The council convened swiftly, with the palace bathed in the cold light of a waning moon. Padrino stood at the head of the table, surrounded by his most trusted advisors. Marko, Asuna, Hinata, and several key military figures from across the kingdom had gathered, each understanding the gravity of the situation.
"We've confirmed the reports," Marko began, spreading a fresh map of the southern territories across the table. "The Galdros forces have regrouped faster than we anticipated. They've amassed near the border, and their numbers are growing daily."
Padrino studied the map intently. "How soon before they're prepared to launch another attack?"
"Based on our intelligence, they could strike within weeks, maybe even days," Asuna responded. "They're positioning themselves strategically, cutting off potential routes of reinforcement from our southern allies."
A murmur spread across the room as the implications sank in. Rimuru had rebuilt its forces and defenses after the last siege, but if Galdros had recovered so quickly, the situation was dire.
"We've been preparing for this," Padrino said, his voice steady. "We knew Galdros wouldn't stay quiet for long. What are our current defenses along the southern border?"
General Kaito, a seasoned military leader with a reputation for his unwavering loyalty, spoke up. "Our forces are stretched thin, Your Majesty. We've been focusing on rebuilding the main cities, and though we've stationed troops along the southern frontier, they're not enough to hold off a full-scale assault."
Padrino clenched his fists, frustration boiling beneath the surface. The peace had been a fragile thing, but he had hoped for more time. "We need to bolster the southern defenses immediately," he said, his tone leaving no room for debate. "General Kaito, mobilize every available soldier. Reinforce our fortresses along the border and make sure we have scouts monitoring Galdros' movements."
Kaito nodded. "It will be done, Your Majesty."
Padrino turned his gaze to Marko. "What about our allies? Have we received word from any of them?"
Marko hesitated, a rare look of uncertainty crossing his face. "Our emissaries reached out to several nearby kingdoms, but the responses have been mixed. Some are hesitant to get involved in a conflict with Galdros. Others are dealing with their own internal issues. The Kingdom of Valtaria has shown interest in an alliance, but they're moving cautiously."
"Caution won't help us now," Padrino said, his voice laced with impatience. "We need firm commitments. Send another envoy to Valtaria. Make it clear that we face a common enemy, and if Galdros conquers Rimuru, they will not stop there."
Asuna spoke next, her eyes sharp with calculation. "There's another potential ally we haven't fully considered. The Nomads of the Great Desert. They've remained neutral in most conflicts, but they have a formidable military force, and their knowledge of the terrain could give us a significant advantage."
Padrino nodded thoughtfully. The Nomads were a mysterious people, known for their independence and resilience. If they could be convinced to join Rimuru's cause, it would tilt the scales in their favor. "Send an emissary to the Nomads," he said. "Offer them whatever they need—land, resources, whatever it takes to secure their support."
The room fell into a contemplative silence as each advisor processed the weight of the decisions ahead. Padrino could feel the tension building, but he pushed it aside. There was no time for doubt.
"We prepare for war," Padrino declared. "But we also prepare for victory. Galdros has underestimated us once before, and they'll do so again. We've survived their assault, and this time, we will defeat them."
In the days that followed, Rimuru buzzed with activity. Soldiers trained relentlessly in the barracks, blacksmiths worked around the clock to produce weapons and armor, and messengers raced between cities, carrying urgent orders. The kingdom was mobilizing for war, but amidst the preparation, Padrino couldn't shake a growing sense of unease.
Standing atop the walls of the palace, he gazed out over the city. The sun had begun to set, casting a golden hue over Rimuru. From here, everything seemed peaceful. But beyond the horizon, in the shadowed lands of Galdros, a storm was brewing.
"Your Majesty," came a voice from behind him. Padrino turned to see Hinata, her expression somber.
"Hinata," Padrino greeted her. "What news?"
She stepped forward, her voice quiet but filled with concern. "The people are afraid, Padrino. They've heard the rumors about Galdros' army, and though they believe in you, the fear is spreading."
Padrino sighed, turning his gaze back to the city. "I've fought battles before, but this... This feels different. The people look to me for strength, but I wonder how long I can continue to give it."
Hinata placed a hand on his arm, her eyes softening. "You've done more for this kingdom than anyone could have asked. And you will do more still. But you're not alone in this fight. We all stand with you."
Padrino met her gaze, grateful for her words. She had always been a voice of reason, and in times like these, he needed her more than ever. "Thank you, Hinata. I just hope it's enough."
Before Hinata could respond, a messenger appeared at the entrance to the balcony, his face pale. "Your Majesty," he gasped, bowing quickly. "An envoy from Galdros has arrived. They request an audience."
Padrino's heart skipped a beat. Galdros had sent a message, and it could only mean one thing.
"Bring them to the throne room," Padrino ordered. "Let's see what they have to say."
The throne room was filled with a tense silence as the envoy from Galdros entered. He was a tall man, clad in the black and red armor of Galdros, his face set in a permanent scowl. Padrino watched him carefully from his seat on the throne, every muscle in his body tense with anticipation.
The envoy bowed, though it was more of a formality than a sign of respect. "Your Majesty," he said, his voice cold. "I bring a message from King Drakkor of Galdros."
Padrino leaned forward slightly, his gaze never leaving the envoy. "Speak."
The envoy unfurled a scroll and began to read. "King Drakkor extends an offer of peace to the Kingdom of Rimuru. He proposes a truce—one that will allow both of our kingdoms to recover and avoid further bloodshed."
A murmur spread through the room, but Padrino held up a hand, silencing his advisors. "And what is the price of this peace?" he asked, his voice steady.
The envoy's lips curled into a thin smile. "Galdros will withdraw its forces... in exchange for control of the southern territories. Your people will remain safe, and Rimuru will be left in peace."
Padrino's eyes narrowed. The southern territories were the lifeblood of the kingdom, rich in resources and strategically vital. Giving them up would cripple Rimuru, leaving it vulnerable to future attacks.
"Tell your king," Padrino said, his voice cold as steel, "that Rimuru does not surrender. If he wants the southern territories, he'll have to take them by force."
The envoy's smile faded. He bowed once more, though this time there was no pretense of politeness. "As you wish, Your Majesty. Galdros will remember your defiance."
As the envoy left, the tension in the room deepened. War was inevitable now, and the storm that had been gathering for so long was finally about to break.