Chapter 74: Shadows of Conspiracy

The air in Rimuru was thick with tension as the first light of dawn crept over the horizon. The streets, usually bustling with activity, were eerily quiet. The kingdom stood at the edge of something monumental, and every citizen, from the youngest child to the oldest elder, could feel the weight of the impending conflict.

Inside the palace, Padrino Penduko sat at the head of a long table, surrounded by his closest allies. Asuna, Marko, and Hinata were all present, their faces solemn. The silence was broken only by the soft crackle of a fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the walls.

"Are the preparations complete?" Padrino asked, his voice low but commanding.

Marko nodded, his sharp eyes reflecting the firelight. "Everything is in place. Our forces are ready at the southern border, and the trap is set. We've planted the information that will lead the traitor to act."

Hinata shifted in her seat, her light magic flickering gently at her fingertips as if responding to the tension in the room. "I've prepared a defensive ward over the palace. If there's any movement within the walls, we'll know."

Padrino leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing in thought. "Good. The traitor will make their move soon. We need to be ready for anything."

Asuna glanced around the room, her expression thoughtful. "Do we know for certain who the traitor is yet?"

Padrino shook his head. "Not yet. But whoever it is, they're deeply embedded in the kingdom's inner workings. They've managed to stay hidden for too long."

Asuna's eyes flicked to the door, where a faint noise echoed from the hallway. She stood quickly, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword. The others tensed, ready for action.

A moment later, a messenger entered the room, his face pale with fear. He bowed deeply, his voice trembling as he spoke. "Your Majesty, a large force from Galdros has been spotted near the southern border. They're preparing to attack."

The room fell into a heavy silence, the reality of the situation sinking in. Padrino stood, his presence commanding the attention of everyone in the room. "This is it. They're moving faster than we anticipated."

Marko was already on his feet, maps and strategy notes in hand. "We need to move now. Our forces at the border are ready, but they'll need reinforcements if Galdros is bringing their full might."

Padrino nodded. "Send word to the southern border. We'll deploy our reserves. I'll lead the main force myself."

Hinata looked up, concern flashing in her eyes. "Padrino, are you sure? The palace could be in danger if the traitor is here."

Padrino met her gaze, his expression calm but resolute. "That's exactly why I need to be there. The traitor will expect me to stay here, to protect myself. I need to be unpredictable."

Asuna stepped forward, her face set in determination. "If you're going to the front, I'm coming with you. We fight together."

Padrino gave her a grateful nod before turning to Hinata. "Stay here and protect the palace. If the traitor makes their move, I trust you to stop them."

Hinata nodded, her light magic swirling around her fingertips. "I'll keep them at bay. You focus on winning the battle."

Marko adjusted his cloak, already planning several moves ahead. "I'll coordinate the defense from here and ensure our forces stay in position. We can't afford to lose any ground."

The ride to the southern border was swift and quiet, the wind biting at Padrino's face as he rode at the head of a small contingent of elite soldiers. Asuna rode beside him, her eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. The terrain was rugged, with dense forests and jagged cliffs lining the path. It was a natural defense, but Padrino knew that Galdros wouldn't be deterred by the landscape.

As they approached the southern camp, the sound of soldiers preparing for battle filled the air. Swords were sharpened, armor strapped tight, and commands were shouted back and forth as the troops readied themselves for the impending assault.

Padrino dismounted and made his way toward the command tent, where his generals were gathered around a large map of the region. They looked up as he entered, saluting sharply.

"Your Majesty," one of the generals said, his voice steady despite the tension in the air. "Galdros is mobilizing. They've positioned their forces just beyond the southern ridge."

Padrino studied the map, his mind working quickly to assess the situation. "How many are we facing?"

The general hesitated for a moment. "At least ten thousand, maybe more. They're bringing everything they have."

Padrino's jaw tightened. He had expected a large force, but this was more than anticipated. "And our numbers?"

"Four thousand, including reserves," the general replied. "We're outnumbered, but our position gives us an advantage."

Padrino nodded, his mind racing with strategies. "We need to use the terrain to our advantage. Set traps along the ridge and deploy archers in the cliffs. If we can funnel them into a narrow pass, we'll have a chance to break their lines."

The generals quickly began issuing orders, and Padrino turned to Asuna. "We'll need to be at the front when the battle begins. If we can hold the line, our forces can push them back."

Asuna's grip tightened on the hilt of her sword. "I'll be right beside you."

As the sun began to set, casting an eerie red glow over the battlefield, the forces of Galdros appeared on the horizon. Their banners waved in the wind, and the sound of their war drums echoed across the valley. Padrino stood at the front of his forces, his sword drawn and his heart steady.

The battle was about to begin, and the fate of Rimuru hung in the balance.

"Hold the line," Padrino commanded, his voice carrying over the din of preparation. "We fight for Rimuru. We fight for our people."

Asuna stood beside him, her sword glinting in the fading light. "And we will not fall."

With a final glance at his troops, Padrino raised his sword high. "For Rimuru!" he shouted.

The soldiers echoed his cry, their voices rising in a deafening roar. The ground shook as the forces of Galdros began their charge, and the clash of battle was inevitable.

Padrino braced himself, his resolve unshaken. The storm had come, and he was ready to meet it head-on.