kscans

Chapter 204 - Interlude: The Kingdom's Strategy

And so, the counteroffensive began in each nation.

As if to signal the start, the battle at the border commenced.

This development was communicated to the royalty of each nation through Emperor Yorune.

In the Harg Kingdom...

Before the main gate.

All the soldiers, knights, and adventurers who had been notified beforehand were assembled.

Glad, in full armor, stood before them.

"Everyone, listen well!" Glad began. "As you are aware, yesterday, a knight captain acted on his own, advanced on the monsters, and was defeated. During that encounter, three high-ranking monsters—Orc Kings—were confirmed. Furthermore, we received a report of a giant lizard. This lizard is an unknown monster, never before seen in the Kingdom. It is said to be wreathed in flames."

He continued, "If we continue to fight defensively, it is clear that we will be unilaterally trampled by this monster. Therefore, we have decided to execute a counteroffensive. Naturally, the probability of losing your lives is extremely high. With that in mind, you were given the choice to stay or leave late last night. Your presence here tells me that you are prepared. Are there any questions?"

In response to his query, the adventurer Leona spoke up. "I have a question. The counteroffensive is more about extending the front lines, correct? We engage the monsters, and the moment they reach a certain distance, we counter with the weapons we've set up. Is that right?"

She was repeating the plan that had been proposed yesterday.

Only those who had been in the throne room knew of this.

Glad confirmed, "That is correct. The weapon has already been installed atop the castle gate, in its designated position. The magicians who will operate and fire it are also ready. According to the technical department, its maximum effective range is three hundred meters. Therefore, we will be fighting at a distance of around two hundred meters—at the position where you see those three trees lined up."

He pointed.

Everyone turned to see three trees standing in a neat row.

An adventurer asked, "Uh, how long do we have to keep fighting?"

To this, Glad replied, "The signal to retreat will be a red smoke signal. However, the weapon will not be fired until the giant lizard appears."

A stir went through the crowd at his answer.

In other words, if that monster didn't show up, the weapon wouldn't be used, even if all three Orc Kings appeared.

The assembled warriors began to murmur amongst themselves.

Into this atmosphere, a voice cut through. "Sounds good to me. As long as I get to fight, I'm satisfied."

It was Bardos, completely oblivious to the mood.

The adventurers who knew him thought, There he goes, the battle junkie. The soldiers and knights, for some reason, felt a sense of defeat, thinking, To think we lost to a guy like this.

His single comment silenced the crowd.

Just then, a clear, dignified voice spoke. "Your unwavering spirit is, as always, a great comfort to me."

It was a lovely and majestic voice.

Everyone turned their heads to the right to see Queen Olivia. The chancellor and her attendant maids stood at her sides.

Glad immediately dropped to one knee. "Your Majesty! Why are you here?"

The knights followed suit, kneeling and bowing their heads. The others, surprised by the Queen's sudden appearance, stood frozen in stunned silence.

Olivia addressed them. "There is no need for such formality. I have come to tell you something. You, too, please stand and listen."

She walked to the spot where Glad had been standing just moments before.

Standing before everyone, she declared, "Everyone, today's battle will be the second great war in the history of our Kingdom. I do not know if you are aware, but over a century ago, a hero and his companions repelled a great monster that sought to trample this land. However, you do not need to become like them. We who live in the present will win this battle in our own way. I will not permit you to lose your lives for the sake of honor. Our victory is achieved only when you return alive. Please, do not push yourselves beyond your limits."

She spoke with a sincere expression.

Everyone fell silent.

Honestly, some had thought a young woman as queen lacked dignity, but now they realized how shallow and embarrassing that thought was.

In unison, they bowed their heads in silence.

Olivia continued, "That said, you will die if you fight, and there is nowhere to run. Either way, you have no choice but to fight. So... be careful."

She smiled and waved her right hand.

That simple act made everyone almost trip over themselves. To be precise, their legs buckled, but they somehow managed to stay upright.

The chancellor whispered, "Olivia, now is not the time for jokes."

However, his words were audible to all.

"It can't be helped. It's the truth," Olivia replied. "In the end, survival depends on one's own skill and experience. There is nothing to be done about that."

It was a pragmatic statement.

As if her words had broken the tension, the atmosphere brightened slightly.

The adventurers began to murmur, "Yeah, she's right. The Queen is right."

"It's up to us whether we survive or not."

"I'm definitely coming back alive. For my mother's sake."

They were brimming with motivation.

The soldiers, too, were visibly more fired up. As for the knights, they were already fighting out of a sense of duty and responsibility, so it was business as usual for them.

The chancellor looked at the scene. "Did you know this would happen?"

Olivia offered a playful smile. "Who can say? I'll leave it to your imagination."

Amidst this atmosphere, Glad raised his voice. "Men! You have heard the gracious words of our Queen! Let us take them to heart and fight to the last!"

He held his mace high in his right hand.

Everyone raised their weapons to the sky.

"""Oooooooohhhhhh!"""

A great war cry erupted.

Glad declared, "Now, to battle!"

With his shout, they marched toward the battlefield.

After seeing them all off, Olivia said, "Now, let us do what we can."

And with that, she began to walk away.