Ep. 23: Oberstein manipulates Reinhard to allow a nuclear strike on Westerland for propaganda.

23

An uprising occurs in Westerland, a Braunschweig territory, prompting Braunschweig to plan a nuclear strike against its inhabitants. Reinhard intends to send a fleet to stop this, but Oberstein convinces him to allow the atrocity as propaganda against high nobles. Oberstein deceives Reinhard regarding the strike time, ensuring the plan succeeds. The broadcast images turn Reinhard into a hero among commoners, even in Geiesburg, where support for removing high nobles grows. The Lippstadt Fleet attempts a final sortie but is defeated. Baron Flegel is killed by his own men during a suicide attack attempt, and his crew flees to Phezzan. Merkatz chooses suicide over surrender, advised by Bernhard von Schneider to seek refuge in Iserlohn instead. Braunschweig is forced to commit suicide by his chief retainer, Ansbach, who vows revenge. On September 797 S.C. / 488 I.C., the Geiesburg fortress falls and the Lippstadt League ends.