Ainz Ooal Gown: Noble Knight.

Chapter 123 Revenge

Rune stared at the map before him, his expression unchanged.

"That's right." He seemed completely unconcerned by Cerrabre's excited remarks. "You just need to defend well."

"Why!" Serabreu's voice grew louder, his hands gripping the table, his whole body like a fully drawn bow.

"More people means more strength. Even if you're very strong, against an opponent like the Orc King, having more people to support you is always helpful."

"Because my cavalry excels in mobility," Rune interrupted him. "Bringing infantry along would only slow them down."

The elite members of the [Crystal Tears] faction are better suited for frontline defense.

He looked at Serabreu with a calm and composed expression.

"The orcs' attack this time is different from previous years, and the pressure on the front line will be greater than ever before. If Crystal Tear follows me deep behind enemy lines, once the front is breached, the capital will be directly exposed to the orcs' onslaught."

Rune provided a reasoned and well-founded analysis, leaving Serabreu, who wanted to refute him, with no flaws.

Therefore, staying on the positive side is the most sensible choice for you.

Serabreu couldn't find the right words; his eyes flickered with alternating resentment and a hint of anger at being looked down upon.

The atmosphere was starting to get out of control.

The prime minister gave Derodile a wink, and Derodile sighed helplessly.

She wasn't good at planning wars, but she came to the war council for this very moment.

"Mr. Serabreu".

A soft, sweet voice broke the silence.

Derodile's voice trembled slightly, as if she had been frightened by something.

Serabreu turned his head sharply.

The Queen's eyes were slightly red, her eyelashes fluttered gently, and her fingers gripped the hem of her skirt as she sat on the large chair, appearing exceptionally petite.

"You—you're too loud—"

Her voice grew softer and softer until it was almost inaudible.

Serabreu's expression froze instantly, as if he had been subjected to a time-traveling spell.

The tuft of hair visibly drooped down, hanging over his forehead, and his shoulders slumped; the imposing aura he had just exuded vanished completely.

"Your Majesty—" His voice stammered, "I didn't—I wasn't yelling at you—I just—"

Derodile lowered her head, her black braids slipping from her shoulders and obscuring her profile.

"I know—"

She looked very aggrieved.

"But—but Mr. Serrabrew's voice—is indeed a bit loud—"

Cerabreu was completely deflated.

He shrank back into his chair, placed his hands on the table, and sat upright like a primary school student.

The tuft of hair lay limply on his forehead, as if it had lost its strength along with its owner.

Malcolm sighed softly, and finally reached out his thick hand, patting the captain's shoulder with a tender touch.

The elven ranger Alicia turned her head away, somewhat embarrassed to look at her team leader.

Gladstone buried his face in the spellbook, his shoulders trembling slightly; it was clear that not laughing out loud was the result of his best efforts.

Rune looked at this annual tradition and a happy smile appeared on his face.

He could certainly do it in a way that wouldn't provoke Cerabray. After all, if the reasons were explained clearly, given Cerabray's personality, he would eventually accept it.

But he hadn't forgotten the other party's arrogant face from yesterday.

She herself wasn't as generous as she had told Sebastian; she really didn't care at all.

But directly confronting someone is the lowest form of retaliation.

Even if he were to retaliate, Rune would definitely use the method that would make the other party suffer the most.

The meeting room fell silent for a moment.

Bergman cleared his throat, breaking the silence.

"So," his self-glow shifted from Serabray to Rune, "Does Lord Aindora mean that [Crystal Tear] will be responsible for the frontal defense, while Lord Aindora will lead the cavalry alone to carry out the decapitation mission?"

"Exactly." Rune nodded.

The prime minister turned to Cerabray.

"Mr. Serabreu, do you have any further objections?"

Cerabreu's lips moved.

He glanced at the Queen sitting in the main seat, whose pitiful appearance made him swallow back the words he was about to say.

"—That's all." His voice was muffled.

"Then," the prime minister's gaze swept across both sides of the long table, "we shall proceed according to Lord Aindora's plan."

He paused again to make sure no one objected, then looked at the Queen.

"Meeting adjourned." The Queen spoke in a voice as authoritative as possible. The members of Crystal Tears stood up and began to pack their belongings.

Malcolm picked up the longsword the captain was leaning against the side of his chair and handed it to Cerabray.

Serabreu took the sword and walked toward the door without looking back.

The tuft of hair swayed slightly in the air, carrying a hint of defiance.

Alicia followed behind the captain, nodding slightly as she passed Rune. Gladstone, carrying his spellbook, hurried out as well.

The aggrieved expression on Derodion's face had mostly disappeared.

"Lord Lu Enqing." Her voice returned to its usual tone, but still carried a hint of softness. "Are you really not needed the [Crystal Tear]?"

"No need." Rune stood up. "I appreciate Your Majesty's kindness."

Derodile glanced at him, as if she wanted to say something, but only nodded slightly.

"Then—Lu Enqing, please be careful."

"Yes."

Rune bowed slightly, then turned and walked towards the door.

Sebastian followed behind him.

Only the Queen and the Prime Minister remained in the meeting room.

Derodile sat on the large chair, her legs crossed, supporting herself slightly with her hands. Her endearing posture was gone, replaced by a languid, mature woman's pose.

Combined with her loli-like image, it creates an indescribable and unique contrast.

She stared at the closed door and remained silent for a moment.

"Bergman".

"Yes, sir." The prime minister replied respectfully.

The light from Draco still fell on the door, as if one could still see Rune's departing figure through the tightly closed door.

"Do you really believe," she said, her voice barely a whisper, "that Lord Rune can accomplish this task solely with the power of the Aindora territory?"

The prime minister did not answer immediately.

He lowered his eyes, a thoughtful expression appearing on his wrinkled face.

After a few breaths, he finally spoke.

"Lord Rune is very strong, but it would be very difficult for him to kill the Orc King on his own."

"Then why don't you—"

"However," the prime minister interrupted her.

His tone rose slightly, and his eyebrows relaxed.

"Based on my understanding of His Excellency Rune over the years, there must be a reason why he made this decision."

Upon hearing this, Derodile's large eyes held a hint of anticipation.