Der Kampf um Hjalgar

The setting feels so vivid and detailed—I'm curious whether it was planned from the start or evolved during writing. Did the author draw from historical sources or entirely original ideas?

While I loved the depth of the world, I found my attention waning in these parts. Was that intentional to build tension, or could it have been shorter?

Their personal stakes felt so genuine, but I wonder what led to the choice of focusing on this specific group amidst the larger war.