She returned within fifteen minutes, King Aldric walking beside her with the measured pace of someone who had already made his decision before hearing all the details. His eyes swept over the assembled group—Noah, Lola, five demon master-rank escorts, and his daughter's companions—with the assessment of an experienced ruler calculating odds.
"Elara told me what you're planning," Aldric said, stopping before Noah with genuine gravity. "I won't pretend the dark elf's expansion doesn't terrify me. Three neighboring kingdoms have already fallen." He paused. "I want to send additional forces with you. Esta has master-rank warriors who would fight well under your command."
He gestured, and a group of powerful auras made themselves visible at the courtyard's edges—Esta's finest fighters, assembled quickly at their king's quiet order.
