Lamarrin

She had to start making arrangements to deal with what might happen next.

All of this is predicated on the premise that there is no internal chaos.

The news of the Demon King's death must not be spread...

"... I have no objection."

Maria wasn't stupid; in the blink of an eye, she understood the meaning behind the other party's actions.

So she didn't refuse him; she nodded slightly and leaned back.

Soon, a group of maids led her and the soldiers away.

The other Banshees were also given time to rest by Lamaline, to process this shocking fact, and then consider their next move.

She herself sat quietly, looking at the empty conference room.

A long time.

A sigh drifted out softly...

Maria quickly settled into the Royal Court.

Her days were leisurely, with no work to do. Her greatest pleasure was reading a book.

It's worth mentioning that the Banshees take the transmission of book knowledge quite seriously, especially in the arts, where books on singing are particularly valued.

According to the Banshees who managed the library that Maria met, singing was the most beautiful thing about Banshees, not their appearance or demeanor.

To be honest, the Demon King's death left Maria feeling lost and disoriented for a time.

After all, her main purpose in being here was to find out whether the leader of this special race knew anything that wasn't recorded in books.

Now that the enemy is dead, Maria is confused about the meaning of her staying here.

Therefore, she could only temporarily look through the Sarkaz records to see if there was anything noteworthy.

And it was during these uneventful days that the investigators who were dispatched one after another brought back intelligence.

The Demon King was killed in battle, and the defenses collapsed.

Such a bombshell news left everyone somewhat incredulous.

But after seeing that the Banshee Court did not come forward to admit it, everyone subconsciously wanted to escape. They began to accuse the person who sent back the information of being in cahoots and trying to disrupt the peace of the city.

But as more and more investigators returned, the news was brought up again and again.

Even if they are unwilling, they have to admit one thing.

The strength of the Allied Forces truly exceeded their expectations.

They came here after enduring countless hardships and losing their families, seeking only refuge and peace.

But this place is about to become a battlefield.

For a time, many people were unable to accept this outcome.

Many excited people even went to the Banshee Court's encampment, hoping to get a real, official notification.

But the Banshees simply drove them away.

This only exacerbated the panic among the crowd.

More and more people gathered at the Banshee Court's encampment, trying to find an answer they already knew for sure.

They wanted to know what they should do next.

When Maria couldn't concentrate on her book, she would go to her window... from which she could see the gathered crowd and the Banshees maintaining order.

She didn't have much of an opinion on it.

After all, no matter how chaotic things get, it has nothing to do with her.

Maria would occasionally take advantage of this opportunity, when the Banshees were short-handed, to slip out and check on the city's situation.

On such a day, Maria encountered Father Sankta, whom she had met before, once again.

"Oh, we meet again."

Hidden in the tree, the priest raised his bandaged hand and waved to Maria with a smile.

On the ground lay the Swarm of young people who had been targeted in the attack on Maria.

The devastating news from the front lines drove many to madness; their suppressed fear and madness desperately needed an outlet.

The priest, a Sarkaz unwelcome Sankta, became the perfect punching bag.

During this period, he hardly had a moment's peace.

Wherever he goes, someone will launch a sneak attack on him.

Especially at night, the Sankta's undeniable aura and wings made him stand out like a target.

He only had half a day to hide in some corner and catch his breath.

As for his own church, which was in ruins...

He hasn't been back for a long time.

"You have quite a few more injuries now."

Maria looked at the priest who dared not come down from the tree and slowly began to speak.

The other person just grinned foolishly and scratched their head.

"There's nothing we can do. One major event after another has happened lately, so I understand that everyone's emotions are a bit agitated."

Even if all their attacks on you were aimed at killing you?

"There's nothing we can do about it."

The priest scratched his head, seemingly unconcerned.

"After all, there are good people in this city... They've taken me in these past few days, otherwise my situation would definitely be worse."

"This also proves that my theory is correct; the Sarkaz were not born sinful as recorded!"

