"A large-scale battle against the enemy kingdom will most likely take place within the next few days."
Councilor Normero was delivering the latest information to the king in the throne room. From all indications, the enemy kingdom's plans had changed completely, and they had halted their attacks in the west.
"It seems that the infiltration taking place in Senial really was an important part of their plan. Since Leon managed to stop that attack without suffering many casualties, they had to change their strategy."
"I see... And how is Leon? From what I heard, he woke up two days ago. Is he alright?"
According to the information they had received, only two people had died five days earlier when Leon launched his attack against the spies. Although the casualties had been few, they were Leon's parents. They ended up being murdered by one of the spies who managed to escape and sought revenge before attempting to flee completely.
At least, that was what the world believed had happened. Fate itself altered people's information and memories so that the events would be understood differently, rewriting reality in the eyes of the other races, since Magnus could never be known by any being other than the gods and creatures with divine blood.
"And what happened to the spy?"
"He was killed by Leon. However, during the battle, he ended up falling into a coma. Fortunately, he's already recovered. In fact, I saw him at the funeral yesterday."
The household's subordinates and Elara had simply waited for Leon to wake up before proceeding with the burial. When he finally appeared, he merely stood staring at his parents' gravestone. No one was able to see his expression, but the silence he carried was honestly frightening, even to the chief councilor.
'He was so quiet... and so silent.'
Normero turned his attention to the table beside him and picked up a few more documents. They were reports regarding the work carried out by the Wind Elemental. According to the messages that had been sent, other suspicious movements had been identified in three cities, although they were still only in their early stages. Apparently, the spies in those cities were still spreading the teleportation stones. Of course, they managed to find all those stones and move them elsewhere.
"So, when could this war truly begin with this new plan of theirs?"
"I couldn't determine an exact date, but the information we've received indicates that they're gathering their strongest mages."
Selibirt remained thoughtful after hearing those words. His gaze fell upon the sword beside the throne. His lifelong companion would probably have to return to the battlefield, perhaps even sooner than he had expected. Turning his attention back to Normero, he asked in a serious tone,
"Do you think they'll try to invade a city on a large scale?"
"It's possible... But we need to remain vigilant. The best course of action is to reinforce the defenses of the continent's major cities and create a second defensive line between them, forming a complete network. They may try to attack the regions in between or even the borders."
"Very well. We'll do that. I'll send the remaining Rank Ten knights to protect them."
Normero tightened his grip slightly on the papers he was holding. His king truly was a good ruler, to the point of sending the only elite forces protecting the capital to defend the rest of the kingdom. Noticing his old friend's reaction, Selibirt smiled faintly.
"Don't worry, Normero. This castle and this city will continue to be protected by our Rank Nine and Rank Eight mages. Besides..."
Selibirt rose from the throne and slowly walked toward him. Placing a hand on his shoulder, he conveyed unwavering confidence through his gaze.
"This city has two Rank Eleven mages: you and me. Don't forget that, old friend."
"...Yes. You're right, my friend."
Normero simply nodded. His king was right. The two of them were the strongest people in that kingdom, and in the past, they had been the duo responsible for unifying all the cities. They were the ones who ended the territorial war that had lasted five years and transformed the continent into what it was today.
"Sometimes I forget that you were the first generation of the Ravenswood family to earn the title of king."
"That compliment is unnecessary. You would also be worthy of that title."
No. In Normero's opinion, that title should never belong in his hands because it already belonged to the right person.
Watching the back of the man he considered worthy of all his loyalty, his footsteps naturally followed him.
'I hope his son will be able to accomplish something like that as well... Well, I don't think I need to worry so much if Leon is by his side.'
As that meeting came to an end, in an unknown location, the Valtor family remained dressed in hooded cloaks that concealed their faces. Standing beside them was a man whose face was uncovered, although he too wore a cloak. He was the second strongest man in the enemy kingdom: Caelum Drazhar.
"I apologize for the failure of my plan, Lord Drazhar."
The one speaking was Varon. He had been the only member of the family who had not failed in any of his plans until five days ago. Honestly, deep down, he was surprised that his brother had managed to stop everything. In a way, he felt both pride and irritation at the same time. If their parents hadn't been so impulsive years ago, Leon would be standing beside them now.
'What an irritating family.'
"You don't need to apologize, Varon. At least your spy managed to kill his adoptive parents... and I'm grateful for that."
"...Right."
To Varon, the hatred Caelum harbored toward his brother was honestly astonishing. As long as they managed to hurt Leon in some way, he was already satisfied.
'That hatred was born with the death of the former king... so it makes sense.'
Caelum poured himself another drink. For a brief moment, his eyes reflected a certain emptiness, but they soon returned to normal as he continued speaking.
"I called you here because I'm going to need some of your soldiers."
"Is some kind of attack going to happen?"
"Yes. And it will be on a large scale."
After taking another drink of beer, Caelum placed a letter on the table. Darian Valtor was the first to pick it up and opened it so everyone could see its contents. His eyes widened in surprise when he looked back at the man before him, who was staring at them with absolute seriousness.
"We're going to massacre our enemies at this location."