Immediately afterwards, a deafening roar came from the south of Muxi City, and the ground began to tremble slightly, sending pebbles and dust flying into the air.

Cumberland slowly stood up and looked south.

In the distant sky, a huge, blazing cloud of fire slowly rose.

Cumberland turned his head back and looked at his adjutant, whose face was full of panic. He already guessed what had happened.

“Alfonso de Carver, come here,” Cumberland said as he walked deeper into the military camp. “I have a task for you.”

Following behind Cumberland, Alfonso began, "To the south..."

Cumberland turned around and interrupted him: "No need to say anything, I know. I'm asking you, how many subordinates do you have?"

Alfonso paused for a moment, then gently shook his head.

Cumberland sighed softly and continued, "I need you to escort these citizens, as well as Queen Mary, safely into the capital."

Alfonso asked doubtfully, "Anyone could do this kind of task..."

Cumberland, his face grim, growled, "This is an order! The kingdom has just lost a prime minister today; do you want to see another queen suffer the same fate?!"

Alfonso looked at Cumberland, whose face was contorted with anger, and slowly said, "Yes, sir."

Looking at the knight in front of him, Cumberland's expression gradually softened.

The old knight slowly took out a golden badge from the armor on his chest.

On the front of the badge, above the background of the umbrella pattern, is engraved a black dragon and a knight's shield.

On the back of the badge is a knightly motto that Alfonso knew all too well: Honor is my life.

Under Alfonso's astonished gaze, Cumberland took the badge off his neck and placed it in his hand.

"The Knights need a Grand Master."

Cumberland stared into Alfonso's eyes and said in a deep voice, "No one is more suitable for it than you."

Alfonso's eyes widened, and he quickly opened his mouth to try and refuse.

Without waiting for a reply, Cumberland clenched his fist and hissed, "That's an order too!"