Episode 50: Sanburk
The interior of the Bureau’s Second Division building was shrouded in heavy silence.
Even the ticking of the clock on the wall felt disturbingly loud.
The officers shifted uncomfortably, glancing at each other nervously.
Their faces were pale, and their clenched fists trembled with tension.
It was as if their anxiety was palpable in the air.
“A war… all of a sudden…”
Francia’s voice quivered. Her hands were cold, and the tips of her fingers, which were clasped around Yohan’s, trembled faintly. The growing unease in her heart seemed to tighten her throat.
Yohan took a steady breath and spoke calmly.
“…It seems things have gone wrong with Sanburk.”
Though he had not received any official word yet, he was certain. This war was aimed at Sanburk. It was clear from the fact that they had demanded territory as reparation for the previous incident.
From Sanburk’s perspective, it was an unfair situation. They had no involvement in the incident, nor any such intentions, but the conflict had fallen upon them.
Of course, there was the matter of their failure to properly secure the road for the Empire’s envoy…
But honestly, even that was a stretch. How could a nation with such limited resources deal with bandits hiding in remote areas?
Yohan gently stroked Francia’s interlocked fingers.
“We’ll need to hear more details, but it’s probably not going to be a major issue. Even if it is war, the difference in power is overwhelming.”
The power gap between Sanburk and the Empire was incomparable. Even if war broke out, it would likely end in less than a week.
Moreover, Francia would never be assigned to the front lines. She was a non-combatant and one of the few healers in the Bureau.
Her healing magic was so exceptional that she was an irreplaceable resource. There was no way Francia would be sent to the front.
“…I just hope nothing too serious happens.”
Francia awkwardly smiled and accepted Yohan’s reassuring touch. The familiarity of his hand calmed her nerves.
Clunk.
The door opened, and Fedelian Rozino entered with heavy steps. His sharp gaze swept across the room, making the officers stiffen even further.
“A decree has been issued by His Majesty.”
His voice was low and resolute.
“It’s war.”
Just those two words were enough to freeze the atmosphere in the conference room.
All eyes turned to Fedelian. The officers held their breath, waiting for his next words.
“As you may have guessed, the war was instigated by Sanburk. The hardliners, who have been lying low until now, have finally drawn their swords.”
Sanburk had always followed the Empire’s directives without question, but this time was different.
“There is internal conflict within Sanburk. One faction argues for complying with the Empire’s demands, while the other believes survival is only possible through war.”
The officers listened intently, the only sound in the room being Fedelian’s voice.
“But under the king’s decision, it seems the hardliners have gained the upper hand. That is the reason for the war. Keep in mind that the Empire did not draw the first sword.”
The Rozino Empire, unless you were talking about the distant past recorded only in books, would never initiate a war.
The losses would be far greater than any gains.
Its vast plains, fertile lands, and abundant resources were already more than sufficient. A land of milk and honey.
Engaging in territorial expansion through war when they should be focusing on internal affairs? That would be not just foolish but outright idiotic.
For that reason, the Rozino Empire never initiated wars.
However, that didn’t mean they would let a nation that dared to challenge them go unpunished. To preserve the Empire’s prestige, they would crush them mercilessly.
“The vanguard will be led by the Bureau’s First Division. The Second Division will be assigned to the rearguard. Though it’s called a war, it doesn’t seem like it will be a particularly difficult battle, so rest assured.”
At the mention of being assigned to the rearguard, the officers’ tense expressions eased. They were well aware that a war with Sanburk wouldn’t pose much of a challenge, so it was only natural for their nerves to relax.
“That concludes the report.”
With those final words, Fedelian left the conference room.
“…Is the Second Division not actively participating in the war? It feels like we’ve just been informed of what’s going to happen, nothing more.”
Francia tilted her head in confusion. It seemed strange that only a simple report was being made when a war had just been declared.
“They probably haven’t had the time to form a detailed plan yet. Besides, guarding the rear is important too. We need to be prepared in case the supply lines are cut.” Yohan explained.
“That’s how it works. The first division, honed through wars against the southern barbarians, will take the lead and clear out the enemies. Meanwhile, the less experienced second division will guard the rear. I think it’s a sound strategy.”
There was no reason to concentrate all of the division’s forces in one place, especially when it wasn’t an emergency. While doing so could end the war faster, ignoring potential variables wasn’t an option.
“I see… That makes sense.” Francia nodded, pursing her lips thoughtfully.
“In any case, we won’t be in any danger. We’ll be stationed in the rear during the march.”
Although it was called a war, it wasn’t anything grand. The Empire’s overwhelming power dominated the continent.
“Well, that’s a relief. I thought with your track record, Yohan, you’d be sent to the frontlines…” Francia sighed with relief, placing her hand over her chest. Since the entire second division was assigned to the rear, Yohan wouldn’t be sent to the frontlines alone.
“Aren’t you nervous?”
“Not at the moment.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because I’m with you.”
At his calm yet gentle smile, Francia froze, staring into Yohan’s eyes.
“What worries me more than war is being apart from you.”
In an instant, Francia’s face turned red. Clearly flustered, she glared at him, attempting to maintain her composure.
“W-What’s with that? We’re having a serious conversation…”
“The atmosphere felt a bit too heavy, so I couldn’t help myself.”
