Chapter 50: Sanburg

The interior of the Second Public Officer’s building was immersed in heavy silence.

The ticking sound of the clock on the wall was even irritating to the ears.

The officers were glancing at each other nervously, their bodies fidgeting with unease.

Their faces were pale, and their hands were tightly clenched.

The tension seemed to transmit through their skin.

“Suddenly, a war…”

Francia’s voice trembled. Her hand was cold, and the tips of her fingers, which held Yohan’s hand, were slightly shaking. The anxiety in her heart grew, tightening her throat.

Yohan took a deep, steady breath and spoke calmly.

“…It seems the issue with Sanburg has escalated.”

Although he hadn’t heard any official word, he was certain. This war was against Sanburg. After all, they had demanded an apology and compensation for the previous incident.

From Sanburg’s perspective, this was an unfair situation. They hadn’t known about the events, nor had they intended to, but it had suddenly exploded.

Of course, they had failed to manage the path through which the empire’s envoy was traveling, but…

To be honest, this too seemed unreasonable. How could a small nation handle the bandits hiding in remote lands?

Yohan gently stroked Francia’s hand, which was clasped in his.

“We’ll need to hear more details, but I don’t think it’s a major issue. Even if it is war, the difference in power is overwhelming.”

The military disparity between Sanburg and the Empire was unimaginable. Even if a war broke out, it would likely end within a week.

Furthermore, Francia would not be assigned to the frontlines. She was a healer, one of the few non-combat officers.

In fact, her healing magic was so powerful that she was an irreplaceable resource. There was no way she would be placed on the frontlines.

“…I hope it’s not as bad as it seems.”

Francia awkwardly smiled and accepted Yohan’s touch. The familiar sensation of his fingers brought her a sense of calm.

Clunk

The door opened, and Fedelian Rogino entered with heavy steps. His sharp gaze swept across the room, and the officers straightened their posture in response.

“The emperor has issued a decree.”

His voice was low and firm.

“It’s war.”

Just those two words were enough to freeze the air in the meeting room.

All the officers turned their eyes to Fedelian, holding their breath, waiting for the next words to come from his mouth.

“As you all probably guessed, it’s Sanburg that has started this war. The hardline faction, which had been quietly biding its time, has now drawn their swords.”

Sanburg had always obeyed the Empire’s orders, but this time was different.

“But within Sanburg, there is internal conflict. One faction insists on complying with the Empire’s demands, while the other believes there is no way to survive without war.”

The officers silently listened to Fedelian’s words, holding their breath. The only sound in the room was his voice.

“However… under the king’s decision, it seems the hardline faction is gaining strength. That’s the reason this war has occurred. Keep in mind, the Empire did not draw the first sword.”

Rogino Empire, if it were from an ancient past that could only be read about in books, might have initiated war, but not now.

They would never start a war first.

The costs were far too high.

The vast plains of their territory were fertile, flowing with milk and honey. It was a land already perfected.

Even if the Empire were to focus on internal affairs, there was no reason to start a war for territorial expansion. It would be a foolish act.

For that reason, the Rogino Empire never started wars.

However, that didn’t mean they wouldn’t punish a country that dared to strike first. To show their might, they would crush them utterly.

“The First Public Officer will take the lead. Our Second Public Officer will be assigned to the rear. Even though it’s war, it shouldn’t be too difficult a battle, so don’t worry.”

The mention of the rear brought a sigh of relief to the officers’ faces. They knew that a war with Sanburg wouldn’t be too challenging, so their tension naturally eased.

“The report is as follows.”

With those final words, Fedelian Rogino left the meeting room.

“…Is the Second Public Officer not actively participating in the war? It just seems like we’ve been informed with a simple report.”

Francia tilted her head in confusion. It felt strange that they were simply given a report when war had been declared.

“It was just announced, so the plans probably haven’t been finalized yet. Besides, guarding the rear is important. We must prepare in case supply lines are cut off,” Yohan explained.

“Here’s the thing. The First Public Officer, who has been honed through the war with the southern barbarians, will lead the charge and clear the enemies. Meanwhile, the Second Public Officer, with less experience, will be responsible for the rear. I think it makes sense.”

There was no need to concentrate the entire public officer force in one place, especially not in a non-emergency situation. Of course, doing so might end the war faster, but you couldn’t ignore variables.

“I see… That makes sense.”

Francia nodded, her lips pressed together.

“Anyway… we won’t be in danger. We’ll be stationed in the rear during the march.”

Although it was called a war, it wouldn’t be anything grand. The Empire’s strength was overwhelming, the greatest on the continent.

“Well, that’s a relief. I thought someone like Yohan, with all his achievements, would end up on the frontlines…”

Francia sighed in relief, placing a hand over her chest. Since the entire Second Public Officer was assigned to the rear, Yohan wouldn’t be the only one sent to the frontlines.

“Aren’t you worried?”

“Not right now.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ll be with Francia.”

With a calm yet soft smile, Francia froze for a moment, staring into Yohan’s eyes.

“I was more worried about being separated from you than about the war.”

At that moment, Francia’s face turned red. She looked flustered but forced herself to glare at him.

