The King’s Proclamation and the Call to Arms

Early the next morning, the King summoned Border Bishop Rhys to the royal hall. As everyone had anticipated, all that remained was a mere formality. The true decision had already been settled the day before; what transpired now was simply a superficial show, a matter of appearances.

“Ever since Draynes was founded, it has stood as the most impregnable fortress against human forces on the border.

This stronghold was forged not only by its brave border inhabitants but also, inseparably, by the guidance of the Holy Light, which illuminated our path through the deepest darkness of the long night.

No matter how times may change, this truth shall remain immutable.”

“Therefore, in Draynes, the Kingdom and the Church have always been mutually reliant, brothers in arms against the profound darkness, neither able to exist without the other.

Any rumors of discord between royal and ecclesiastical authority, circulating from outside, are hereby clarified and declared absolute falsehoods.”

The royal city official then proclaimed the joint statement signed by His Majesty and Bishop Rhys in the square:

“Now, as dark forces stir restlessly, the border will once again confront a grave crisis.

Yet, we believe we can face it, for we possess the strongest people in this world, and we have you.

Draynes has never fallen, nor shall it ever fall.

Our border warriors are gathering, and all difficulties are but temporary.

Though this border incident has caused us to lose considerable territory and forced countless citizens into refuge, the responsibility for this lies with no one but me, your King.

Therefore, I pledge an oath, just as in days of old: we shall reclaim our land and banish the undead and dark creatures to where they belong.

Draynes will never forget any humiliation; we shall only complete our vengeance.

Here, there are no fleeing refugees, only citizens ready to reclaim their homeland at any moment.

The Volunteer Legion begins its assembly today! We shall reclaim our land with our own hands! Draynes shall stand eternal!”

“Draynes shall stand eternal!”

“It will not perish!”

“The Shield of the Kingdom is not a title given lightly!”

“To hell with them! We’ll fight our way back! We’ll fight our way back!”

Previously, the royal capital had been flooded with refugees fleeing from the border, this massive influx of people keeping the lower strata in a constant state of unrest.

Tensions between outsiders and city natives had steadily escalated, making the city feel like a powder keg waiting to ignite at any moment.

Yet, in just a single afternoon, everything was transformed.

The disheveled individuals, previously defiant, now found a sense of belonging and began actively contributing to a common cause, uniting under one banner, one rallying cry.

“This is the art of statecraft,” Eric remarked, seated in the tavern, sipping his beer.

He watched as the once idle, despondent men around him, upon hearing the King’s proclamation, rose to their feet, shouting and roaring in affirmation.

Young men retrieved swords from their homes, and women began preparing farewell meals for their husbands.

The old mage, observing from a corner, seemed utterly out of place amidst the fervor.

“Draynes’ capital is overflowing with refugees,” Eric continued.

“If this force isn’t carefully managed, it would be a powder keg ready to explode at any moment.

But at its core, this is power.

With proper guidance, this powder can be loaded into cannons.

It’s not that he didn’t want to manage the lower strata; he allowed it to fester intentionally.”

Eric smiled, gazing at the young woman across the table.

“Their accumulated hatred and resentment only needed a suitable outlet to erupt, and the King of Draynes has been waiting a long time for this moment.

Don’t forget, this is a border kingdom; the border people are brimming with martial spirit.”

Following the King’s proclamation, countless individuals flocked to the square to enlist.

This wasn’t swayed by command, but by their own volition.

Young men, when faced with bleak realities, will always harbor a restless dissatisfaction, which they often vent in taverns.

However, with proper guidance, their hot blood could find its best purpose on the battlefield.

“Perhaps they were originally farmers, or insignificant laborers, bakers, and attendants in the city.

Yet, under centuries of cultural and educational guidance, they are capable of rallying when crisis strikes.

This is inseparable from the nation’s culture and spirit.

Harsh environments forge resolute souls, and they take immense pride in this, in their nation.

This pride allows them to become a formidable army, ready for battle at any moment, for they possess faith—faith in their nation.

This is truly the most outstanding aspect of the border kingdom system.”

“The crisis you perceived? He had already devised a strategy to resolve it; he was not without options.

So, how about it? Do you still feel a bit too naive, eh, kid?”

Eric said with a smile, looking at Anto, who was dressed in civilian clothes, wearing a hat, and looking utterly resigned.

“Indeed,” Anto conceded.

“If the King were to see me now, he’d probably mock me as some naive country bumpkin, wouldn’t he?”

“But he chose to acquiesce,” Eric immediately countered.

“This indicates that the reason he made concessions wasn’t due to the current situation.

The primary reason for his concessions was you.

Perhaps he was slightly impressed to see a young woman like you capable of lobbying him with such sound reasoning?

Hmm, then again, most of it probably comes down to appearances.”

“Though, to put it another way, ‘the holy Sister Antolia charmed the King with her charisma and swayed his judgment’ — that sounds quite good, too, wouldn’t you agree?”

“I didn’t change his judgment,” Anto muttered, biting her cup.

“Only the King can change the King’s judgment.”

“It’s good that you understand that.

Indeed, for someone new to the social arena to negotiate terms with the King of Draynes, who has dealt with royal authority, public welfare, and diplomacy for thirty years—not being utterly crushed by him is already a glorious victory.

The real challenge, however, lies ahead: the border crisis, the establishment and deployment of the Church’s Holy Light Aid Team, the reconnection of various churches after receiving national support, and the reactivation of the Church’s system for nurturing, employing, and training Holy Light wielders.

All of this is considerably more difficult than it sounds.”

“All of this falls on my shoulders,” Anto sighed.

“But thankfully, you’ll help me, won’t you?”

“Our help will be limited,” Eric replied.

“Just like this time, what you do ultimately depends on you.

You will certainly be part of the Border Holy Light Aid Team, and this time, you must demonstrate your capabilities.

This will be your first overt combat experience; previous events don’t count.

This is your maiden battle.”

Eric added, “Be sure to be well-prepared and cautious.

Of course, Tikka, Mula, and others will also join the Council’s conscripted volunteers.

As for me… I’ll be heading to the border this time too.

I seem to have acquaintances in the Draynes Royal Magical Legion; I can always pull some strings to get in.”

“In short, all of this has officially begun.

There’s no option to back out now.”

At this, Eric raised his cup to Anto and declared:

“This toast is for you, future Holy Maiden of the Border Church.

May you achieve a resounding victory this time.”