Chapter 15 : Chapter 15
Chapter 15. The Army Sets Out, Preparing to Establish a Knight Order
The royal decree fell like a massive stone thrown into a lake, stirring up waves throughout the kingdom.
The entire Kroll Kingdom sprang into motion. Legions from every region received their orders and marched day and night.
Soon, twenty well-equipped legions assembled outside the royal capital. Their camps stretched for miles, and banners snapped loudly in the wind, presenting an awe-inspiring sight.
Accompanying them were three dukes and a large number of nobles. Each of them looked invigorated, clearly eyeing the fertile lands of the Northern Frontier, waiting to claim their share of spoils once the rebellion was suppressed.
During this time, the First Prince and the Second Prince had not remained idle.
They repeatedly requested permission to accompany Kroll II on the campaign. Such a large-scale military operation was the perfect opportunity to accumulate military merit and cultivate influence within the army.
However, Kroll II’s true purpose for this expedition was not merely to suppress the Derek Family. The supposed rebellion was only a façade to conceal his real objective.
Faced with the two princes’ requests, he rejected them almost immediately.
“Your responsibilities lie in the royal capital. Guard the rear and ensure stability within the realm—that will be your greatest achievement.”
Kroll II’s tone allowed no argument as his gaze swept across the slightly disappointed faces of the two princes.
“The Northern Frontier is bitterly cold, and the battlefield is dangerous. It is not a place for you.”
The First Prince wanted to argue further, but the Second Prince quietly pulled him back. In the end, they could only withdraw resentfully.
Though they did not understand why their father was so resolute, they did not dare to defy his will.
In the military camp outside the royal capital, the three dukes were gathered together studying a map of the Northern Frontier.
“It is actually convenient that His Majesty did not allow the two princes to accompany us,” Duke Carden said with a smile. “Young people are rash. They would only get in the way.”
Duke Lane nodded in agreement.
“The situation in the Northern Frontier is complicated. The fewer people who know about it, the better.”
“We simply need to follow His Majesty’s lead. The benefits that should belong to us must not be missed.”
In the distance, soldiers were inspecting weapons and stockpiling supplies. The air was filled with tension and excitement.
No one knew that this seemingly righteous campaign to suppress rebellion actually concealed a far greater scheme.
William stood on the palace terrace, looking toward the massive military camp outside the city.
Beside him, Knight Tos finished reporting the situation regarding the two princes, and William immediately understood.
Since his father refused to allow his brothers to accompany him, this campaign clearly had another hidden purpose.
Soon, the sound of wind tearing through the sky echoed above the palace.
Kroll II appeared, flying through the air with eight legendary combatants. Among them was the newly advanced legendary Archmage Irene—she had already been granted her own exclusive magic tower, and her status had risen dramatically.
Kroll II rode at the front on a wind dragon whose scales shimmered with green light. He quickly arrived at the military camp outside the capital.
The three dukes and the assembled nobles immediately stepped forward and bowed in greeting.
Kroll II’s gaze swept over the legendary combatants accompanying the three dukes. A trace of displeasure flashed in his eyes as he silently cursed them as “old foxes,” though he did not expose it. Instead, he issued his order in a deep voice.
“The army will depart immediately. Our destination is Dragonfang Fortress. We will join the garrison there and the three legendary combatants stationed within before advancing into the Northern Frontier.”
The sound of horns echoed across the camp.
Two hundred thousand soldiers began moving northward like a massive steel dragon.
William stood on the terrace and watched the army depart. Only after the final banner disappeared beyond the horizon did he turn and walk down.
After only a few steps, one of Vivian’s maids approached him, informing him that the queen wished to see him.
William felt puzzled. His father had just left with the army. Why would his mother summon him now?
He followed the maid to Vivian’s chambers. As soon as he entered, Vivian dismissed all the attendants, leaving only the two of them in the room.
“William,” Vivian said.
Her expression was more serious than usual.
“Your grandfather sent a message. During the time your father is away, you must be especially cautious of the First Prince, the Second Prince, and the Third Princess.”
William was confused and looked at his mother.
“Mother, why?”
“Father has just departed for the campaign. What could they possibly do now?”
Vivian sighed and stepped closer, lowering her voice even further.
“Your father has taken most of the kingdom’s elite forces with him. The royal capital’s defenses are already weakened.”
“Your grandfather fears that some people may take advantage of this moment—especially your brothers and sister. They have always regarded you as a thorn in their side. Now that your father is not here to watch over things, there is no telling what they might do.”
Only then did William understand.
He had been so focused on improving his strength and monitoring the Northern Frontier that he had overlooked the hidden currents within the royal capital.
The First Prince and the Second Prince had always coveted the throne. Although the Third Princess was a woman, her methods were even more subtle and ruthless than those of her brothers.
But he himself was only six years old—could he really draw such hostility from them?
“I understand, Mother.”
William nodded, a trace of vigilance flashing in his eyes.
“I will be careful.”
“Not only careful,” Vivian said as she held his hand, her eyes full of concern.
“If necessary, you should also let them know that you are not someone who can be easily bullied.”
“Your grandfather has secretly transferred some people here. If anything happens, you can…”
She gave him several detailed instructions, every word filled with protective concern.
William listened quietly, warmth rising in his heart.
Within this unpredictable royal palace, his mother would always be his most reliable support.
When he left the chambers, his steps were noticeably steadier.
Days passed one after another.
News from the front lines became something William asked about every day, and Knight Tos always delivered the latest reports on schedule.
During this time, William had been planning the formation of a knight order. The nine of them were steadily improving, and the establishment of the knight order could no longer be delayed.
However, it was impossible to house so many people inside the royal palace. He could only place his hopes on the growth of Kyle and the others.
At present, two of the nine had already advanced to the Bronze Rank. The rest were also on the verge of breaking through—especially the three Professionals, whom William paid particular attention to.
Although their aptitude was not outstanding, they were young and full of drive.
What William lacked most right now were trustworthy subordinates. He could not entrust large amounts of money and manpower to outsiders.
And time was not on his side.
It seemed he would have to use another Soul Contract.
He was already considering the future—once he departed for his territory, this knight order could quickly take over the management of the land and establish a firm foothold.
As for princes secretly raising their own knight orders, Kroll II had always turned a blind eye.
After all, the royal capital permanently housed the First Royal Magical Beast Legion—the Two-Headed Wyvern Riders—whose strength was sufficient to suppress any rebellion.
As long as a prince could afford it, he was free to do as he pleased.
For example, the Second Prince possessed the Shadow Wolf Knight Order, a force built with enormous wealth. Rumor had it that they could silently annihilate an elite legion during the night.
Although the First Prince and the Third Princess were somewhat less wealthy, they had each established their own knight orders with the support of their maternal families. Even the weakest among their members were Black Iron Knights, and their combat power was equally formidable.
As for why no one formed mage units, the answer was simple—mages were far too rare.
Not everyone could become a mage, and organized mage forces were something only the royal family, several great dukes, and a handful of powerful marquises could afford.
Even the Peter Family, William’s maternal grandfather’s house, could not sustain such a “gold-devouring beast.”