Ep. 23: The Sixth Iserlohn Offensive: Alliance Diversion and Reinhard's Counterattack

23

The Sixth Battle of Iserlohn commences as Alliance forces execute Willem Holland's plan to use the main fleet as a diversion. Although the strategy initially succeeds, Reinhard von Müsel anticipates the move and exploits the Iserlohn Corridor's geography to devastate the Alliance fleet. Gregor von Mückenberger orders remaining Imperial ships to engage, creating a chaotic mêlée. Alliance commander Lasalle Lobos, following Yang Wen-li's advice, deploys reserves into the fray. During the battle, Walter von Schönkopf defeats Hermann von Lüneburg in single combat after the latter attempts to board the Cheiron 3. Meanwhile, Reinhard and Siegfried Kircheis meet Ulrich Kesler in Iserlohn Fortress. Kesler reveals the truth behind Elisabeth von Lüneburg's former fiancé's death and offers Reinhard a book by Richard von Grimmelshausen detailing noble misdeeds. Reinhard declines the blackmail material, choosing to defeat the high nobility through fair means.