Warhammer Divine Throne

”Among the eight great virtues of a knight, recklessness is not one of them. Moreover, we are the guardians of order. Let me give you an example: imagine you are conducting an experiment halfway in your magic workshop, and suddenly someone barges in saying they can help you. Would you be happy?” Laine continued.

”I would definitely tell them to get out, and depending on the situation, perhaps reward them with a Flame Burst Technique,” Veronica lightly kicked Teresa with her high boots, signaling the female sorcerer not to speak further.

The two witches were temporarily on the same side now. After some discussions, Veronica and Teresa reached several points of consensus. They agreed to share the ”cake” that is Laine together, preferring a familiar ally over an unknown opponent.

Teresa realized something too. She changed her tone slightly: ”I didn’t mean that. What I meant is, if there’s no news, are we just going to wait here in vain?”

”There are three conditions under which we will act, satisfying any one of them will do,” Laine continued to look into the distance: ”Firstly, if Dalheid requests our aid, which is the direct method. Then there’s the king’s order, and if all else fails, the Lady’s oracle can also prompt us to mobilize.”

The camp was bustling with knights and their squires everywhere, and various dukes also sent many soldiers. As for the Peasant Infantry Corps... Laine felt that they would be useless against the Barbarians, except for the two Longbowman Battalions sent by Duke Bohemond of Bastogne. Instead, he brought along a unit of dwarf musketeers led by Dugen the Ironman, a dwarf engineer.

From morning till afternoon, Laine finally got the plea for help he awaited from Duke Dalheid. He ordered the army to set out immediately, mounted his Pure-blooded Elf Warhorse Grapes, ready to head north to aid Leonais Castle.

The army had just left the camp gates when a small group of knights appeared from the other side of the field. Though their numbers were few, seeing them brought the whole army to a halt.

Because these knights were dressed in a very unique manner.

Each carried a giant sword with a broad blade, riding on warhorses and wearing somewhat worn surcoats and armor. Behind their horses was a uniform cabinet, and no matter how damaged or old it was, the Holy Statue of the Lake Fairy on the cabinet remained as pristine as new.

They were the honored Expedition Knights, who had gone through countless hardships in pursuit of the Holy Grail. Now, with the kingdom in peril, they chose to come and help the kingdom overcome this crisis together.

The Path of the Holy Grail never meant ridding evil was unrelated to them, for they embarked on the path precisely to eradicate evil and safeguard the Goddess’s land.

The leading Expedition Knight removed his helmet, revealing a long and stern face. His expression was grim, and on his long, broad-bladed giant sword burned red flames, with only anger and indifference in his eyes.

Hex, a knight under Laine’s command, attempted to approach and converse with him: ”May I ask who you are?”

”Tell Laine to come and speak! What do you count as?” The Expedition Knight replied coldly, causing Hex’s face to turn red with just one sentence.

Laine frowned, wondering who this person was, and why he seemed so impressive.

Who knew Count’s Standard Bearer, Holy Grail Knight Armand, would speak first. Armand’s face was excited as he took the initiative to step forward and extend his hand: ”Long time no see! My friend, how have you been?”

The Expedition Knight was a bit surprised to see Armand. He extended his hand to shake Armand’s, his words as firm as stone: ”So it’s you, Armand. You’ve pledged allegiance to Count Laine now? Well, he did kill the Red Duke.”

Now Laine knew the situation wasn’t simple. He rode forward: ”Hello, I am Laine Macado.”

”The Lady’s Divine Chosen Champion, who in less than a decade has gone from a Nord Country Bumpkin to a Count. Hmm... your aura is unstable, a sign of an impending breakthrough to the Holy Sanctuary.” The Expedition Knight scrutinized him before reaching out his hand: ”Hello, I am Hubert.”

Hubert?! Could this person before him be Hubert?

Though Laine’s heart surged with overwhelming waves, his face remained calm. He shook hands with Hubert, offering a knight’s salute.

Hubert, Duke of Kakasong, the ruler of Kakasong Duchy!

Laine had never met Hubert before, as when he arrived in Brittania, Duke Hubert had just embarked on the Path of the Holy Grail a little while ago. Years passed with no further news, his territory’s government affairs were handed over to the Saintess Order led by Mogiana and the headquarters of the Holy Grail Knight Order located in the Fairy Cathedral on Kakasong Lake. After Mogiana was gravely injured, Kakasong Duchy effectively fell under the control of the Holy Grail Knight Order and a few Lake God Prophets. In this period, the political situation was stable, peaceful, and harmonious.

On the surface, Hubert had already relinquished his ducal title, but Laine knew this was merely symbolic. For a Holy Grail Knight, if an ordinary Kingdom Knight (whose fief is generally a village or enjoys fixed income) completes the Holy Grail Trial, they will forsake their mundane duties, focusing on guarding the Holy Land of the Lake Fairy. However, if this Kingdom Knight holds a substantial title, upon completing the Holy Grail Trial, they will return to reclaim their title and fulfill their duties as a lord.

”Because of your reputation and the favor you’ve earned with the Lady, I and these others have come to help the kingdom through its difficulties,” stated the Expedition Knight. ”The Path of the Holy Grail never meant that eliminating evil was unrelated to us, as it is precisely for this purpose that we tread the Path of the Holy Grail.”

The leader of the Expedition Knights removed his helmet, revealing a long and stern face. His expression was serious, a long broad sword he held burned with red flames, with only fury and coldness in his eyes.

Heide, a knight under Laine, tried to approach and speak with him: ”May I ask who you are?”

”Tell Laine to come speak to me! Who do you think you are?” The Expedition Knight retorted coldly, turning Heide’s face red with the remark.

Laine knitted his brows, thinking to himself, who is this person, how can he have such an imposing presence?

But who knew, before he could inquire, the Standard Bearer Holy Grail Knight Armand spoke first: ”I’m Laine Macado. It’s a great honor to have you join us.” Armand got down from his horse and gave a knightly salute.

Laine led a powerful army; with such a strong force, why was there any concern that the Northern Barbarians couldn’t be defeated? They were all warriors favored by the Evil God.

”Once we win this battle, I shall return to my domain to fulfill...” Laine started to say.

But Surya, the Marchioness, cut him off, not wanting him to continue, her face turning shy and the surrounding knights burst into laughter. Count Laine chuckled, indicating he understood and changed the topic.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the field, the Barbarian Army was advancing.

They were the Skalings, fearsome and savage, and their numbers were many.

”The Red Duke will not rest until he sees the kingdom in ruins,” Vero said with a grim expression.

”He underestimates us, the proud Brittania people,” Armand spat on the ground, hefting his own giant sword restlessly on his shoulder.

In the castle, the chaos was palpable. The Lake Fairy seemed ethereal and calm, her presence alone a source of courage for those who chose to fight for her cause. Teresa, the female sorcerer, prepared her Flame Burst Technique with precision.

Meanwhile, Dugen the Ironman’s Dwarf Musketeers lined up in disciplined rows, ready for orders. As the Kingdom Knights took their positions, the Peasant Infantry Corp hustled to its place, holding their weapons with trembling hands but stern determination marked on each face.