This is the palace of a concubine princess.

　Until the princess was formally crowned, this was her royal palace and office.

　Inevitably, her subjects and those connected to her would exchange words in this palace.

　One of the rooms. Largd-Anne's voice rang out, her chest heaving with her small limbs.

The situation is simple at best. At worst, it's critical. Let's get this straight.

　Anne drew a white line on a black board and drew a simple map of the continent.

　Anne drew a white line on a black board and drew a simple map of the continent, noting only the names of the large nations, and continued.

We will crown the new Kingdom of Garleist with the Eastern Borvat Dynasty and the Southern Illyssarde as de facto allies. This is an alliance of nations with a vast territory unparalleled in history, but one that will not be of immediate use. The Borvat dynasty is half-dead due to the appearance of a great demon. I've heard that Elyzard is also in a situation where the tribes are unable to work together due to the demon disaster.

　In other words, neither of them could be relied on.

　If you only look at the situation, there is a high possibility that you will be asked to cooperate, but you will not be able to stand in opposition.

　Nevertheless, the alliance is worthwhile just for the fact that a decisive confrontation has been avoided.

　If the lull had continued, there would have been no problem.

"In the midst of this catastrophe, there are two forces that have declared themselves hostile to us. In the midst of this catastrophe, there are two forces that have declared themselves against us: the Old Kingdom forces led by the Amerites-Gerleist who have fled to the north, and the Cathedral forces that are protecting them.

　Anne said and looked around the room once. As they sat at the oval-shaped table, she noticed only one person.

　The hero Lugis.

　Somehow, he was chatting with Lord Biondor, with Caria and Fialat by his side.

　These are men who have outlasted their time. Maybe they get along.

　But that did not amuse Anne. It's as if she's being told that she's worth less than Lord Biondor.

　He usually asks for details over drinks or dinner after such meetings. Then why not ask him at the meeting?

　No, of course, it's not that I don't like the idea of us having drinks and dinner together.

It's just that the ...... two forces are practically one. They hate us, the heraldic state. They won't even accept messengers - and I've heard that morale has been like a tsunami since they crowned Alueno as their saint.

　Saint Alueno. I'm not sure if it's a good idea, but I think it's a good idea.

　Why, indeed? Was there any such information?

　Anne went over the records in her mind and continued to speak.

"There's one more big problem. The other disaster that appeared in the northwest--the great demon Zebraeliris--is continuing to move south. If we continue, he will surely devour all of our territory. If that happens, we won't be able to maintain the appearance of a kingdom.

"So, this is what it's all about, Mister Ann.

　Before I knew it, Biommodore had finished his chat with Lugis and was looking at Anne.

　Apparently, he had not overheard the contents of the meeting while exchanging words with those around him.

　He was a man of no talent at all.

"We are the Cathedral Army and Zebraeliris. We are still being targeted by the two disasters. We should not be relieved at all.

"You're right, Lord Biondor.

　In addition to that, the existence of the Lords and Lords United Roar lying to the west could not be overlooked.

　They are also victims of the sobbing demon disaster, but apparently they have no intention of forming an alliance with the new kingdom.

　Originally, there was no active religious belief in that country, but before long, many of the lords had become supporters of the Great Saints.

　We can't actively oppose them, but we can't expect them to cooperate either. If the need arises, they will stab us in the back.

　In a sense, the situation is simple. It's much simpler than when I was trying to make a name for myself in Garoua Maria.

　That's why it's so critical.

"Sir Hero. What do you think? I'd like to hear what you have to say. After all, you're the General.

　Anne said in a tone of annoyance that she could no longer hide.

　She looked at the hero with a chewing tobacco in his mouth. She rolled her eyes and chuckled as if she had been caught off guard. As if to say, "Why me?

　However, contrary to his grimace, the eyes of the people around him gradually gathered on Lugis.

　It was only natural. The great hero who killed a demon in King's Landing and felled a great demon in Eastern Borvat. He would be appointed as the marshal at the coronation tomorrow.

　Who wouldn't be more or less interested in what he had to say.

　And then, of all people, there was someone who took Ann at her word.

"Yes. I want to hear it too. Say it, Lugis.

　Princess Philos said, glaring at her through her spyglass. For some reason, she seemed amused.

　She was the only one who could give orders to Lugis in this situation. And so, Lugis had to nod at her words.

　Seeing his cheeks twitch, Anne exhales in satisfaction.



　That's what happens when you try to pass off what you're saying as unserious.

"Well, ...... you're right. I know the moves of the saint over there. They're not going to simply attack us. It's hard to imagine that they're going to hit us when we're weakened by the Zebraelis, or that they're going to make a move on us first. I wish Valerie wasn't over there at least.

　"Hey, old man," Lugis said casually to Richard.

　I'm sure you'll be able to figure out what's going on.

　The great demon Zebraeliris continues to encroach on the continent at this very moment, eating everything in its path. The area under the direct control of the Cathedral is no exception.

　But it was not as deadly as the Garlist Kingdom.

　If Zebraeliris continues to erode in a straight line, it will hit the fertile periphery of the Garleist Kingdom.

　The Garleist would be just as likely to lose their hearts. There'll be a famine on the horizon, and they won't be able to fight.

　It was quite possible that the cathedral would strike just in time.

"...... Well. I don't want to meet Valerie directly. I'm sure he's the best in the world when it comes to pure fisticuffs. If I was in command, I'd win.

"It's not just Valerie-Brightness. The Cathedral Army. No, Saint Alueno has appointed Valerie and a few others as her guardians and entrusted them with the army.

　Anne couldn't help but add to Richard's weak and bullish statement.

　Looking back, Anne thought it was probably a mistake to add that without thinking.

　She looked down at the parchment in her hand. There were several names on it.

　One by one, she read them out.

"Garrus Gargantia. He is the first knight of the Cathedral Order. His military name is no less than Valerii's. The other is Zilir-Hano who is said to perform miracles beyond magic. And--

　I've seen this name somewhere before, Anne thought. But that feeling of discomfort quickly dissipated.

　She slowly pressed her lips open.

"Heldt-Stanley. It looks like he's also a Cathedral Knight. I don't know the details of your background, but--

"Anne.

　It was a very quiet voice. On the surface, it sounded like small talk.

　But with that one word, the room froze.

　Not Philos, not Mattia. Not even Caria, Fialaert, or Erdis, who were all around him, spoke up.

　They had all realized that the words were unusual.

　So did Anne.

"...... What, sir? Hero.

What does this Herd-Stanley look like?

　What does he look like? For a moment, the words made no sense. Anne realized that she was extremely nervous.

　She paused for a few seconds, and then simply said what she had been thinking.

"...... A young man with blond hair and golden eyes, you say. What can I do for you, Mr. Hero?

　That was all I could manage to ask.

　She felt as if she would be attacked if she poked her head any further.

"No. Thank you, Anne. I understand.

　That was all Lugis said. She didn't say anything else.

　However, everyone in the room was aware that Herdt-Stanley had an extraordinary connection to this hero.

　After all, Lugis hadn't taken his hand off the magical sword in his hand since the moment he heard the name.