In terms of purity in every sense, overall, Duke Fulcard doesn’t dislike Laine as a person, but he loathes his actions, disliking his association with the Dwarves and Elves. As the Divine Chosen Champion of the Lake Fairy, spending all day fraternizing with Sharp Ears and short Dwarves, what kind of example is that?

On the other hand, Duke Fulcard is a very friendly person to his subjects. He established a relief institution, reduced taxes for hardworking peasants, and cooperated with the Divine Hall of the Goddess of Mercy to provide regular free medical care (only for a limited number of common diseases). He welcomes all human compatriots to settle here. Not only does he tolerate the Justice Church spreading its faith and establishing Brittania’s largest Justice Church Temple here, but he also often personally leads his troops to protect his subjects’ safety. Therefore, during the defense of the city, all the subjects are willing to fight for him, including the Empire’s immigrants.

Sometimes people are just that complex.

At this time, the Duke’s steward arrived. Wearing a beret, the steward whispered, "My Duke, there are changes among the refugees."

"What changes?" As the sky darkened, Duke Fulcard suddenly turned around, and Kaled was also startled upon hearing this.

Now the lower areas of Montefel Castle were crowded with people, with large numbers of refugees huddled together to survive. The body odor and stench of excrement spread in the lower areas and housing districts, barely maintaining order with the suppression of numerous troops. If a riot occurred at this time, it would be devastating for the castle’s defense.

"A rumor has emerged among the refugees, boosting their morale." The steward swallowed and continued, "It’s rumored among the refugees that the Lady’s Divine Chosen Champion, Count Laine Macado and Mr. Francois, the Duke of Winford, are gathering an unprecedented massive army. This reinforcement will once and for all solve all Undead threats. The rumor has spread from the lower to the upper areas, my Duke, and now even many Knights firmly believe it."

The entire Montfort Duchy has about twenty-three hundred registered Knights, with about fifteen hundred of them in the castle.

Duke Fulcard first wanted to loudly scold this baseless rumor, but the Duke himself soon realized that he and his people needed this rumor. Even if it might be a lie, the Duke still had to utilize it.

So Fulcard nodded, "I understand, leave it be as it is."

"Yes." The steward withdrew.

The Duke himself was still worried, hesitating a bit, and asked somewhat hesitantly, like a drowning man grasping at the last straw: "Will Lord Laine come to aid us?"

"He definitely will." Kaled’s gaze was filled with confidence: "He has saved the Kingdom from peril several times."

"Heh~ let’s hope so." Fulcard suddenly laughed, forcing a smile: "It’s lucky I chose to attend his wedding at that time, and toasted with him. Hopefully, I didn’t offend him too much."

"Lord Laine is not that kind of person." Kaled shook his head, not wanting to say more about this matter.

"Go rest now, this is just a probing attack, the Undead’s offensive will be fiercer!"

"Hmm." 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

......

Early in the morning, Gene Town, Count Glamorgan’s Domain.

Laine and Belgar stood together on a high platform, gazing at the gray sky.

The army had already gathered.

Undead, Kemler, Mathew Bade, Musillon, Montfort—Laine went through his thoughts, then turned around. Belgar nodded towards him, signaling him to give the order.

"The entire army, advance!"