Chapter 41

The castle was in an uproar due to a report from Beluga. Ministers were moving about in a hurry, and the knight commander, who was in charge of the knights, also looked busy.

It had already been three days since the report from Beluga, and the ducal families, including Beluga, had been summoned to the castle to respond quickly.

The king appeared before the nobles who were gathered around the table in a heavy atmosphere. The nobles who were seated stood up and bowed to the king.

"I will now begin the emergency meeting. As you are already aware, a monster panic has occurred in Zeato."

The nobles murmured at the mention of a monster panic, but they fell silent at the king's words.

"Silence. The last time a monster panic was confirmed was about thirty years ago. At that time, three villages and one town were destroyed, and the number of victims, including those missing, exceeded a thousand.

Therefore, I intend to dispatch ten thousand knights to Zeato."

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, isn't dispatching ten thousand knights somewhat excessive?

From what I hear, a monster panic has occurred in the vicinity of Zeato. Given that Zeato is protected by a sturdy fortress, I don't think ten thousand reinforcements are necessary, do you?"

"Hmm. Indeed, Zeato's defenses are strong, but a monster panic involves monsters attacking day and night, and they are more aggressive than usual.

I think even ten thousand is not enough."

"However, Your Majesty. There are knights stationed in Zeato. They are tough knights who protect Zeato from the threat of monsters on a daily basis.

If we must dispatch knights, the number should be reduced. Ten thousand would also require a significant amount of supplies and horses."

"Indeed. But if Zeato falls, who knows where the next target will be. A monster panic, unlike a monster parade, has no clear objective and attacks surrounding villages and towns indiscriminately for food."

The noble who had been speaking fell silent. The king was right; a monster panic attacks surrounding villages and towns indiscriminately for food.

A monster parade, on the other hand, would undoubtedly target Beluga's territory next after Zeato.

A monster panic is a disaster beyond human understanding, like an earthquake or a typhoon. Therefore, it is almost impossible for humans to comprehend it.

"Well, are there any other opinions?"

The king looked around the nobles again, seeking their opinions. One noble raised his hand.

The one who raised his hand was Beluga, who governed Zeato where the monster panic had occurred.

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, I also think ten thousand reinforcements are excessive."

A ripple of surprise ran through the nobles who had been observing. No one had expected Beluga, who governed Zeato where the monster panic had occurred, to voice an opposing opinion.

Normally, one should request help when one's territory is in crisis. However, the meaning of his rejection was unclear.

"…Why? Beluga, this is your territory, is it not?

Why do you think ten thousand is excessive? Are you planning to abandon Zeato and its people?"

"No, Your Majesty. It is said that there are a hundred thousand knights in our country.

While a monster panic is indeed a threat, mobilizing ten percent of our country's knights is not a wise decision."

"Then, do you have another plan?"

"No, but mobilizing ten percent of the country's knights, who are essential to the nation, is not advisable.

I think two thousand would be sufficient."

"That is too few. Do you understand what will happen if Zeato falls?"

"Yes. Therefore, I suggest dispatching knights to the rear of Zeato."

"Does that mean you are abandoning Zeato?"

"No. As you mentioned, a monster panic attacks indiscriminately. Therefore, there is a possibility that it will attack other villages or towns instead of Zeato.

Thus, knights should be dispatched to villages and towns with weaker defenses rather than the well-fortified Zeato."

"I see. I overlooked that. You are right.

The dispatch to Zeato will be two thousand knights, and eight thousand knights will be dispatched to the surrounding areas of Zeato.

Are there any other opinions?"

No one spoke up as the king looked around the seated nobles.

"Then, I will conclude the emergency meeting."

The king was the first to leave the meeting room, followed by the nobles in order of rank.

Beluga, who was exhausted, went to the prepared room and sank into the sofa, letting out a deep breath.

As Beluga gazed at the ceiling in a daze, King Alberion visited him.

"Are you alright?"

"I'll manage… but I didn't expect such an overt attack…"

"Well, they probably want to undermine your position with this incident.

If there is significant damage from the monster panic, you will be held responsible."

"I understand, but it's beyond my control."

"There's nothing you can do. It's a path our grandfathers and fathers also walked."

"Ha… Can you stay with me for a while today?"

"Of course."

Beluga, who was mentally exhausted, needed to drink to cope, and he drank with King Alberion, who was also his friend.