In fact, the Karltester Duchy had been part of the Lorenzo Kingdom just a few decades earlier.
Only after a rebellion and joint intervention by the Asgar Kingdom and the Rune Federation had Lorenzo recognized the Karltester Duchy's independence. Even so, the Lorenzo Kingdom remained its suzerain in name.
But the Lorenzo Kingdom had grown steadily weaker over the years, and the Karltester Duchy scarcely behaved like a vassal anymore.
Now that the hard-line Cyrabelle, known as the Bloody Queen, had taken power, she had no intention of reserving her iron fist for domestic affairs. She would not allow the Karltester Duchy to maintain the status quo either.
If she had not moved against the Asgar Kingdom, Cyrabelle had planned to target the Karltester Duchy instead. She would use the current duke's illegitimate claim to his title as grounds to reclaim the territory.
As it turned out, she had caught a rabbit while clearing the grass. The Karltester Duchy still could not escape destruction.
Regardless of whether the Lorenzo Kingdom or the Asgar Kingdom won this war, the Karltester Duchy would cease to exist as an independent duchy.
"Your Majesty, according to reliable information, Calamity Nantest of the Asgar Kingdom has led approximately sixty thousand people into the Karltester Duchy in groups disguised as merchant caravans," Lena reported methodically. She might still be finding her feet as minister of the interior, but the role of staff officer and adjutant was second nature to her.
"As expected..." Cyrabelle gave a cold laugh. She had long anticipated such underhanded tricks from the enemy. "What about the Grand Duke of Kaltest?"
"Just as Your Majesty predicted, he has sided with the Asgar Kingdom." Contempt flashed in Lena's eyes. She had no respect whatsoever for the so-called grand duke. He was a fool if