The weight of impending war pressed down on the entire kingdom of Rimuru. News of Galdros' troop movements spread rapidly, and Padrino knew time was running out. Although he had sent Vincent and Asuna to secure alliances, the possibility that Rimuru would face Galdros alone haunted him. He couldn't shake the feeling that their survival depended on more than military strength—it depended on unity, trust, and the resilience of his people.
As dawn broke over the castle, Padrino stood on the balcony overlooking Rimuru's capital. The once humble village had transformed into a bustling, fortified city. Its streets were alive with the sounds of preparation: blacksmiths hammering steel, soldiers training, and merchants peddling wares to meet the growing demand for supplies. But despite the outward signs of strength, Padrino knew that his kingdom was still fragile.
The Betrayer Unmasked
In the shadows of the kingdom, Loras worked tirelessly to uncover the conspiracy that threatened Rimuru from within. The betrayal that had been whispered in secret was now beginning to take shape. Nobles who once swore fealty to Padrino had grown restless, their loyalties shifting as they sensed an opportunity to save themselves at the expense of the kingdom.
One evening, Loras returned to the castle with the information Padrino had dreaded. The betrayers had been identified. Among them were several prominent nobles who had aligned themselves with Earlshide's former regime, hoping to curry favor with Galdros in exchange for power once Rimuru fell.
In the war room, Padrino gathered his council. The atmosphere was tense, the betrayal weighing heavily on everyone's mind.
"Who are they?" Padrino asked, his voice cold and measured.
Loras stepped forward, unrolling a scroll that listed the names of the traitors. "Lord Edmund of Myra, Lady Seraphine of Cardis, and Baron Halrik of the southern province. These nobles have been in communication with Galdros' agents, offering their support in exchange for land and titles once the kingdom falls."
The room fell silent as Padrino absorbed the information. These were not just any nobles—they were powerful figures with the resources to cause significant disruption. Their betrayal could open the gates for Galdros without a single battle being fought.
"We cannot let this go unpunished," Vincent said, his voice laced with anger. "They must be dealt with swiftly, before they have a chance to act."
Padrino nodded. "Agreed. But we must tread carefully. If we move too quickly, we risk stirring panic among the other nobles. We need to isolate them, cut off their support, and expose their treachery."
Marko, always the strategist, spoke up. "We could use their betrayal to our advantage. If we allow them to think their plans are still secret, we might be able to feed them false information—lure them into a trap."
Padrino considered the suggestion. It was risky, but if it worked, it would allow them to not only neutralize the traitors but also deliver a decisive blow to Galdros' plans.
"Do it," Padrino said finally. "But be careful. We cannot afford mistakes at this stage."
The Assault on the Southern Province
As the plot to expose the traitors unfolded, the threat of Galdros loomed larger. Reports came in of Galdros' forces massing along the southern border, poised to strike at any moment. Padrino knew they couldn't wait for alliances to be solidified—Rimuru had to act preemptively.
The southern province, ruled by the traitorous Baron Halrik, was the most vulnerable. If Galdros managed to take it, they would have a direct route to the heart of Rimuru. It was time for a show of strength.
Padrino summoned his generals and laid out the plan. They would march south, secure the province, and deal with the traitor Halrik. If they could hold the southern border, it would give them time to prepare for Galdros' larger assault.
On the eve of battle, Padrino found himself walking through the camp of his soldiers, offering words of encouragement and reassurance. He saw their determination, the fire in their eyes. They believed in him, and he wouldn't let them down.
As the moon rose high in the sky, Padrino stood before his tent, lost in thought. Hinata approached, her presence always a calming force.
"You've done all you can to prepare," she said softly. "The rest is in the hands of your people."
Padrino turned to her, grateful for her support. "I know. But I can't help feeling that the real battle is just beginning. Galdros won't stop until they've crushed us, and now with traitors in our midst…"
Hinata placed a hand on his arm. "We'll root them out, one way or another. You've brought Rimuru this far, Padrino. You won't let it fall."
Her words gave him strength. He nodded, his resolve hardening. Tomorrow, they would march to the southern province. Tomorrow, they would face their enemies—both within and without.
The Battle for the South
At dawn, the army of Rimuru began its march southward. The landscape changed as they traveled—rolling hills gave way to dense forests and the fertile farmlands of the southern province. But as they approached the borders of Baron Halrik's domain, the peaceful countryside was replaced by signs of preparation for war. Halrik's forces were bolstering their defenses, expecting an assault.
The first skirmish began as soon as Rimuru's vanguard reached the southern province. Halrik's men, though outnumbered and less skilled, fought fiercely, but Padrino's forces quickly overwhelmed them. As the battle raged on, Padrino led his elite guards directly to Halrik's stronghold, determined to confront the traitor himself.
Inside the fortress, Halrik awaited, surrounded by a small contingent of loyal guards. When Padrino burst through the gates, sword drawn, he met the baron's cold, defiant gaze.
"You think you can stand against Galdros?" Halrik sneered. "They'll burn Rimuru to the ground, and you'll be nothing but a memory."
Padrino stepped forward, his eyes blazing with fury. "I've built this kingdom with my own hands. Rimuru will not fall to Galdros, and it certainly won't fall to traitors like you."
With a swift strike, Padrino cut down Halrik, ending the baron's treachery once and for all.
A Warning from the Shadows
As the dust of the battle settled and Rimuru's forces secured the province, a messenger arrived from the capital, breathless and wide-eyed.
"My lord," he gasped, "urgent news from the north. A spy has returned with information—Galdros is moving faster than we thought. They're preparing for an all-out assault on Rimuru itself. We have only days, maybe less."
Padrino's heart sank. The true storm was coming.