The royal capital, Kagash.
Anthony II was a charismatic king. He loved oil paintings and poetry, often hosting cultural salons in the palace, and was skilled at playing the accordion. He was known as "a king like a traveling bard."
At that moment, holding the latest news brought by Raven, the poet king's face was full of fury. "Those damned Green Forest savages have started another Green Disaster!"
Prime Minister Mason was a court earl without a fief. His hair had turned gray, and his eyes held a great deal of wisdom.
Watching the disorderly royal council, he knew what was behind it. He cleared his throat. "There's no point in assigning blame now. The key is how we respond. Your Grace, Minister of Military Affairs, what do you think we should do?"
The Minister of Military Affairs was the kingdom's only landed duke, the Grand Duke of Bauhinia, and a relative of the king.
He stood up, cleared his throat, and said, "There are about five thousand Green Foresters this time, but they're nowhere near a match for the kingdom. All the lords will be loyal to the king, and we can muster an army of thirty thousand. The real issue is the fall of Arnold Castle and the series of castles beyond it. There are many errors and strange details surrounding it..."
"Lord Caston..."
Anthony II couldn't help turning his gaze toward the Minister of Intelligence, a plump, middle-aged man with a clean-shaven face and a prosperous air.
"My apologies, Your Majesty..."
Caston bowed first, a bitter smile appearing on his face. "Our network in the Green Forest has been uprooted, and we've received very little news. According to reports from the lords of the Northland... I've heard some very strange rumors. First of all, we can be