Chapter 515: The Place Where it Ends

A Few Days Before the Annihilation of Dard Mountain. Goldonia Palace Conference Room.

We will now commence the 16th war conference.

Others take their seats following the declaration of the chairperson.

There are many people to say the least.

Four long desks are lined up in the largest meeting room in the palace with all chairs occupied and each person sitting close enough to touch shoulders.

Meanwhile, the luxurious chair positioned on a higher level than the othersthe kings chair is the only seat vacant.

Inevitably, everyones eyes focused on the person with the next highest authority, Kenneth.

First of allCount, can you give us your opinion from a financial standpoint?

That man who Kenneth points to wearing a red-based formal uniform with gold and silver threads woven in nods.

This war has seen losses of a magnitude greater than the likes of any in the past! Expenses too! Not to mention, the national treasury that should have been abundant is running out.

As the man gave his impassioned speech, those around him cried out in agreement or nodded quietly to show support.

Next,Marquess. I would like to hear your opinion as the Vice Minister of Justice.

The man stands up as he strokes his splendid beard.

The biggest problem is the harm done to the nobles independence under the name of war. To put it simply, I am afraid that authority is too concentrated on Marquess Radhalde who is merely the head of military! Although he possesses a high status, he is still a rising noble family! As nobles who were conferred peerage first, we should be the respected onesahem. Of course, our loyalty to His Majesty is unwavering.

The man, fearing that his words were too critical of leadership, concludes with praise for the king and Goldonia.

Among the cheers, admiration and shouts of agreement, Kenneth sighs as he applauds.

This will be the 16th complaint contest, huh?

A mutter came from the man standing beside Kenneth and was soft enough that only the two of them could hear.

Please refrain, Talger. This is a venerable court where nobles gather. It is not a place where a servant like you with no rank can voice any concerns.

After being chided, the man hangs his head.

He has a small stature less than 165 cm, and because he is thin, he looks even smaller.

Yet his sunken cheeks, dark bags under his eyes and unflinching gaze despite being reprimanded by his lord emphasized the mans eeriness rather than weakness.

Talger had been with Kenneth since some time during the war.

His origins werent known, but as a servant in charge of chores with no rank or job title, nobody really paid much attention to him.

Kenneth also did not appear to assign him many tasks or talk about him.

However in reality, Kenneths actions changed ever since Talger accompanied him like a shadow.

Kenneth was always skilled at subterfuge, but his craftiness and meticulousness increased, and he even began to meddle in the affairs of the new nobles, even forcing a few to obey him against their will.

I apologize for my rudeness at the war council, where only the noblemen of the court are allowed to speak.

His sarcastic remark breaks Kenneths expression with a smile.

And Kenneth wholeheartedly agrees with the statement in his mind.

While the meeting is supposed to be about war, the soldiers are naturally all on the frontlines.

Those who analyze the battle from the rear are new nobles close to the Military Commissioner and also cant be summoned.

Thus, all that could be done now was complain about how the war is too long, how authority was taken away, and how arrogant and detestable the Military Commissioner is.

Then, we will ask the Military Commissioner jointly

Seeing the others starting to agree with him, Talger opens his mouth again.

Because His Majesty entrusted authority to Marquess Radhalde, it doesnt matter what we send to him. In my humble opinion, the one whose mind you should change is His Majesty.

Kenneth does not stop his servant this time, instead he faces the assembly with a smile and responds in a calm tone.

As if there is anybody who is brave enough to offer their opinion to His Majesty. Send the meaningless letter to Radhalde. It will obviously be ignored and we can laugh about it again. Its just like this meeting.

Being someone who has a shallow understanding of the military, Kenneth knew how pointless it was to hold a war conference with only civil officials.

He hosted the meeting anyways in order to bring together those dissatisfied with Erich and to present himself as the solution.

However, I heard the state of war has been improving greatly since last month. For example, I heard they have been defeating the enemy in a series of large scale battles and they have even recaptured Altair.

Thats great. If we assume Goldonias victory is a forgone conclusion and the war ends quickly, so will Radhaldes usefulness.

No, no, your thinking is naive. Radhalde will not be the only with merits of war, his followersthose vulgar new nobles will also be able to throw their weight around.

Apparently the number of casualties have been going up the last few days. Although the enemy is on the verge of being annihilated, the losses may be in the thousands or possibly tens of thousands. It is truly truly sad for soldiers of the kingdom to diebut it could be the bit of dirt we have on the Military Commissioner.

Nobles are terrible. They speak of a tragedy with the corners of their mouths curled up.

Talger whispers to Kenneth.

A few days ago, they called for the movement of a large amount of forces and massive reinforcements. It was reported that a new species of monster appeared in droves, but further details are not yet available

Fumu.

Kenneth smiles outwardly to conform with the others while his mind rapidly processes calculations.

With the state