On February 26th, 1734 of the Human Common Calendar, the North, long spared the ravages of blizzards, finally welcomed early spring. The army of the Valeria Empire, led by Duke Charles, was the first to break into Grand Duke Grant's private domain, and within twenty-four hours, they had completely taken control of the entire border city, forbidding anyone from entering or leaving through the gates without authorization.
Before long, news of the border's collapse spread throughout the Kingdom of Velys.
Not only did the royal family in capital learn of it in full, even a portion of the rebel forces far to the southwest caught the wind of the situation.
They learned that the once-arrogant Grand Duke had fled the border city in panic, not even bothering to gather part of his troops and provisions, so miserable it was almost beneath a noble's dignity.
