In the southern borderlands, upon the Ulvar Plains.
The once peaceful grazing fields now lay trampled by the iron hooves of Holy Knights. Banners fluttered like snow, holy emblems stood in solemn formation, ordered as precisely as an altar procession.
High Priest Seymour himself arrived at the frontlines, conducting a prayer ritual at dawn. Clad in white-gold war robes, he held a holy scripture aloft, proclaiming: "This is a trial by pure fire. All who blaspheme against heaven's will shall be reduced to ashes in sacred flames."
Representatives from the five major churches gathered at the oath platform, officially declaring a "Crusade of Faith" against the Kingdom of Snowrest.
When news reached the royal capital, public anger surged.
"This is not just a conflict of faith—it's an invasion," Lucian stated firmly in council.
Aveline sat on the throne in silence, her gaze fixed on the plain's topographical map, fingertips brushing the canyon entrance of Ulvar.
"Let them think we only defend," she finally spoke. "But we will attack."
"An offensive campaign?" Kalia started. "Our forces are a third of theirs."
"But they do not understand the Royal Flame, nor the Silver Oath."
The commander of the Silver Oath Shield—the silver-haired woman named Eirya—now stood armored below the dais.
"My regiment volunteers as vanguard," Eirya said, her gaze as resolute as frost.
Aveline nodded slightly: "You will lead three thousand Silver Oath light cavalry to break through under cover of night, circling to strike their rear supply lines. Renault will hold the front, Kalia will coordinate, and the Royal Flame Army will follow me in a main assault through the canyon."
"We will shatter the Holy Army's confidence in one blow."
On the eve of battle, Aveline stood alone at Snowrest's tower peak, gazing at the southern star sea.
Lucian approached slowly, draping a cape over her: "You seek more than victory."
"I want them to understand this era is not written by faith, but forged by will," she replied softly. "And I am the will of fire."
"Then let me be the blade in your flame." He took her hand, pressing his forehead to hers.
As dawn broke through clouds and southern winds rose,
the Snowflame Queen gave her orders, and armies mobilized.
The Silver Oath Shield vanished first into the night, leaving a battle-vow emblem before the camp gates:
"While Snowflame burns, the Oath's edge shall not break."