Faced with this situation of being surrounded by enemies on all sides, the priest was not angry at all; on the contrary, he was happy that his theory had been proven once again.

He firmly believed that as long as enough evidence was collected, even Laterano could ease tensions with the Sarkaz!

Maria simply shook her head slightly at his thoughts.

"The fate of idealists is often tinged with pity."

"Haha, maybe I'm the exception."

The priest understood, of course, that Maria's words were a reminder that he was indeed no longer suited to pursue his dream.

But the priest also had his own ideas.

Just as he had told Maria before, he had already made all the preparations.

Especially now, with the Allied Forces about to arrive, this place is about to become a battlefield.

Even if it's to repay the Banshees's kindness, to protect those who might be in danger, or to open the hearts of that one in a million Sarkaz, he must stay here.

Every ordinary thing in people's lives today is the result of a small, incredible thing, involving the dedication of millions of people over decades or centuries.

He knew how dangerous and reckless his actions were.

But... what if?

What if my actions today inspire a group of people, and they then pass those ideas on?

Will everything change at all?

He stayed in this land that didn't accept him, with this attitude.

Before every future arrives, someone needs to be the stepping stone.

Having lost both his parents and his respected grandparents, he firmly believed this.

"Hope only comes after repeated attempts."

The priest smiled and carefully climbed down from the tree.

He looked at Maria, whose still-young face revealed the most ordinary yet resolute determination.

After a long silence, Maria also took a deep breath.

"Really..."

"Huh? You agree with my idea?!"

The priest paused for a moment, then a smug smile spread across his face.

"See, I told you someone would eventually be convinced by me!"

"... I hope so."

Maria didn't explain much.

She came from the future and saw the situation here.

She knew, of course, that the man's dreams would never come true in the future, and that his current actions were a complete failure... It was for this reason that she thought of reminding him not to waste his time.

But seeing the other person's silly smile, she finally stopped talking.

Idealists dedicate everything to their ideals, only to fail in the end; it's merely a pathetic situation in their own eyes.

What makes a hero a hero is not the height he climbs.

Rather, it was simply that when he needed to, he raised his arm, roared, and took that first step that tore through the darkness.

Once upon a time, she too was a madwoman tearing through the darkness.

But unlike men, she succeeded, and went very far...

Maria was still pondering what to say next.

From the distant city, a voice rang out like lightning.

"The Allied Forces are here!"

Chapter 261 Lamaline

The Allied Forces soldiers have arrived...

These words were like a bolt from the blue, instantly spreading throughout the entire city.

Many people couldn't wait to run to the edge of the city and look into the distance.

Upon actually seeing the cold, steel warship, everyone's expression turned extremely grim.

They trembled and became anxious.

The terrible things that had happened in their hometown had become their nightmares, and they simply couldn't imagine the Banshees resisting this terrible Allied Forces.

Many people were already at their breaking point and were preparing to flee.

Even though they hadn't rested well and their supplies were running low, they still wanted to escape.

Escaping now, though dangerous, at least offers a chance to survive. If they don't escape now, once war breaks out, they won't even have a chance to live.

So they almost all gathered at the edge of the city, trying to get the Banshees to open a passage to the outside world so they could escape.

The Banshees also seemed hesitant about their choice.

They could certainly understand these people's thoughts... After all, even they themselves were somewhat conflicted.

But the problem is, they absolutely cannot open the city gates now!

Since the Allied Forces are now visible, it means they are at most three days' journey away.

This is only the main force.

If the enemy chooses to send light cavalry to charge, they can reach the outskirts of the city in less than a day.

What will the Banshees do then?

It's important to understand that a population of over a million is no small number. Even if only a fraction of them choose to evacuate, it would still be a terrifying figure.

When the light cavalry arrives, the Banshees will have to protect the civilians who have already reached the bridge, while also considering public opinion and protecting the ordinary people who have left the city but haven't gone far and might be caught up by the light cavalry at any time.