Aldo's Royal Capital, Crystal Radiance. Sunlight spilled across the golden-domed Royal Palace, illuminating a long-awaited peace.
King Rodney XVIII sat at the head of the long table, an irrepressible smile on his face. It had been a long time since he had felt this relaxed—one could even say that, since ascending the throne, this was the first time he had truly felt at ease.
"Who could have imagined it?" he exclaimed during the cabinet meeting, his tone carrying a hint of disbelief. "I originally thought this war would last at least two or three years. The north would be caught in a stalemate, and we might even lose several cities."
He looked around at everyone, his eyes shining. "But now? The orcs have already been driven back to the grasslands, and it hasn't even been half a year."
Light laughter rang out through the hall, and several ministers nodded in agreement.
"Your Majesty is wise." Palace Minister Rupert Walter spoke first, his respectful tone carrying a hint of familiarity. "You decisively cut redundant personnel, reorganized the military, personally selected the generals, and arranged the supply of provisions. That was what raised morale on the front lines and allowed us to win every battle."
"That's right." The Military Affairs Minister chimed in. "Your Majesty displayed extraordinary decisiveness from the moment you ascended the throne. Now you have proven that you are the true pillar of Aldo."
Rodney's smile deepened at their words, but his tone remained humble:
"You flatter me." He waved his hand. "Of course I wish I could claim the credit, but to be honest, this victory was the result of the entire kingdom standing united."
He paused, his gaze filled with emotion. "Especially Marquis Greiman. If he hadn't trained the army and reformed the military system in the