I play a Evil God in Otome Game

As a month quickly passed, the war between the two nations reignited and intensified. Following a month of recovery, the Republic's army had impressively increased its number of soldiers to 620,000. Their forces were pushing human resources to the limit.

However, they still faced numerous challenges, such as equipment shortages. Despite insufficient production of supplies, the Republic continued to recruit personnel and grow its ranks.

The Empire, on the other hand, had raised its army to 300,000. Since most of the Death Legion had already been annihilated, the remaining forces consisted of 300,000 elite soldiers and cavalry.

The area around Sarden was secured, and several regions were occupied, resulting in the Empire capturing one-fourth of the Republic's territory. After spending a month destroying enemy militia and guerrilla units along supply lines, Urien and Bernard returned swiftly to rejoin the main army.

At the same time, it was confirmed that the Republic was preparing a counterattack, concentrating troops in a buildup. Knowing they couldn't retake Sarden directly, the Republic planned to use their numerical advantage to encircle the city and wear down the enemy with a prolonged assault.

The Republic's strategy involved deploying two massive corps, each consisting of approximately 200,000 soldiers, to attack the flanks in the countryside while artillery kept Sarden's center engaged. The idea was to force the Empire's forces out of the city using two large armies and ultimately capture Sarden. It was a solid plan, but it carried a significant risk.

The Empire held hundreds of thousands of prisoners of war. In a cunning move, George equipped these prisoners with light Imperial armor and positioned them on the Republic's weakest flank, the left wing.

Meanwhile, the Empire's elite units would repel the attack from the Republic's right wing, forcing their forces to retreat. At the same time, the Paladins and cavalry would attack the Republic's already exhausted left wing, pushing them back after prolonged fighting.

"But are we sure this plan will work?" Simon asked seriously, observing the prisoners who were being assembled and sent out of the city. Standing beside him, George responded with a confident gaze. "Don't worry. Their families and everything they care about are here. They fear for their loved ones if they try to flee. That fear will keep them in line."

Simon grumbled, visibly dissatisfied. He didn't trust the prisoners. They could potentially turn against them and attack the Empire's outnumbered cavalry and Paladins.

"If your concern is betrayal, then don't worry, Simon," George said, attempting to ease his fears. "They're already overwhelmed by fear. The terror of being cursed by a god is ingrained in them."

George glanced at the prisoners, some of whom were trembling while others appeared pale with fear. The Empire had not disclosed where they would be deployed, further fueling their anxiety.

"Even if they do betray us, you're fast enough to pull back quickly," George said, patting Simon's shoulder and smiling reassuringly. Although Simon seemed slightly relieved, he remained tense.

"Fine, I'll do as you suggest," Simon sighed, prompting George to laugh. After a brief conversation, it was finally time to march. While Bernard moved to block the Republic's right-wing assault, Simon and Urien headed toward the left flank.

The Republic would launch a simultaneous assault from both sides by evening. This was their last hope. Even one victory could reignite their morale.

George prayed that this wouldn't happen and that the war would end as quickly as possible. Then he returned to the command office.

"Let's move!" Simon barked, his voice firm as he used his mana to exert pressure on the prisoners. The prisoners quickly mobilized and exited the city.

The cavalry stayed behind while Paladins traveled in groups of four within the army to maintain pressure on the prisoners and ensure discipline. At least, Simon hoped this would be effective.

"Simon, when do you think the war will end?" Urien asked, breaking Simon out of his thoughts. Turning to the younger man, Simon smiled. "Sooner or later, the Republic will fall. It's just a matter of time. Losing isn't an option."

Urien smiled faintly. His poised demeanor and charismatic presence even sparked a tinge of envy in Simon.

"You know, if I had your charisma, I would've become a model at fifteen," Simon teased with a slight grin. Urien smirked arrogantly, brushing his hair theatrically. "Well, you can't be me. You're ten years too early, old man."

Hearing this, Simon offered a resigned smile. "I'm only 27. I'm not old, kid."

"Let's hope that's true, Simon," Urien replied with a polite smile before casting a playful, challenging glance at Simon. "Let's also hope you don't fall off your horse and get hurt. The country still needs you."

"I know, I know," Simon said with a sly grin, narrowing his eyes slightly. After eyeing Urien for a moment, he added, "Maybe you should worry about yourself instead."

"For what?" Urien asked curiously, but his words were cut short when his horse suddenly spooked and sped up. He was thrust forward ahead of the army. Some Paladins moved to chase after him, but Simon calmly instructed them not to follow.

"I'm only 27. I'm not old," Simon muttered, watching Urien struggle to calm his horse. If they weren't in front of the entire army, Simon would have laughed but instead forced himself to remain composed.

Urien eventually rejoined the army, pulling his now-calmed horse alongside Simon's. With a mix of amusement and mock irritation, Urien sighed. "Maybe you could've warned me?"

