Nine days had passed since the fateful celebration in the palace of Aleonia, and the city still echoed with the news of the attempt on the king. At the city's military installations, Lieutenant Carlos Moorentrill, from Aleonia's main squadron, was in a strategic discussion with Tiuroreisen about the recent events in the Lisithea region.

"This Galèsian invasion of Lisithea is an unimaginable tragedy," muttered Carlos, his expression filled with concern.

Tiuro nodded, pondering the situation. "The reports we have received of the devastation are disturbing. We need to act quickly and decisively."

As they discussed strategies to deal with the growing threat, they were interrupted by the arrival of Emille Foldenhardt, non-commissioned officer of Aleonia's eastern division, and Peter Gruffardo, leader of Aleonia's 2nd infantry division. Both brought recent information about the situation in Caspper, south of the country of Aleonia, and the commotion it caused in the kingdom.

"The looming Èrasus Squadron towards the borders of Lisithea and Quinervalle are becoming clearer and clearer," said Peter, his deep voice reflecting the seriousness of the situation. "They will have to eliminate the Galèsia soldiers and knights who have settled there, but they will face significant challenges."

Carlos and Emille nodded, worried about the dangers the knights faced on their constant pilgrimage.

"Knight Fatigue will be a real risk," Emille noted, frowning. "Plus, the adverse terrain makes every move a true test of skill and endurance."

Carlos agreed, adding: "The enemy soldiers are cruel and merciless, complete Barbarians...! Even the most skilled knights and generals face an uphill battle in these conditions."

As they assessed the challenges facing Aleonia's soldiers, everyone agreed that it was necessary to act with caution and determination to ensure the kingdom's security. War required sacrifices, but it also required intelligent and strategic leadership.

Faced with the uncertainty of the future and the growing threat from Galèsia, Tiuro and his colleagues in arms knew they would have to remain vigilant and united to protect their country from imminent destruction.

As clouds gathered in the sky, announcing the arrival of cloudy weather, soldiers continued their patrols through the city's streets, ensuring the safety of citizens who remained outside their homes. Nortus Argento, Lunis's older brother, marched along with his fellow soldiers, listening to their complaints about the persistent commotion that accompanied them.

“Arghh… These people are very excited…!”

“North–! Swap shifts with me.”

With dark brown hair like his late father's and piercing blue eyes like his mother's, Nortus kept his thoughts focused on his family in Midtown, where he knew they were safe for now.

“Lunis, my family… I hope you are well…”

It was then that news arrived of a new statement from his majesty, King Voros, scheduled for the afternoon. The soldiers were instructed to form up at dusk, prepared to hear the monarch's words, which would also be announced to the people.

“Attention everyone–!”, the sheriff had arrived at the military post, in the upper city, to take news from the main HQ.

Everyone had formed up before the sheriff.

“I have been informed that, at dusk on that day, Your Majesty will make an important announcement, in conjunction with the departure of the Èrasus Squadron.”, announced the Sheriff.

“. ..Another pronouncement?… ” – asked Nortus in his thoughts.

The soldiers murmured among themselves about what the monarch would talk about besides the departure of General Faulhault's squadron.

…

Meanwhile, at court, the monarch was preparing in his chambers, surrounded by his fellow war committee members. Guarded by the paladins of the imperial guard, Voros pondered the next actions to be taken amid the chaos of the war unfolding in his kingdom. The decisions he would make would affect not only the present, but also the future of Aleonia and its people.

The murmur of citizens echoed through the streets as King Voros prepared to announce before his people. The hall was full, expectant, awaiting his words.

"My subjects," the king began, his voice resounding through the room. "Today, we come together in the midst of dark times, times of war and pain. Times that have challenged us and forced us to face the worst in ourselves."

The attentive eyes of those present followed the monarch's every word.

"From the first day of this conflict, we have seen our fields stained by the blood of our brave warriors. We have seen entire cities destroyed, families torn apart, dreams shattered."

There was a moment of solemn silence, where only the faint murmur of the crowd could be heard.

"But today, my friends, I bring you a light of hope, a promise of change. I announce that the Èrasus Squadron will soon depart for Lisithea and Quinervalle, led by the courageous General Faulhault. Together, we will regain what is rightfully ours; we will restore peace in our lands."

A murmur of approval spread through the city, but it was soon cut short as Voros continued.

"But that's not all. I also announce a new military decree. All teenagers and adults born male, aged 15 and over, must enlist and receive instruction to join the army. Together, we will march towards victory."

The city was filled with murmurs again, this time mixed with expressions of concern and discontent.

"I know this news may be difficult to accept for many of you," the king continued, his voice firm. "But I ask that you trust me. Together, we will overcome these challenges; we will regain our prosperity and our honor. Together, we will write a new chapter in the history of Aleonia."

“Have a good time, my beloved subjects.”

With these words, the king withdrew, leaving the civilians immersed in thoughts and debates about the uncertain future that awaited them. A heavy rain had also started.

As the king withdrew, leaving the upper city in an uproar, the murmuring of the citizens intensified. Some expressed concern for the future of their loved ones, while others murmured words of support for the monarch.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes, Voros addressed his advisors and war committee members, who were waiting to discuss the details of next steps. He ordered his men to announce his decree on the streets of the cities.

