The military council held in the Spada Royal Castle’s assembly hall showed no signs of ending, even as the evening sun began to set.
The agenda was regarding the “Crusaders,” a force that had suddenly emerged and occupied the neighboring nation of Daedalus.
Given that this was currently the most critical matter concerning national security, it was only natural for the debate to become heated.
“We should take the initiative,” declared General Emilia Friedrich Baldiere, who led the Spada Army’s Second Division, “Tempest.”
The female hero produced by the Baldier Family, one of Spada’s four noble families, exuded an intimidating presence, to the point where even veteran knights could only utter “yes” when met with her glare.
“How many times do I have to say it’s difficult… Ugh, this is going in circles…”
However, a single young man responded with reluctance, more out of fatigue than outright opposition to her proposal.
He was none other than Eisenhart Tristan Spada, the first prince of Spada and the vice-captain of the First Division, “Braveheart.”
Running his fingers through his red hair, a trait inherited from his father, he cast a fleeting glance toward the presiding chair. There sat his father, King Leonhart Tristan Spada, maintaining a stoic silence.
His stern expression and sharp golden eyes directed at the assembly gave him the dignity befitting a king, but deep down, he was likely growing weary of the unresolvable debate.
Eisenhart half-jokingly, half-seriously thought that if left to his own devices, his father would suddenly declare, “Let’s deploy immediately!”
In other words, the son knew well that his father was not suited for this kind of intellectual labor.
“…sigh.”
It wasn’t just King Leonhart who felt exasperated; Eisenhart felt the same, and those high-ranking officers of the Spada Army gathered here must surely share the sentiment.
General Emilia, who clashed with opposing opinions, likely felt both physically and mentally exhausted, even if she didn’t show it on her face.
It was time to decide on a strategy, or at least reach a conclusion for this council.
After taking another small sigh, Eisenhart spoke up.
“General Emilia, I understand the effectiveness of a preemptive strike, but the situation doesn’t really allow for it, does it?”
His opinion was one of defensive posture.
“I thought it might be inappropriate to say this here, but unless I voice it, the discussion won’t progress. The problem lies not with the Spada Army, but with foreign nations.”
“…Are you suggesting we should wait for consensus with our allied nations?”
Emilia was not in her position by mere chance; she possessed an intellect to match her overwhelming martial prowess.
She understood the main point already, having avoided mentioning it until now, but she had anticipated it from the start.
“Fahren has my sister, and more importantly, we’ve built up a goodwill debt from the slave merchant incident, so things should go smoothly.”
While Spada and Fahren had previously engaged in fierce territorial disputes over the land of Iskia, they had now become renowned friendship nations due to their deepening ties, especially after Spada’s first princess married Fahren’s first prince during King Leonhart’s reign.
If Spada were to seek assistance from other nations, Fahren would undoubtedly be the first to step forward.
However, that also implied there wasn’t much hope for assistance from other nations beyond Fahren, particularly the neighboring country situated in another direction.
“After all, Avalon will be difficult, won’t it?”
In response to Eisenhart’s comment, Emilia raised her elegant brow, as though understanding the situation well.
“It is lamentable that the Demon King’s land has grown complacent.”
The central city-states of the Pandora Continent had enjoyed a long period of peace.
This was not due to the people possessing purely benevolent hearts that relinquished war, but rather the result of continuous diplomatic efforts and an exquisite military balance.
Of course, with the long years of peace, the fundamental emotions of avoiding war and fostering friendships with neighboring nations had taken root among the populace, but any significant shift in the power balance would undoubtedly ignite the sparks of a new conflict.
It was precisely for this reason that Spada had maintained a defensive policy regarding Daedalus up until now.
The ambition of Dragon King Gavinal to unify Pandora is well known. Therefore, during defensive battles, it was relatively easy to secure cooperation from allied nations, including Avalon.
The established military structure allowing Spada to fight in defense without concern for setbacks played a significant role in consistently repelling the mighty Daedalus Army.
However, if Daedalus, which had until now been a foe satisfactory to all nations, was defeated and replaced by another force, the narrative would change.
The crux of the matter is that a discussion on whether to support Spada must once again be initiated from a blank slate.
“The Crusaders are a more dangerous enemy than Daedalus. They are barbaric warriors who know nothing of the ways of war.”
The previous envoy sent had suffered misfortune as King Leonhart’s intuition had proved correct, and the envoy never returned to Spada.
Gavinal, with his admiration for the legends of the Ancient Demon King, adhered strongly to the rules of warfare.
Of course, a declaration of war was a given, and he even went so far as to notify the date for the decisive battle. Moreover, he had thrown down a challenge for a duel between their leaders, a concept long since abandoned among the modern city-states.
King Leonhart, who inexplicably accepted each time, was indeed extraordinary, both in action and strength.
In any case, Gavinal would welcome emissaries from Spada with hospitality rather than slaughtering them, carefully listening to their messages while dispatching them with a handwritten letter in return.
To show no response to a sent emissary was more than just rude; it was downright eerie.
If he could at least send back the severed head of the envoy, it would provide a clear indication of hostilities to other nations, hence giving them a talking point. Of course, Eisenhart was not foolish enough to make such inappropriate remarks in a public setting.
