Miracle Summoner

"Hmm?"

Noticing the gazes instinctively gathering on him, Rozen raised an eyebrow.

"Are you sure you want me to make the decision?"

Rozen turned to Artoria [Alter] and asked.

Artoria [Alter] responded calmly.

"You're the Master. Naturally, the decision is yours to make."

That was what Artoria [Alter] said.

Rozen understood exactly what this meant.

It meant that Artoria [Alter] had acknowledged him and recognized him.

Before this, regardless of the situation, Artoria [Alter] never sought Rozen's input.

It wasn't because Artoria [Alter] underestimated Rozen's presence; rather, as the king of the Mountain People, it was only natural for her to make all the decisions. No one's status surpassed hers, so there was no need for her to consult anyone.

But now, this attitude of Artoria [Alter] made it clear to everyone that she recognized Rozen as her Master. Not only was she the king responsible for leading the Mountain People, but she would also serve as the sword in Rozen's hands.

Yesterday, Rozen silently assisted Artoria [Alter] in defeating the soul-burning Mordred. After their conversation during the night, he had finally broken down the walls around Artoria [Alter]'s heart.

From this moment onward, Rozen had officially become Artoria [Alter]'s Master.

Before this, at best, Rozen was someone Artoria [Alter] valued as a talent or a powerful ally.

Had this been before, Artoria [Alter] would have already made her own decision regarding this matter.

But now, she had handed the authority to decide to Rozen.

Thus…

"Actually, from a rational perspective, it's better not to rescue those lost Mountain People."

Rozen calmly voiced the harsh reality.

But this was the truth.

Firstly, it wasn't even clear whether the lost individuals were still alive. Mobilizing resources only to find nothing would be a waste, achieving nothing of value.

Secondly, whether entering the Lion King's territory or venturing into the Sun King's desert, they were bound to encounter enemies. Either a war would break out with the Knights of the Holy City, or they would clash with the Sun King's beasts. Dispatching troops to rescue these Mountain People meant not only protecting them along the way but also confronting enemies. The number of soldiers lost in the process could reach an unacceptable level.

Moreover, with the current war against the Lion King, Artoria [Alter] was already planning to attack the Holy City. The Lion King, likewise, was getting serious due to the loss of the Round Table Knights and could launch a devastating counterattack at any moment. Under these circumstances, expending resources and manpower for a group of ordinary Mountain People would be unwise.

The battles Rozen and his allies faced were apocalyptic in scale, and every soldier capable of fighting was a precious resource.

In contrast, ordinary citizens, besides consuming rations, could offer little in return. Sacrificing soldiers and resources for them seemed entirely unnecessary.

Therefore, from a rational perspective, saving these people in the current situation was absolutely unwise.

However…

".…"

Watching the grieving Mountain People in the clearing, some women and children sobbing while calling out the names of their fathers and husbands, and the elderly begging soldiers to rescue their loved ones, Rozen's heart held no hesitation.

"If we only live by reason, humanity would be no different from beasts."

Rozen spoke with unwavering conviction.

"We will save them."

The moment those words fell, the others' eyes lit up with determination and resolve.

Even the corners of Artoria [Alter]'s lips curved into a brief smile before it vanished. Jeanne [Alter] merely curled her lip in mock disdain but refrained from making any remarks.

Clearly, no one opposed Rozen's decision.

Even the tyrant and the witch in their altered states agreed.

"Then give the orders, Master," Artoria [Alter] said.

"Senpai."

Mash gazed at Rozen with a resolute expression.

"Please command us, Rozen-sama," Hassan of Serenity added.

"Master."

Bedivere also looked intently at him.

Everyone awaited Rozen's leadership.

At that, Rozen began issuing orders without hesitation.

"First, we must repel the Knights' forces advancing from the Holy Land. Otherwise, even if there are survivors, they are doomed with the enemy's encirclement. Additionally, if the enemy enters the mountains and establishes defenses, we'll face significant obstacles. Eliminating them is essential."

This was the priority.

"I'll handle that," Artoria [Alter] responded without hesitation. "Their leader is Agravain. I'm familiar with his methods. He's likely not on the battlefield but hiding somewhere issuing commands. For those unfamiliar with his tactics, he'll be a challenging foe. However, no matter how many times he surrounds us, I have ways to break through."

"Understood." Rozen nodded. "The forces deployed this time are likely just Knights aiming for victory through numbers. With your Holy Sword, no matter how many come, it won't matter. Lead the city's troops and take them on."

"Leave it to me." Artoria [Alter] accepted her task calmly.

"Next, to rescue the potentially endangered survivors as soon as possible, we must split into two groups," Rozen continued. "One will head into the holy land, and the other into the desert. Both teams will conduct rescue operations simultaneously."

Immediately, someone volunteered for one of the tasks.

"I'll take the holy land," Jeanne [Alter] said with a wicked grin. "The Sun King's desert doesn't suit me. Fire won't spread well in sandstorms. The holy land, however, is vast and open, already scorched by human rationality's flames. Plus, I have a score to settle with the Holy Knights for imprisoning me. This is the perfect chance."

Jeanne [Alter] took the initiative.

"Alright." After some thought, Rozen nodded. "I'll lend you my dragons. With your current abilities, commanding dragonkind should be manageable. Raise as much hell as you want."

"Is that so?" Jeanne [Alter] sneered. "Fine. Even if it's the Round Table Knights, I'll have nothing to fear with a dragon army."

"Remember, your main objective is to save lives." Rozen sighed and then said, "Serenity, accompany Jeanne. She won't care about the civilians' safety. You'll be in charge of support. Can you handle it?"

"Yes, please leave it to me." Hassan of Serenity readily accepted the command.

"Bedivere, I'll leave you to defend the mountain city. We can't afford to leave it unguarded," Rozen said, turning to Bedivere.

"…Understood." Bedivere hesitated for a moment before reluctantly agreeing to his task.

It was clear that this knight wanted to be on the battlefield as well.

However, neither Rozen nor Artoria [Alter] would allow him to fight lightly.

Otherwise, his body wouldn't hold up.

After assigning these tasks, Rozen turned to Mash.

"We'll handle the desert region."

Rozen smiled faintly.

"Prepare to depart, Mash."

At his words…

"Yes, Master!"

Mash responded with a determined expression.

And so, everyone began their respective missions.