Chapter: 545
The First Knight Order of the kingdom is the ultimate armed force, gathering the elite of the elite.
If we exclude the Alrn family’s knights from the equation, there isn’t anyone who could claim victory against the First Knight Order.
While it was a good thing that such formidable warriors were declaring they would stand at the forefront, one could twist it another way and think:
“Are you planning to hog all the glory?”
Essentially, that’s what it boiled down to. Despite the Second Queen’s skeptical glare, the First Queen maintained a calm smile.
“Even if the esteemed Erginus has made such a declaration, there are always variables. After all, we’re dealing with a tremendous evil. Wouldn’t it be better to have the most reliable individuals at the front should something unpredictable arise?”
“By that logic, wouldn’t it be better for Count Alrn to lead his knights on the front lines? I’d dare say Alrn’s knights are the strongest on the continent.”
Instead of pointing towards her own Second Knight Order, the Second Queen deftly shifted the conversation to Alrn’s side.
She was clearly aiming to make it known that this wasn’t a power grab while also keeping the First Queen’s unilateral approach in check.
“Count Alrn? What are your thoughts on this?”
Despite having the spotlight turned on him, Benedict’s expression remained unshaken.
“I’m not sure if the title of ‘strongest’ suits our knights. However, I can confidently say that this Benedict, as the kingdom’s protector, will not falter, no matter what happens.”
“Nobody here doubts that. However, you know I’m asking something different.”
“If we must stand at the forefront and take command, yes. I would prefer it to be our knights leading the way.”
Those who knew Benedict’s past were surprised at how assertively he was stating his opinions.
Known for his immense strength complemented by unwavering loyalty, he had always been the type to step back if the kingdom desired it.
But this time was different. This mission was planned with his daughter in mind, and any small deviation was unacceptable.
He couldn’t let anything happen that might cause Lucy to be sad. So, he took a stand. He would suppress any disaster with his own power.
“Hmm.”
Perhaps feeling Benedict’s resolve, the First Queen paused momentarily before nodding her head.
“Understood. For now, let’s shelve this discussion. Others, please feel free to speak up.”
“My Second Knight Order, along with the troops from my former family, will take up a position adjacent to the Mage Empire. I must be there to solve any diplomatic disputes that may arise.”
As soon as the First Queen stepped back, the Second Queen’s voice rang out. The Second Knight Order, although slightly weaker than the First, alongside the elite troops from the Queen’s former family, was indeed a formidable force.
Moreover, the Second Queen herself was quite a decent warrior, so her presence there posed no problem at all. Besides, if they took defensive positions, it would be difficult to claim glory. No one dared to oppose a high-ranking person taking such a risky role.
“The knights of Burrow will also position themselves on the front lines.”
“Are you sure about that? You’re facing the Evil God of Darkness again, after all.”
“That’s exactly why I want to be there. For revenge.”
The Duke of Burrow, who almost lost everything at the hands of the Evil God of Darkness last year, spoke of vengeance with a fierce smile before catching the worried looks of others, regaining his composure.
“Ah, but I do not seek command. I’ll wield my lance merely as a knight in that position.”
With the Duke of Burrow also deciding to stand on the front line, there was no longer a need for more personnel up front. The most avoided position had been filled first.
“My Kent family will collaborate with the Count of Artea to handle rear defense and logistics.”
“Artea will focus on maintaining supplies for the army this time.”
As the Kent family and the naval forces of the Artea family, who had previously been nonchalant about this mission, stepped back, the lower-ranked nobles found themselves facing an extraordinary opportunity.
The second line, which promised minimal damage while still being a good spot to claim some glory. If all went wrong, it was a suitable place to retreat with minimal losses—something like a meat shield for the brave-hearted.
Those with similar status and power exchanged fierce glances.
The only reason they were keeping quiet in this assembly of powerful figures was because they were present. The moment they stepped aside, would shouts of protest erupt?
“It seems that the rough outlines have been decided, so Count Alrn, let’s take a moment to discuss.”
Everyone had been eagerly waiting for an opportunity to speak when the First Queen stood up first.
Benedict understood she meant a discussion about the command on the front line and sought the agreement of the other attendees before following her.
As Lucy followed him out of the room, muffled sighs of regret could be heard from various corners of the meeting venue.
*
“Why is there such an obsession with the front line?”
