The throne room was eerily quiet after the envoy's departure. The air was thick with tension, and the weight of what had just transpired hung over everyone like a suffocating blanket. Padrino remained seated on his throne, his mind racing. His decision had been made—there would be no surrender. Rimuru would stand against Galdros, even if it meant plunging the kingdom into war once again.
Hinata, standing at his side, was the first to break the silence. "That envoy was no diplomat," she said softly. "He came with the intent to provoke. Galdros never wanted peace."
Padrino nodded slowly, his eyes distant. "You're right. This was nothing more than a thinly veiled threat, and now they'll come with everything they have."
General Kaito stepped forward, his expression grim. "Your Majesty, with this declaration of war, we must prepare for the worst. Our forces are still mobilizing, but we're not at full strength yet."
"We'll never be ready enough," Padrino said, rising from his throne. "But we'll fight with what we have, and we'll make them regret underestimating us."
Marko approached the table, spreading the latest map of the southern frontier. "Galdros' forces are positioned strategically along the border. If they attack, they'll likely target Fort Redgrave first. It's the most vulnerable of our defenses, and if it falls, they'll have a clear path to Rimuru."
Padrino studied the map intently. Fort Redgrave was crucial to the kingdom's southern defenses, and he knew they couldn't afford to lose it. "Then we must reinforce it immediately. Kaito, take a battalion and head for Redgrave at once. I want the fort fortified and ready for a siege."
Kaito bowed, determination flashing in his eyes. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
As Kaito turned to leave, Padrino looked to Asuna. "What of our scouts? Do we have any reports on Galdros' movements?"
Asuna nodded. "We've had scouts tracking their movements along the border. They've been moving in small, coordinated units, likely probing our defenses for weaknesses. But there's something else—our scouts have reported sightings of unusual creatures among their ranks. They're not just mobilizing human forces, but beasts from the Shadow Marshes."
Padrino frowned. The Shadow Marshes were a dangerous region known for its hostile environment and the twisted creatures that lived there. If Galdros had managed to tame those beasts, it would make their army even more formidable. "We'll need to prepare for the unexpected. Make sure our soldiers are ready for anything."
Marko spoke again, his voice cautious. "Your Majesty, there's another matter we need to consider. With Galdros moving so aggressively, we can't ignore the possibility of spies within our own ranks. They've likely infiltrated our cities, feeding information back to King Drakkor."
Padrino's expression hardened. The thought of traitors within his kingdom filled him with anger, but he knew Marko was right. "We'll deal with any spies swiftly and without mercy. I'll have the city guard investigate anyone suspected of treason."
As the meeting continued, the atmosphere grew heavier. The reality of war was sinking in, and everyone in the room understood the gravity of the situation. Rimuru was facing an enemy that had prepared for this moment, and they would stop at nothing to see the kingdom fall.
Hours later, as the council members dispersed to carry out their orders, Padrino remained in the throne room, alone with his thoughts. He walked to the large window overlooking the city, the night sky stretching out above him. The stars twinkled faintly, but even their light seemed dim in the face of the darkness that loomed over Rimuru.
Hinata, who had stayed behind, approached him quietly. "You made the right choice, Padrino. We couldn't give in to Galdros' demands."
Padrino sighed, his shoulders heavy with the weight of leadership. "I know. But that doesn't make the burden any easier to bear. We're sending our people into a war that could destroy everything we've built."
Hinata placed a reassuring hand on his arm. "You've always led with strength and wisdom. That's why the people believe in you. And that's why they'll fight for you."
He looked at her, grateful for her presence. "I just hope it's enough."
The next few days were a blur of activity as Rimuru prepared for war. Soldiers trained tirelessly in the barracks, artisans worked around the clock to produce weapons and supplies, and messengers rode out to the distant fortresses to deliver orders. The kingdom was on high alert, and the tension was palpable.
Padrino spent most of his time overseeing the preparations, but he also made a point to visit the barracks and speak with the soldiers. He knew that morale would be crucial in the coming battles, and he wanted to ensure that his people felt supported and ready.
One afternoon, as he walked through the training grounds, he saw a group of young recruits practicing with their swords. Their movements were clumsy, their faces etched with determination. Padrino approached them, watching for a moment before speaking.
"Focus on your stance," he called out. "A solid foundation will keep you grounded in the heat of battle."
The recruits froze, realizing who was addressing them. They straightened up immediately, trying to hide their nervousness.
One of the younger recruits, barely out of his teens, stepped forward. "Your Majesty, we've been training hard, but... we're not sure we're ready for what's coming."
Padrino smiled, though there was a sadness in his eyes. "No one is ever truly ready for war. But you're fighting for your home, for the people you love. That will give you strength when you need it most."
The young recruit nodded, his resolve strengthening. "We won't let you down, Your Majesty."
Padrino clapped him on the shoulder. "I know you won't."
As he continued through the training grounds, Padrino felt a deep sense of responsibility. These were the people who would fight and die for his kingdom, and he couldn't let them down. He had to be strong for them, no matter what.
The day finally came when the scouts reported movement along the southern border. Galdros' forces were on the march, and they were heading straight for Fort Redgrave.
Padrino gathered his council once more, the tension in the room more intense than ever. "The time has come," he said, his voice steady but filled with determination. "Galdros has made their move, and now we make ours. We'll meet them at Redgrave and show them that Rimuru does not bow to invaders."
As the council prepared for the coming battle, Padrino felt a storm brewing in his heart. The flames of defiance burned brightly within him, and he knew that this war would define the future of his kingdom.
The battle for Rimuru had begun.