While that was a good idea at heart, the Adventurer’s Guild would never allow it.
Several nobles began loudly cursing the Guild.
For instance, “they’re nothing more than peasants!”
For instance, “who do they think pays them?!”
For instance, “if they’re citizens of the Kingdom, they should be helping us!”
It was only natural that those in power would be displeased by the Adventurer’s Guild which refused to submit to that power. However, it was also a fact that they were the only ones who could deal with monsters.
If the Adventurer’s Guild left the Kingdom, they would have no way of beating back powerful monsters. As a result, the Kingdom would be steadily destroyed, and not even Gazef’s presence would change that.
Monsters had many special abilities, and defeating them would require an equally diverse repertoire of attacks, defenses and healing methods. Because of this, adventurers were indispensable. The fact that the Empire incorporated magic casters and rangers into its legions was a different matter.
“A-as expected of his Highness! I feel that this is a marvellous idea!”
The one who spoke was a baron who hailed from parts unknown.
He was a minor lord among the peers present, which meant he was someone’s vassal.
“As a magic caster, she might have some insights into this situation. It might be good just to listen to what she has to say. Maybe we should send an emissary over, just in case.”
The idea met with a small amount of approval. Most of the ones who agreed were low-ranking nobles, and given the way they were praising Barbro, they were probably minions from the Noble faction.
The more-keen-eyed people made sour faces, but it seemed like the others had not noticed.
“Then go,” the king ordered in a tired voice. “Momon-dono is an adamantite-ranked adventurer.
You are not to offend him under any circumstances!”
“Understood! This Cheneko will carry out the royal decree to the letter!”
“Is that so. Well, then take care not to offend Momon-dono.”
The king waved him off again after repeating his orders. The noble in question left the chamber.
He didn’t seem to have realised that if anything went wrong, he would be heartlessly cast aside.
“Hah… we’ve come a long way from the original topic. Now, where were we… ah. So for Ainz Ooal Gown’s combat power, I don’t think anyone objects to him counting for five thousand men?”
Marquis Raeven looked to Gazef.
“I have no problems with that assessment.”
Personally, Gazef felt that the figure was off by an order of magnitude at least, but he could understand that those who had not seen Ainz Ooal Gown’s power firsthand might find it hard to believe.
“I see. Then, as the Empire has already agreed on the choice of battlefield, I trust we can all begin moving our armies out toward the Kattse Plains?”
Marquis Raeven’s line of sight swept through the room, and one by one the nobles answered in the affirmative. When he reached Marquis Bowlrob at last, the man’s reply was loud and clear.
“It will be done, Marquis Raeven. My troops are ready to move out at any time. Then, your Majesty, might I make a suggestion? It concerns a matter for the Prince…”
There was only one prince present. Everyone’s eyes turned to Barbro.
“It seems that Ainz Ooal Gown once appeared to save a settlement called Carne Village. If it was purely out of altruism, that would be well and good. However, he might have had a strategic motive in mind. I feel it would be best if we mobilized some troops and tried to question the villagers on the details. I would like to entrust the command of that unit to the Prince.”
“―Marquis!”
Barbro glared at Marquis Bowlrob.
“Silence,” the king said. “That is not a bad idea. My son, I command you ― go to Carne Village and learn what you can from the villagers.”
Gazef tried his best not to furrow his brows.
If they went to Carne Village now, they wouldn’t be likely to learn useful information about that magic caster. In addition, splitting their forces was hardly a wise move, even if it was a comparatively small amount.
“…The King orders and I obey. However, I wish to express that this posting is not of my will.”
Seeing that the king had no intention of withdrawing his orders, Barbro lowered his head, an unhappy expression on his face.
“I will lend you some of my elite troops to accompany you to the village. I will also send a host of noblemen to accompany the prince. The total strength of your unit will be around five thousand men.”
“I see. You’re on guard against the Empire’s special forces. As expected of Marquis Bowlrob, you’re far-sighted indeed.”
Gazef could see the logic in Raeven’s words. However, he still had his doubts that the Imperial Army would use such underhanded methods even after agreeing on the battlefield. While it was true that all warfare was based on deception, a sneak attack like this after the agreement would only disgrace themselves among the surrounding nations. The Empire would be shooting itself in the foot.
“Although I don’t feel I need so many soldiers, since the Marquis has graciously proposed the idea, I am left with little choice but to accept it.”
“Many thanks, your Highness. Then, I have one more question.”
Marquis Bowlrob paused for a moment. Rather than catching his breath, the delay was to draw attention to what he was going to say next.
“Who will be the overall commander for this battle? I trust nobody will object to myself?”
The room’s atmosphere changed.
This was an indirect declaration. It was phrased as a query, but it carried with it the unspoken weight and power of selecting the man who would wield authority over the entire army.
If asked who was the better commander between King Ranpossa III and Marquis Bowlrob, many nobles would point to the latter. This was especially true given that the Marquis’ forces made up one-fifth of the Royal army ― 50'000 men.
In addition, Marquis Bowlrob also commanded elite troops. He had been inspired by Gazef’s warrior band, and had thus created a unit of professional warriors.
They were very good fighters. Although they were still inferior to the warrior band under Gazef, they were still a match for the Empire’s knights ― perhaps more than a match. Of particular note were their numbers, which were numbered around 5,000. If they clashed with Gazef’s warrior band, Bowlrob’s elites would triumph by sheer weight of numbers.
If the king was not personally present, command authority would undoubtedly fall to Marquis Bowlrob. But since the king was here, it would only be natural to have King Ranpossa III as the supreme commander, though the nobles would probably not accept that.
Gazef’s expression hardened as Marquis Bowlrob placed pressure on the King, but Marquis Bowlrob remained unmoved even as he saw Gazef’s expression. To Bowlrob, Gazef was merely a commoner who was good with a sword, and allowing one not of noble blood to remain here was nearly intolerable.