It hasn't even been a week since our hideout was discovered! Are you really deciding to split our forces with such complacency?
Various objections were raised from different angles, but in the end, their points were all the same.
'They mean we shouldn't disperse our forces for pointless scheming—just charge straight ahead.'
This also meant Mia's judgment or strategies couldn't be trusted.
'Why don't you listen when people are speaking?'
Mia stepped forward. It was her first time confronting so many people at once in this life. Though inevitable eventually, she'd wanted to delay this moment. Bearing everyone's hostility alone, all eyes converged on her.
To discern enemy intentions without conflict, reconnaissance was essential. "His Majesty the Emperor ordered this march without proper assessment of the enemy situation," she continued. "Naturally, reconnaissance falls to the Holy Legion."
Loyalty to His Majesty versus fear of being branded traitors. No one had dared voice this criticism openly—until it effortlessly spilled from the mouth of the 'hero' they most despised.
"We're deep in enemy territory. If border supplies are cut, we're immobilized. If surrounded, reinforcements would take ages." Her voice sharpened. "Charging blindly without understanding their economy or military strength—is this the 'virtue of competent officers' you learned at the academy?"
Not a single falsehood tainted her words. That's why disguising as merchants to infiltrate Raven faced little initial opposition. Yet commanders resented involving all leadership in this scheme devised by a war-untested noble girl.
Etienne silenced the fault-finding officers, bolstering her position. "Blanchard's plan is sound. I've reviewed the details myself."
His hand settled on Mia's shoulder as he addressed the room. "This concludes our meeting. Your cooperation is appreciated."
Though using his authority to enforce compliance, the officers could only comply. Thus Mia's unilateral 'announcement' ended smoothly.
Soon after, Glen witnessed a peculiar sight—horses and carriages commandeered before the Baron's manor to transport Etallon troops.
"Unacceptable! Those are estate assets!" The Baron rushed out protesting, ignored by soldiers continuing their work amidst clattering hooves.
"Military orders," a soldier snapped. The Baron stood purple-faced, speechless.
"Where did you find these?" Mia muttered, inspecting the emaciated horses. Etallon's finest trade caravan? Unthinkable.
The carriages fared worse—dust-covered relics from the Baron's warehouse, inferior to Mia's picnic carts. That nobles hoarded better equipment while these rotted...
At least Galois's rudeness justified seizing his food stores, securing supplies to Raven.
Mia's vision swam at the thought of posing as merchants with this ragtag group. She mounted the second sturdiest horse—the finest naturally reserved for the Legion Commander.
"Preparations complete?" Renaud asked, poorly concealing his shock at the shabby convoy.
If only my plans were followed...
His pathetic strategy passed only because Mia willed it. Though technically her will, resentment lingered—it remained his idea.
"Naturally. Your...efforts expedited matters." Her words dripped venom, knowing his 'efforts' meant threatening Baron Galois. Renaud coughed, avoiding her gaze.
He soon selected the largest carriage mid-procession. Mia smirked—vanity persisted even here.
With their lover facade formalized, the Commander rode a warhorse at the vanguard. Following carriages barely concealed their military purpose beneath ragged cloths.
As whips cracked, the dilapidated convoy exited the gates.
The rugged road to Beridian's trade hub, Raven, jostled the carriages. Gazing outside, Mia felt the mission's weight. If her past life's tragedies stemmed from her actions, if the goddess sent her back to amend them—embracing the 'hero' role was her only path.
"Um...water?"
A canteen appeared before Mia's documents. Exhausted from her first long journey, Chloe maintained kindness.
No need for such deference.
Mia had wanted competence, not flattery. Arrogance would've been easier than this forced sweetness.
...Like Lady Si.
Still haunted by past nightmares. New life, new opportunities—yet her plans lingered in that dead woman's shadow.
Chloe fidgeted, unaccustomed to traveling with enemy elites. Mia tried easing her tension through snacks and conversation.
Yet whenever she showed kindness—
"Etienne. Hungry?"
The Commander invariably intruded. "The bread's aroma teased my appetite," he'd say, though officers received rations first. His eyes danced between them as he settled beside Mia.
His surveillance grated. She understood his wariness—Galois's daughter traveling with them—but the intensity discomforted her.
