Ferdinand's army, which had placed Caelmor under siege, encountered far stronger resistance on the battlefield than expected. It quickly became clear that the fortress was not empty at all.
Orlan:
– My lord, there is very strong resistance inside the fortress.
Ferdinand:
– Didn't Ralden leave with his entire army? What is this? Is the populace resisting us?
Orlan:
– I don't believe those fighting us are civilians. On the contrary, the people of Caelmor have been rebelling for a long time.
Ferdinand:
– Whether they are civilians or military units doesn't matter. Time is gold for us. We must take this fortress immediately. There is no other way!
Inside the Fortress…
Several frightened civilians who witnessed the battle immediately fled and went to their leader. They knocked on an old door in a back alley, asking for permission to enter. The door opened.
Cedric (from the People's Movement):
– Leader, a massive army has surrounded the fortress!
Leona (Leader of the People's Movement):
– Demons?!
Cedric:
– No. I checked the banners. They bear the banners of the Chaos Empire.
Leona:
– The Chaos Empire? Interesting. Weren't they at war with the demons? It seems Ralden leaving the fortress was planned. Either way, they are doing exactly what we intended to do.
Cedric:
– We will help, my lady. After all, you were once one of the Empire's generals.
Leona:
– We will help, but not because I was once a general. We will help to cleanse Caelmor of these filth. This is my homeland!
Cedric:
– Then I will immediately order everyone to prepare.
Leona:
– Good. Today, Caelmor will be liberated.
The people immediately begin their preparations. Leona chooses her position to initiate the battle.
Cedric:
– My lady, what will happen after the Empire takes the fortress?
Leona:
– Who said I would give this city to the Empire? This is my homeland. Many people lost their lives here. One of the reasons I left the army was that incompetent emperor. I would give my life, but I will never give this city to him. We are simply using the Empire's attack as an opportunity.
Cedric:
– According to rumors, that emperor is not incompetent. He killed a dragon general and is known as a hero among the people.
Leona:
– Cedric, you are very naïve. I know that emperor. He could never do what you're saying. Most likely, he's using some hero's name. I know the nobles well — they will do anything for their own benefit. The only thing that incompetent man is good at is chasing women. Believe me.
Cedric:
– I will always follow you, leader.
Leona (thinking):
It's a good thing I didn't cut your throat that day. You've created the perfect opportunity for me now, Aeth.
Leona:
– Everyone, attack immediately! Cedric, neutralize the archers on the walls. I'll go open the gate!
Leona attacks the internal garrison together with the resistance fighters. Cedric disables the archers on the walls. Leona then opens the fortress gates for Ferdinand's army.
Orlan:
– My lord, at this rate we'll suffer heavy losses!
Ferdinand:
– No! This fortress must fall. The Emperor took Eryndor with only cavalry and miners. I cannot face him having failed here!
At that moment, the gates open. Standing before them is a beautiful woman in assassin attire — short blond hair, white-skinned, a sword in her right hand.
Leona:
– Advance immediately! Reinforcements are coming!
Ferdinand (in shock):
– General Leona?!
Leona:
– What are you waiting for? Get inside immediately!
The stunned Ferdinand quickly regains his composure and orders the assault. The army floods into the fortress. The capital's troops — infamous for brutally suppressing civilian uprisings — quickly prove helpless against experienced armored warriors.
Soon, the battle spreads through the streets of Caelmor and ends in victory.
All nobles are arrested. Rasen is taken captive.
Ferdinand punishes no prisoners without the Emperor's permission and orders all of them imprisoned.
As soon as the battle ends, Ferdinand immediately orders the army to regroup. The plan was not yet complete. He had to reach Eryndor at once.
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