Commander Marzen looked as if she had swallowed a pebble. She immediately stepped back and bowed her head, apologetic for her careless remark.
Ilya didn't acknowledge the Commander's apology, at least not verbally. She simply sighed and turned towards Commander Percival.
"I advise that you all start creating a plan of action. The Bacharoth wouldn't be this dormant for long. I believe it will start acting against us soon."
Commander Percival nodded to concur and gave his riposte, "Would you be alright by yourself?"
"Yes, I have Leahmir Dantalion to take care of me. Still, I will appreciate it if you put a guard beside her. She will be of help in combat, so I will let her go once she's done treating my wounds."
Though she wanted to protest, Dantalion chose to focus on her task. But her expression looked grim. She stopped for a brief moment, trying to get herself to accept Ilya's sentiment. Right then, she felt a hand caress her own. Dantalion saw that was Ilya's hand, wishing to give her reassurance.
The grim shadow on her face was soon replaced by a bright look. Her heart became settled, allowing her to do her work with finesse.
"I will also place a guard beside you, Lady Gertrude." Commander Percival proposed, "Since there's no way that you can get out, I might as well order someone to protect you."
Ilya quickly shook her head and replied, "There's no need. You only brought around a hundred combatants with you. Why would you waste one on me? Besides, I'm planning to join the fray if I know I won't be a bother."
Her statement was met by an unreceptive crowd. Despite their silence, Ilya knew that they were opposed to what she had said. She gestured for Dantalion to stop what she was doing. Thereafter, Ilya was hurriedly on her feet. It was getting difficult for her to talk with the knights while she was seated.
Still and all, she had to tilt her neck to an uncomfortable level just to meet the eyes of any of the Commanders. Commander Percival, who was in front of her, retreated a couple of steps, knowing that she was struggling.
"Commander Percival, I'm aware that I might make the situation harder for the knights. That's the reason why I won't join the battle right away. I know my limitations and it's not my intention to be an additional burden." Ilya declared, her feathery voice brimming with conviction.
The Commander sighed all the while he was listening to her talk. When she was done speaking, he looked at his fellow Commanders. They all gave him a commiserative nod, meaning that they're leaving the arduous task of convincing Ilya to him.
The man returned his attention to Ilya, wary as he responded.
"That's not what we're worried about, Lady Gertrude. Your safety is of utmost impor-"
"Say anything more about my safety and I'll feel insulted."
Commander Percival pursed his lips as he contemplated what to say next.
Indubitably, the entire noble population within the capital was aware of who Ilya was. Her case was still the main topic of social gatherings. Although the majority had yet to see her in person, her appearance was one of a kind. A simple description would be enough for someone to visualize how Ilya looked.
That being said, the knights were sentient of just how important it was to keep Ilya safe. The three major courts had given a decree that her safety was second to none from the high nobles and the royals.
If Ilya was known to have joined the battle against the Bacharoth and died as a result, the blame would be on the Imperial Knight Order who failed to do their duty.
But the more imperative justification for the knights was the fact that she was heavily wounded. It would only make sense to rebut her attempt to fight.
"Your energy should all be focused on the Bacharoth, not protecting a meager lady such as myself. It's my decision whether I will fight or not. Survive first in the battle with the Bacharoth before worrying about another person's life."
Afterward, Ilya sat back down and let Dantalion resume treating her wounds. She closed her eyes as if to announce that she wasn't willing to converse from that point on.
The Commanders were left with no choice but to proceed with the planning. They distanced themselves from Ilya, aware that they had been more of a disturbance than they thought. Rather than separating their knight orders into different ranks, the Commanders opted to do the briefing in unison.
The Obelisk Sorcerers, on the other hand, were at a loss on what to do. Without Manna, they were nothing but normal.
"What's the best thing we could do at this moment? It won't be possible to activate the Manna amplification sphere, considering that it also needs Manna for the activation."
"Should we make an attempt to get out of here?"
"Do you think that's probable? Do you think breaking the barrier of a Bacharoth would be easy?"
The argument between the Obelisk Sorcerers went on and on, but they weren't able to come to an agreement. Having had enough of their farce, Ilya gave them a glance.
"Want me to suggest something?" Ilya said, effectively garnering their attention.
Of course, the leader only glowered at her. The disrespect that she had shown her lingered in his mind. Meanwhile, Ilya simply ignored the spiteful look that the leader had for her.
"No need to be that hostile when you're useless."
"Please do speak," The sorcerer behind the leader spoke all of a sudden.
Instead of addressing the leader, who wasn't at all welcoming, Ilya met the eyes of the sorcerer who just spoke.
"The Obelisk Sorcerers are extremely sensitive to Manna activity. Am I not mistaken?"
"Yes, if we concentrate enough, we can feel the slightest shift of Manna in the surroundings."
"Then, I implore of you to search for Commander Halkias and Count Schatten."