This was Castel's long-established reputation.
Anything made by Castel might sometimes be bizarre or absurd, but it would always be incredibly powerful in the end.
Under pressure from the Holy See, cooperation between Castel and the Duchy of Tis had also deepened considerably. Theus had already begun supplying several basic weapons, and had even dispatched quite a few airship squadrons.
Airships were admittedly lacking when it came to attacking, but they were quite effective for defense. Once they rose into the sky, their bombing provided excellent area denial—even Steam Tanks had to steer clear of them.
"So the current situation is that Isabella's side is continuously pulling back as they wait for reinforcements? When will Castel's reinforcements arrive?"
"Lady Nora, we are the reinforcements."
Nora froze for a moment before nodding in realization. "Right. The situation is urgent, so we're heading straight to the battlefield?"
"Yes. The self-propelled artillery you will operate is Castel's newest technology. There is no time for slow testing—the battlefield is the best testing ground. Here is your conscription order."
Gwen unfolded a document, and Nora caught sight of Theus's signature on it.
Castel had opened its doors to refugees from the Northern Territory and given them a second home. Because of this, Theus had become her lord.
Under the Empire's constitution, lords had the right to conscript their subjects for war. Castel did not follow Imperial law; Theus and his people had a separate agreement.
According to that agreement, Theus could only forcibly conscript his subjects when Castel was invaded. In foreign wars, conscription was voluntary.
Therefore, although Castel called it a general mobilization—and it had indeed achieved the effects of one—it was legally voluntary.
That did not stop the recruitment offices from being packed to bursting.
Nora's conscription order required her personal signature of