Positions given and taking the objective

As Manuel and Roselyn entered the bustling war room, the entire room was shrouded with murmurs and some chaos as they organized the upcoming reinforcements and supplies.

"Sir, a situation is developing in the frontlines. Clashes with the Nordic troops. They have tried to test the defenses, and currently, we're maintaining a defensive stance, but requests are coming to attack while their main army has not arrived yet," Cornaro reported. As he turned to look at Roselyn, he raised an eyebrow.

"Sir, are you sure?" he asked, since in protocol, even if that person is no longer a monarch of that said nation, it is still not suggested to allow that person in the operations room.

"Yes, I already convened with the Emperor, and he agreed to my suggestion in creating a puppet state out of the Thanatos Empire. Only the resource-rich regions are viable for us to control," Manuel said, since he wanted to secure that border with the Nordic Empire, but first, he wanted to take away their naval power.

"Okay, getting to the point. Which fleet is ready to assist us? Since in my timetable, I want to begin a push for their ports in two months," Manuel said, looking at the map.

"The current fleet in the area is the 1st Fleet 1st Strike Group, 3rd Wolf Pack, and the 5th Patrol Fleet, but the only available are the 1st Strike Group and 3rd Wolf Pack, since the 5th Patrol Fleet is currently patrolling and keeping the convoys safe as they head to reinforce us. Currently, we receive word that the Thanatos Navy is preparing for an operation, but we don't know the target of their operation. It seems like they are preparing for raiding operations, since nearly all of the nations that it made trade deals with have closed their borders and prevented immigrants from moving."

"Good, we're choking them to the last coin. Make sure we don't listen to their demands. What are the changes in their politics?" Manuel asked, and Roselyn was visibly shaken by the changes.

"Currently, the Emperor married the Duchess, and she was elevated to an Empress and is currently managing the empire on the Emperor's behalf. She is looking for talents that can help her, but since our last operation in eliminating the talents, she has a very small pool to recruit from. Thanks to our recent warning to the remainder of them, they went into hiding, and she's been trying to make contact with the neighboring nations, such as the Federation.

But no progress was made. She tried contacting the nobles, but those who were silent supporters isolated themselves and their territories, so we can see the empire slowly in its downfall," Cornaro explained as he looked at the marks on the map signifying a majority of those nobles support the new Empress. But the grey marks signified their isolation in politics, and they could be said to be the most powerful.

"I see. For now, let's monitor it. Any mention of us by them?"

"Yes, currently, they are requesting that we, on behalf of the Draconian Empire, open the trade routes, saying that the agreement is in full effect and not once stopped since you don't have the authority to cease a trade agreement," Cornaro said, and this was sent a week ago but ignored.

"Tell them we burned the trade agreement. They can come and test our military if they are willing for war. Also, order the northern defense line to do some training exercises and some deep recon into the Thanatos territory to gauge their reaction. Request a submarine to shadow their fleet and engage when they try to intrude on our Federation allies," Manuel said as he pointed to each of the orders to be sent.

"Of course, sir. I will send word immediately," Cornaro saluted.

"Okay, now for you, Roselyn. Your job is simple—being the Administrator of this region," Manuel said in a simple way.

"Like ruling?" Roselyn asked, tilting her head.

"Yes, but removing the control of the military. You must only maintain and make small changes in the territory since most of the people here need some proper management. During this time, you can send out messages via Assassin X to your supporters about the plan. Lastly, you are also monitored—not 24/7, but a female agent will keep an eye on you," he said in a chilling way, and Roselyn nodded.

"Okay, when do I get started?" she asked.

"Mathias will give you a tour so you can get familiar with the territory. After that, he will bring you to your designated office," he said, and soon Mathias entered while wearing his combat uniform, not his officer uniform.

"I see. How about you?" she asked.

"Preparing an operation since the war on the Tyrell continent is already boiling. Time for me to do my part and burn some snowy lands," he said as he turned around and left her.

"Alright, Miss Roselyn, are you ready for the tour?" Mathias asked, and she nodded.

Tyrell Continent

The Area of Operation Forward HQ

"Sir, currently, the eastern cities and castles have surrendered, but one of them has resisted. The men stormed the castle and had 30 deaths after an hour of close-quarters combat," the intel officer said, and the commanding officer nodded.

"Okay, have some of the dead bodies transported back. For the task force that is currently besieging the city, increase the intensity. It's time for that city to fall," the commander said.

2 Hours Later

Sedrick POV

BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM BOOM!

"Men, get ready! Bring everything needed! It's the final push!" the company commander of Sedrick's unit was shouting. Since he spoke in a normal tone, his voice would be drowned out by the surrounding gunfire and artillery fire as the complex trench systems were done overnight by combat engineers.

"Alright, get ready! Grenades, ammo only! We're beginning our assault! Carry as much as you can!" Sedrick shouted to his squad, who got ready, and some placed as many magazines as possible inside their combat backpacks.

Sedrick did the same until he saw a man with a skull mask on and a company-sized unit following him. He saw some pointy ears within their unit.

"Hey, who do you think they are?" Sedrick asked his fellow squad leaders. When they turned to that group, they recognized them.

"They are from the 1st Division of the Special Operations, and that man right there is a battalion commander, codename Graves," one of the squad leaders said, looking at the man giving instructions to the company.

"They are a special bunch. Rumors have it they have an elven princess from this continent as part of their unit," someone said. When they turned, they saw the company commander in full battle gear.

"He may rank as a battalion commander, but in this situation, he's a company commander," he said and observed the group before looking away.

"Alright, we're attacking with the mechanized regiment that is going to assist us. Prepare for a final assault. I have been informed that the Special Operations Division will focus on capturing the main castle, while the rest of the other units will secure the city. The Mountain Brigade will clear up the remaining tunnels," he said to the platoon-level officers down to the squad leaders, and they nodded in understanding.

To Be Continued