The Devouring Knight

Morning came.

In the meeting hall, a wide map of Liraeth's territory was spread across the long table, inked lines tracing roads, rivers, and enemy positions. Liraeth and Lumberling sat side by side, their gazes steady as they studied the map.

Across from them sat Lucian, golden hair catching the light, his smile calm and unshaken as if none of this weighed on him. To his right lounged Daigo, posture lazy, fingers drumming idly against the table. In the corner, Silas sat quiet, sharp eyes half-hidden in shadow, unreadable.

Around them stood several officials and True Knights, waiting for orders.

"Thank you all for coming," Liraeth began, her voice firm but measured. "We are here to decide our move against the Sengolio army, led by General Lafuente. Now that our forces are ready, we must choose our path carefully. Do we defend, or do we strike?"

Lucian leaned forward, smile never leaving his face. "Why don't we attack them first?"

The words stirred a ripple of whispers through the hall. Liraeth frowned. "Attack? Wouldn't it be wiser to wait here? We hold the ground, the walls, and the advantage."

Lucian's voice came smooth and steady, carrying the ease of conviction. "Walls can defend, but they also bind us. Waiting only gives the enemy time to tighten their grip. You know the state of the empire. We can't waste time. We move fast, we end this faster."

Daigo chuckled, his hand resting lazily on the hilt of his sword. "Now you're talking. Let's cut them down quick. Hopefully this general isn't all bark. I'd hate for him to be a disappointment."

Lucian glanced at Silas, his tone certain, almost commanding. "Before the battle begins, Silas will move first. He'll slip into their camp, cut their strength, and throw them into confusion."

Liraeth blinked. "Send him alone? Isn't that too dangerous?"

Lucian raised a hand, his smile calm, eyes shining with quiet confidence. "This is his strength. He was born for this kind of work. Trust in him, as I do."

Silas said nothing, but inclined his head once, acceptance clear in the silent gesture.

Liraeth opened her mouth to protest again, but stopped when Lumberling's hand rested gently on her shoulder. His icy-blue eyes met hers, steady and calm. "Let Heir Arden and his companions handle it. They know what they're doing."

Liraeth searched his gaze for a moment, then slowly nodded, though the worry in her eyes lingered.

The three might have seemed careless to others, but Lumberling knew better. Power wasn't always shown through raised voices or heavy armor. It was in the way they carried themselves, the calm in their eyes, the ease with which they spoke of war as if it were nothing more than a passing storm. Strength poured off them in ways that no one else in the hall seemed to notice.

For them, General Lafuente of Sengolio wasn't some unmovable wall. He was just another obstacle to cross, another step on their path forward.

And Lumberling had seen it too.

The glow of their so-called luck that surrounded Daigo and Silas, it was bright and steady. Not as blinding as Lucian's radiance, but still stronger than anything Lumberling had ever witnessed, even compared to the so-called children of luck he remembered from Agathis' memories.

His lips almost curved into a smile, but he held it back.

'So, the two of them… are they transmigrators too?' Lumberling wondered, hiding the smile tugging at his lips. 'Though I can't say for sure if they're from Earth too'

'Heroes, transmigrators, ending wars… and now I've been caught up in their story. What a mess.'

He leaned back slightly, keeping his face calm, not letting even a hint of his thoughts slip. In truth, he didn't want this. He had no desire to stand too close to them, nor to be dragged deeper into the storms they carried with them.

This time, he would walk with them because the war left him no choice. But after this, he would make sure to step away.

"Alright then, we'll follow your plan, Heir Arden," Liraeth's voice cut through Lumberling's thoughts.

Lucian's smile deepened, as if her agreement was never in question. He leaned forward, hand brushing across the map spread wide before them. "Good. Then here is how we move. Viscount Liraeth, Lord Lumberling, your forces will form the front line. You'll be the shield that draws General Lafuente's eyes, after Silas has made his move within their camp."

Liraeth's gaze sharpened on the inked lines. "You want us to face the main force head-on?"

"Yes," Lucian answered without hesitation. His tone was calm. "Once their focus is on you, the stage is set. Daigo and I will strike from the flank with our men. Daigo will handle their Knights while I…" He pressed his hand to the map. "…I'll take General Lafuente myself."

Daigo grinned, already imagining the fight. "Sounds good. Just make sure you leave me someone worth cutting."

Silas didn't say a word, but his gaze stayed fixed on the map, sharp and cold, as though he was already measuring how he would slip through the enemy lines.

Liraeth exhaled slowly, still doubtful but unable to deny the confidence radiating from him. "Then so be it. We'll fight as planned."

The officials exchanged uneasy looks, some frowning, others whispering under their breaths. To them, it sounded reckless. But to Lucian and his companions, it was nothing more than another day.

Lumberling watched quietly, his thoughts hidden behind calm eyes.

…..

In the training yard, Lumberling stood before his gathered captains and vice-captains.

"You all heard the gist of the plan earlier," he begun. "Our role is simple, we face the Sengolio head-on. We hold the line, draw their eyes, and buy the others the chance to strike."

The captains nodded in unison.

Lumberling's gaze swept across them. "One more thing. When the battle begins, don't use magic."

A low groan rose from the back. Gobo2 raised his hand lazily. "Why though? Magic's cool… and this is the perfect chance to show it off."

A few chuckles stirred the group, but they died quickly under Lumberling's steady eyes.

"We don't want attention," he said, lowering his tone. "Lucian and his companions may stand with us now, but don't forget, they're not truly ours. The less they notice us, the safer we are. Let them think we're nothing but soldiers."

The men grew quiet, the weight of his words sinking in. Gobo2 scratched his head and muttered, "Alright then… no magic."

"Good." Lumberling gave a short nod. "Save your strength. Follow orders. We'll live through this fight."

His men straightened, answering in unison. "Yes, my Lord!"