RETURN OF THE FEMALE KNIGHT

156. Beyond His Power

At the border, Jungkook was waging a fierce battle with Grand Duke Lunen's forces. It was long hours later when the fight ended and each side retreated for the night. In the meantime, Jungkook gathered each of his major generals and organized a strategic meeting to continue their push inwards into Lunen. He was clad in dark metal armor as he stood in front of a table with a map.

"If this war drags on, it could last months or even years. But in terms of time, we have the advantage. I don't believe the Kelt soldiers would be so happy to stay in Lunen for so long."

The generals nodded in agreement.

"His Majesty the Emperor is right."

In some aspects, war was akin to a long-distance marathon. The first one to give up was bound to lose. Wars required not only great military power, but extensive supply routes and a large war chest. If the Kelt soldiers abandoned the Duchy of Lunen, Namgil's remaining forces had little chance to survive, let alone win. Jungkook was keenly aware of that. Every small advantage he could grab could lead to great victory.

"The envoys I dispatched should have arrived at the border of the Kelt Kingdom by now."

"Oh, did you send a delegation?"

The generals were surprised at this unknown piece of news. It seemed that Jungkook had already reached out to the Kelt Kingdom to end the war as soon as possible.

"I threatened that if the Kelt soldiers continued to help the Duchy of Lunen, they will pay later."

"What? You sent a threat? Not a conciliatory message?"

The generals looked at the Emperor with startled expressions. Common sense dictated that the Kelt Kingdom was helping Lunen at a price, so it was right for the Ruford Empire to lay on the table an appropriate counter-offer for their withdrawal. Jungkook, however, was not one to follow precedent.

"Even if we offer something as a reward, it will be difficult to break their contract with Namgil. On the contrary, they can leverage that in their favor."

"That's true, but..."

"If the Kelt Kingdom receives my threat, it should cool down ambitious talk among their leaders. There is no guarantee that Lunen will win."

The presence of Jungkook in the battlefield, who demonstrated an extensive and notorious military record, should also sway their thoughts. The surrounding countries were familiar with that fact that hisle was a brutally effective commander.

"Now that I have planted fear in them, perhaps they'll reconsider. General Aegi might just change his mind about this whole affair in Lunen."

The general nodded at Jungkook's words. The Emperor's logic was flawless. He spoke again, his blue eyes shining.

"Now let's make them squirm."

He had a simple strategy, but it was a sharp one designed to strike fear people's psychology. By now, winning in battle was like a second nature to Jungkook.

He immediately pointed to several areas on the Lunen map, then all the way to the Kelt Kingdom.

"First, blockade these areas. General Aegi will see through my intentions, but his soldiers will be demoralized when they realize they cannot freely return to the Kelt Kingdom."

Every soldiers' heart was the same, no matter what country they came from. They wanted to claim victory and return to their hometown with pride. No one set off to die in another country.

"You're incredible, Your Majesty."

"The rumors about His Majesty are not exaggerated."

Jungkook did not blink despite the wealth of compliments.