I tilted my head, observing the First Queen, who exuded an air of grandeur with every step as I followed the Duke’s attendant to a private room.
[Is there really a reason to think complicated thoughts? It’s likely because she wants to gain more for herself.]
“That might be the common thought, but I can’t see the First Queen being someone who’d obsess over personal gain.”
[I know. You’ve told me several times that she’s the sort who would do anything for the kingdom’s well-being. That’s why she aims for the front line.]
After all, while “the front line” was mentioned, the actual front line in this operation would be those who would penetrate past the barrier.
People like me, Erginus, Benedict, the Sword Saint, the Apostle from the Art Guild, Phoebe, Muir, and so on. Jumping straight into a place brimming with the Evil God’s energy is clearly riskier than dealing with any fairies venturing out from the forest.
In reality, what the First Queen calls the front line feels more like the second line.
[But you see, most of those breaching the barrier are outsiders, and you can’t just claim glory when you’re among them.]
‘…Oh? That’s true?’
[In this situation, if the First Queen maintains a good position and seizes some recognition for herself, what happens then?]
‘She could voice the largest claim for glory, I suppose.’
Ultimately, this boiled down to matters of reputation. And to gain the upper hand in this, the First Queen wanted command.
‘Then wouldn’t it be better just to hand over command?’
The First Queen wouldn’t slack in her command. She wouldn’t let anything go wrong that could harm the kingdom.
Yet, even if she tried to make any reckless moves later, if the big names like Erginus stood in opposition, her hands would be tied.
Of course, she would raise her voice regarding the gains from the surrounding lands and the Fairy Forest, but that would have nothing to do with me.
[If the Fairy Forest fully recovers, the benefits from there will surely exceed expectations.]
‘…Huh? What might be there?’
Just as I was about to ask my grandfather, we arrived at the room meant for conversations.
The attendant who brought us inside prepared some snacks and then left, leaving just me and the First Queen’s crew in the room.
“Count Alrn, I hold no doubts about your loyalty. I even carry admiration for the fact that you, a hero, guard the borders without greed.”
“Thank you, Your First Queen.”
“Thus, I want to ask you directly. Why do you aim to guard the front line? I had thought you would delve in with Erginus.”
…Huh? What is this person suddenly going on about? Surely, Benedict should be going in with us.
There’s no way I’d let a powerhouse like him sit back!
“It’s because I must.”
No. Excuse me, Mr. Benedict. Why are you answering so seriously?
Hey! Dimwit dad!
You! Where’s my plan of leading from the back while you stand proudly up front, singing sweet tunes and digging into honey?!
If you’re out of the picture, the loss to our forces would be massive! Of course, there are still monster-level fighters here, but at the core, it’s you I trust the most!
“I wish to stand with the heroes, if only to fulfill my youthful vigor. I still dream of claiming a place in the annals of mythology.”
Then just stay by my side! It’s that simple!
What misunderstanding occurred here?!
Did he possibly take my request for knights to be dispatched as a demand to lead them himself?!
Just hand over the actual command to Possell! As long as the de facto commander Possell is around, there shouldn’t be an issue!
“But, hypothetically speaking, if the worst-case scenario emerges, don’t we need someone solid to back us up?”
“Does that guarantee that you must be that solid backup?”
“Yes. I must absolutely be that solid backup. I made a promise.”
As I felt the potential for an unchangeable situation growing, and I attempted to step in, my grandfather brashly held me back.
[Hold on there. This kind of misunderstanding might actually work in your favor.]
‘What’s good about this?!’
[This way, your father becomes a definite restraint on the First Queen.]
‘But then I’ll end up having to work even harder!’
[Does your absence mean you have less to do? With the current forces, I bet you’ll still be hanging back with your friends.]
Well, that may be the case…
Ugh. Ugh.
Even while I was wavering due to my grandfather’s persuasion, Benedict and the First Queen continued their conversation.
“Count Alrn, you know that the knights aren’t too fond of Alrn’s Knight Order.”
“I understand. Those competing for the pinnacle cannot carry a closeness with one another.”
“That’s why I have a proposal for you, Count Alrn.”
“What is it?”
“If you can earn the knights’ respect for the Alrn Knight Order, I’d gladly relinquish command.”
The First Queen cleverly used the camaraderie between the knights as an excuse to propose a sparring match, which Benedict accepted with a nod.
As all the discussions wrapped up, I found myself utterly speechless.
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