The Kingdom's First Knight Order is the elite of the elite, the most powerful military force in the country.
If we exclude the Allen family’s knights, there’s no one who could defeat the First Knight Order in a direct confrontation.
Thus, their assertion to take the front lines was undoubtedly a positive development in terms of military power, but if we rephrase it...
"Are you claiming all the credit for yourselves?"
This was essentially a statement that they would swallow all the benefits. Despite the sideways glance from the Second Queen, the First Queen maintained a calm smile.
"Even though this is something Erginus has definitively declared, there are always variables. We're dealing with a formidable evil. If such variables arise, wouldn't it be better to have the most reliable people at the forefront?"
"If that's the case, it would be better for Count Allen to lead his knights to the front," the Second Queen pointed out. "After all, I can confidently say the Allen family’s knights are the strongest on the continent."
Instead of discussing her own Second Knight Order, the Second Queen shifted the conversation toward Allen’s forces.
She did so to emphasize that it wasn’t a power struggle, and to check the First Queen’s unilateral decision.
"Count Allen? What do you think?" the First Queen asked, turning the focus to him.
Despite the attention now on him, Benedict’s expression remained composed.
"I’m not sure if 'the strongest' suits our knights. However, I, Benedict, can say with confidence that, as the kingdom’s protector, no matter what happens, we will not falter," he said.
"No one doubts that here. You know that, right? I’m asking something else," the First Queen replied.
“If the front lines must be held and if leadership is required, then yes, I would prefer it to be our knights.”
Those who knew Benedict from the past were surprised by how strongly he was asserting himself now.
He was a man who had once placed his immense loyalty as high as his strength, stepping back whenever the kingdom required it.
Had this matter been driven solely by the kingdom, Benedict would have respected the First Queen’s opinion, just as he always had.
But this time, things were different. This time, it was his daughter’s plan, and there could be no deviation.
He couldn’t allow even the slightest thing that might make Lucy sad. Therefore, he would stand at the front lines. He would prevent any disaster with his own strength.
"Hmm."
Perhaps sensing Benedict's resolve, the First Queen fell silent for a moment before nodding her head.
"Understood. Let’s put this discussion aside for now. Others, please speak up."
"With the Second Knight Order and my old family’s forces, we will take up positions near the Magic Empire. I must be there so that if any diplomatic conflicts arise, they can be easily resolved," the Second Queen added, immediately after the First Queen.
Before the First Queen could step aside, the Second Queen made her own statement. While slightly lacking compared to the First Knight Order, the Second Knight Order, combined with the elite forces of the Queen’s former family, was certainly a formidable force.
Furthermore, the Second Queen herself was quite a capable warrior, so it was not difficult for her to command the forces there. In addition, defending that position would make it harder to claim credit for the operation, so no one would oppose the Queen taking on such a difficult task.
"Burrow's knights will also be at the front lines," Duke Burrow announced.
"Are you sure about that? We’re facing the Evil God of Darkness again," someone asked.
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"That’s exactly why I want to be there. For revenge."
Duke Burrow, who had nearly lost everything to the Evil God of Darkness last year, spoke with a grim smile, but as he saw the concerned looks of others, he quickly composed himself.
"Oh, of course, I won’t seek command. I will fight as a knight, just like everyone else."
With Duke Burrow also declaring his intent to stand at the front lines, the need for additional forces at the front was nullified. The most dangerous and unwanted position had already been filled.
"Our Kent family, in cooperation with Count Arteas, will be responsible for rear guard and supplies," said Kent.
"Arteas will focus on maintaining the military’s supply lines," he added.
The Kent family and Arteas, who had not been particularly active in this matter, pulled back to take on the less risky but still vital roles, leaving the remaining responsibilities to others.
The second line—places where the damage would be minimal but the chance for reward was great—was where the remaining individuals would be positioned. They had come prepared to serve as shields if necessary.
Those with more modest positions and power exchanged intense glances.
They were only keeping silent because of the prominent figures present. What would happen when these individuals left their posts? Would there be shouting and quarrels?
"Well, it seems most of the decisions are made. Count Allen, let’s have a conversation," the First Queen said, standing up first.
Seeing that the conversation was about the leadership of the front lines, Benedict excused himself and stood up as well.
