Became The Son Of The Final Boss [EN]: Chapter 219

219.

Gordon, Jane, and Eric’s families held key positions guarding the border of the Kingdom Alliance.

In the previous war, Gordon perished, and the fortresses of all three families were devastated.

Jane and Eric survived, but their families’ influence was diminished.

Despite this, the families still commanded a significant number of troops, massing forces near the border in preparation for a large-scale war against us.

“Currently, Eric’s family has just over a hundred knights,” Hamilton reported.

Lilian nodded. “That’s a considerable force. Though, ultimately, the number of knights is irrelevant. Everyone within range will be annihilated when I unleash my magic.”

I posed a question that had been on my mind. “Is there any possibility of Eric surviving that magic?”

“Nothing within the spell’s area of effect can survive, not even a Sword Master.”

I nodded, impressed. “That’s truly devastating.”

A magic capable of killing even a Sword Master.

I clicked my tongue in awe.

Hamilton continued his report. “Following Lilian’s statement, I’ve charted a course to the Eric family’s location.”

Hamilton spread a map across the table.

“There are at least 100,000 Kingdom Alliance soldiers gathered near the border at this time.”

“If too many people move at once, the enemy will inevitably detect us,” Lilian pointed out.

Ken proposed a plan. “Your Highness, I suggest you continue patrolling the border walls for the time being.”

“Me?” I asked.

Ken confirmed, “Yes. If Your Highness maintains your border patrols, the enemy’s attention will naturally remain focused on you.”

Ken elaborated, “During that time, Lilian, the magician, and the remaining three Sword Masters will move covertly, guided by Hamilton.”

Hamilton added, “The retreat will be even more critical and challenging than reaching the Eric family.”

Ken agreed. “If Lilian obliterates the Eric family, the Kingdom Alliance will undoubtedly retaliate.”

Hamilton began marking the retreat route on the map.

“I’ve designed it to be distinct from the infiltration route.”

I instructed Hamilton, “You will be responsible for guiding both the infiltration and the retreat.”

Then, I addressed Gale, Olivia, Duke James, and Lilian in turn. “The success of this mission hinges on Hamilton’s expertise.”

I emphasized to Duke James, “Infiltrating and retreating from enemy territory is Hamilton’s specialty, so please follow his instructions, Duke. That’s the only way to ensure both success and a safe escape.”

Duke James nodded. “Of course, Your Highness.”

I inquired of Lilian, “When should we depart?”

“As soon as we’re ready. I’m prepared now.”

Olivia, Gale, and Duke James also indicated they required no further preparation, but Hamilton had a different perspective.

“I’ll need to discuss the route further with my subordinates and create a detailed plan. It would be best to depart at dawn in two days.”

“Understood. We’ll proceed accordingly.”

Given Hamilton’s crucial role in the mission, I deferred to his judgment.

“Now, Ken, have you considered the potential impact of a successful operation?”

“If the Eric family vanishes without a trace, the Kingdom Alliance will face two primary options.”

Everyone listened intently to Ken’s analysis.

“The first is to seek immediate revenge. This would likely cause a significant drop in soldier morale. Before that shock spreads throughout the army, Jane and the other Sword Masters might rush to initiate a full-scale war.”

“And the second?”

“The second is to conscript more troops and bolster their defenses. Considering Jane’s cautious personality, I believe she will opt for the latter.”

I stroked my chin thoughtfully. “Hmm.”

“Jane is inherently cautious. She won’t act rashly simply because Eric’s family has fallen. However…”

“However?”

“She will at least feign a desire for revenge. If a Sword Master’s family is wiped out without a fight, the soldiers’ morale will plummet if they simply hoard their strength.”

Ken concluded, “Following Lilian’s operation, it’s crucial that we further strengthen our border defenses.”

Duke James asked, “Is there no possibility that they might succumb to their anger and launch a full-scale assault? If we succeed in the operation and escape, but the Kingdom Alliance initiates a full-scale war, Your Highness will have to face the enemy without three Sword Masters and an 8-circle magician in the main camp.”

Duke James summarized, “That means Your Highness will have to hold off the Kingdom Alliance alone until we return.”

Ken nodded. “It’s not impossible, but it’s highly unlikely. Of course, we will prepare for that contingency as well.”

Ken turned his attention to David and Leoden. “The two of you should prepare to welcome His Majesty.”

Taken aback by the sudden directive, Ken smiled faintly. “Just prepare. Clean up the fortress and instruct the soldiers on how to properly show respect when they meet His Imperial Majesty.”

I understood Ken’s intention. ‘Bluffing!’

“It doesn’t matter whether His Imperial Majesty actually comes or not. Simply creating that impression will reach Jane’s ears, and even if Eric is dead, she will be mindful of His Majesty’s presence and will not recklessly lead all her troops to the border.”

Duke James clapped his hands in approval. “Indeed! Since Jane is cautious, it would be sufficient to act as if His Majesty is here or that a visit to the fortress is planned.”

Ken nodded. “Yes. His Majesty is the symbol of the Empire and the strongest individual on the entire continent. Even though the three of you and Lilian are absent, if His Majesty and the Commander are present, the enemies will not easily commit to a full-scale war.”

I concluded the meeting. “Okay. Proceed as Ken suggests, and Hamilton, please take good care of Lilian, Olivia, Gale, and the Duke.”

