Chapter: 545
The First Knight Order of the kingdom is the strongest military group, assembled from the best of the best.
If you exclude the Allen Family’s knight order from this place right now, no one would stand a chance against the First Knight Order.
Though it was certainly a good statement regarding their power to declare that they would stand on the front lines, to twist that a bit…
“Are you trying to monopolize the glory?”
It wasn’t much different from saying they would swallow up what they could gain from this. Despite the Second Queen’s sideways glance, the First Queen maintained a calm smile.
“Regardless of how much Lord Erginius has declared it, there are variables. We are up against the lofty Evil God. So, wouldn’t it be better to have the most reliable people in front when those variables arise?”
“Well, in that case, it’s better for Viscount Allen to lead his own knight order to the front. Undoubtedly, Allen’s knight order is the strongest on the continent.”
The Second Queen shifted the conversation towards Allen instead of mentioning her own people in the Second Knight Order.
This was to show that it wasn’t a power struggle. And to keep the First Queen’s unilateral decision in check.
“Lord Allen? What do you think about this?”
Even though the arrow of conversation had turned to him, Benedict’s expression remained unfazed.
“I’m not sure if the title of the strongest is suitable for our knight order. However, I, Benedict, can assure you confidently that as the kingdom’s guardian, we will hold strong no matter what happens.”
“No one here doubts that. You know, I’m asking something else.”
“If we have to be at the forefront and take command, then yes, I’d prefer it to be our knight order.”
Those who knew Benedict from the past were surprised that he asserted himself so strongly.
He was a person of high loyalty, who would always step back if it was for the sake of his country.
If this matter had simply been driven by the kingdom, Benedict would have respected the First Queen’s opinion as he always did.
But not this time. This was something his daughter desired, and not a single deviation must be present.
He couldn’t let anything happen that might make Lucy sad, so he declared he would stand on the front lines. He would crush and block any disaster with his power.
“Hmmm.”
Perhaps sensing Benedict’s determination, the First Queen fell silent for a moment, then nodded.
“I understand. For now, let’s put this discussion aside. Others, please speak up first.”
“I, along with my Second Knight Order and the troops from my former family, will take position at the border with the Magical Empire. I need to be there so that any diplomatic disputes can be easily resolved.”
As soon as the First Queen stepped back, the Second Queen raised her voice. The combined strength of the slightly less formidable Second Knight Order and the elite warriors from the Queen’s former family would indeed be a considerable force.
Moreover, the Second Queen herself is quite a formidable warrior, so there was no problem with her forces taking position there. Besides, if they hold that place, glory would be hard to grasp. Nobody would dare to oppose a high-ranking person claiming difficult terrain.
“The knights of Burrow will also take position at the forefront.”
“Are you sure? It’s a place where we face the dark Evil God once again.”
“That’s precisely why I want to be there. For revenge.”
The Duke of Burrow, who nearly lost everything to the dark Evil God last year, spoke with a grim smile about revenge before quickly adjusting his expression upon noticing the worried gazes of others.
“Oh, of course, I don’t wish for command. I shall wield my spear as one of the knights.”
With the Duke of Burrow declaring his intent to be at the forefront, it became clear that no more forces were needed at the front lines. The most dreaded place was filled first.
“Our Kent family will work with Count Arteia to take on the responsibilities of rear protection and supply.”
“Count Arteia will focus on maintaining supply for the army this round.”
With the Kent family and naval troops backing down from the forefront, those who came in lower positions were about to face surprising circumstances.
The second line. In other words, a position where they could avoid significant damage while obtaining glory. A suitable place to retreat with minimal losses, prepared to be meat shields.
Those with relatively modest status and power exchanged fierce glances.
They were silent here only because several powerful figures were present. Wouldn’t they burst into cries as soon as those figures left?
“It looks like most things have been settled. Lord Allen, let’s have a chat for a moment.”
At that moment, when everyone was only looking for an opportunity to speak, the First Queen stood up first.
Understanding that she meant to discuss command of the front lines, Benedict sought permission from others and stood up.
As Lucy followed him out of the room, several sighs of disappointment were heard from various corners of the conference hall.
*
‘Why is she so obsessed with the front lines?’
