"Your Majesty, you must not fight at the front lines," Merlin said, turning to Kharos. "Please calm your anger and command the army from the rear."
Kharos was about to refuse, but the other dukes also urged him to fall back. If the Emperor were to suffer any injury at the frontline, the morale Merlin had built within the army using his skill would instantly shatter, throwing the entire formation into chaos and panic.
After a few seconds, understanding their concerns, Kharos moved back while the dukes spread to different locations along the borders of Ironvale.
The Sect Masters and the ancestor of the Thunderbanes, Robert, also dispersed across the walls of Ironvale, each taking position to ensure that the Empire's army would not breach the walls and enter the city.
Taranis, although he had informed Ironvale's knights that his army would not shed blood to protect the country, had given no such orders to the Sect Masters.
