The Kingdom's First Knight Order is the elite of the elite, the most powerful military force in the country.
If we exclude the Allen family’s knights, there’s no one who could defeat the First Knight Order in a direct confrontation.
Thus, their assertion to take the front lines was undoubtedly a positive developnt in terms of military power, but if we rephrase it...
"Are you claiming all the credit for yourselves?"
This was essentially a statent that they would swallow all the benefits. Despite the sideways glance from the Second Queen, the First Queen maintained a calm smile.
"Even though this is sothing Erginus has definitively declared, there are always variables. We're dealing with a formidable evil. If such variables arise, wouldn't it be better to have the most reliable people at the forefront?"
"If that's the case, it would be better for Count Allen to lead his knights to the front," the Second Queen pointed out. "After all, I can confidently say the Allen family’s knights are the strongest on the continent."
Instead of discussing her own Second Knight Order, the Second Queen shifted the conversation toward Allen’s forces.
She did so to emphasize that it wasn’t a power struggle, and to check the First Queen’s unilateral decision.
"Count Allen? What do you think?" the First Queen asked, turning the focus to him.
Despite the attention now on him, Benedict’s expression remained composed.
"I’m not sure if 'the strongest' suits our knights. However, I, Benedict, can say with confidence that, as the kingdom’s protector, no matter what happens, we will not falter," he said.
"No one doubts that here. You know that, right? I’m asking sothing else," the First Queen replied.
“If the front lines must be held and if leadership is required, then yes, I would prefer it to be our knights.”
Those who knew Benedict from the past were surprised by how strongly he was asserting himself now.
He was a man who had once placed his imnse loyalty as high as his strength, stepping back whenever the kingdom required it.
Had this matter been driven solely by the kingdom, Benedict would have respected the First Queen’s opinion, just as he always had.
But this ti, things were different. This ti, it was his daughter’s plan, and there could be no deviation.
He couldn’t allow even the slightest thing that might make Lucy sad. Therefore, he would stand at the front lines. He would prevent any disaster with his own strength.
"Hmm."
Perhaps sensing Benedict's resolve, the First Queen fell silent for a mont before nodding her head.
"Understood. Let’s put this discussion aside for now. Others, please speak up."
"With the Second Knight Order and my old family’s forces, we will take up positions near the Magic Empire. I must be there so that if any diplomatic conflicts arise, they can be easily resolved," the Second Queen added, imdiately after the First Queen.
Before the First Queen could step aside, the Second Queen made her own statent. While slightly lacking compared to the First Knight Order, the Second Knight Order, combined with the elite forces of the Queen’s forr family, was certainly a formidable force.
Furthermore, the Second Queen herself was quite a capable warrior, so it was not difficult for her to command the forces there. In addition, defending that position would make it harder to claim credit for the operation, so no one would oppose the Queen taking on such a difficult task.
"Burrow's knights will also be at the front lines," Duke Burrow announced.
"Are you sure about that? We’re facing the Evil God of Darkness again," soone asked.
"That’s exactly why I want to be there. For revenge."
Duke Burrow, who had nearly lost everything to the Evil God of Darkness last year, spoke with a grim smile, but as he saw the concerned looks of others, he quickly composed himself.
"Oh, of course, I won’t seek command. I will fight as a knight, just like everyone else."
With Duke Burrow also declaring his intent to stand at the front lines, the need for additional forces at the front was nullified. The most dangerous and unwanted position had already been filled.
"Our Kent family, in cooperation with Count Arteas, will be responsible for rear guard and supplies," said Kent.
"Arteas will focus on maintaining the military’s supply lines," he added.
The Kent family and Arteas, who had not been particularly active in this matter, pulled back to take on the less risky but still vital roles, leaving the remaining responsibilities to others.
The second line—places where the damage would be minimal but the chance for reward was great—was where the remaining individuals would be positioned. They had co prepared to serve as shields if necessary.
Those with more modest positions and power exchanged intense glances.
They were only keeping silent because of the prominent figures present. What would happen when these individuals left their posts? Would there be shouting and quarrels?
"Well, it seems most of the decisions are made. Count Allen, let’s have a conversation," the First Queen said, standing up first.
Seeing that the conversation was about the leadership of the front lines, Benedict excused himself and stood up as well.
As they stepped outside the room, Lucy followed, and several others in the eting room sighed in disappointnt.
Why is she so obsessed with the front lines?
As I followed the Burrow family’s servant to my private room, I tilted my head, noticing the old-world elegance in the steps of the First Queen.
‘That might be the usual thinking, but I don’t believe the First Queen is the type of person to obsess over personal gain.’
In truth, the so-called front lines were not as dangerous as they seed. The real front lines would be the ones who would infiltrate the barrier.
Erginus, Benedict, the Swordsman, the Apostle of the Art Guild, Fabi, Murer, and others would enter a place filled with the Evil God’s energy, and while confronting the Evil God would be dangerous, fighting the fairies who erge from the forest would be far less risky.
In other words, the front line the First Queen was claiming was really the second line.
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