Following a servant of the Burrow family to the private chamber, I tilted my head at the First Queen, who exuded an air of elegance with every step.
[Is there any need to think complicatedly? It’s because it will bring her more gains.]
‘That might be a common thought, but the First Queen isn’t someone who would obsess over personal gain.’
[I know. You’ve told me that several times. She would do anything as long as it meant the kingdom could prosper. Hence, she seeks to position herself at the front.]
While the term “front line” was used, the real front line in this situation would be those who would breach the barrier.
Including me, Erginius, Benedict, Sword Saint, the Apostle of the Arts Church, Phoebe, Myrrh, and others. Voluntarily jumping into a place filled with Evil God’s energy, facing the dark Evil God head-on would be less dangerous than dealing with fairies peeking out from outside the forest.
In other words, the place the First Queen is calling the front line is actually the second line.
[However, you know. Those who choose to infiltrate are mostly outsiders, and you also aren’t in a position to claim glory.]
‘…Huh? That’s true?’
[In this situation, if the First Queen watches and manages to achieve some glory, what do you think will happen?]
‘She’ll be able to claim the largest voice, I suppose.’
In the end, this is about the issue of justification. And to stand in a position of advantage in this justification, the First Queen seeks command.
‘Then wouldn’t it just be better to give it to her?’
The First Queen wouldn’t slack off on command. She wouldn’t let anything happen to the kingdom if she could help it.
However, any drastic actions afterward would be blocked by the insiders. That is, if people like Erginius, who are significant figures, step in, it would stop her from taking rough actions.
Of course, she would voice her opinions over the lands and fairy forests, but that has nothing to do with me.
[If the fairy forest is fully restored, the benefits gained there won’t be so limited.]
‘…Huh? What could possibly be there?’
Just as I was about to ask Grandpa, we arrived at the conversation room.
The servant who brought us in prepared refreshments and then left, leaving just me and the First Queen’s people inside.
“Lord Allen. I do not doubt your loyalty. The fact that you, a hero, uphold the borders without seeking power earns my respect.”
“Thank you, First Queen.”
“Therefore, I want to ask directly, why do you wish to guard the front line? I had thought you would head inside with Lord Erginius.”
…Huh? What is this person suddenly saying? Of course, Benedict should be entering with us.
No way could we send such a monstrous force anywhere else.
“Because that’s what I should do.”
No, excuse me. Mr. Benedict, why are you responding seriously to this?
Hey! Thick-headed Papa!
Hey! What happened to my plan of standing behind you and humming while sucking on honey?
If you’re out, the losses would be tremendous! Of course, we still have plenty of monstrous people, but the most dependable is you! You broken character!
“I would love to stand alongside the heroes, if my heart desires. I’m still vigorous, after all. I still dream of claiming a place in the myths.”
Then just stay by my side! Just do that!
Where did this misunderstanding come from!?
You didn’t take my request for a knight order deployment as a request to lead a knight order, did you?!
That could just be passed on to Possell! As long as Possell, the effective commander, is there, running the command wouldn’t be an issue at all!
“But let’s say, if worst comes to worst… wouldn’t someone be needed to be that bastion?”
“Must it be you who becomes that bastion?”
“Yes. I must become that bastion. I promised so.”
As I felt that if I left this as is, things would become irreversible, I tried to step in, when Grandpa urgently stopped me.
[Hold on. This misunderstanding might actually be beneficial.]
‘What’s beneficial about this?!’
[With this, your father can become the First Queen’s definite restraining force.]
‘That just means I’ll end up working harder!’
[Even if your father steps back, wouldn’t you still end up behind your friends in strength? ]
Well, that’s true.
Ugh. Hmm.
While I was wavering under Grandpa’s persuasion, Benedict and the First Queen continued their conversation.
“Lord Allen. You know that the members of the knight order don’t think highly of Allen’s knight order.”
“I understand. Those who compete for the best can’t be close.”
“And therefore, I would like to make a proposal. Lord Allen.”
“What is it?”
“If you can get the members of the knight order to acknowledge Allen’s knight order, I will gladly hand over command.”
The First Queen used the pretext of camaraderie among the knight orders to propose a duel, to which Benedict accepted as if it was natural.
As the discussions came to an end, I found myself unable to speak up at all.
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