Chapter 110: The Council (Part 2)
“As for what Lady Tia just mentioned, the fundamental purpose of this meeting is to address the severe issues that the countries of Western Continent are about to face. This statement is, in itself, correct, but perhaps those of you who stand in high positions might tend to overlook the more practical matters we are currently encountering… For the esteemed members of the Church, these may seem like trivial matters, but for us and the livelihood of the Empire, they are of utmost importance that requires immediate resolution.”
“Since the first talks, I’ve been well aware of the complex series of issues raised by you esteemed gentlemen concerning the reconstruction of the post-war disaster area in Silgaya. The food crisis triggered by these issues could very well spread to Ethanbel and most towns in the Empire in the near future. In fact, these problems have already made a significant impact on the Northern Region last year, and this year may prove even more challenging. We all know what we are about to face, which is why we need to end this war swiftly—”
“Duke.”
Suddenly, the fourth knight commander, Selamus, who had been silent for a while, waved his hand: “Your words are somewhat subjective. What do you mean by ‘trivial matters’ to us… It cannot be said like that. The livelihood of the Empire isn’t any different from that of the Western Continent’s people, heh… Because we consider more people, we often can’t afford to think from just one side’s perspective… As the Church, we absolutely must not have favoritism or bias, and I hope you can be more generous in these matters—exhibit the attitude befitting a lord.”
His pace of speech was measured, and his nearly forty-year-old face bore a steady demeanor: “Now, you have reached this point. To be honest, personally, I’ve always admired you, Duke Skarlij… I’ve witnessed the incredible might of the Shanter Army that you trained yourself. Our Vice-Captain is also quite direct, never one to bottle up his feelings. While he may have offended you with his words earlier, privately, he holds great respect for those present from the Northern Region… There’s something we both firmly believe.”
“And that is, if the war continues like this, the odds are high that the ultimate victor will be you… We do not doubt this at all. But at the same time, I hope you can understand that even though Chielis City doesn’t have a powerful army like yours, they are not all useless nobodies; you can’t underestimate the people within the palace. At the very least, they understand how to scheme better than you. You may win, but how much will you ultimately pay for it? Time is still an unknown variable. Furthermore, outside the Imperial City, there is a fortified bastion designed by the royal architect of the Ethanbel royal family…”
At this point, Commander Selamus cast a glance at Her Majesty the Queen.
Her Majesty did not open her eyes; the Commander didn’t take it to heart. This was meant for Duke Skarlij and the powers from the Northern Region to hear, simply a wake-up call, reminding these individuals of who really created those unnecessary troubles for them.
“Even if I were to give an immediate order for the Fourth Knights Order to withdraw from the defense line at Moon Mountain Gorge, as long as the palace has made up its mind to hold the line, it would be quite difficult for you to swiftly attack and seize the city… I visited the city a few days ago; although food supplies are starting to run low, they could still hold on for another month or so without significant issues. In that time frame, surely there will emerge new variables that neither side can predict. Duke, this is the reality before me; please do not underestimate the extent to which those people in the palace value their lives.”
“I know that the continuous victories in this war over the past two years, even ones achieved without breaking a sweat, have slowly instilled an unrealistic, blind confidence in your side. I am aware of this… But I kindly ask you not to view the battle situation too optimistically; it benefits no one.”
“The most realistic issue, much like what you have considered, is how to resolve the livelihood of the Empire’s citizens. I can see you are a benevolent person. Compared to the royal palace, your actions and those of Count Lafael are evidently more winning of the people’s hearts, but that is assuming war is the premise.”
“If the situation continues to drag on, my guess is that the royal palace would have to resort to some more aggressive measures… You must be clear about this. They can’t just watch their citizens leave, food supplies dwindling, and the workforce in the city falling short; lockdown orders will soon be implemented. By then, with hundreds of thousands of innocent citizens in the city, have you seriously considered what their fate will be…?”
“As long as you are willing to give the order, Commander.”
Commander Selamus had said a lot, during which several attendees from the Northern Region, especially those from Erin Castle, wanted to interrupt but were silenced by Duke Skarlij’s glare. After patiently listening to Selamus finish, the Duke finally spoke, his words dripping with confidence.
“We don’t need to drag out these matters any longer; you are right. If the situation continues to delay, it benefits no one. Therefore, I Skarlij can assure you that as long as your Fourth Knights Order refrains from interfering in this matter, within seven days… within seven days, we will successfully breach Chielis City, and then all that you are worried about will no longer happen.”
Over there, a Lady rose to pour tea for everyone present, her movements gentle and composed. When she reached Commander Selamus with the tea, he looked up at her, and they exchanged smiles. The Commander raised a hand to cover his tea cup, signaling that she need not pour for him again; his cup was full. From the moment they sat at the table, the Church attendees hadn’t touched their tea cups.
