The Karelia Army, stationed in Tepello Castle, southern territory.

    Lunarian Iniang, ruler of Zeilant, wore an expression heavy with worry.

    “So... they’re dead?”

    “Yes.”

    Thirty soldiers had been publicly executed for violating military law.

    Luna’s objections—that execution was too extreme—had been ignored.

    Of course, violating military law was a crime.

    But no matter how she thought about it, the punishment was far too harsh.@@@@

    Taking a life over a single minor mistake... was simply too cruel.

    Most of the others who had died that day hadn’t committed any crimes severe enough to warrant death.

    Even a public flogging would have been extreme, let alone execution.

    It was nothing short of terror rule.

    Vanessa, using Karelia’s name as her shield, was running the army through fear.

    And despite the murmurs spreading among the ranks, “It’s necessary for the war effort” was the excuse that always buried the issue.

    The southern continent had enjoyed a long, precarious balance—full-scale war had been avoided for years.

    So Vanessa had an easy justification.

    The soldiers and commanders had grown too lax. Morale was low. Training had to be stricter.

    “Lord of the Castle.”

    “...Speak.”

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