“Ah, what’s with you…! We’re in the middle of a serious conversation!”

“I thought the atmosphere was getting too heavy, so I thought I’d lighten it up.”

Yohan smirked, and Francia chuckled softly, nudging his shoulder.

“Hah… really.”

She sighed as if there was no way to stop him, shaking her head, but a smile tugged at her lips.

“Anyway. Let’s go. It seems like there’s a lot to prepare for.”

*    *    *

The civil officials were quite busy due to the declaration of war by Sanburg.  

They had to prepare military documents and strategies that regular soldiers couldn’t handle.  

Most of this work would be handled by the First Civil Official, but for now, the Second Civil Official also had to prepare. Despite the huge difference in power,  variables couldn’t be ignored.  

“The deployment will be two days from now!”  

Vice Commander Ricard’s voice resonated loudly.  

“Everyone must prepare to be deployed to the battlefield immediately! This war requires speed!”  

As he said, this war was all about speed. If they took their time preparing, they didn’t know what Sanburg would do next.  

All the officers stood up at once. Their movements showed urgency. Documents piled up, commanders reviewed strategies, and preparations for the war progressed rapidly.  

Yohan’s task was to quickly review the military documents that had been prepared in advance and exchange opinions with the senior officers. Two days was a short amount of time. Everything had to be perfectly prepared.  

“We will launch the first attack in this war. Accordingly, we will march, but… the First Civil Official at the front and the Second Civil Official at the rear will be key.”  

The course of the war was already decided. The top forces would infiltrate and occupy Sanburg’s key areas quickly.  

With Sanburg’s factions already divided, there was no need to expand the battlefield. They only needed to capture the main strongholds and key regions within the kingdom.  

“Harssen, the elite mage, will be stationed at the rear to guard the medical staff.”  

Yohan was responsible for guarding the medical team that Francia was part of.  

This was due to Yohan’s magic.  

He could wipe out enemies with wide-area magic and handle multiple opponents by himself. He was also skilled in close combat, so there was no need for an advanced guard.  

He was the perfect person for protecting the medical team, which needed defense and to draw attention. Even if the enemy targeted the rear, he would block them.  

“The rest…”  

Other matters were also decided quickly. Thanks to the pre-made scenarios for the war with Sanburg, it was all possible.  

Yohan stepped outside the civil official building. The air was cold. He was a little surprised by the sudden change, but he didn’t feel any anxiety or nervousness. He had expected this day to come someday.  

‘…Since the moment I decided to stay with Francia, I was prepared for this.’  

The world Yohan was reincarnated into was one where setting collapses happened frequently, a world that could be called a mess, full of despair.  

It was a world where things could go wrong at any moment.  

The moment Yohan became part of that world’s scenario, he made up his mind.  

No matter what happened in the future, he would never give up on Francia.  

“What are you thinking about?”  

At that moment, Francia, who had quietly approached, tilted her head and looked up at him.  

“Haha…”  

Yohan smiled softly. Seeing her staring blankly at him during his tense thoughts, he immediately relaxed.  

“Hmm…? Why are you laughing? Ah…! You only laugh when you see me, don’t you? I know. Hehe. Yohan really likes me a lot, huh?”  

Francia smiled playfully and drew a heart with her hand at her mouth.  

“That’s right. I really do like you.”  

“Hmm…”  

At his blunt response, Francia puffed her cheeks in annoyance.  

“This isn’t the reaction I was expecting… I thought you’d blush or not be able to look me in the eye… Don’t you feel embarrassed or shy?”  

Yohan lightly chuckled and ruffled her neat bangs. The soft texture of her black hair felt pleasant.  

“Well, I’m the type to be straightforward when it comes to people I like.”  

“Ugh… That means I have no chance, huh? I wanted to see the shy Yohan…”  

That was a common desire, an emotion everyone had. It felt good when a lover looked at you with excitement.  

“Then, do you want me to change more to the way you want me to, Francia?”  

“Hmm. Well, that’s not it. I like the person you are, Yohan.”  

“Is that so? I like the woman named Francia Ferbache just as she is right now.”  

While softly toying with her bangs, Yohan kissed her forehead.  

“Mmmm…”  

At his sudden display of affection, Francia hurriedly looked around the building. Fortunately, no one was there.  

“Oh, what is this…? What would you do if someone saw us?”  

“It’s the truth, though.”  

“Well, no…”  

“Did you dislike it?”  

Francia’s face turned red, and she covered her mouth with her hand. Her gaze turned sideways, unable to make eye contact with him.  

“I like this reaction from you, Francia.”  

Yohan smiled and embraced her. Francia, who was suddenly held tightly against his chest, widened her eyes in surprise.  

“No affection at work…”  

“No one’s around, so it’s fine.”  

Yohan stroked Francia’s head while holding her in his arms. Her soft hair felt pleasant, and she relaxed, wrapping her arms around his waist.  

“…Is it really okay?”  

Finally, with a trembling voice, Francia spoke her true feelings. Despite the war being virtually won, the anxiety rising in her heart couldn’t be shaken off.  

“It will be fine.”  

Yohan gently pulled Francia away from his embrace and met her gaze.  

“I’ll make sure of it.”