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?

Justinian coldly addressed, arms crossed.


He had helped mastermind Rhyne's rebellion in the past, an act that wasn't so easily forgivable.


But Justinian also hadn't known about Fenrix and Matthias' conversation; to him, Fenrix was still a dangerous threat to his capital if he chose to return to Rhyne's side.


Justinian raised a brow at his reply; he expected a more formal name like Duke Thirell, mostly his own servants or high-ranking nobles addressed him as such.


"The king has appointed me to be your spymaster. Matthias should already be expecting me."


"Why would the king hand me a skilled spymaster such as yourself?"


"You can ask Matthias for the details, Lord Justinian. I'm merely here to introduce myself."


Chapter 79 - Quick Departure