As Yohan smirked mischievously, Francia let out a small laugh and playfully pushed his shoulder.
“Hah… Really.”
She sighed and shook her head as if she couldn’t deal with him, but a smile lingered on her lips.
“Anyway, let’s get going. It looks like there’s a lot we need to prepare.”
***
Due to the war declaration against Sanburk, the officials were now busier than ever.
They had to draft military documents and prepare strategies too complex for regular soldiers to handle. Most of these tasks fell to the first division, but the second division had to make their own preparations as well. Even with the power disparity, variables couldn’t be ignored.
“The deployment will be in two days!”
Deputy Commander Ricard’s voice echoed loudly.
“Everyone must be ready for immediate action on the battlefield! Speed is the key to this war!”
As he said, swift execution was key to this war. Any delay in preparation could lead to unforeseen actions by Sanburk.
The officials all rose from their seats, urgency evident in their movements. Documents piled up, commanders reviewed strategies, and preparations for war were carried out at a breakneck pace.
Yohan’s task was to review pre-drafted military plans and quickly exchange ideas with the high ranking officials. Two days was a short time frame. Everything had to be flawless.
“This time, we’ll be the ones striking first. Our forces will march accordingly. This makes the vanguard of the first division and the rear guard of the second division critical.” Yohan explained during a strategy meeting.
The war’s progress was also decided: the Empire’s strongest forces would rapidly infiltrate and occupy Sanburk’s core regions.
With Sanburk divided between factions—one supporting the Empire’s demands and another insisting on war—there was no need to expand the battlefield. Capturing key strongholds and strategic locations within the kingdom would suffice.
“The special class mage Harsen, will remain in the rear to protect the medical unit.”
The responsibility of guarding the medical unit, which included Francia, fell to Yohan.
This was due to Yohan’s unique combat abilities.
His wide-area magic could eliminate enemies in a single strike, and he could hold his ground against multiple foes on his own. Additionally, his proficiency in close combat meant he didn’t require additional support.
For a defensive role like protecting the medical unit, which required both strength and distraction, Yohan was an ideal choice. Even if the enemy targeted the rear, they’d be stopped by him.
“As for the rest…”
The rest of the plans were quickly finalized. Thanks to the predicted scenarios prepared in anticipation of a war with Sanburk, everything proceeded smoothly.
Yohan stepped outside the Bureau’s building. The air was chilly. Though everything had happened so suddenly, he didn’t feel anxious or uneasy. After all, he had been prepared for this day to come eventually.
…I was ready for this from the moment I decided to be with Francia.
The world Yohan had reincarnated into was one where plot collapses were commonplace—a chaotic world that could be described as a twisted, angst-filled romance.
A world where unexpected events could erupt at any time and anywhere.
From the moment he stepped into this world’s scenario, Yohan had made a vow.
No matter what happened in the future, he would never give up on Francia.
“What are you thinking so deeply about?”
At that moment, Francia appeared beside him, tilting her head and looking up at him.
“Haha…”
Yohan let out a small laugh. Seeing her standing there so nonchalantly melted away the tension he had been holding.
“Hm? Why are you laughing? Oh…! Is it because seeing me makes you happy? I already know. Hehe. Yohan really likes me a lot, doesn’t he?”
Francia smiled slyly, curving her lips into a playful grin.
“Yes, I like you very much.”
“Hmm…”
Francia puffed her cheeks with mock frustration at his straightforward response.
“That’s not the reaction I was expecting… I thought you’d blush more or struggle to meet my eyes. Don’t you feel embarrassed or shy at all?”
Yohan chuckled softly and reached out to gently ruffle her neatly arranged bangs. The silky touch of her black hair felt pleasant.
“Well, II prefer being honest with the person I like.”
“Ugh… This makes it hard for me to have my way. I really wanted to see a shy Yohan…”
It was a simple wish, an ordinary desire everyone had. After all, anyone would feel happy seeing their partner flustered because of them.
“So, do you want me to change into someone who reacts the way you’d like?”
“Hm. No, not at all. I like Yohan just the way he is.”
“I see. I feel the same. I like Francia Fervache just as she is now.”
As he continued gently running his fingers through her bangs, Yohan leaned in and kissed her forehead.
“W-What are you…?!”
Francia hurriedly glanced around the building’s surroundings. Thankfully, there was no one nearby.
“What if someone saw us?!”
“They already know about us, so what does it matter? Did you dislike it?”
“…That’s not the problem.”
Francia’s face turned a deep shade of red as she covered her mouth with her hand. Her gaze shifted sideways, avoiding his entirely.
“I like this side of you, Francia.” Yohan said with a smile as he pulled her into an embrace. Caught off guard, Francia found herself pressed against his chest.
“Public displays of affection are inappropriate at work…!”
“There’s no one here.”
Yohan stroked her hair as she rested in his arms. The soothing touch seemed to calm her, and she eventually stopped resisting, wrapping her arms around his waist.
“…It’ll be fine, right?”
Finally, in a trembling voice, Francia expressed her true feelings. Even though the war was expected to be an easy victory, she couldn’t suppress the rising anxiety in her heart.
“Nothing will happen.”
Yohan gently released her from his embrace, meeting her gaze with unwavering determination.
“Because I’ll make sure of it.”