With that reminder, anyone with even a bit of military knowledge began to piece things together.
Deliberately allowing the Blight to expand, affecting the Kingdom, forcing the border troops to mobilize,
then, taking advantage of the exhaustion from the suppression campaign, launching a surprise attack with reinforcements…
Moreover, since the disaster originated at the border, the short-term losses wouldn’t be significant.
Even if the Blight spiraled out of control and spread further, the Holy Covenant Kingdom would share the risk alongside it.
The Manes Empire, long coveting the opportunity to probe and invade, fit the temperament and style of the Elders’ Council perfectly—it seemed very likely this was their doing.
Inside the commander’s tent, the heavy atmosphere almost felt tangible.
The officers exchanged glances, whispering quietly.
The earlier urgency caused by the approaching Blight was now mixed with worry over the Empire’s conspiracy, making things even more complicated. Amid it all, one could still catch the occasional pointed mention of the Manes Empire.
Standing at attention beside the Count, the secretary cleared his throat sharply with a fist-clenched cough:
“Silence.”
Though quiet, the sound struck like a tolling bell, instantly quieting the noise.
When everyone’s eyes refocused on the head seat, the Count finally spoke slowly, as if expecting this:
“Everyone’s concerns have naturally been considered by headquarters. But the threat of the Blight is imminent, and its extermination imperative. Therefore, we need an appropriate approach to minimize hidden dangers and decisively resolve this Blight.”
The attending officers all looked at each other, brows furrowed in knots.
Who wouldn’t understand that logic?
The key was how to execute it.
Such an “all or nothing” objective was truly difficult—where would one find such a perfect solution?
The Count’s gaze swept across them:
“Anyone with ideas, feel free to voice them.”
Under the old yet still eagle-sharp stare, the soldiers either lowered their heads or averted their gaze.
Suddenly, that gaze landed on Lortissa.
“Captain Lortissa, what do you think? Any suggestions?”
—Right! There was still Lortissa!
At the mention of her name, everyone present felt an invisible jolt and all turned to look at the blonde young captain.
She was the youngest face in the general headquarters.
Her cold and beautiful appearance didn’t resemble a battle-hardened warrior; rather, she gave off an illusion of a holy goddess.
She seemed more suited to standing on a sanctum altar than the front lines.
Yet, this young girl was the strongest combatant among them.
Everyone in the room focused intently, eager to hear what the kingdom’s acknowledged strongest captain would say.
Lortissa showed no hesitation and calmly rose:
“Reporting to the Count, based on earlier assessments, I believe the solution remains unchanged—the Blight must be eradicated.”
The crowd’s expressions grew complicated.
Wasn’t that basically saying nothing new?
Count Leicester’s face grew even more serious, his deep eyes seeming to pierce through everything:
“And how do you propose to eradicate it?”
“Select elites to form a hunting squad for a decapitation strike—quick and decisive.”
Though still vague, upon closer consideration, it did seem feasible.
First, using a small elite force reduces casualties, while the main army maintains border defenses, limiting the Empire’s ability to interfere.
Besides, in terms of combat strength, the border troops weren’t short on valiant fighters.
Whether warrior mages or officers and soldiers, all were capable fighters.
“I volunteer for the hunting squad,” Lortissa added, rare in taking initiative.
With the kingdom’s strongest captain volunteering, spirits naturally lifted across the room.
Besides, it had already been reported at the assembly that Lortissa was the only one who had ever faced the Blight’s source—the Soul-Eating Sovereign.
This rekindled the officers’ fighting spirit.
But just as they prepared to express their willingness, the Count’s calm follow-up question cooled the heated atmosphere again:
“Your idea is excellent, and I trust you can slay the Soul-Eating Sovereign. But before that, how will you find the Blight’s source?”
That question seemed a reminder, pulling everyone back from fantasies of triumph and glory.
Whether or not they could kill it outright was one thing, but first they had to locate the thing.
All eyes turned once more to Lortissa.
This time, the young captain was silent.
When it came to combat, she had plenty of methods, but how to find the Blight’s source—a spectral-type Blight—in the vast border mountains on short notice?
Lortissa frankly lowered her head:
“I’m very sorry, but I currently have no idea on this point.”
A sigh rippled through the room—not disappointment, since no one had a solution either, nor a reason to blame her—just a touch of helplessness toward the expectation.
At this moment, only Norsen smiled quietly.
As if foreseeing this very moment, he had long awaited such a scene.
Count Leicester relaxed his sternness slightly, raising a hand to gesture for Lortissa to sit:
“Everyone, after hearing Captain Lortissa’s proposal, I’m sure you understand and know what must be done. And I believe you also realize the key lies in finding the Blight.”
He paused, scanning the crowd’s reactions.
Seeing everyone nod, he then spoke as if revealing a secret:
“This isn’t actually difficult, because someone has already devised a plan—now, please allow Knight Captain Norsen to present his proposal.”
The crowd was left speechless in surprise.
The Count stepped aside, taking a seat in the audience.
The noble youth from the Knight Order stepped forward gracefully and spoke politely:
“As you all know, Blights and their malignant Miasma coexist—the places they traverse spread disaster and leave behind Miasma.
Some of you with less experience fighting Blights might have overlooked one point: the Miasma can in turn attract disaster and draw Blights.
So, we can turn this around and use the Miasma left by the Soul-Eating Sovereign to lure it out actively.”
The officers nodded in agreement, sensing the logic.
Only Lortissa’s expression darkened further.
Her intuition warned her something was wrong.
Reality soon seemed to confirm her suspicions.
Norsen smiled subtly and said:
“On this point, Captain Lortissa has already anticipated it. She even brought back a witness with clues related to the Blight’s source to assist in preparing for this operation—isn’t that right, Captain Lortissa?”
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