I Call the Shots

For the people of the Paretia Kingdom, it was a day that would remain etched in their memories.

Amid swirling flower petals and ringing bells, the fully armed Paretia Army and adventurers marched out through the gates of the Royal Capital under the cheers of the people, setting out for the Northern Fortress.

Watching the army depart, everyone couldn't help but pray that they would reclaim the Northern Lands and turn the Paretia Kingdom into a peaceful world once more...

Fortunately, the excited citizens cheering along both sides of the streets had no idea that the military camp was already in complete chaos.

"What did you say?!"

The nobles' furious roars rose one after another, while Duanmu Huai simply stood there, looking at them calmly before waving a hand.

"Can't you understand plain speech? I'll say it again. We'll decide for ourselves how to act. No one has the authority to order us around!"

That was precisely why the atmosphere was so tense. At the first military meeting held by the Allied Forces, Duanmu Huai had declared in front of everyone, "We won't follow anyone's orders. We'll act independently according to the situation on the battlefield."

Those words had sent all the nobles present into an uproar.

After all, Duanmu Huai and Anisphia were the only two combat forces capable of resisting the Demon Race and magical beasts in the air. Everyone wanted to secure their protection. The nobles had originally intended to seize command of this squad during the military meeting, but Duanmu Huai didn't give them the slightest consideration and rejected them all without a second thought!

"Do you mean you won't even obey His Highness Yargard's orders?"

"Of course."

He glanced at the blond young man sitting silently in the center and snorted.

**"I've already said that