The Demon King's Paladin Part 2. All Out War.

Chapter 411. How Many Nobles Diablos Has Left

" Yeah... I can't find anything really..."

" Then why are you putting a thumbs up to Sarah and Anna?"

" I'm just happy my Son-In-Law came back okay. Can't I be happy?"

" I mean... Thanks? Did I worry you that much?"

Currently, we were still in my dining room. Aqua had her hands on my head and had begun to pour mana into me to check for any issues... Everything seemed to be fine, but Sarah did quickly take her parents into the living room to discuss a few things. She said it was nothing major and it was just to calm them down... Either way, when they walked back in, Aqua and Sarah were all smiles and Warrick was rubbing his temples. I hope he's doing okay. The whole situation must be stressing him out... I can only imagine what must be going through his mind knowing his has a new war on his hands.

" You've no idea. The entire reason we can warp now is because Aqua was going to track you down and just grab you."

" Looks like I ruined a cool rescue."

" It's just as cool to escape by yourself, Matthew. Though... Escape may not be an option from Asha and Sharon. They've been petitioning to send a squad of fighters including themselves to come and grab you."

Aqua quickly ruined the joke by bringing up Asha and Sharon... I was going to write them letters and leave them with Warrick and Aqua before I came back from visiting them today... Looks like I need to make that more of a priority.

" Sounds like I need to write a few letters..."

" It'd do better to visit them actually. They're currently in Blackstone."

" They've been visiting every day. Along with their parents of course."

" Why are their parents there to?"

" We're preparing for war. That means I need to bring in all Nobles that can make it and figure out how many men and women they can afford to let join the war effort. Along with that, is figuring out the logistics of feeding and moving them... It's a lot. And I don't just mean Adam and Clark. 6 of the other 8 Dukes are also in Blackstone."

" Wait? I thought there were 12 Dukes in all?"

My question seemed to confuse everyone? Maybe it's because I interrupted Warrick while he was speaking? I was about to apologize until Warrick started to speak to me.

" Yes, traditionally there are supposed to be 12 Dukes, however, back when Dardus left, he was a successor for the Duke Title that belongs to the Clearfield Family, so he wasn't an actual Duke yet. His Father, George Clearfield however, was a Duke, but he was quite old, the shock that his son had left the country for what seemed to be for good made him quite weak and he quietly passed away a few years after Dardus left. That's when Penelope and Adam decided to get married and takeover the Clearfield estate. With no one of any substantial power to obstruct them... Because Aqua and I were backing them, they were able to marry without anyone fussing about it. Anyways, when Dardus did leave, a good amount of his supporters went with him. 4 of them were Dukes. I suppose it would be quicker to also explain that traditionally, there're 24 Marquess, 36 Earls, 48 Viscounts, 64 Counts and numerous Baron and Knight ranked individuals. Because of Dardus's exodus, we currently have 8 Dukes, 14 Marquess... That includes you as well. 16 Earls, 22 Viscounts and 32 Counts. The recorded total of Barons leaving was 56 and 93 Knights also left."

" Wait? Doesn't that put us at disadvantage then?"

I was worried to hear about the dire circumstances that Warrick was describing. I mean... So many people left!

" No, not really."

" What?"

Warrick's reaction was pretty nonchalant about the whole thing. I was lost by what he said. Aqua began to explain it for me.