“You can rest assured about my words…”
On the opposite side, Duke Skarlij paused for consideration before continuing: “In seven days, if I am unable to take Chielis City, I will immediately lead my troops north, abandoning all major southern cities, including Baihao City, and hand over the core metallurgy technology of the central workshop to the royal palace. All consequences will be borne by my Shanter Castle; I will not go back on my word.”
Once these words were spoken, not just the Church members reacted; even those from Erin Castle and the New City of Kaliye showed shock, wide-eyed, glanced at the Duke, or exchanged uncomfortable looks as if wanting to speak but unsure what to say.
Only Her Majesty and the Duchess expressed a calm indifference, with one still cheerfully pouring tea, while the other couldn’t be bothered to open her eyes.
Commander Selamus witnessed their reactions, and after a brief moment, he smiled: “Such confidence, Duke. It seems you hold some trump cards that I am not aware of… I wonder, Your Majesty Queen Elizabeth, does this have anything to do with you?”
It seemed like a casual question, with no expectation of an answer. He immediately added, “But such airy promises—how can one not see them as mere bluster from you… I honestly have no way of judging.”
The man smiled and shook his head.
“Such guarantees are blind and untrustworthy. I cannot gamble the future of all the people of the Western Continent on your mere word; I can’t afford to gamble, nor can you… I am here on a direct order from the Pope.”
“This war must be ended immediately; whether it be Shanter City or Chielis City, none of you can take further action. This is the Church’s stance. If this cannot be achieved, my position as the Commander of the Fourth Knights Order will nearly reach its end… And your actions and attitudes will determine the fate of the entire Northern Region of the Empire.”
“This is not a threat. As I mentioned earlier, Duke Skarlij, I hold you in esteem; this is merely my personal advice—some heartfelt words I hope you will reconsider what truly benefits the nation and its people, prioritizing the larger picture, rather than aiming for victory while disregarding the consequences. As of now, the palace has already agreed to the new tax plan set by the Church; we are currently stuck on your end… Do you understand my predicament?”
After this, the entire chamber fell into a momentary silence.
Then, Duke Skarlij chuckled: “What promises did the palace make to you?”
“It’s not a promise made to us.”
This prickly question seemed to finally make the Commander a bit impatient. His brow furrowed, but the next voice was not his, but that of the grizzled Archbishop Ansiel. The old man’s trembling hand rested on the table, intently staring into Duke Skarlij’s eyes: “This is a promise to the Empire and the people of the Western Continent. I say, Skarlij, what exactly is your problem—cough, cough—”
His emotions ran high, and he couldn’t help but cough violently: “Even though the palace has had many conflicts with the Church over the years, most of those have been trivial… But in terms of the bigger picture, I must say, His Majesty Kaynse is far more responsible than you, cough… He is willing to give up benefits to support the reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas of Silgaya…”
“In the short term, this may not be beneficial to the Empire, but if we look at the long term, it is good for the entire Western Continent—a wonderful strategy of mutual benefit and assistance between countries… Yet you, despite claiming to resolve issues, are just stubbornly holding to your views, preoccupied with winning the war and utterly disregarding the lives of the people suffering in the crossfire… cough, you and your Northern Region see only those favorable circumstances…”
“Skarlij, your daughter is a hero of salvation; her heart holds the well-being of the world’s people—whether in the Empire, Silgaya, or even Ethanbel’s royal city, and the Eastern Continent… I had the fortune of meeting her once in her lifetime. We fought side by side, slaying that terrifying demon in the underworld, cough… At not even twenty years old, I deeply admire her and know her worth… I suspect if she were still alive now… cough, cough! Upon seeing these distressing matters, she would surely feel deeply disappointed in you, her father, and in your current actions and thoughts…”
Bang—!
The old man’s words had hardly been finished before they were abruptly interrupted by the sound of shattered pottery.
The Duchess, who had just finished pouring tea, turned her back to the crowd at the round table. Beneath her feet lay the fragments of a shattered teapot, with tea spilling from the pieces. She slowly squatted down, wordlessly attempting to pick up the shards.
“Lady…”
Nearby, Firebird Annie quickly rose to help her, reaching out as her youthful, striking face flashed a fleeting killing intent, which couldn’t be concealed—anyone could perceive it.
On the other side, Duke Skarlij’s expression darkened rapidly. His naturally imposing aura struck Archbishop Ansiel, who suddenly realized he had spoken out of turn.
Meanwhile, Commander Selamus noted that Queen Elizabeth, who had been pretending to doze off, finally began to slowly open her eyes.
