This war was not merely about protecting Marienburg for Karl Franz. It was also a way of declaring Marienburg's allegiance to the Empire.
That was why he was leading the campaign in person.
And since Karl Franz, the Emperor, was leading the campaign in person, Volkmar, who supported him, would also take to the field himself to ensure Karl Franz's safety.
And don't forget: during this time, Marienburg's merchants were gathering, preparing to support the Empire and Batonia in an attack on the Border Prince Territory to drive out the Arabians.
That made this even more important.
A force of just over 3,000 was nothing much to the Empire.
After all, to show off the Empire's "strength," Karl Franz had even prepared an army of around 12,000, armed to the teeth with pikes and guns.
This was meant to guarantee their safety and eliminate the Norscans, but, as mentioned before, it was also meant to demonstrate the Empire's power and assert its sovereignty.
And the Empire wasn't the only one involved.
As mentioned earlier, Marienburg and Batonia had very close ties as well.
In particular, that Red Eye fellow had directly laid waste to everything along the route from Land Island toward Marienburg.
Though it was on the border, there was no doubt that all of it was Batonian territory.
So Batonia would certainly be sending troops as well.
According to the "notification" between the two countries from King Louen, the Lion King, who had only recently taken the throne, his side would send a force of around 2,000 to avoid any misunderstandings.
Among them would be a full unit of thirty Grail Knights.
Clearly, the Lady of the Lake was furious with Red Eye's actions. This time, it was a rare occasion when more than ten Grail Knights were