"General Faulhault," called the king, addressing the military leader who stood out in the crowd.

"Your leadership will be fundamental in this endeavor. I have full confidence in your abilities to guide our Èrasus Squadron to victory."

Faulhault nodded determinedly:

"I am ready to accept this challenge, your majesty. I will do everything in my power to ensure the success of our mission."

The monarch requested the dispersion of the individuals within the room, except Faulhault, who remained in the room. Voros sat in his chair, placing his hands on the table.

“Is there a problem, Your Majesty?”, Faulhault asked the monarch, who displayed such dissatisfaction and concern on his face.

Voros responded, acknowledging his advisors' concerns:

“I understand their concerns… but I believe this is the best way to protect our kingdom and restore peace.”

“Many of our comrades are unable to return to the battlefield, and our new generation is too weak to train good warriors.”

“Our Rùbarian lineage was lost… in time.”

“…”

“I think I'm losing track of what I should do, my general.”

Voros's frustration was clear, considering the weight of the lives he was carrying. The monarch remained inert in his thoughts, and the dense and uncomfortable atmosphere did not allow a single word to come out of Faulhault's mouth.

“...Well, there’s not much I can do… after all, this is the path I chose to take.” – Voros emphasized, reinvigorating himself from his melancholy thoughts.

“Faulhault, prepare your cavalry, you must be ready to carry out this mission.”

“Right.”, Faulhault nods at the monarch's words and leaves the room, leaving him with his guards.

“Urghh–! This whole thing was a disaster.”, Grace said, frustrated.

In the storage room of the large library, Grace was talking to Narov.

“Lady Grace, calm down–! We don’t want to attract the attention of the guards.”

Grace placed the book she was holding on a table next to her.

"And now? The guards don't leave his side, surveillance is increasingly strict. Paladins here and there.”

“There really is nothing to do…”

“…and it’s all thanks to THAT SHITTY KNIGHT–!”

The First Princess was quite upset because of what had happened at the celebration event a week ago. Narov tried to help her reorganize her thoughts and calm her anger.

Grace messes up the shelves in the warehouse, while Narov discusses how to get around this dilemma created by the Monarch. Grace constantly denied the Baron's ideologies, claiming they were flawed and without sufficient substance to become effective.

Grace had stopped rummaging through the shelves and remained silent for a while. That attitude had left the Baron confused, and Grace soon began to smile sadistically, clearly indicating that she had thought of something promising for her plans.

“Actually, my dear Narov… I have something very promising in mind, hehe…”

Grace got close to Narov's ears, and whispered what was on his mind.

“…”

"But this is-!" – Grace's shared thoughts left the Baron completely shocked.

Narov remained astonished at such perversity in the princess's mind. Upon announcing what was going on in her mind, Grace leaves the storeroom, and also the library, leaving Baron Narov.

Grace walked unaccompanied through the corridors, back to her room, filled with her evil and rotten thoughts.

“(You will see… what happens to those who dare to get in my way…)”

“(...you shitty little knight...)”

…

A day had passed. The semi-cloudy dawn covered the region of Aleonia. Tens of thousands of knights remained formed before the monarch, to announce his departure.

Atop his horse, Voros declared: “Your loyal subjects, knights and soldiers! The expected time has arrived. Our most ambitious undertaking ever, the retaking of the most influential post in the entire central Aleonia region, Balterlutt–!”

“Here we are more than a hundred thousand men, dedicated to the sword and sworn to the flag, to preserve the country and the honor of the crown of Aleonia. You, right now, are feeling the fear, the chill down your spine, just like me.”

“...But, our determination is much greater than all these adversities. For our ancestors, for our mother who welcomed us into her bosom, for the future of our children.”

“…and for our shining nation, we will conquer–”

"-THE VICTORY!"

The monarch's words warmed the hearts and determination of the soldiers oppressed by their barbarian enemies in Galèsia. With the army euphoric and inspired by his words, Voros orders them to march, under the command of Faulhault, Tiuroreisen and Alvin, who will be acting as general commander of the mission.

Faulhault turns his gaze to the monarch, and he signals him with his firm and imposing expression: “(...Show me what you are capable of, General...)”

Faulhault turns his face to the troops again, following Alvin's main troop, accompanying Tiuro.

“Your majesty trusts you, General Faulhault. So much so that he gave him a troop of more than thirty thousand men to command.” – declared Alvin, highlighting the great responsibility he had on his shoulders.

“I am aware, Commander.” – replied Faulhault.

“Let’s get those sons of bitches out of our lands–!”, Tiuro approached the two with his horse.

“Of course, that…”

“...This will be our biggest mission in this entire war.” – stated the commander.

The commanders and their troops leave the great capital, heading towards their first strategic point, Caspper and Rista, west of Aleonia, the capital of Aleonia.

…

Meanwhile in the middle city, Lunis was in his house, watching the troops leave the capital, from the roof.

“Master Faulhault… I pray that you and many soldiers can return well.”

“Lunis–! Come down to eat” shouted Frida, calling for her older brother.

Lunis then got down from the roof and went inside his house.

“(...I have to protect my family, the people, the city...)”

“(...This is my duty...)”

…