"...A long time ago, Darius-san found a single Crystallium in a dungeon. He was planning to use it when he became a top-class blacksmith, so he kept it carefully displayed."

Aria noticed everyone's faces were stiff and gave a slight wry smile.

Because it looked like the words "What even is a top-notch blacksmith..." were written on their faces.

At Luna's words, the king let out a small breath before asking Luna.

"Do you think that Darius... would make weapons for us if we asked?"

"...That's probably true. Considering Darius-san's personality, I think he would be willing to make it for you."

"I see."

At Luna's words, a look of relief appeared on everyone's faces.

That part of the operation that had been the most problematic seemed to be resolving itself quite easily.

However, Aria had some disagreements with Luna's opinion. Just as she was about to speak up,

Luna continues.

"However, with all due respect, I must say that from this point on, my opinion will be that of Darius-san's daughter, not the magician Luna. May I give my opinion?"

"Ah, I don’t mind."

"...To be honest, I don’t want him to use it while he himself is not satisfied with his own ability."

The room began to buzz with the words that contradicted the king's idea.

Luna's words contradicted the king's thoughts and were hostile.

Some of the nobles present tried to raise their voices on behalf of the king.

However, the other person was Luna. An atmosphere of imminent danger dominated the scene.

Of course, Aria agreed with Luna. She was even prepared to wield her sword by her side if anything happened.

In the tense atmosphere, where it felt like it could explode at any moment, the king gave a small nod.

"I understand that idea... So, I think I will go to the negotiations."

The moment they heard those words, everyone gasped.

The king himself goes to speak with a mere blacksmith.

That's unprecedented since the founding of this country.

"...Does that mean using the king's position to make requests?"

Of course, some people might see it as sincerity, but there's also the possibility of feeling like Luna. Aria also shared the same opinion.

The king gave a slight smile and shook his head.

"No, that's not it. It's just... I wanted to talk to Darius. Of course, given my position, it might come across as intimidating... but I just want to talk openly about the future of this country. And if possible... I want him to understand and cooperate, not just as a king, but as a person, for the future of the Aldrian Kingdom and to eventually protect this country."

At the king's words, Luna stared at him silently for a while.

That said, since Aria also knows, Luna understands that there is no falsehood in the king's words.

"I understand... But please, don't force my father..."

"Oh, I understand."

Hearing those words, Luna nodded with a look of relief.

And then, she immediately bows deeply.

"...And regarding my rudeness up until now, I apologize. I will accept any crime or punishment."

The moment she bowed deeply, the king quietly stood up and walked toward Luna, gently placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Raise your head. I’m not so small-minded that I’d get angry over a child’s words spoken out of concern for her father."

The king said this and then turned his gaze to the surroundings. Though his eyes were calm, they also held an undeniable dignity.

"You haven't heard anything about this, have you?"

At the king's words, everyone remained silent, quietly nodding and bowing their heads.

And then, the king immediately stood up after sensing the change in the air.

"This is not just a battle to save a single nation. It is also the beacon of humanity's defiance against a shrinking world. Let everyone fulfill their respective roles to the fullest... Therefore, I declare the formation of the Aldrian Liberation Alliance!"

He declared it as if to persuade the nobles who still held a few dissenting opinions.

With a word from the king, the discussion was successfully concluded, and from here, Aria and the others began to discuss the formation of the unit.

There were various opinions about the unit.

The decision that advancing with a large army would be difficult was made early on.

This was because securing that many supplies was difficult, and it was also challenging to prepare enough humans to fight the monsters outside the barrier.

It was ultimately decided that the main force would secure a safe route to the outskirts of the capital, and the assault on the capital and the regeneration of the barrier would be undertaken by Aria, Luna, Sofia, Baldus, Aldo, and Verrier as a local guide, along with a few other skilled warriors.

The method is similar to when Verrier released the Tigress.

After the meeting ended, there was still time before the operation, so Aria, Luna, and Sofia, the three of them, took a walk in the royal capital's garden for the first time in a while.

"Even so, such a large-scale operation is making me nervous."

"Well, it's okay. I went outside the barrier beforehand, too, but... it was a monster we could handle. Right, Sofia?"

"...Yeah. Let's all do our best."

"...Yeah, that's right. I will do my best, I can't let Darius-sensei see me looking embarrassed."

"Yes, that’s true."

"Yeah. It really is."

Three people, three different sets of words. But the feeling in their hearts was one and the same.

Everyone nodded strongly in agreement, and they continued with the remaining preparations until the day of the decisive battle.

(...I wonder if the king has arrived at Darius-sensei's place by now?)

Aria and the others had stayed behind to keep the troops together, but the king had departed outside the barrier the other day.

That was a little concerning.

Chapter 46