As a ruler, he naturally understood that although the Kingdom was still developing, the atmosphere had gradually become overly complacent, with the long-untouched border defenses serving as proof.
The army and the City Guard were certainly on alert for those powerful Magic Creatures, but it was only an alert; the potential losses from waging war made the Nobles and councilors overly cautious, wasting energy in futile standoffs.
The Church was a prime example of this, as the days when the Pope and the Saintess personally led the Holy Knight Order to slaughter Fake God Magic Creatures were long gone, but the church, now focused on internal affairs, was the best-developed among the Six Major Guilds, with small and large churches scattered across every village and town, spreading various doctrines that became annoying.
As beings born from Magic Element, Magic Creatures were endless, but just like the Border campaign that vanquished a Great Demon, and successfully established a connection with the Water Mirror Crane, turning the Highland into a safe zone and freeing up military might, even Magic Creatures had the potential for communication or required differentiation between those needing extermination; simply defending would bring no development.
Perhaps it was time to make some changes.
"I understand, though it's still in its nascent form, I agree with your idea." The Count's praise involuntarily brought a smile to the Hero's face.
The calm words of the Count stopped the Hero's smile.
"Knight Patrol is not a simple journey, it isn't about you just going to a place and killing Magic Creatures to complete it, solitary patrols are not as simple as you imagine, you still have much preparation to do."
Originally, he just intended to briefly discuss the Hero's future plans, but seeing that the Hero had her own ideas, the Count's expression grew serious.
An aura that made the Hero feel somewhat unfamiliar emanated from him, making her instinctively tense up and straighten her back.
"Are you really sure you can complete such a patrol?"
As an Arcane Engineer, the Count knew all too well the perils of blind confidence. Objective laws do not shift with personal will; if an engineering project isn't meticulously prepared in accordance with procedures, the flawed products might deceive one's own people, but in face of an Arcane Surge and Magic Creatures, the only outcome is collapse and death.
And the Hero's ideas were similar, although they sounded wonderful and theoretically seemed unproblematic, reality was not so simple.
"First, how well do you understand the geography of the Kingdom and the general distribution of Magic Element? This involves where more minor Magic Creatures like Goblins might exist, and where there isn't such a threat…
"Then have you thought about how to communicate with the local Lords? Not every Lord is like me, perhaps after you eliminate a powerful Magic Creature, they might choose to cut military expenses instead of exterminating Goblins…
"Although I am your nominator, the Border is not a suitable place for patrols, and in fact, our army has already intensified its efforts to combat Goblins and other Magic Creatures.
"You may have some travel Experience, but that is not on the same level as a Kingdom-wide patrol…"
The Count had completely entered his strict work mode, his continuous and well-organized words striking the Hero repeatedly.
His tone wasn't aggressive, but merely raised sincere doubts.
In fact, he wasn't overly worried, after all, the Hero's strength was clear; even if the plan was somewhat rough, it would not hinder the patrol,
Considering that some Knights' strength isn't even on par with hers now, learning through difficulties encountered on the journey would suffice.
A gem just needs some carving to Shine, just like the Nocturnal Gem that could trap a Corrupted Phoenix with a simple Enchantment, but this is undoubtedly a great waste, and the Count naturally does not wish to see the Hero suffer too much.
However, when the Hero realized that she couldn't answer even one of the Count's questions...
"Also, the Curse on you is something that cannot be overlooked—"
[Hero's Confidence Great Failure!]
[Hero's Curse: Hollow activated]
[Hero's Crash Probability(+30,50+crash)]
D100+30=d100(68)+30=98
With a 'bang', the boiling Magic Power turned the water into steam, covering the Count's unfinished words with moisture, which also sharply brought him back to reality, feeling a sense of foreboding.
After the steam dissipated, the Count looked at the Hero, who had a dizzy expression, unresponsive even when called, and ruefully patted his head.
"Perhaps a bit too hasty, indeed, I should consult with the Fourteenth Princess and arrange for her to learn in the Capital for a while…"
And as the hub of the Kingdom, places far from the Capital also have significant appearances of Magic Creatures due to the concentration of Magic Power.
But that is something to discuss after she wakes up…
With a resigned shake of his head, the Count called for the Maid Supervisor.
[Does the Hero have dreams?]
[Due to Great Failure, Hero's dreams are(+30,50+nightmare)]
D100+30=d100(92)+30=122