Chapter 527: Historical Review

「If they’re eliminating the demon army on their way, then are they truly allies? 」

「But they’re turning away our emissaries. They haven’t accepted any of our letters. There’s a possibility they’re taking advantage of this opportunity to invade. We need to decide on a defense strategy. 」

In response to Vice-Commander Eileen’s report, Sorcerer General Mastigius slammed his fingers on the table, while his mouth was tight.

The Gharast and Heraldic Order coalition forces, numbering 20,000, were closing in on the capital. The nation was still recovering from the demons’ attacks. And the coalition forces were surely well-equipped and well-supplied. They were also highly trained.

The Bolvat army would be no match for them after enduring the indescribably fierce battle with the demon army. Many of their once-imposing elite magical armored units had collapsed, and the majority of their magical beast soldiers had been lost.

No longer possessing any semblance of military integrity, they could only pretend to send out emissaries to block the allied forces from crossing their territory.

That’s why this was the perfect opportunity to launch an attack, if they truly intended to invade this nation. If that was what the coalition forces were aiming for, then there would be no way to defend against them.

The people in the council room had stiff, stern faces, twisting their lips as they occasionally let out a word.

They were either formerly in important positions or had survived the time under the demon army’s rule. None of them were foolish enough to misunderstand the current situation.

「There’s no way we can win a head-on battle. Even though they’re weakened, the Gharast Kingdom is still the ruler of the continent. And we’re even weaker now. 」

It was the voice of an old woman. It was probably her habit to laugh even in situations like this. The others were of the same opinion.

If the allied forces really did intend to start a war, their options were either to surrender by opening the city walls or to engage in a siege that would lead to an unsettling end. But the Bolvat Dynasty no longer had the strength to maintain its hold. Many of the citizens were too exhausted.

Mastigius swallowed the oppressive air and spoke.

「I have no choice but to ask Lady Caria to act as my emissary. It seems she was an influential figure in both Gharast and the Heraldic Order. In order to avoid war, we must at least negotiate favorable terms. 」

It was pathetic that they had to rely so heavily on someone from another country. That was why Mastigius spoke first.

Taking a hardline approach in a situation like this and resulting in pointless war would be the path to their country’s downfall. Mastigius couldn’t allow the Bolvat Dynasty to be destroyed.

But Mastigius wasn’t weak-willed. If he had to fight, then he would march to the battlefield with both arms. That was the kind of man he was.

But then, he thought.

These days were no longer a time for humans to fight each other. Meanwhile, the demons were gathering strength. The war between humanity and demons had already begun in every country.

Despite this, Bolvat turned his war against the city-states during the magical devilish being’s rule. Strangely, Mastigius found it inevitable that other countries would invade.

An all-out conflict must be avoided at all costs.

Suddenly, he heard several footsteps walking down the hallway. They were those of a chamberlain, Caria, and perhaps Filaret. No, he heard something else.

A light sound, as if kicking the ground with their toes. It was a sound he’d heard before.

「Is he finally awake… 」

Suddenly, Mastigius looked at the front door, and everyone turned in that direction.

The chamberlain muttered a word, and the door slid open. A creaking sound was heard.

And there he was. The council room was filled with murmurings.

「You look pale, Mastigius. You look like an invalid. 」

He had the treasure sword and white sword hanging from his waist, and he shrugged his shoulders nonchalantly and carelessly. His demeanor was exactly the same as the one Mastigius had seen in him a while back.

Mastigius instinctively moved his lips in response.

「I’m better than you, after all, you were bedridden for weeks. We’ve been waiting for you for a long time. 」

「I heard Matia and Philos are coming. Maybe I should’ve slept a little longer. 」

With that, he casually sat down in his seat in the meeting room.

…The great demon slayer. Lugis, the hero who slew the dragon.

Everyone in the room held their breath. Their eyes narrowed. It was a kind of fear.

With Caria and Filaret at his side, Lugis looked like a womanizer, and his behavior was quite carefree.

However, the fact that he waged war against the Great Demon Vrilligant and killed him easily obscured any real truth.

Everyone silently wondered what kind of person he was. Rather than trying to guess, they seemed to be considering how to avoid upsetting him.

Seeing this, Mastigius gave a bitter smile and spoke.

「You’ve heard the story, but I’ll tell you again. The combined forces of Gharast and the Heraldic Order are approaching our capital. We lack the power to resist, and we don’t even have a sovereign to lead us into a diplomatic approach. If we fight, we will either be destroyed or surrender. 」

Several people had their eyes widened in amazement at Mastigius’ words.

After all, both Lugis and Caria were from other countries. They wondered in their hearts whether it was appropriate to talk so candidly about their internal affairs. The only exception was the old woman, who turned up the corners of her mouth in amusement.

「Lord Lugis, I’d like to hear your opinion. What kind of people are Saint Matia and Princess Philos in your opinion? 」

「What kind? 」

Lugis spoke, echoing Mastigius’ words. He rested his chin on his hand, pressed his fingers to the bridge of his nose, and closed his lips.

Everyone listened intently to his words. Suddenly, it seemed as if even the air was silent.

It was an assessment of the hero who was closest to the saint and princess. It must be more accurate than anything else. Caria and Filaret were also staring intently at Lugis’ profile.

Lugis replied, with his lips twisting for a moment.

「Let’s see…Matia can be emotional, but she’s also very calculating and intelligent. She’s a wolf-like woman who will go to war if necessary. But I can understand her intentions. On the other hand, I don’t know what Philos will do. 」

Mastigius swallowed dry after hearing his words.

What kind of person could make Lugis, who was far more unrestrained than the average person, say that she was a wolf-like woman?

Mastigius didn’t know the answer to his inner question.

「Sometimes she’s sensible, other times she’s unconventional. Other times you think she can only live by her beliefs, and then she’ll stand up even if she’s pushed down. Well, you can take what I say with a grain of salt. They’re both good women. That’s for sure. 」

Hearing Lugis say this, everyone in the room realized the nature of his relationship with the saint and the princess.

No one in this world would describe those who were spoken of as saints and sovereigns so vividly. They felt like partners who had loyalty and respect.

If there was such a thing, then their relationship was a close one, or even an intimate one.

So that must be what Lugis and them were.

Even a child could understand Lugis’ words. Everyone in the room remained silent, refusing to mention it. Even Mastigius himself.

「Understood. That’s very helpful. So, taking that into consideration, Lord Lugis…」

Just as Mastigius was about to open his mouth again, Caria, with her silver hair shining, distorted her lips, taking the initiative.

「…Please wait. He won’t hear what you’ll say. He won’t be your emissary. 」

Caria’s words were spoken in the same language as a Gharast knight. Her voice, which only got to the main points, seemed like a silver sword.

A vibration of tension ran through the entire council room. Only Mastigius looked directly into Caria’s eyes.

「I want to know what you mean, Lady Caria. 」

「I was very clear. I’m sure you understand, General. 」

Their silver and black gazes intertwined in that moment.

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