The Goddess Made A Mistake Again

After talking with Seman, it didn't take long for him to start a meeting.

I was in the war room with pretty much every important person here. There wasn't just the Religias captain's and Seman but also the Peter guy, his people, the Valkyries and mine as well.

From the setup, it was time to get serious.

Seman coughed twice as every eyes landed on him.

"Before we start the meeting, I want to begin by thanking the Dragonoir Family and Tax family for their huge support." Seman looked at Peter, "Lord Peter, I thank you and your family especially for their continued support."

"Even though… we have had our break for personal reasons, you still came forward. I want you to know the Religias are grateful."

Seman turned to me, "And Henry, how can I thank you? You have already been helping us from the moment this started."

"But since you are family, I don't believe saying words would be right for you. So, instead, I will raise a glass for you and your family later." Seman said.

I smile.

'The guy's shrewd. He knew he couldn't give me more praise than Peter so he didn't give me any.'

"Thank you, Lord Seman." I still say as needed.

"That's all you have to say?" Peter asked me and stood up himself, "Well, then let me tell you a few words of gratitude as well."

'He's going to start from here huh.'

"Count Seman," The guy said with zero respect, "We don't want your thank you as there's no need for it."

"Everyone knows that the Religias family has always been a loyal family. They have answered every call and been at every trouble."

"The Royal family knows this and that's why they didn't think twice before sending in their finest, the Valkyries." He nodded at the Valkyries who stayed quiet.

"Even as you say there was our break, but that shouldn't stop us from helping those in need." Peter said and I could see the guy was trying to hold a yawn, "And even through you aren't an Origin family like us, we think of you so like that."

With that the guy looked at me with a short smile and sat down while flipping his cape.

Yeah, he has a cape.

Seman's stutter ended quickly and he stood up again, "I don't know what to say to those words, Lord Peter… no words of thanks could stand up to them. But again like I said, the Religias are truly grateful for your help and you can count on us to help you in your dire times as well."

Peter quickly hid the chuckle that was about to come out. Was it because Seman said in their 'dire times'?

Most likely. The guy's a douchebag one could spot with a big red flag from a mile away.

"And to the brave Valkyrie's of our nation-" Before Seman could start, Velma raised a hand.

"Don't, Lord Seman. We are here at the orders of her majesty who has responded to your call in kind. Just like it is your duty to answer to all her majesty's calls, we take this as our duty too. So please don't shame us by thanking."

Seman smiled wryly. Velma was a tough nut to crack.

"Since you put it like that, I won't say anything." Seman said and turned around.

He pointed to the board with the Religias region's map on it. There were multiple red circles on the board and three big purple ones with question marks on it.

"For those that don't know, this is the map of the region we, Religias are in control of. We're in Whitedon." He pointed to the far right center of the board.

Seman pointed towards the red spots, "Those red spots that you see on the board are bases that we eradicated when we learned of their bandit origins."

"A few weeks ago, the surrounding places around the Whitedon city was almost constantly under bandit attacks out of nowhere. So to understand the situation, I sent out men to find out what was happening."

"It seemed that a lot of bandits had taken root at those red spots. Because of the critical situation, I quickly ensued a force big enough to take care of the bandits and was able to solve it quickly too."

"But right at the end of it, I get news of the Bandit king arrival to attack me. He was coming with five thousand men. So I quickly set up defensive points and brought in reinforcements."

"Because of the bandit kings sudden attack, he wasn't able to establish proper command and lost the battle while getting captured as well. But then to our surprise, we learned that he had an army of fifty thousand stored away, ready to attack Whitedon anytime."

"I sent out scouts to confirm his words and to our worst, it was true. He really had fifty thousand soldiers. Immediately, I sent out calls of support and that's where you all come in."

Seman smiled, "When the problem first arrived, it didn't seem like there was going to be much chance of a victory here, but fate works in miraculous ways that brought us all along for this critical moment."

"The Bandit King has been a huge problem for our kingdom and it is time that we remove that bug from the face of the earth completely!" Seman said and got claps from the captains and others.

But me, Peter and the Valkyries remain quiet.

Why they didn't, I don't know. But I can tell you why I'm not happy.

Because this motherfucker is talking about killing someone he could easily kill anytime he wanted. The guy right under his house!

I understand that he wanted to use the Bandit king as a special card, but what use do you have of him when your intention is to eradicate them all.

It would have actually been wondrous if he killed the Bandit King. That would sent word to the bandits out there that we were serious.

"Lord Seman," Velma called, "I want to ask something."

Seman nodded.

"The bandit king is captured and here?" Seman nods again, "Then don't you find it strange."

"The man had fifty thousand soldiers but he only brought five thousand to attack you, that seems quite strange to me."

"Maybe he wanted to humiliate the Count." Peter said but Velma shook her head.

"I don't believe that." Velma looked at Seman, "You've fought him for a long time, Lord Seman. Tell me, is the Bandit King really that arrogant?"

"He is arrogant, yes." Seman shook his head, "But he is also cunning and wouldn't do that for no reason."

"And have you inquired of that?"

"Yes, which is what I wanted to say next. The reason for Oricon's strange action is because his men are disordered and are unwilling to follow him."

Those words got a chorus out of everyone, excluding me and the Valkyries.

"Oricon's act of solitary attack was just a ruse to get his men combined and attack our kingdom with their full might. He knew he couldn't get his men to attack under normal circumstances so he changed it and sacrificed himself for the bigger threat."

"And with my scout's maximum help, We've rounded up three places where they are." Seman pointed to the big purple circles.

"This are their bases and the place we will be attacking. We don't know which base has how many people. So we will be going in blind once more."

"But this time with all your help, the threat will be easily quenched."

"I suggest we start moving in three days." Seman said and waited for anyone to say anything.

Seeing everyone quiet, he nodded silently and stood up as others do too.

"This discussion ends here but we will convey smaller ones regarding planning, information and others at another time. Thank you all for listening to me." Seman said and struck his hand on his chest chanting, "Long Live Leonidas."

"Long Live Leonidas!" We all say in unison before slowly moving out of the room.

"Mr. Tax."

I turn and see Velma. She was looking at me from her chair and then walked to me, "Have you seen Marva?"

"I saw her at dinner last night."

"No" Velma shook her head, "I meant today, an important meeting happened and I can't seem to find her."

"Well…" I arch my head to the side and cough, "It's Lady Marva, you know… she's probably at some bar or tavern trying to find trouble or cause it."

Velma nodded slowly, "An accurate description." Then something changed in her eyes, "Will you fight me."

"Excuse me?"

"I want to try my skills with you."

"Hahaha, you must be joking Lady Velma." I laugh, "How can I, just a freshman, fight the glorious Velma Firas and still have bones left to walk tomorrow."

"Is that so-" Before she could complete, Peter barged in.

"You don't have to waste your time with him, Lady Velma. I am here." Peter said while flicking his hair back.

Velma glanced at him for a moment before turning to me, "Alright, I'll continue this talk at another time." and left.

Peter stood dumbfounded at being ghosted.

I give him a mocking smile and leave to find Marva in my room and kick her out.