The next morning, Raylo was enjoying breakfast in the dining hall.
Beside the table, Moonlight used its paw to prod the smoked salmon on a plate prepared specially for it.
The dining hall door was thrown open. A knight on patrol, covered head to toe in dust, rushed inside, his face etched with anxiety.
"Lord Earl! Urgent military report!"
Raylo set down his knife and fork.
"Speak."
The knight dropped to one knee, his words coming in a rush.
"We've found signs of a large host of the Demon Serpent's Fangs on the southern border of the Jade Swamp! Their numbers… they far exceed any of the previous incursions. Judging by the tracks they've left, it's a force of at least a full battle group, and they're moving toward our territory at high speed!"
"Relay my orders."
Raylo made his decision.
"Dispatch more Pegasus Knights to continue reconnaissance."
"Immediately summon everyone for a meeting in the war room in half an hour. Also, have Ailia come as well."
"Yes, my lord!"
