The night passed swiftly, though there was no telling how many people had spent it in turmoil.
At dawn, beneath a dim sky that threatened rain, Far-Sail Port erupted into activity.
"Tatexiao Knight Order, 535 men, reporting for duty!" Vavik shouted. Five hundred cavalrymen sat on their warhorses in leather armor, their faces expressionless.
"Rose Knight Order, 255 men, reporting for duty!" Owenna announced, likewise at the head of more than two hundred riders.
"City Defense Army, 580 men, reporting for duty!" This was Fafier. His troops were infantry, also clad in leather armor.
The eleven knights who had arrived last time had already been assigned commands throughout the force.
"Mage corps, fourteen members, reporting for duty!" This was Debiru.
"Hand of Nature, fifty-five members, reporting for duty!" This was Xiaocifa, leading combat Druids who were all level five or above.
"Healing corps, 155 members, reporting for duty!" Surprisingly, this was Bell, leading Druids below level five. Their role was not to fight, but to provide healing.
In the end, the Goddess of Agriculture's priests did not formally join the battle. Their participation would have made this a far bigger affair.
Excluding the healers but including Romon's personal attendants, the force already numbered 1,450. With the healers, it exceeded 1,500!
This was the strength of a long-established Count, now laid bare for all to see.
"Move out!" At Romon's command, the army broke camp.
"...Gods, Count Teta Xiao actually dared to mobilize his army!"
"Yes, a noble actually dared to confront the Radiance Church head-on!"
On the third floor of a tavern near the square, Princess Qian Niya drew back the curtains and looked down. A shudder ran through her.
Eighteen knights rode along the street, clad in Greater Knight armor and plumed helmets, carrying long lances with longswords at