I mulled over the prediction once more.

    [It depends on the will of the heavens.]

    I had seen this prediction before.

    It didn’t literally mean that fate rested in divine hands.

    Rather, it was an indication that the outcome of the battle hinged not on pure probability, but on my actions.

    But... what did it mean for the fate of a war to rest on my choices?

    My intelligence was high, but my combat ability was abysmal. My leadership skills were probably low as well—those were qualities of a general, not a tactician.

    Sure, a strategist guiding a battle to victory through sheer tactical genius wasn’t unheard of.

    She had no way of knowing I was lost in thought.

    She was simply waiting for an answer.

    I quickly composed myself and replied in a steady voice.

    "Ah... yes, Lady Epinnel. I believe your assessment is correct."

    There was a slight delay, but I had managed to avoid any suspicion.

    "Everyone, listen up!" Epinnel declared. "We are holding the fortress. Prepare for battle. Musel, Jayden, and Airen—I have high expectations for the three of you."

    ""Understood!""

    And just like that, the decision was made.

    Rather than following Jinor’s suggestion to retreat, the army would fight under Epinnel’s command.

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