Meeting

As an outsider, Duanmu Huai naturally could not interfere in Paretia Kingdom's internal political disputes. However, he did not need to, because the King soon issued another order—for his outstanding performance in the previous battle, he and Princess Anisphia would lead a squad specially designed for aerial combat and be responsible for fighting in the air.

Of course, since Duanmu Huai and Anisphia were the only ones who could fly, he did not pay much attention to it at first.

That was until he met Anisphia...

"What are you trying to pull?"

Looking at the fully armed line of soldiers following behind Anisphia, Duanmu Huai was speechless.

"Can they all fly?"

"Not exactly... But aren't we going on an expedition? We'll need a base and things like that on the battlefield... So they'll mainly be responsible for guarding it..."

"Oh, all right. That makes sense. But what's going on over there?"

Hearing Anisphia's answer, Duanmu Huai did not mind. Strictly speaking, she was not wrong. If he and Anisphia were pilots, then these soldiers were the ground crew. That was understandable.

But...

Duanmu Huai turned his puzzled gaze toward the several girls standing behind Anisphia. This part was a little harder to understand.

"Ah, they're my maids..."

"Bringing your maids is fine, but what's the deal with the other two young ladies?"

"Huh? Inquisitor Mr., you didn't know?"

Hearing Duanmu Huai's question, Anisphia hesitated before finally speaking.

"In fact, Father issued an order long ago. For this battle to retake the Northern Fortress, all the nobles of Paretia Kingdom are required to send representatives to participate..."

Well, the legitimacy of Paretia Kingdom's royal family and nobility came from their ability to use Elf Magic to protect the people, so it was perfectly reasonable for the King to issue such an