The dawn broke over Rimuru with a heavy air, the scent of unrest thickening as reports of minor skirmishes between noble factions trickled in. Padrino knew the peace with Bravius had bought them little time. The nobles who hadn't yet declared their support were watching, waiting for a sign—one that could shift the fragile balance either way.
The war council convened early, the tension palpable. Hinata, Marko, Benimaru, Asuna, and Vincent had gathered, each one carrying the weight of Rimuru's fate in their own way. The council chamber, a once vibrant center of strategy and hope, now felt like a battlefield itself—each decision a potential turning point in their struggle for survival.
Padrino stood at the head of the table, his face drawn but resolute. "The nobles are fracturing. Bravius's pledge was hollow, and we all know it. We need to unify them, or they'll tear Rimuru apart from within before Galdros can even land another blow."
Marko nodded grimly. "I've seen it myself. The whispers are growing louder. Some of them have started forming secret alliances, talking about negotiating with Galdros on their own terms."
Asuna leaned forward, her voice tinged with frustration. "They think they can survive this war alone? That they can barter their way into Galdros's good graces? They're delusional."
Padrino turned to Hinata. "What's the state of morale among the people?"
Hinata's eyes softened as she spoke. "The villagers still believe in you, Padrino, but they can sense the tension. They've survived this long because they've trusted in our leadership. If they see us divided, that trust will falter."
Benimaru chimed in, his voice measured. "We need to remind the nobles—and the people—what they're fighting for. Galdros isn't just an enemy; they're a force that will wipe out everything we've built. Rimuru represents something greater than any of them, something worth defending."
Padrino's gaze drifted to the maps laid out before him, the shifting borders of his kingdom, and the encroaching threat of Galdros beyond. "We can't wait any longer. We need to act now."
The Plan of Unity
After a long pause, Padrino spoke with renewed determination. "We must call a council of the nobles—one that brings them together under the banner of unity. If we allow them to fracture into their own camps, we're finished."
Vincent, silent until now, adjusted his glasses and added, "We need something more than words. The nobles won't be swayed by simple rhetoric. They need to see strength, order, and that Rimuru will endure."
Marko, ever the strategist, stepped closer to the table and pointed at the central city. "A demonstration of our unity would go a long way. We could orchestrate a major public event—a parade, perhaps, where we can remind the nobles and their people that Rimuru is stronger together. We need to display not only military power but the solidarity of this council."
Hinata's eyes lit up at the idea. "A gathering, yes. But we should also involve the people. Let them march with us, shoulder to shoulder with the soldiers and nobles. Let them see that the strength of Rimuru is in its unity."
Padrino nodded slowly, the plan taking shape in his mind. "We'll call it the March of Unity. The nobles will be forced to show their allegiance publicly. Any dissenters will expose themselves, and we can deal with them swiftly."
Marko smirked, approving of the tactic. "It'll flush out the traitors before they have time to act."
Preparations for the March
The next week was spent preparing for the event. Padrino's inner circle worked tirelessly to ensure that the message of unity spread throughout Rimuru. Banners were hung in the streets, soldiers drilled in formation, and emissaries were sent to each noble house, delivering invitations to the March of Unity. The public was told that this was their opportunity to march beside their leaders and soldiers, a display of solidarity against the looming threat of Galdros.
Amidst the preparations, Padrino met privately with the council members to discuss a contingency plan. Marko and Vincent were to prepare Rimuru's forces for immediate action, should any nobles attempt to disrupt the event. Hinata was tasked with keeping a watchful eye on any magic users who might use the event as a distraction for more nefarious purposes.
A Darkened Heart
As the day of the March of Unity approached, Padrino couldn't shake the sense of foreboding that had settled deep within him. Though the plan was solid, something felt off. The constant strain of leadership, the weight of betrayal, and the endless war with Galdros had taken its toll on him.
Late one night, while walking the darkened halls of his castle, Padrino found himself standing at the door to the war room. The room that had once been a place of hope and strategic brilliance now seemed suffocating, the very air thick with the pressure of his responsibilities.
He entered, finding solace in the quiet. As he gazed at the maps of his kingdom, his mind wandered. How many lives had he asked to sacrifice for this dream? How many more would he need to lead into battle before peace could be attained?
His thoughts were interrupted by a soft knock on the door. Hinata entered, her presence calm and comforting.
"You're troubled," she said quietly, joining him at the map table.
Padrino nodded but didn't speak immediately. He couldn't shake the doubts clawing at him. "I wonder if I'm doing the right thing, Hinata. I built Rimuru from a village into a kingdom, but at what cost? Now the nobles plot behind my back, and the people fear what's to come. How can I lead them when I'm not even sure of the path anymore?"
Hinata reached out, placing a hand on his arm. "You've always led with your heart, Padrino. That's why people follow you. Not because you're a king, but because you've shown them a vision of a better world. They believe in you because you believe in Rimuru. Don't lose sight of that."
Padrino looked at her, her words cutting through the fog of doubt that had clouded his mind. She was right. He had to trust in the vision he had fought so hard to create. Rimuru wasn't just a kingdom; it was a beacon of hope in a world of chaos.
The Day of the March
The day of the March of Unity arrived, and Rimuru's streets were alive with anticipation. Nobles, soldiers, and commoners alike gathered, dressed in their finest garments and armor, ready to participate in the grand display of solidarity. The mood was festive, yet the undercurrent of tension could be felt by those who knew the stakes.
Padrino, dressed in ceremonial armor, stood at the front of the procession, flanked by Hinata, Marko, and the rest of his council. The streets were lined with banners bearing the sigil of Rimuru—a phoenix rising from the ashes. The people cheered as Padrino led the march through the heart of the city, his presence a reminder of the kingdom's strength and unity.
As the march progressed, Padrino kept a watchful eye on the nobles walking behind him. Bravius was there, his expression unreadable, and other powerful lords and ladies followed in his footsteps. If there was treachery in their hearts, they hid it well.
But Padrino knew the real test was yet to come. The march would end at the grand square, where he would address the crowd and the nobles would be expected to reaffirm their loyalty publicly. It was then, under the weight of the people's gaze, that the true loyalties would be revealed.
As the procession neared the square, Padrino felt the weight of the moment pressing down on him. Everything hinged on this event—the unity of Rimuru, the loyalty of the nobles, and the future of the kingdom. If any betrayal was to be made, it would happen here, in the heart of the city, under the eyes of the kingdom.