appearance or pleasant voice.

“Of course. I heard early on that Count Gruse’s 17th Cavalry Regiment played a major role in Trossart. I am honored to be speaking with you like this.”

“Haha, I am flattered by your praise.”

“Not at all. Your Excellency’s cavalrymen always move as fast as winged angels. I might even offer to give you a few of my wings.”

“Hahahaha.”

The middle-aged man laughed loudly, and the nobles sitting near her burst into cheerful laughter.

Even the somewhat stern chief commanders seemed to enjoy the appropriate jokes.

The Grand Duke had never participated in a killing operation, so naturally, there was a psychological distance between him and them.

Narrowing this gap was also entirely his responsibility.

However, perhaps thanks to volunteering at shelters and listening to the soldiers’ confessions from time to time, it didn’t seem as difficult as he had thought.

Quite impressive.

“…Also, our infantry is skilled at advancing and holding. This is complemented by the relentless forward destruction and solid defense of the combat mages, and the cavalry on both sides, centered on swordsmen and magic swordsmen, rush like lightning to the enemy’s rear, successfully encircling them. The unit confronting from the front acts as the anvil, and the cavalry acts as the hammer. By applying pressure from all sides in this way, we end the battle quickly. I believe the reason why the Divine Kingdom, which is fighting a defensive war, fails in every delaying tactic is also due to this. Since they are on the defensive, they would want to buy time and cut off our supplies if possible, but they reach the defensive limit too quickly, so they cannot even use scorched earth tactics and retreat. Their vaunted solid linear formation, once broken, becomes difficult to recover. As a result, we continue to occupy undamaged cities and towns, which actually helps with supply and rest.”

“The Grand Duke is truly astute. Have you studied military strategy separately?”

“Hahaha. I did a little cramming.”

“Please tell me the trick. You’re better than my children, who are over forty.”

“Wahahahaha!”

This time, a burst of laughter erupted. By then, the Grand Duke had a rather confident look on his face.

You could tell by the slight smile he gave when looking up at the Emperor and the Cardinal, or by the look he exchanged with his friends.

Frederick raised only one corner of her mouth slightly and checked beside her.

Her son’s face was regaining its color.

“However, the problem is the cardinal-level paladins. They can defeat multiple cavalry regiments alone, and our soldiers are helpless against their area-of-effect techniques. Naturally, they are the biggest obstacle threatening our tactics. Of course, I know that this problem is also being solved by deploying a large number of combat mages of level 7 or higher to tie them down.”

“Oh, that’s right.”

“It’s been quite effective so far.”

“No, that’s why there are holes in the rear, you know? What’s effective about it.”

“There were definitely some dizzying moments in the last battle. You have to admit that.”

“It can’t be helped, Count. Still, our paladins have returned to our side…”

“The Count is right. The Grand Duke praised the hammer and anvil tactic, but frankly, our combat mages don’t expect to be able to use the same method in this Path of Heaven battle.”

“Look here, Duke.”

“Am I wrong? Look at the terrain of the Path of Heaven. There will be thousands upon thousands of ambushes, and hundreds of watchtowers. If our cavalry chases to the rear and gets caught in a trap—”

“I have prepared a solution for that very part. Duke Share.”

At the Grand Duke’s resolute words, everyone closed their mouths as if under a spell.

Half of them already seemed to have faith. The Emperor felt a slight pleasure.

“From now on, I would like to explain my hypothesis about the structure of the Path of Heaven, the proof through historical records, and the tactics suitable for it in order.”

From that moment on, a torrent of eloquence began, like rainwater flowing down a blue mountain.

As if everything up to now had been just a taste.

The Grand Duke shone tirelessly, as if he had prepared only for this day.

He emphasized his voice at points that needed to be emphasized, adding appropriate gestures, and never dragged out parts that could be passed over quickly.

He consistently used accurate words and gradually became skilled at receiving questions and communicating.

Frederick was very pleased with the young clergyman walking straight down the path in her mind.

Perhaps he came from a world where such speeches and presentations are common?

Even so, it was an amazing talent.

-Thump!

“…In the end, I have come to the conclusion that there is a huge passage under the Path of Heaven.”

The Grand Duke said carefully, tapping the table.

Silence flowed as if a death sentence had passed. And—

“Good heavens!”

“I can’t believe it. I can’t believe it!”

The reaction was explosive.

Frederick seriously wondered if she was allowed to have this much fun while fighting a war.

The greatly excited commanders spat and argued vehemently.

“But you said it was in the historical records, didn’t you? Isn’t it our loss if we don’t accept this?”

“Do you know anything about it as a member of the Divine Kingdom’s royal family?”

“Please refrain from rude remarks. Since you were not the heir to the throne, you would not have received such education!”

“Esteemed Grand Duke, how could a king of a nation build such a thing? Wouldn’t it be much more efficient and constructive to build a portal on the ground with that cost?”

“Viscount, Venetian despised magic, so it would have been difficult to create a portal.”

“Still, aren’t there still questions left? Even if it is discovered by the enemy only once, it will become a path that can never be used, so what were they thinking wasting such a thing…!”

“I guess it’s not just a simple passage.”

Finally, the commander of the Fleur de Lis, who was sitting in a fairly high position, opened his mouth.

The Grand Duke smiled kindly as he met his eyes.

“Yes. To King Lilianer Venetian, it was not just a simple passage but… something closer to a military facility. Thinking that way, the fact that so many soldiers could pour out at once, and the fact that they had complexions similar to the dead, can be explained to some extent.”

“……”

Fortunately, this silence was short.

“…No way. No way!”

“Good Lord. Unbelievable…”

Some quick-witted young men were in shock, and starting with them, a fire-like shock spread through the audience.

Words like ‘bio-experiment’ and ‘paladin training’ swept ominously through the barracks.

Finally, someone raised their hand politely.

“Grand Duke.”

“Yes, Isabel.”

It was Rambouillet, with a small rag doll on her shoulder. She asked in a cautious voice.

“Then our strategy is to destroy that underground passage?”

“No.”

The young man immediately shook his head. Some of the commanders swallowed hard.

“We have to use it. We will go directly into that passage.”

“……”

“We will advance as usual, hold our ground with the infantry at the center, and the cavalry and paladins will strike like lightning to the rear. The Divine Kingdom commanders, witnessing the obvious tactics, will try to completely destroy us this time.”

“……”

“If we go to the center of the Path of Heaven, our forces will finally be defeated. The hammer and anvil cannot withstand the ambushes and surprise attacks pouring down from the air. The cavalry should scatter as if in confusion. Fight back moderately, but never win. The infantry and reserves begin to retreat to the entrance of the Path of Heaven. That’s when the opportunity comes.”

The Grand Duke pointed to the air with sharp eyes.

The Emperor almost laughed out loud.

“The Forbidden Ones who followed our forces will go underground and infiltrate the enemy’s city. I will be at the forefront.”

The last Forbidden One.

He had not forgotten the existence of ‘Yeser Venetian.’