Step, step...
At the same time, a blue magic circle unfolded in the western part of the Jura Forest.
From it, an army slowly emerged, led by Hinata Sakaguchi from the Holy Empire of Ruberios, commanding 3,000 Crusaders.
The Crusader Order was divided into two groups: the Temple Knights and the regular Crusaders.
The Temple Knights numbered around 6,000.
In contrast, the elite knights bearing the title of Temple Knight were far fewer, totaling only 111.
Despite their small numbers, each Temple Knight possessed A-rank strength or higher.
The six captains leading them, known as 'Saints,' were top-tier fighters capable of matching Demon Lord Seeds.
"They're here?"
The Archbishop of the Falmuth Diocese, a portly, bald middle-aged man, greeted them.
"Lady Hinata, Lord Leonard, you've finally arrived."
Seeing Hinata and her group step out of the magic circle, he hurried forward. "His Majesty has prepared a banquet, awaiting your presence."
"I'm more interested in how your preparations are going."
Hinata glanced at the sprawling encampment ahead, where 50,000 Falmuth troops were stationed. "Tell me, how soon can we move out?"
"Uh..."
A bead of sweat rolled down the Archbishop's forehead, but he replied respectfully, "Lady Hinata, you've had a long journey. Wouldn't you like to rest a few days first?"
Under Hinata's piercing gaze, the Archbishop felt immense pressure.
The words he meant to say stuck in his throat.
"Time waits for no one!"
A blond young man behind Hinata broke the tense atmosphere. "Archbishop Reyhiem, please advise His Majesty that now is not the time for leisure."
The blond youth, Leonard, was the Vice-Captain of the Crusaders.
Unlike Hinata, who focused solely on honing her strength and disliked administrative tasks, Leonard excelled at logistics and management.
He understood the Archbishop's intent.
But the Crusaders didn't need rest.
With an average combat strength of B-rank or higher, 3,000 knights, and 111 A-rank or above elites...
Not to mention their Captain, Hinata.
She was humanity's strongest, capable of facing an Awakened Demon Lord in battle.
"Since Lord Leonard has spoken, very well."
The Archbishop wiped the sweat from his brow, forcing a smile. "I'll discuss with His Majesty now. Please, Lady Hinata and Lord Leonard, follow me."
"Additionally, Falmuth has prepared supplies and encampments for the Crusaders to rest."
"Mm."
Hinata and Leonard didn't refuse the Archbishop's invitation.
Though deep down, both held some disdain for King Edmaris.
As part of the human faction, they couldn't always act as they pleased.
The Western Nations were of equal standing.
No one was inherently superior.
Thus, while Falmuth respected the Holy Empire of Ruberios, they didn't fear it excessively.
As for Hinata...
She could slay monsters without hesitation but couldn't dictate the actions of Falmuth's nobility.
This was the limitation of human powerhouses.
They couldn't break the rules or easily oppose the noble class.
To put it bluntly...
Hinata represented only herself.
But the King of Falmuth represented thousands of nobles and 30 million citizens.
"Your Majesty."
Inside the lavish encampment, Archbishop Reyhiem led Hinata and Leonard to meet the King and his Finance Minister.
The primary reason for this punitive campaign against the Jura Forest was Falmuth's financial troubles.
Because of this, the King highly valued the Crusaders' assistance.
"Captain, Vice-Captain Leonard."
Regardless of their private thoughts, the King and nobles showed due respect on the surface.
The two represented not just themselves but also the Pope of the Holy Empire and the Western Holy Church.
Meanwhile, after Hinata and Leonard departed, command of the knights fell to the five captains.
These were the strongest warriors in the order, second only to Hinata: Arnaud Bauman of Space.
A silent, burly man wielding a holy war mace infused with magical power, Bacchus of Earth.
A master of healing magic and summoner of the high-ranking spirit 'Saintess of Water,' Litus of Water.
Blending fire magic with spearmanship, serious yet considerate of comrades, Garde of Fire.
And the dual-sword magic knight, Fritz of Wind.
They led the 111 Temple Knights.
Each managed teams of about 30, quickly organizing the camp for rest.
"Tch!"
By the campfire, Fritz recalled the Archbishop's sycophantic demeanor and spat in disdain. "Reyhiem's only been in Falmuth a while, and he's already become like this."
"He's gotten a lot fatter, hasn't he?"
Litus remembered the last time she saw Reyhiem; he wasn't nearly as round.
"Falmuth is a commercial powerhouse. The upper nobility are swimming in wealth."
Garde sneered. "I bet he's taken plenty of bribes from them."
"Has Reyhiem fallen?"
Arnaud wanted to defend him, but the aura he sensed from the Archbishop told a different story.
Reyhiem had clearly aligned himself with Falmuth's nobles.
Polished on the surface, but corrupted by power and wealth within.
"That's not good, is it?"
Litus, the only female captain, wasn't skilled in combat.
But her mastery of healing magic was remarkable.
As a young woman, she wasn't well-versed in the dirty dealings of the Western Nations.
"The Holy Church doesn't interfere in national politics."
"So," Bacchus shook his head, "there's nothing we can do."
"We could replace Reyhiem, but Falmuth wouldn't agree."
After all, he was an Archbishop they'd worked with for years.
The nobles had fed Reyhiem, striking deals and colluding with him.
Such an Archbishop, willing to mediate with the Western Holy Church for Falmuth's sake, was exactly what the nobles wanted to keep.
This was also Reyhiem's form of political protection.
***
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