Volume 4 Chapter 20 (1/2)
Chapter 4 Episode 20
Editor:Starbuck11,Kev
Two days had pa.s.sed since the battle match happened.
Right now, there were more than 30 people gathered inside a big room within the castle.
”These are the conditions our country currently is in. Today, I would like ladies and gentlemen here to discuss it and find a way to break our current situation.”
A map of the Zalda Kingdom was spread on the desk.
Grahart said those words while pointing his baton at pieces representing army units and forts on the map.
”I would like everyone to help defend our country.”
Sitting down next to Grahart, Julia.n.u.s the First opened his mouth.
What was happening right now was a military a.s.sembly of the three nations that occupied and dominated the eastern end of the western continent dubbed a joint war council.
In addition to the Generals of the Zalda Kingdom and also those sent by the Mist and Rozeria Kingdoms, n.o.bles and ministries of the Zalda Kingdom who dealt with diplomacy and finances were also present.
For most of them, this was the first time they met each other.
Inside the room, also present was the Zalda Kingdom’s king, Julia.n.u.s the First.
Up until now, only in a few occasions did Julia.n.u.s the first showed up during war councils.
With the king present, it also showed how much dire the situation within the Zalda Kingdom was.
With the king being present, the war council was full of heat from the beginning.
”No, I think we should maintain the frontline as it is while letting the coalition of armies to pressure the Ortomea Empire so that they back down!”
When a n.o.bleman shouted those words, the young knight beside him snapped at his words.
”What are you saying?! That's what Ortomea want us to do. Their aim is to occupy the national land while waiting for the chance to crush our army and occupy the country!”
”Calm down. In my opinion, the Zalda, Mist and Rozeria Kingdoms alone won't stand a chance against Ortomea. Isn't it better for us to wait until Ernestgora partic.i.p.ate?”
”About that, since the outbreak of the war you've kept saying it, but even after a year had pa.s.sed, they have not made any moves at all.”
”But still, we won't be able to hold the frontline by ourselves. We need to drag Ernestgora by all means. That's why we should make more effort for that, don't you think so?”
”Are you stupid?! There's no reason for Ernestgora to help our country. Don’t you know what the Queen of that country is called?!”
”Agreed! She only moves her army near the border, while answering our messenger evasively so she must have planned on obtaining our country's land.”
Regarding the problem of Ortomea Empire invasion, the empire was having difficulties regarding the supply lines since they were surrounded by enemies from many directions, thus the elder generation of the officials suggested that the alliance should continue defensive battles while waiting for an opening, on the other hand, the young generation had developed a self-theory that they should make a rally to keep the morale of the conscripted commoners high.
Everyone voiced their wisdom and vigorously gave their opinion.
Meanwhile, four people Ryouma, Lione, and the Marfisto sisters were gathered in one of the corners of the room while observing carefully the others with a cold gaze.
”Fuh, they are all vigorously trying to be a smarta.s.s huh?... d.a.m.n it, if we continue with this situation, we're already in a checkmate then. What are they doing shouting things that are certainly obvious.”
Hearing Ryouma mutters, Lione smiled bitterly.
Although he was saying those words carefully in a low voice, it was still words that should not be spoken inside this war council.
But still, the reason why Lione didn't rebuke Ryouma was clear.
(Geez, boy, you're being too harsh... But then again, it is the truth, so it can't be helped eh...)
The contents of the hot debate that were currently being held in front of them had already been considered and discussed among the five people including Sakuya who was not currently in this place.
That was why, Ryouma and the others thought the heated argument that happened in front of them was just a mere farce. -
In the first place, the Zalda Kingdom national power was less than a third of the Ortomea Empire.
It finally had enough power to equal Ortomea Empire after the three eastern countries united their forces.
However, Rozeria was exhausted due to the civil war, and the Zalda Kingdom itself had suffered a ma.s.sive defeat during the early invasion on the Notiz plains.
(If we stay like this... The fate of this country has already been sealed...)
Ryouma didn't felt shaken with his own a.s.sessment of the current situation.
He had the will to face the disadvantaged that appeared in front of him.
Lione understood that possessing such will was one of the characteristics of Mikos.h.i.+ba Ryouma and one of the reasons why he kept surviving despite all of the predicaments.
”The situation was already to the point that the front line was pushed near the capital’s suburb... As it is, the north and south of the national lands would be both cut off from the capital, if that happened, they would be defeated individually. Thus this country would meet its end...”
The Zalda Kingdom’s land area was close to a rectangular shape extending from north and south.
The capital city Periveria was located in the center, and also closer to the eastern border.
The frontline was a mountainous area three days walk on foot from the capital.
The army led by Joshua Belharres was desperately keepingthe frontline in check at this very moment.
However, speaking frankly, the invasion of the Ortomea Empire had advanced little by little every day.
Thus, it was necessary to reinforce him as soon as possible.
”Well, it is impossible to turn around the current situation here simply by telling them straightforwardly to do so after all. Or at least, I have no intention of doing so...”
Lione shook her head with a bitter smile.