A weary historian dies and finds himself in a different world awakened in a life as the notorious young Duke of a southern state. His nation is weakened, his army underfed, and his neighbors revolve around his lands menacingly. No one believes his land is going to hold out until winter.

But this newfound duke is no naive simpleton his enemies recollect. He carries with him the experience of centuries of war and empire, of starting and ending monarchies. From Caesar to Napoleon, from the Mongols to world wars, he has learned from each of them—and his strategy is to make history his very own arms.

He organizes his smashed levies into well-trained formations, rebuilds his castles, and turns his villages into supply centers. Where others see defeat, he senses opportunity. As he triumphs, rumors spread: of a pennant red as winter snow that shall not go to ground, of a bloody duke who writes his name in gore and flame.

Is he a savior who's constructing a new empire, or a tyrant who's going to bring the world to endless war?

"You know, Justinian, I wasn't really sure about you when I first accepted the trade between nations."


Augustus spoke as they began to head down, finishing their conversation at the top as Cassia led the two of them, making sure no threats were waiting as they had their conversation.


"At first, I just thought it was interesting how you managed to take out the rebellion."


"Well... instead of being interesting, I guess I could say I'm afraid?"


Augustus replied with a smirk and a laugh, trying to hide his emotions. He might be the highest-ranking person in the entire duchy right now, probably even the most skilled.


But with how mysterious and successful Justinian is, he couldn't feel inferior, even terrified.


A feeling he had only experienced due to his brother... not to someone else.


"I'll let you interpret my meaning yourself."


Chapter 70 - Preparation