Simon simply grinned and urged his horse forward. Urien laughed and followed. After a two-hour journey, the army stopped to set up camp.

"Officers! Establish the camp!" Simon commanded sharply. The officers quickly organized the soldiers, pitched tents, and prepared meals.

Typically, a high-ranking commander like Simon would dine in a separate tent. However, Simon wanted to earn some respect and loyalty among the former Republic soldiers, so he joined them instead.

Simon, carrying a simple soup with Urien, entered a prisoner-of-war camp that seemed the most crowded. As he stepped in, he heard some loud voices and was taken aback.

"The fascists want to kill us! If we go to war, we'll die!" an angry soldier's voice echoed, gaining some support.

Simon noticed Urien gripping the hilt of his sword lightly and gently tapped his shoulder to stop him. Though reluctant at first, Urien released his grip on the sword's hilt.

"Hello? May we join you?" Simon asked politely. The prisoners quickly fell silent. Simon's gaze shifted to the soldier who had just been raging but was now trying to hide his fear. He smiled.

"Don't be afraid. Brave soldiers like you are cherished and respected on our side," Simon said, trying to ease the atmosphere. "In the Empire, courage is honored, regardless of who shows it."

The prisoner seemed to calm down a little, and Simon and Urien nonchalantly sat by the fire. They even took a spoonful of their soup.

"Sit down, what are you waiting for? Eat while the food is still warm," Simon said, lifting his head. The prisoners, afraid to disobey, sat down and ate nervously.

"You there, what's your name?" Simon asked the soldier who had been shouting earlier. The prisoner shivered and didn't answer for a moment. Simon waited patiently. Finally, the prisoner mustered his courage and replied.

"Jef-Jeffrey."

"Nice name," Simon said. "I heard what you said earlier, and I was impressed. It's unfortunate that two brotherly peoples have become enemies. When I heard this, the first thing I thought was how tragic our relationship has become."

The prisoners looked at Simon with a mix of curiosity and surprise. Knowing he had captured their attention, Simon smiled even more. "Tell me, where was Lancelot from?"

After a moment of silence, one of the prisoners spoke up. "Aurelion?"

"Yes, and whom did Lancelot betray? Was it not King Arthur?" Simon asked calmly. When he received a few nods of agreement, he smiled and continued. "Lancelot was always a loyal knight, but in the end, he betrayed. Why?"

"Because- because he seduced the King's wife," one of the prisoners answered. Simon smiled in satisfaction. "Lancelot was always a loyal soldier like you, but eventually, he saw the truth—King Arthur's truth."

A murmur of confusion rose among the prisoners as they tried to understand Simon's implication. As whispers continued, Simon raised his hand to silence them.

The murmurs stopped instantly, as Simon had intended. He went on. "King Arthur was always a tyrant who mercilessly destroyed peoples like ours, erased their cultures, and silenced their languages. Unfortunately, noble knights like Lancelot were deceived by his gentle, devilish facade and blindly worshipped him."

Simon paused briefly, then raised his voice. "Tell me! Who stood bravely against King Arthur? Who fought his demonic armies and revealed his true face? It was Her Majesty Morgana!"

"King Arthur was always controlled by Merlin and those like him, hybrids of demonic nature. They constantly worked to destroy our ancestors and heritage. Eventually, through deceit, they managed to weaken Her Majesty Morgana for a time!" Simon said firmly.

"Tell me! Seven hundred years ago, which armies and peoples did Her Majesty Morgana lead?"

A deep silence enveloped everyone again. Simon continued, "She led the peoples of Aurelion and Drachenreich! Once, we stood as brothers against the tyrant King!

Now, the Holy Mary Kingdom and the Church of Light, carrying on the legacy of the tyrant King, have enslaved you with chains called democracy, ruling over you like puppets!

Since the Republic was established, you've all been seen as mere pawns. Your so-called leaders are nothing but puppets of the Church of Light."

Simon stopped to let his words sink into the prisoners' minds. After a moment, he took another sip of his soup, stood up, and looked at the still-silent prisoners.

"Know this: Her Majesty Morgana has always wanted to help you. This senseless war is nothing but a game played by outside forces. Her Majesty Morgana is the great leader standing against them…"

As he walked away, leaving the silent prisoners behind, Urien glanced at Simon with curiosity. "Do you think your words will have an effect?"

Hearing Urien, Simon simply shrugged and smirked. "This speech isn't meant to have an immediate effect. What I want is to plant rumors. Remember, the more a lie is repeated, the more believable it becomes."

Hearing Simon's cunning words, Urien's eyes lit up with understanding. Then, he asked another curious question. "Were the things you said about Lancelot true? About his betrayal?"

"No," Simon replied, smiling at Urien. "I just made that up, but you have to admit, it was quite a convincing lie."

Urien was momentarily stunned, then smiled helplessly. "You're going to be a cunning old fox, Simon."

Simon only smiled as he returned to the main command tent.