Pina Co Lada

"Your Majesty!" The disrespectful person appearing before the emperor was the princess. In other words, the emperor's daughter.

Kneeling on one knee, she displayed flawless court etiquette.

"Your Highness, what urgent matters do you have to barge into the chambers of His Majesty?" asked her Marcus.

If the emperor's third child, Pina Co Lada just sat still with a smile on her face, she would look like an excellent work of art. However, her sharp tongue has been said to have made weak men faint, an infamous ability in the Empire.

"Obviously, it's about the bandits occupying Arnus and Romalia Mountains. It seems that to this day the two holy places are still under their control. I couldn't imagine that your Majesty would still sit with such a relaxed posture after hearing what happened to the Allied Army. Marquis, have you reported the facts to his Majesty?"

"Your Highness, I certainly did give the report. The Alliance Army did suffer heavy losses, but they defended bravely against the enemy's invasion of the Falmart Continent. Thanks to the courageous Alliance Army who sacrificed their lives in the battle, the enemy has received both physical and psychological damage and is shivering in fear as they have built strong forts in panic, hiding within like hibernating bears. Such enemies are no threat to us at all."

After hearing Marquis Marcus's words, Pina replied with a "Hmph! And what about the other invading force? What is your Majesty planning to do with them?"

"Everything is under our complete control," Molt assured her.

"I'm not a kid anymore; I know that is how things are put across to children but, to turn not one but two armies' complete defeat into victory is unheard of."

"It's the truth." the Emperor looked bored because of this conversation but, deep inside he was concerned.

"So you are going to sacrifice the truth and paint the history books with your lies?"

"Even if you put it like that, I cannot answer." Molt dismissed her claim.

"You sly courtier! Aren't the Holy Hills of Arnus and Romalia still under the enemy's complete control? Did they defend successfully? The truth is that the foot of the hill is filled with corpses."

"It's true that we took some losses..." The Emperor looked off to the side with a bored expression.

"Then, what are we going to do from now on?"

Marquis Marcus played dumb while explaining to her the projects such as recruitment of new troops and their training. Pina clicked her tongue annoyingly at Marcus's words that anyone who was army-related would know about.

"How many years do you think it will take? Could you ensure that the two invading forces will just sit quietly and wait?"

"Your Highness. I am aware of that. But currently, all we can do is to follow the steps of recruiting, training, and rebuilding the army. Even the vassal states have lost their troops. Even if another Alliance Army were formed, the time needed for it to become a reality would be proportional to the national strength. Even if the other countries reconstructed their armies later than us, they would catch up sooner or later."

Hearing this, Piña exclaimed astonishingly, "It would be impossible to defend against the invaders if we wait that long!"

Sighing, Emperor Molt held up his hand to stop their bickering.

Based on his observations, Pina tended to cause unrest. Those without responsibilities were like this; always criticizing but had no constructive suggestions. Even if they had made suggestions, it was all wishful thinking that disrespected the traditions and social status of others. If someone voiced objections against them, they would counter by asking "What would you do then!"

For example, the only solution now is to follow the steps Marquis Marcus had said. Buying time for that would be dependent on diplomacy. To achieve that, the emperor's plan to gather the vassal country's troops and eliminate them in one go was successful.

The resigned Emperor shrugged and said to his daughter.

"If you put it this way, Pina, I have something to say."

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"Regarding the enemies on the two holy hills, the information we have in our hands right now is very limited. Why don't you go check it out?"

"Me?"

"Yes. We are still rebuilding the Empire's army, so we are lacking scouts and can't draw them from our standing army. The enlisting and training of recruits will need time as Marquis Marcus said. The only troops that are free and are adequately trained would be your Order of Knights. If the Knights are not your playmates for pretend games, that is..."

Under the provoking gaze of the Emperor, Pina shut her lips.

For knights, who were mocked and accused of playing a game of pretending, although they took pride in being assigned missions, the contents of the mission were dissatisfying.

Also, she and her order of knights had zero experience in a real battle. Could she and her knights complete this dangerous mission?

The Emperor glanced towards her lazily. "Well then. Do you accept this order?"

Gritting her teeth, Pina raised her head with a determined look and... "I have received it."

After she had said those proud words, Emperor Molt responded ceremoniously.

"Umu, then I shall look forward to your achievements."

"Well then, Father. I shall be on my way."

With that, Pina Co Lada turned her back to the throne room