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?

"Have General Lawrence send a message to the heretic, tell him to stand down."


Marquis Raven ordered sternly, raising his hand in a gesture that signalled everyone to start and prepare a camp.


He already knew what Justinian's answer would likely be, but he was merciful and benevolent, in his own eyes at least.


This was his way of showing that, showing that even in war, he was kind enough to give a warning to an enemy of the gods.


General Lawrence and his cavalry began their advance, scouting the area ahead as they rode fast to deliver their lord's message.


And all the way, their concern grew bigger and bigger the closer they got to the capital.


The entirety of the duchy had already planned for war.


"General... the towns are empty..." A soldier on horseback beside Lawrence yelled out, checking out the nearby settlement of Herdin.


Chapter 88 - Psychological Warfare