Then, I addressed Lilian one last time. “There’s no need to take unnecessary risks. You can always return if you believe the mission is compromised.”

Lilian smiled confidently. “I’ll return only after wiping out the Eric family without a trace.”

* * *

“He is the twelfth priest. The very person our God prophesied.”

Everyone rose to their feet and applauded, welcoming Karen.

Following the High Priest’s signal, Karen greeted the other priests.

“I am Karen. I am currently working under Lady Jane to defeat the evil empire with the Flames of Purification [a religious order].”

“Soon, the Flames of Purification will sweep away those evil beings.”

The High Priest made this pronouncement and offered Karen a seat.

The meeting commenced.

The High Priest began, “The elves’ preparations are complete.”

“Oh!”

“Finally!”

The High Priest smiled faintly, observing the priests’ reactions.

“The southern barbarians have also been converted to the Flames of Purification and have pledged to punish the evil beings.”

Daret spoke, “The Empire will be attacked on three fronts: the Kingdom Alliance, the elves of the west, and the southern barbarians.”

At Daret’s words, the priests added their own comments.

“The Empire will finally receive God’s punishment.”

“There is still hope for the continent.”

The High Priest stepped forward again. “The Kingdom Alliance is the most crucial. Their power is the strongest, and we have many followers within their ranks. Above all, it is a battlefield where the twelfth priest is directly involved, so we must lend our full support.”

The High Priest declared, “We proclaim the war between the Kingdom Alliance and the Empire as a ‘Holy War,’ and the Flames of Purification will now be the official religion of the Kingdom Alliance and will punish the Empire together.”

The priests exclaimed, “Oh, oh!”

For the first time in the history of the Flames of Purification, they were stepping forward with all their might.

The High Priest addressed Karen. “Please lead the Holy War, Twelfth Priest.”

“Yes, High Priest.”

Karen bowed respectfully.

“Priests, contact each branch and instruct them to gather followers in the name of the Flames of Purification.”

Daret replied, “Yes. Finally, our sacred God’s mercy will descend upon everyone on the continent.”

“Tell the elf Ren to inform all the elves of his identity and clarify what the elves are fighting for.”

The High Priest’s message was clear.

All wars are ‘Holy Wars.’

He wanted to emphasize that the forces attacking the Empire from three directions were united under the banner of the Flames of Purification.

In particular, the fact that the elves had joined the Flames of Purification held great significance for many.

“Elves still hold an air of mystery for people. The fact that they have gathered under our banner will reinforce the belief that this war is a ‘Holy War.'”

The High Priest concluded his remarks.

Daret stepped forward. “Now, since we have become the official religion of the Kingdom Alliance, let’s discuss the Kingdom Alliance’s strategy. Already, 100,000 soldiers have gathered for the Holy War. To drive out that evil empire that has taken root in the old Pireon Kingdom…”

The meeting began to gain momentum.

* * *

Hamilton hurried ahead, leading the way.

“Is there really a need for such secrecy?” Lilian asked.

Hamilton replied, “I am well aware of your magical abilities and the skills of the others. But to achieve our objective, we must reach the Eric family as discreetly as possible, complete the task, and retreat swiftly.”

“Well, yes.”

Hamilton instructed Duke James, “Duke, please take charge of the rear and watch for any signs of approaching individuals.”

“I will.”

Hamilton understood his own strengths and weaknesses. He excelled at stealthy maneuvers, but the Sword Masters possessed superior enemy detection capabilities.

“I can sense the presence of knights not far away,” Duke James reported.

Hamilton nodded. “Yes. It must be the Jane family’s patrols.”

“Are we near the Jane family’s territory?” Olivia asked, surprised.

“Yes. It’s right next to the mountain. This route offers the best chance of secretly reaching the Eric family. There is some risk involved, but the mountain provides cover for quiet movement, and it’s also the fastest route.”

Olivia nodded in understanding.

“It would be easy to cast a transparency spell and fly,” Lilian said.

Lilian clicked her tongue in disappointment.

She was frustrated that she couldn’t use her preferred method. To unleash 9-circle magic upon arriving at the Eric family, she needed to conserve her mana.

That’s why she was traveling to the Eric family on foot, relying on Hamilton’s guidance.

The purpose of this expedition was not only to destroy the Eric family but also to gain practical experience with 9-circle magic.

‘Magma’s Wrath from the Magma’s Wrath magic book.’

The spell even shared the same name as the magic book.

She was eager to witness its power, but Lilian couldn’t fully grasp its potential.

Still, she wanted to cast it at least once because a faint ninth ring had begun to form within her. If she successfully executed the magic, the faint ninth ring would solidify, and she would achieve the 9th circle for the first time in human history.

Hamilton’s voice broke through her thoughts. “Suppress your presence.”

Hamilton’s body seemed to blur and fade into the surroundings.

Even Lilian and the three Sword Masters were astonished.

They were once again reminded of Hamilton’s expertise as the head of the intelligence organization.

“Wait.”

Hamilton was the leader in infiltration and retreat, and Arun had repeatedly emphasized that they must follow Hamilton’s instructions.

Lilian, Olivia, Gale, and Duke James now understood Arun’s reasoning and followed Hamilton’s orders without question.

“Knights are approaching. This way.”

Hamilton, having already scouted ahead, changed the route.