The Extra Wants To Live-Chapter 263: The Struggles of a Divided Empire

As the Archduke and victorious leader of the Eastern Empire, Carl held a great deal of power in the war against Tumarius.

The first thing he did was to build a government-general's office and deploy soldiers and administrators to each region to solidify his control.

After extinguishing the urgent fire, he immediately moved his army eastward and stationed it in a strategic location to cut off the influence coming from the center of the Tumarian rebels.

He sent a force of Hardion soldiers, but he also included many of the Tumarians.

There was a lot of opposition to the re-enlistment because it was carried out right after the war, which had caused many casualties. However, the Tumarians were so defeated that they lacked the energy to object.

Many even welcomed the decision, believing it would free them from the flames of the Qur'ah Haddad sect and civil war.

Next, Carl ordered Topal to search the rivers flowing from the Celle Mountains and establish a defensive line to prevent the invasion of monsters.

Topal did his best to carry out this mission, and endless battles with monsters took place in the river areas that had been abandoned due to the war.

Of course, victory came with spoils as well.

Carl collected enough loot within the limits promised to Yusuf and sent it via a supply corps to the center of the empire.

Many lobbied Carl for ownership of the territories in the western Hardion Empire's Tumarian lands. Unfortunately, such matters could not be addressed immediately.

Not only had the Laurel Union contributed to the war, but so had the Central Army.

Additionally, many nobles and territories of the Hardion Empire had provided significant support.

The rewards for the Central Army were not Carl's responsibility but rather that of Emperor Azgoth or Prince Aric, who managed many state affairs on behalf of the Emperor.

Thus, the ownership of the territorial lands had to remain undecided for the time being.

Nevertheless, Carl solidified his relationships with the various lords of the Laurel Union and secured many concessions by promising to share territorial rights with them.

By the end of autumn, as winter approached, Carl was able to see a familiar face for the first time in a long while.

"Lord Carl…"

"Camilla?"

Camilla, who arrived late at night, collapsed weakly into Carl's arms.

The stench of rotting blood and flesh assaulted his nostrils.

"I missed Siana… It's coming here…"

"Milton!"

Carl called for Milton while holding Camilla, who was mumbling faintly.

Though he listened carefully to Camilla's words, her treatment took priority.

Harmon, who had been waiting outside, ran in less than a minute to fetch Milton.

Both Harmon and Milton paused when they saw the Tumarian woman being examined while Carl held her in his arms.

However, the look of urgency on Carl's face brought back memories of the past, and they hurriedly attended to Camilla.

Carl looked as though he had lost his way—just like the day he lost his mother.

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A few days after Carl occupied western Tumaria and deployed troops to the east to pressure the rebels, the news spread rapidly.

"It is said that Archduke Carl succeeded in taking control of the West."

"The timing was perfect."

Yusuf clenched his fists as he heard the news about Carl.

As they approached Bursa's doorstep, events seemed to unfold at just the right moment.

Since avoiding the rebels while spreading the news wasn't easy, it had taken some time for the message to reach him.

Only five days had passed since Carl took full control of the West, and the aftereffects were likely to spread throughout the rebel army.

"He has done his part by creating a two-front war and cutting off the abundant food supply from the rivers that extend from the Celle Mountains.

"Now, with Bursa, the stronghold of the heretic leader, Siana, right in front of us, the heretics and rebels are nothing but dew on the sand."

The Tumarian ministers were optimistic about the situation, as were the military commanders like Sahal Din.

The extreme attrition and strategic damage caused by the two-front war were significant.

More importantly, the rebels' supply line from western Tumaria had been severed.

Without supplies, an army cannot fight.

The crops from the agricultural lands along the rivers flowing from the Celle Mountains had played a critical role in sustaining the rebels.

By attacking from both sides and mercilessly taking the last reserves of food, they had left the rebels with no strength to resist any longer.

"No matter how hard they try to hold out, they'll have no choice but to surrender before winter comes. It's better to slowly pressure them and bring them down."

Though some supplies remained, the central region of Tumaria was mostly barren and could not sustain the rebels for long.

At best, they would self-destruct within a month.

"No, we will capture Bursa as quickly as possible," Yusuf declared boldly, despite the cautious advice of his ministers.

"Your Majesty, the casualties among your soldiers will pile up," one advisor ventured carefully.

Still, Yusuf shook his head firmly.

"The bloodlines of the heretic Siana and the Padishah will not surrender just because supplies are running low.

"They will hold out even if it means starving all the people of Tumaria.

"Especially as long as the heretic Siana remains, we will never be able to stop."

Yusuf's low, powerful voice made it clear to everyone that he had made up his mind.

If supplies ran out, the people would starve, and the soldiers would lose their strength to fight.

Under normal circumstances, such events would lead to the end of a conflict.

However, the presence of Siana, who enslaved humans with bizarre sorcery, posed a dire threat.

The Sultans were merely figureheads, without extraordinary abilities or charisma.

But Siana was the true problem.

What if she enslaved innocent people and forced them to fight, even while starving?

The entire population of Tumaria could be wiped out.

The Sultans desired to rule the land, but no one yet understood Siana's ultimate intentions.

What if her goal was the total destruction of both the Haddad Church and Tumaria itself?

"As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, we will advance and surround Bursa.

"Keep a closer watch to ensure no one escapes Bursa."

"Yes, Your Majesty," the commanders responded.

Though they were initially shocked by Yusuf's aggressive strategy, his firm tone left no room for dissent.

In Yusuf, they recognized a capable, virtuous, and decisive leader—qualities that were desperately needed during such turbulent times.