Chapter 525
C525
"...The scale of the Imperial Army's vanguard?"
"1000 knights, 100 magicians, and 5 dragons. The commander is Kevin Ferrell of the Dragon King Knights. Notable knights include Scott Harlow of the Central Knights, Marvin Pan, and Gloria Zenderer of the White Knights. The magician commander is Loya Lilitha, mainly composed of the Second Division of the Lilitha Magic Corps."
"50 lion-class cannons, 3 red dragon-class cannons, and a number of barrier amplification artifacts have been confirmed as war artifacts."
Even with that, there weren't many nations in the world that couldn't be conquered.
Excluding the main factions, it was overwhelming for a single nation or clan.
Furthermore, the lists recited by the commanders were only for the vanguard.
The size of the main force that would arrive later was incomparable.
"The scale of the main force has not been determined yet, but it is estimated to be at least ten times larger."
The atmosphere in the conference room became heavy.
Those who guessed Ron's condition renewed their determination once again, and those who didn't continued to think about the white stone.
"Three hours, faster than expected. The Emperor must know that Ron is not in a condition to fight. Probably, that's why they've rushed to come. The main force will probably arrive a couple of hours after the vanguard."
It was as Shuras said.
Crack!
Suddenly, Shuras split the long table in the conference room in half and walked among them until he stood in front of Dante.
Then, he knelt down and bowed.
"I, Shuras Helter, patriarch of the Helter Family. My knights under my control and I will share the same fate as Hairan."
As Shuras pledged, the other knights fell to their knees as well.
"Sellington will also fight alongside Hairan!"
"My Lofermo Family would have perished in antiquity if not for Hairan. It's weak, but it will help."
"My Traga Family will support Hairan."
"My clan...."
Thirty representatives from each clan and family in the conference room swore loyalty to Dante and Hairan.
Then, there were seven people left.
They were the most shocked by the news that Ron had lost consciousness.
After Dante solemnly placed a sword on the shoulders of those who had sworn allegiance and they responded, he looked at them in silence.
"Family Kingzel, Family Felicie, Family Metingh, Family Baizerin, Family Panega, Family Mitro, Family Zinion."
"Dante-nim, we...."
"You have betrayed your trust with Hairan. You have forgotten that my clan, my grandfather, and my ancestors fought for your well-being."
The representatives of the seven clans and families couldn't lift their heads at Dante's words.
The knights who still knelt were ready to behead them at any moment if Dante gave the order.
"But I don't want to believe that you abandoned Hairan's faith simply out of fear for your life and the survival of your clan. I will assume that you chose to maintain loyalty to the Empire rather than loyalty to Hairan. So, before you leave, there is something you must do for the Empire."
"Speak... please."
"Help evacuate the people from Sword Emperor Castle. If you're not even willing to do that, it means you haven't chosen loyalty, and I have no reason to forgive you."
The seven knights who didn't swear loyalty bowed their heads and left the conference room.
"Golo-nim."
"Yes, my lord!"
"Evacuate all non-combatant vassals and subjects. If the seven clans don't help in the process, you can behead them immediately."
"I will do as you command."
"Also, all rank-and-file soldiers must be evacuated."
The rank-and-file soldiers were mainly responsible for operating equipment and supply, as well as maintaining guard and post-battle control. If rank-and-file soldiers were absent, lower-ranking knights would have to operate equipment like cannons themselves, causing a certain loss of power. However, Dante didn't want to make them assume too harsh a responsibility.
If they lose the war, their entire family will die just by standing on the walls.
"It may be that he cannot fight, as I predicted before... Not seeing a response even though the Emperor has raised an army is almost certain."
"There is still no full-scale movement, but Zipple may be taking care of the Emperor."
"If the White Stone is worth as much as the Emperor said, Zipple will surely back him up."
"Should I prepare the knights?"
Rosa thought for a moment about her youngest son, rather than responding to the scribe's words.
"And the Twelfth Flagbearer?"
"He is safe inside Tikan, but the detailed internal situation is unknown due to the patriarch's order."
"That child will definitely go to Sword Emperor Castle. I think the sudden vacation request of the Fourth Flagbearer has something to do with it."
"Leading Runcandel's knights and going to Sword Emperor Castle without permission from the patriarch in function..."
"You are making quite an absurd assertion. When has the youngest acted with such timidity? Besides, even if the youngest doesn't have the clan's knights with him, he has a solid force of his own."
The scribe tilted his head.
'I don't know exactly what kind of White Stone Hairan has, but there's nothing wrong with having it, seeing that the Emperor is so eager for it.'
However, it was burdensome to take a step forward without any information or justification.
If, by chance, the White Stone had no special value, Runcandel would be interfering in the Empire's civil war without any benefit.
"For now, let's see how the youngest handles the situation. However, if we detect a situation where Zipple or Kinzelo is actively coming out, we will act accordingly. Watch the place closely. Also, make a statement that Runcandel has nothing to do with the civil war in Hairan."
This way, if Jin's actions led to unfavorable results, they could naturally position it as not representing the judgment of all of Runcandel.
On the other hand, if it ended well, it would once again highlight the capabilities and tenacity of Runcandel's Twelfth Flagbearer.
"Yes, as you command."
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The emperor's vanguard army arrived at the plains of Sword Emperor Castle.
Dante stood in the middle of the wall at the gate and observed them.
Five dragons, a thousand knights, a hundred magicians, fifty-three cannons, and barrier equipment were aimed at the main gate of Sword Emperor Castle.
The back gate and the side gate seemed to be surrounded by the main force anyway, so there was no need to pay attention.
"I am Kevin Ferrell, Vanguard Commander of the Civil War Repression Army under His Majesty, the great Emperor Amir Vermont! Ron Hairan, Lord of Sword Emperor Castle, come now and receive the edict of His Majesty!" shouted Kevin Ferrell as he gazed at Sword Emperor Castle from atop a red dragon.
Dante and the commanders did not respond to his words.
Kevin, feeling somewhat ignored, raised his voice even more.
He had heard from the Emperor beforehand, but he had just seen with his own eyes that Ron couldn't fight.
"Is Ron Hairan absent? If so, young patriarch, Dante Hairan, heed His Majesty's edict and obey...!"
Swish!
Before he could finish his sentence, Kevin felt a chilling sensation like the wind entering his chest.
"What...?"
A hole appeared in his chest.
Kevin completely ignored that moment, but it happened right after something flashed on the walls of Sword Emperor Castle.
The light came from Dante's sword.
The sword that had pierced through Kevin's chest had already returned to its sheath, and only a few were aware of its speed.
As Kevin began to fall from the back of the dragon, Dante spoke.
"No one dares to scorn Sword Emperor Castle in the Empire, not even the Emperor. So, if someone wishes to convey the Emperor's will, they must defeat me and speak."
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