The Shift from Defense to Offense

"It's Miss Vivianna!"

"The great Dragon Knight, the savior of Constantinople!"

"Lady Candle Knight!"

When the first citizen of Constantinople spotted the female knight in her iconic black-and-white armor, the crowd, already celebrating victory, erupted into fresh excitement.

Genuine reverence filled people's faces as they waved to Vivianna and the Emperor beside her, expressing their love and respect. Compared with the imposing Emperor, the Candle Knight was undoubtedly more beloved.

It was not merely because of her appearance. They recognized the Emperor's efforts and the ability he had displayed these past few days, but as Emperor, protecting his subjects was inherently his duty.

Vivianna was different. This foreign female knight who had come from no one knew where owed Rome no obligation, yet just as Saint Joan of Arc had saved France, she had saved Rome when Constantinople had become an isolated city.

Whether Greeks or Latins, all felt admiration and gratitude toward her.

Vivianna was somewhat at a loss in the face of that gratitude. She responded to the people's enthusiasm rather awkwardly, occasionally casting pleading looks at the Emperor beside her.

Even though Lothar had explained why it had been necessary, an upright knight still felt ashamed to claim glory that should not have belonged to her alone.

Galata, separated only by a strait, had also fallen into revelry, though not its Genoese upper class.

Those who had remained, including the Genoese-appointed governor, could not feel happy now. Not long ago, forced by Ottoman pressure, they had cut off their supplies to Constantinople.

Many had long prepared themselves to bow and surrender if the Ottomans decided to take harsh measures.

They knew perfectly well that the Republic would not enter into hostilities with the Ottomans for their sake. The Ottomans, having blockaded the Sea of Marmara, could cut