“Surely, I won’t be given the order to march? Is there no volunteer here? Who would volunteer, knowing the opponent is the 19th ranked demon? It’s akin to walking towards death willingly.”
While everyone cast their gaze downward, only four individuals leisurely scanned the eerily silent hall.
Karalyle, Hugo, the Duke of Kasis, and the Duke of Defonte.
Regardless of their motives, they were the ones leading the empire from the frontlines. They had the caliber and experience to not be swayed by the name of a highranking demon.
Karalyle, who was idly sipping his drink, tapped a document with his forefinger that had just flown in from the frontline.
“So, who will march for the glory of the empire?”
The nobles swallowed their dry spit. If they got chosen, not only their lives would be in jeopardy, but even if they managed to return alive, a substantial loss of soldiers was a given in this battle.
Their gaze slowly converged in one direction.
Towards the man leaning back arrogantly on his seat.
‘This has always been Artina’s job.’
‘Considering the fact that even the head of the family has experienced the end of a sword, and the knights are outstanding… doesn’t it naturally fall on Artina?’
‘If any other family goes, they’ll simply get massacred. It’s better if the Artina family goes, it would at least minimize the sacrifice.’
In reality, the departure of the three rich men had already been confirmed, but not many were aware of Hugo and Cedric’s departure. The fact that Arcan would lead the vanguard was also unknown to those who hadn’t heard about the events in the salon.
Karalyle grinned coldly at the sight of the nobles’ obvious intentions. The audacious act of pushing their comrades and old friends into the battlefield hadn’t changed over the years.
As expected, a Count shamelessly opened his mouth. There were rumors that his territory was facing famine this year due to crop failure, yet his face was gleaming with fat.
“I apologize, but if the opponent is a highranking demon, I believe only a Duke will be able to confront it.”
As if they had been waiting for someone to shoulder the responsibility, the nobles unanimously agreed with the Count’s reasoning.
Karalyle chuckled and continued the conversation.
“Duke, you say.”
“Pardon?”
“The Artina Ducal family will be the vanguard in this extermination battle against the highranking demon that has appeared.”
He scanned the faces of the officials as if to make them memorize this.
“Not a Duke, but a Viscount.”
“……!”
“……!”
A Viscount! Silent shock filled the hall.
The fact that a Viscount, who wasn’t even of age yet, held the command in the battle against a highranking demon was incredible.
“While everyone here is pondering on how to avoid marching, the Artina family volunteered their Viscount, not even their head, to lead the front.”
Karalyle emphasized the word ‘volunteered.’ Despite his clear mockery, the nobles seated there felt more relief than shame.
Thankfully, if the Artina family risked their lives and took charge of the front, the remaining nobles could just show their support by providing resources.
They had managed to escape this time, such thoughts subtly spread in the hall. Then someone slowly stood up.
“Your Majesty, I humbly request your permission to participate in the battle.”
“The Duke personally?”
As the emperor raised an eyebrow and questioned, Hugo’s eyes narrowed. The other nobles also wore puzzled expressions.
Alchemy was indeed one of the abilities that could exert significant power, but it was not particularly effective in close combat. Hence, until now, the Duke of Defonte mainly supported with magic stones, defense stones, and potions.
“I have heard that traces of alchemy have been found around the Forbidden Gorge, the battle zone. Although the Duke of Artina may not need my assistance in fighting the demons, wouldn’t my presence be of some help if there are traces of alchemy?”
The nobles nodded. That made sense. If there were remnants of alchemy, there would be little gain from just sending warriors who couldn’t decipher them.
The reason was plausible. Karalyle gladly granted permission.
[Star Icon][Star Icon][Star Icon]“Is this even possible!”
Count Ert dared to slam down on the desk of the Crown Prince of this Empire. Such an act of disrespect, yet Ludwig only raised an eyebrow, refraining from any rebuke.
“If Your Highness, the Crown Prince, participated in the last punitive battle, shouldn’t it be fitting for the Prince to partake in this one?”
Facing the enraged loyalist, Ludwig remained calm.
“What’s the big deal about a day or two?”
“Why are you always so calm about something that’s not just a day or two! Shouldn’t you be a bit angry if it’s not just a day or two? Am I the only one angry now, huh?”
“What changes if you get angry?”
Turns Out He’s Been Secretly in Love with Me
One-line summary: He acts like he doesn’t like her but is actually playing hard to get.
Synopsis:
Xu Muzhou like her. He has liked her for a very long time, and through repeated schemes, he finally closed the distance with her.
But this is still far from enough.
He wants to be the one who stands out among her many suitors, to fight for her attention, and to make her take the initiative to pursue him.
_____
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