Chapter 218: Strategic Thinking (2/2)
”While that is a fair solution, Marshal, it does nothing to alleviate the dangers he will face. Even with a dragon on his side, what you are asking of him is too much.” Andrea countered passionately.
[Can someone please explain what I volunteered myself for?]
”Please, Your Highness,” A stout looking man that was currently serving as the Marshal's naval attache starting speaking, ”The Dragonknight would be facing a mostly stationary armada. They have few, if any weapons that could seriously injure something like a dragon. Besides, the sailors, on the primarily wooden ships I might add, will be much more concerned with saving their own lives once their vessels catch fire.”
”But...” She tried to argue again, trailing off once it became clear that she didn't have any supporters in the room.
Emmanuel stood up. ”Then, in order to maximize the effect of this enterprise and reduce the possibility of the enemy preparing an ambush, I believe it is prudent to act with haste. If you are alright with it, Sir Erasmus, then we will plan to launch this operation tonight. We are expecting a cloudy night with little to no rain, which should be perfect for our purposes.”
Mike made a show of considering the issue, while he was really putting the information together in his head. [So, I guess they want me to launch a surprise attack on the Tenundian Navy, probably with the intent of breaking the blockade. Well, that shouldn't be too hard. I'm not sure why Andrea was so upset about it.]
”That is fine.” He answered, eliciting a round of admiring chatter from the rest of the councilors.
”Very well, we'll begin the preparations. I'll speak with you about the specifics once this meeting has been concluded.” The Marshal said before directing the conversation to training efforts for the militia forces. This continued for some time, but since it wasn't something that directly impacted him, Mike found his attention wandering.
[Ugh, they make these meetings so painfully long, even though very little of consequence gets decided here.]
Eventually, it wound to a close, and Emmanuel dismissed the council with the promise of holding another meeting soon, duty permitting. Mike rose from his seat and was in the process of following the Marshal out, when Andrea approached.
”Sir Dragonknight, I just want to wish you luck on your endeavor tonight. I also want you to know, that I don't hold it against you that you decided to agree to this course of action. It is a brave and noble thing, and, even though it will likely remove any chance of my twin and I inheriting the throne, I still respect your choice.”
She glanced around suspiciously, before leaning in and whispering. ”Truth be told, I don't really have any desire to be Queen myself. I merely wished to find some path where we weren't disposed of secretly. So if you indeed manage to rescue my brother from the danger he seems to have fallen into, I won't blame you for it. I only ask that you intercede to secure a few concessions from him prior to him taking the throne.”
Mike stared at her from behind his mask for longer than was probably appropriate, mind churning on this new information. [How should I answer this? I don't want to alienate my only ally in the ruling family, but if I explain the situation, she'll think I'm an idiot.]
Finally, he remembered his manners, and gave a respectful bow. ”Your understanding is most appreciated, Your Highness, but I personally believe that the one best suited for political power is the one who wants it least. Ambition can be both a virtue and a vice depending on how it is employed, but those without it are often free to make the most effective decisions when in a position to do so. In that regard, I feel you would be a good fit for the throne.”
Andrea swallowed, suddenly nervous. Her gaze darted around, looking for potential eavesdroppers, ”Your vote of confidence is appreciated Sir Erasmus. However, in the future, I believe it would be best to speak of such things away from the general public.”
[But you're the one who brought it up!]
”Very well. If there is nothing else, Your Highness...”
”Ah! Of course. I'm keeping you from your meeting with the Marshal. Please excuse me.” She spoke quietly, flushing slightly as if embarrassed.
Mike watched her walk quickly out of the room, before following after. [She's even more confusing than Sera. Are all noblewomen like this?]
He dismissed the thought, before concentrating on the task at hand. Evidently, he'd volunteered himself for something big. Now he just needed to figure out what it was.