"Your Highness!"
Minister Ren said, his tone sharp, with no pretense of respect.
"Surely you don't truly believe the scout's… fantasy? Weapons that can kill Demonic Beasts in a single strike? Civilians leading a defense? He must be hallucinating!"
A few of the other ministers nodded in agreement.
They didn't want the Princess taking the scout's words seriously and pulling another stunt like last time—talking about saving the Middle City.
Why waste valuable resources on saving commoners who are as good as dead?
Better to hold onto the resources until the Demonic Beasts got bored and moved on.
"I didn't say I believed it," she said honestly. "But I do intend to find out whether it's true or not."
"Let's just wait for the scout to bring back the leader of the shelter and the weapon. We'll all know the truth then."
***
Five hours later…
The sun was beginning to dip behind the Vermilion Palace's towering spires when the twin doors to the Main Hall creaked open once more.
