In the Name of Empress-Chapter 485 - 321: War or Performance Art?

Everyone who fights often knows how difficult it is to defend an isolated fortress against an enemy five times larger and with hundreds of heavy artillery.

Christine chose to rescue, but internally accepted that Frank Castle could not hold.

She slowed her pace, dispatching scouts to expand the reconnaissance area, fearing that the few thousand elite knights brought for rescue might also fall into the encirclement.

When the scouts told her the fortress was still holding, she suspected it was an auditory hallucination.

Upon rushing to Frank Castle day and night, the fortress was not only solid as a rock but seemed like it could hold out for much longer.

She felt puzzled, even thinking it was a trap.

Until she saw several familiar faces and flags appear on the walls.

She had imagined Frank Castle would fall or be severely defended, but never expected the defenders could guard it so calmly.

The drawbridge facing Sussex slowly lowered, and the city gates opened.

A small portion of Christine’s six thousand knights were stationed outside the city, while most entered inside.

With twelvefold doubt, Christine walked toward the command center of the town hall, surrounded by officers who had come to meet her.

She sternly refused General Dailong’s welcome banquet arrangement, heading straight to the command room to convene a military meeting.

This had always been her style. General Dailong, familiar with her, was not too surprised, but the young officers were not yet acquainted with this commander.

They were awestruck by Miss Saintess’s beauty and decisiveness, eager to display their valor and distinction before the beautiful lady.

Dailong glimpsed these young men’s looks out of the corner of his eye, gaining a few reflections in his mind.

These young fellows indeed don’t understand Saintess Christine.

Her faith is firm, and she is a cold-blooded, ruthless leader.

The beautiful frame only adds affinity during her preaching, besides that, it’s even a burden.

Heaven knows how many nobility and knights in the Wende Empire are her suitors, but in her eyes, these people are just annoying flies.

In this era where the Divine Court Saintess is often equated with political prostitutes, she is indeed an anomaly.

The enthusiasm of these young men is destined to receive no return.

"General Dailong, how is the recent battle situation?"

Christine’s cold voice pulled the somewhat distracted Dailong back to reality.

He slightly composed his thoughts, reporting the battle situation to Christine in a slightly low voice.

Christine’s expression showed no change at all.

Whether hearing about thousands dying on the outer battlefield, assault teams destroying hundreds of artillery, or General Jacobs heroically dying in a surprise attack, her face showed little emotion.

She remained calm as if an observer.

This has always been her commanding style—never allowing personal feelings to affect judgment and always viewing the battle from a high aerial perspective.

Dailong was not surprised by this, but he still had to say a few words for Jacobs.

After all, they were old comrades, and he would not be able to move past this himself if he didn’t speak.

"Your Highness Saintess..."

"Please call me General Christine, or Commander." Christine corrected Dailong’s address expressionlessly.

Address indicates stance.

If she identifies as the Holy Daughter of Light, it would certainly help her establish prestige within the Divine Court, but it would also create alienation from the allied generals.

Saintess is a guest, commander is a comrade.

Dailong naturally understood this difference.

Eyes again on Christine, she was enveloped in a pale silver Light Armor, her cold face appearing even more petite under the raised metal collar.

Though too pretty to resemble a military figure, her chilly, cutting aura still carried a hint of grimness.

Just a moment’s surprise left, Dailong internally accepted this newly appointed commander.

"Yes, Lord Commander."

"I think I must particularly recount the achievements of General Jacobs and the five hundred warriors to you."

With Christine’s approval, Dailong quickly narrated the process of Jacobs and others sacrificing themselves in exchange for ninety-five percent of the enemy’s artillery.

Even with Christine’s indifference, she was somewhat moved.

"Did all five hundred perish?"

Though she had used commandos to target the enemy’s high-value objectives, and not just once, this time was different—the people were genuinely volunteering.

After a long silence, Christine softly asked, "Were the wills left behind?"

"All wills have been properly preserved." Dailong breathed a sigh of relief, sensing a slight change in Christine’s tone.

Although her face remained stern, her voice held a barely perceptible warmth.

"Compile them, I’ll help fulfill their wishes as much as possible."

Dailong hurriedly stood up to salute Christine on behalf of the five hundred warriors.

Christine stood up in return, nodding to indicate Dailong continued the report.

The report that followed was long and all related to the city’s defense, but Christine’s expression showed no further ripples.

After hearing the report, Christine didn’t hurry to give important instructions, merely requested everyone hold their positions.

"Meeting adjourned, keep General Dailong."

...

Standing on the lookout tower behind the east section of the city wall, Christine could clearly see the deployment of the Prudon Kingdom Army even without binoculars.

Dailong stood a half-step behind her, his expression calm and very patiently waiting.

Although he was a Vice Admiral, his status was far below Allied Commander Christine.

When Christine didn’t need him to speak, it was best to stay silent.

After an unknown duration, Christine finally broke the silence, softly asking, "How long do you think the fortress can still hold?"