"Sir! Go to the deck and you'll see! The Yan people can't hold on any longer! Hahaha!"

Sebastian released his grip, and the soldier laughed wildly as he left.

He was somewhat incredulous at the soldier's words, after all, he seemed like a madman, but Sebastian felt there was no need to go up and confirm it.

The Yan Kingdom's people came charging in with great momentum; they couldn't possibly leave so easily. That wouldn't be in line with their fighting style. After all, only a few days had passed between the fall of the Star Islands and today's landing operation.

Clearly, the Yan people, like their own country, are well-versed in "blitzkrieg."

Sebastian gave a bitter laugh upon realizing this, but his lips murmured uncontrollably:

"Let's withdraw, let's just withdraw like this..."

He still harbored hopes.

——

"Hahaha! You're not kidding me, are you?"

In the center of St. Marín Square in Salvia, Wolfgang smiled at the panicked Gustav before him.

Even though the new year was just around the corner, Gustav was pale and his eyes were filled with panic. He touched his chest and whispered, "He's really gone, Field Marshal Wolfgang."

Wolfgang looked at his chest, and Gustav immediately moved his hand away. Sure enough, of the four medals that should have appeared, only three remained, and the missing one was the Imperial Twelve Years of Honor Medal that had only been awarded recently.

"I...I can't remember...I can't remember where I lost it, I..." Gustav said helplessly, his voice even trembling slightly. The importance of this medal was self-evident, how could Gustav dare to lose it?

Wolfgang stroked his beard and reassured her, "Don't worry, it might be in your pocket."

Gustav shook his head and said, "No, I've searched high and low. I've been wearing it on my chest ever since I attended the banquet."

"I've never taken it off."

"When was it lost?" Wolfgang asked him thoughtfully.

Gustav pondered deeply, when suddenly a flash of inspiration struck him, and he exclaimed, "I once fell off a chariot!"

"It must have been! It must have fallen at that time!"

Wolfgang gave a curt "Oh," and said, "Then we'll have to send people to look for you. Where did you fall? Perhaps you'll have to lead a team there yourself to have any chance of finding you."

"Yes! Yes! I must take men to find them immediately." Gustav hurriedly tried to leave, but Wolfgang called him back:

"Wait, Gustav."

Gustav stopped in his tracks, Wolfgang pointed to the Westminster Clock Tower, its surface even more vibrant red from the bright lights, and said:

The New Year's bell is about to ring.