’I am assuming the "they" he is referring to are the Witches. Then who is the "her"?’ Dorian mused. ’Figured as much. Soone here would know sothing the others don’t. I made the right call showing myself. Unlink thoughts.’
[Unlinking thoughts.]
Dorian already had an idea on how he was going to handle the priest. But for now, there was a more pressing issue to address while he held the room’s attention.
"As you know, I got into a fight with a Witch not too long ago. Bonnie, the Witch of Turmoil... as I was told."
As he began, all eyes snapped back to him. They were hungry for information. Where had he been all this ti? Why disguise himself as a Baron?
"While it is true that I am the reincarnation of the Dragon Monarch, I still have not regained all my mories. As such, I am in the dark regarding the current feud happening right now," Dorian lied smoothly, ignoring their curious gazes.
It was better to play the amnesiac god than the clueless transmigrator.
"I’ll have Ravina fill in on that later. In the anti, I want every single one of you to have an Anti-Witch Hunter Unit gathered in every region of the country. Starting today. No later."
"You want us to have them ready?" Gorgia asked, a bit confused. "But the units were disbanded decades ago."
"Yes," replied Dorian, his tone leaving no room for argunt.
"The Witch attacked us. Chances are they will do it again, and I might not be there to swat them down next ti. With the help of the Witch Hunters, we can protect the lives of the people while actively searching for their covens."
The priest chid in, finding a valid point to raise.
"I am afraid most of the Witch Hunters no longer wield the power of the Faja Blade. And even if the King were to decide to grant them the blessing like every other King in history... does she have the power to do that? I heard it took a great deal of life force to share the White Mana onto other weapons."
"If that is what you are worried about, then I will be the one to grant her the power she needs. Do you still have any questions regarding that?" Dorian pressed on, staring directly into Sandro’s soul.
Sandro, knowing he no longer had any argunt—and fearing what Dorian might see in his eyes—imdiately fell silent.
"Good," Dorian said, nodding once, satisfied with the silence.
"Now, back to the Witch Hunter units. I want comprehensive coverage. Every town, every village, should have a trained group ready to respond. Duke Salvaina, I’ll need you to manage the training and deploynt logistics in your territories and coordinate with Duke Gorgia."
Duke Salvaina, ever pragmatic, imdiately began formulating a plan in his head. "It will be done, Your Majesty. We can repurpose so of the retired auxiliary guards and integrate them with the few remaining experienced hunters. It will take ti to bring them up to standard, but we can have initial deploynt within a week."
"A week is acceptable for initial response teams," Ravina conceded, nodding in agreent.
Duke Gorgia snapped out of his stunned silence. "Understood, Your Majesty. I shall mobilize the necessary forces as well. My intelligence network is robust; I will have preliminary reports on potential routes by tomorrow."
Dorian then turned his attention to Ravina, who was still seated comfortably on his lap, smiling up at him as if this were a date rather than a council of war.
"As for you, Ravina. You are the King," he said, tapping her nose lightly. "While I manage the larger threats, you need to ensure the kingdom’s governance remains stable. Your first royal decree, once we leave this room, will be the official reinstatent and empowering of the Witch Hunter Corps."
Ravina’s smile softened into a determined expression. "It will be done, Dorian. And I will make sure the public understands this is a necessary defense, not a fear-driven panic."
"Excellent."
Dorian looked at the Head Priest, Sandro, whose earlier agitation seed to have been replaced by a strained compliance.
"Head Priest, your role in this is critical," Dorian said, his voice dropping low.
"The Church has the most extensive records and lore concerning the Faja Blade, the Witches, and the Dragon Monarch’s history. You will open those records to Ravina and the Dukes. More importantly, you will use the Church’s influence to rally the common folk. Preach vigilance, cooperation, and courage. The age of hiding from the Witches is over."
Sandro bowed his head slightly, avoiding eye contact. "I understand the gravity of the situation. I will provide all necessary information and rally the faithful."
He hesitated, then spoke again.
"But I must speak plainly. If the Witches are indeed returning in force, the entire Mortal Realm will be affected. Will the other kingdoms be warned? Or do we fight alone?"
Dorian leaned back against the plush fabric of the chair, his gaze unwavering as he looked at the Head Priest. The question was a valid one, and one he had already considered.
"We will not fight alone," Dorian stated, his tone firm. "But we will not rely on others either. The Mortal Realm is currently divided, politically fractured, and unprepared for a coordinated defense. Sending out general warnings will likely result in panic, not preparation, and may simply alert the Witches to a unified opposition before we are ready."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in.
"We will focus on securing our borders and strengthening the Golden Kingdom first. Ravina will send highly trusted, discreet envoys to selected neighboring rulers, those with whom she shares a working relationship, not necessarily alliances. The ssage will be simple: Witches are mobilizing; prepare your defenses, and if you require assistance, you will speak only to the King of the Golden Kingdom."
Ravina chid in, understanding the strategy instantly.
"This maintains our control over the narrative and prevents a complete collapse of order. It also positions the Golden Kingdom as the center of resistance and authority in the Mortal Realm, provided the dragon mornach is willing to back the offers of assistance."
Dorian smiled-
"We’ll see about that in ti."
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