The Church's Army

At that, Benjamin tensed up at once.

Were they finally coming?

"How are the defenses... coming along?"

"The rune defensive array you mentioned has been preliminarily set up. After testing, its defensive capabilities are indeed excellent." The acting prime minister paused, then continued, "But whether it can withstand the enemy's artillery fire, no one can say for certain."

Several peace-favoring officials nearby echoed him. "Yes, we only came here because of the Headmaster's promise. Once this so-called grand array is broken, our situation may become extremely dangerous. We might not even be able to make it back."

Logically, these officials from Regina had no need to come to Locke City. Yet they had insisted on coming, seemingly wanting to witness the day the array was broken with their own eyes, thereby proving that their calls for peace had been right.

Benjamin shook his head.

"Rest assured, if Locke City falls, I will personally escort you gentlemen to safety." His face cold, he spoke with a trace of mockery.

"Since the Headmaster has said so, we can rest easy." Ignoring the sarcasm in his words, the official smiled. "Besides... when that time comes, surely you will no longer oppose making peace with the Hori Kingdom, will you?"

Benjamin was somewhat speechless. At a time like this, they were still saying such things? However, he could no longer be bothered to argue. Differences in political views could never be settled through bickering. Let them do as they pleased.

"As you wish, gentlemen."

Having received the answer they wanted, the peace-favoring officials nodded and quieted down, saying nothing further. After all, they were all citizens of Ikor. They did not openly speak ill of the coming battle, but Benjamin could sense carriage after carriage outside City Hall, each already packed with luggage.

Clearly,