In contrast, the young soldier who had just been promoted to the rank of commander had already explained everything that had happened in court and had even informed everyone of the risks involved, but they had no choice. Most of them would die, and the survivors would be punished for opposing them. He knew this very well. That was why he wanted to explain everything in detail before doing anything else.

"Are you guys with me?" he asked, raising his bright dual-colored eyes mixed with red and green.

​​

He clenched his teeth nervously as he scanned the stunned crowd. Just as the soldiers were about to decide, some of the enemy spies hiding among the soldiers spoke up to oppose the majority's decision.

"You're a psychopath. It appears that you want us all dead."

"Are you aware that this young man was recently promoted? He is unqualified! He had to have stolen this seal from the commander, I'm certain! Before we make a decision, I say let's wait for the chief."

"This man dares to stir up trouble. The war is going on, doesn't he know? How can he make up his own rules and order the people to die on his initiative? We know he's a spy!"

"What are you awaiting? Take the seal from him and put a stop to his actions!"

Martin was glared at by many soldiers after the spies uttered those words. His face paled from receiving so many cold stares from strangers. He wasn't even a leader, and he didn't know what to do when so many soldiers turned on him.

It was fortunate that a few soldiers were rational and knew how to use logic instead of believing in useless rumors.

"How old are you guys to think like that? Just look at his face!" It was one of the old soldiers who spoke up for justice. He asked, "Does he strike you as a scheming individual?"

"This person is credible, I say. That seal cannot have been snatched from the commander by just any soldier with average skills. We should heed his warnings and not put our citizens' lives at risk."

That was it. The soldiers had been divided into two factions in an instant. Those who were not willing to fight with the enemy sided with the spies. Although the enemies attempted to persuade a few senior soldiers who had joined Martin, none bowed to them and walked away with the youth.

However, he was relieved to find that many seniors were willing to lend a hand. While still dazed, he glanced at them with moistened eyes as he walked out of the palace. When the lives of so many people were on the line, he was not going to back down. "Thank you," he said, bowing his head.

Martin's back was rubbed by an older-looking soldier, who smiled and said, "Thank you for what? Be the leader your commander expected you to be by following his instructions. The army needs a leader. Let us prove the enemies that we can also defend!"

"Yeah!" Behind him, everyone yelled. Martin grinned, wiping his eyes with his sleeve and nodding.

About thirty minutes later, they were all riding their horses in the formation they had decided on earlier. A few soldiers had left, but those who remained were determined to save their kingdom. They were passing houses and streets one after another. Their eyes were drawn to the clothes, utensils, and other household items that were scattered about. The homes were all vacant.

They didn't know if the enemy had succeeded in tearing the boundary wall apart this time around or not. A few human servants were still visible in the city. Some Dhampir servants and aristocrats were still around, but fewer than before.

Soldiers who helped with the evacuation were nowhere to be found, and the number of guards stationed at other gates had also decreased. This led Martin to believe that those soldiers had moved toward Eastern Gate after the cannon had been fired to fight the enemy.

As a result, a small number of soldiers were left in other gates if the enemy came from another direction.

Most of the soldiers were already dead by the time Martin and his team reached the Eastern Gate. As half of the boundary wall collapsed, several dead bodies lay on the ground. Arrows had pierced others, and their blood continued to seep from their bodies. Multiple bodies were burnt near the boundary wall that was still burning.

It was harrowing to see so many dead bodies piled up near the gate. Martin wasn't used to seeing so many corpses at once. Upon his arrival, he was startled and felt something crawling up his stomach, making him want to vomit as he looked around him. He pressed his lips in a thin line that prevented him from vomiting, and he resolutely stared forward. Despite the fact that the enemies were still on horseback, they were now visible to the naked eye. A telescope was used earlier to keep an eye on them, but now they were close enough to be seen clearly.

Martin gritted his teeth and said, "Stand and guard the gate. Come on, let's keep them out of our city!"

"....But they have cannons."

"Then prepare the cannons," he instructed. "We had discussed it with the commander in the past." Martin's forehead was wet with sweat, and he hesitated before speaking. "Let's keep our formation. We'll make changes based on our current circumstances."

"Roger!"

Indeed, the young man wasn't confident in his leadership abilities. As of right now, he was only able to work effectively because he still remembered the strategy they had all developed prior to the king's appearance in the courtroom. As for Princess Edda, who would have thought that she would show up at court with such evidence to bring the king to heel?

He let out a sigh and parted his lips as he said, "Seniors, please give me some guidance. I don't wish to hold this position, but for some reason, the commander decided to believe in me. I'm not sure if I'm up to the task, but please guide me. I…."

"Soldier Martin, the chief has chosen you. As of today, you are our new commander." With a smile, the older soldier said.

Others nodded in response, showing their support to the youth.

While looking at the soldiers beside him, Martin's shoulders relaxed as he glanced at the enemies. His heart swelled with determination. Though incompetent at fighting and leading, he would still give it his all regardless.