“Indeed, it seems the Galahad Mountains had a terrible sight…”
“It was more than terrible; it was a clear act of massacre.”
Emilia’s acute sense of crisis regarding the Crusaders stemmed from having personally witnessed the aftermath of that battle.
About three months prior, just as the Month of Initial Fire had begun, a joint petition for aid had rushed into Spada from the villages of Daedalus.
At that time, Spada suspected there was turmoil in Daedalus, but they had not grasped what exactly was occurring.
The arrival of the envoy from Daedalus provided them with the decisive information they had been lacking.
With swift judgment, King Leonhart decided to dispatch aid. On the very same day, an order was given to the mobile Second Division, “Tempest,” focusing on cavalry.
Thus, the knights led by General Emilia would witness the grisly scene of slaughter along the highways of the Galahad Mountains.
“Well, calm down. I understand it was unavoidable since your cute younger brother was in danger—”
“Eisen!”
“I apologize, General Emilia, it was my faux pas.”
An atmosphere of relief began to flow within the assembly hall, easing the tension slightly.
It was well known that General Emilia was a senior to Eisenhart at the Royal Spada Academy. More specifically, the notable exploits each had established during their time at the academy were famous.
In particular, within the Spada Army, everyone knew Eisenhart could not act haughty toward his senior, Emilia. Therefore, even addressing the royal family by a nickname would not earn any complaints.
“Regardless, we’re currently taking all possible precautions against the Crusaders. The absence of that large Baphomet fellow here is proof enough, right?”
“…Indeed, I have heard that General Gezenbur has entered Galahad Fortress.”
About half a month prior, after King Leonhart returned from inspecting Galahad Fortress, an immediate order was given to strengthen the fortress’s defenses.
The one appointed to that role was General Gezenbur of the renowned Baphomet tribe, known for their high demonic capabilities. The Third Division, “Rampage,” led by him, was dispatched to Galahad Fortress.
“Furthermore, we’ve gathered airborne units of flying dragons, pegasi, and winged beasts for reconnaissance, and we can respond immediately in case of emergency.”
Gathering valuable aerial forces could be interpreted as preparing for war among city-states—a high level of vigilance.
This was clear evidence that Spada, and specifically King Leonhart, did not underestimate the threat posed by the Crusaders.
“However, conversely, that means Spada has reached its limits in the current situation.”
“Yeah, a preemptive strike isn’t going to fly.”
Eisenhart simply affirmed Emilia’s cold statement without denying or making excuses, acknowledging a shared understanding that required no deception or debate.
If Spada were to advocate for a preemptive strike in the current climate, other nations would perceive it as intent to invade Daedalus.
This does not condemn the action of invasion as inhumane; outwardly, such claims could be made, but fundamentally, the issue lies in the potential territorial expansion of Spada.
If Spada were to swallow a vast portion of the Daedalus territory, it would be apparent to anyone that the balance of national power would be disrupted.
Even if Spada had no intention of creating trouble, it was certain that incidents would arise, inevitably leading to conflict, even with the orderly cession of Daedalus territory.
“It feels ridiculous to wait leisurely for the enemy’s preparations to be completed, but it cannot be helped.”
The fact that Spada was limited to a defensive strategy was simply the reality of the situation.
The Crusaders’ recent occupation of Daedalus meant that the enemy’s defenses had likely not been adequately organized. Whether in defense, invasion, or governance of the occupied territories, there was a necessity for preparation time in all regards.
“There are reports of rebellious movements within Daedalus territory as well.”
“Yes, it is uncertain whether they are remnants of defeated soldiers or mere thieves, but there is no doubt that chaos is reigning.”
It is precisely for this reason that an attack launched at the current timing would hold a high likelihood of completely annihilating the Crusaders. Indeed, it wouldn’t be a dream to raise the Spada national flag over Daedalus Royal Castle within the year.
However, such a decisive victory for Spada is not something anyone desires.
“But in the end, we will have to continue doing what has been done, unchanged and unchangeable.”
The perspective that the Crusaders are merely a second Daedalus is likely where they will settle.
Defensive posture—Spada should continue to be the shield of the city-states.
At the very least, this is what has maintained the peace in Pandora for a long time, and this situation is something Spada does not wish to see crumble.
“It cannot be helped, then… but in any case, war with the Crusaders is inevitable. We must at least ensure we can strike first at their frontline base, which I believe is in Alsace, or at the very least, make all necessary preparations so there are no faults when the time comes.”
“I agree with that. Let’s make sure our diplomats do their best to intimidate the Avalon court.”
With that, the opinions gradually began to coalesce.
At that moment, even King Leonhart, who had remained silent thus far and had merely watched the flow of discussions, finally had his turn to perform his duty as chairman and call for a resolution.
“Your Majesty, there is an urgent report that requires your attention.”
One of the Imperial Guards who had quietly appeared whispered to King Leonhart seated in the chairman’s position.
The sight of the king being informed of some report was visible to anyone within the assembly hall, and while his voice was inaudible, the officers began to murmur quietly, curious about what was happening.
The nuanced wait would not last more than a minute.
King Leonhart abruptly stood from his seat and raised his voice as if commanding on the battlefield.
“We will deploy immediately!”