As they stepped outside the room, Lucy followed, and several others in the meeting room sighed in disappointment.
Why is she so obsessed with the front lines?
As I followed the Burrow family’s servant to my private room, I tilted my head, noticing the old-world elegance in the steps of the First Queen.
<Why complicate it? She’s doing it to gain more for herself.>
‘That might be the usual thinking, but I don’t believe the First Queen is the type of person to obsess over personal gain.’
<I know. You’ve told me many times. She’ll do whatever it takes if it benefits the kingdom. That’s why she’s aiming for the front lines.>
In truth, the so-called front lines were not as dangerous as they seemed. The real front lines would be the ones who would infiltrate the barrier.
Erginus, Benedict, the Swordsman, the Apostle of the Art Guild, Fabi, Murer, and others would enter a place filled with the Evil God’s energy, and while confronting the Evil God would be dangerous, fighting the fairies who emerge from the forest would be far less risky.
In other words, the front line the First Queen was claiming was really the second line.
<But, these infiltrators are mostly outsiders, and you can't exactly claim credit for this.>
‘...Right?’
<If the First Queen watches and steps in at the right time, what do you think will happen?>
‘She’ll take the credit.’
This is about the justification. To stand at the front and take the lead, the First Queen wanted to be the one in charge.
‘Shouldn’t we just let her take it?’
The First Queen would never neglect her duties. She would never let the kingdom suffer because of her own actions.
However, it would be difficult for her to take any aggressive actions if the giants of the kingdom—like Erginus—were there to stop her.
Although she would certainly voice her opinion when it came to land or benefits gained from the Forest of Fairies, it wouldn’t affect me much.
<Once the Forest of Fairies is restored, the benefits will be far greater than you expect.>
‘...What’s that supposed to mean?’
Before I could ask Grandpa, we arrived at the room for our discussion.
The servant who had led us in prepared tea and left, leaving only me and the First Queen’s people.
"Count Allen, I have no doubt about your loyalty. I admire the fact that you, as a hero, have not sought power but instead kept the borders safe," the First Queen said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Benedict replied.
"That’s why I must ask you directly. Why do you want to hold the front line? I had thought you would go with Erginus into the heart of the barrier," she asked.
...Huh? What’s she talking about? Of course, Benedict should go with us into the barrier.
We can’t send this monster of a force elsewhere.
"Because that’s what I must do," Benedict replied.
Wait! Why is he answering this seriously!?
Hey! Idiot papa!
What happened to my plans to keep him behind me, where I could sing songs and enjoy the honey?
If he’s gone, the loss to our strength will be huge! Although we still have plenty of power, he’s the most dependable! This overpowered character!
"I would prefer to stand beside the heroes, if I’m being honest. I’m still young and full of energy. I still dream of claiming my place in legend," Benedict added.
Then just stay by my side! It’s fine!
What on earth happened here!? Did he misunderstand my request to send the knights as meaning to lead them himself!?
I should’ve just given it to Posel! The real commander, Posel, could handle the leadership!
"But... if, by any chance, the worst case scenario happens, there must be someone to hold the line, right?" Benedict said, with determination in his voice.
"Must it really be you to hold that line?" the First Queen asked.
"Yes. I must be the one to hold it. I promised," Benedict answered.
At this point, I almost couldn’t take it anymore, and just as I was about to intervene, Grandpa stopped me urgently.
<Stay quiet. This misunderstanding is actually useful.>
‘What’s good about it?’
<This way, your father can be the perfect counterbalance to the First Queen.>
‘But that’s just going to make my life harder!’
<Does it matter? You’re still going to sit in the back with your friends, considering your role.>
Well... yeah.
As I was swayed by Grandpa's argument, Benedict and the First Queen continued their conversation.
"Count Allen, as you know, the knights don't exactly like the Allen knights," the First Queen said.
"I understand. When the best are at the top, they can’t be close with each other," Benedict replied.
"That’s why I’d like to make a proposal," she said.
"What’s that?" Benedict asked.
"If you can make your knights recognize the Allen knights, I will gladly step down from the command," the First Queen offered.
She proposed a sparring match between the knight orders, and Benedict accepted it without hesitation.
And in the end, as all the talks concluded, I couldn’t bring myself to speak.