Kingdom's Bloodline 566 Crown Jewel of the Kingdom

At least, the air in Ballard Room froze for a moment.

It was right when the king's gaze lingered on him.

"So that is all…"

Fortunately, King Kessel looked away and spoke again. "Solder?"

Air started to flow again.

Thales breathed a sigh of relief and avoided everyone else's gazes.

Thank god they didn't keep pressing him about it.

Maybe he shouldn't have said so much about Little Rascal?

"Yes, Your Majesty."

The military advisor, Solder Ryder bowed in reply, "Everything we should know about the war in the Northland is all here."

In the dark room, the Imperial Conference resumed its normal business atmosphere.

Prime Minister Cullen shook his head contemplatively. Military Advisor Solder looked solemn. The Minister of Trade, Viscount Kenney and Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann were whispering with each other.

The Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen continued to be in a dazed state, staring around with blurry eyes. Vicar General Stylia Nydis was wordless, but kept on listening intently.

Thales continued to maintain the gentle smile and elegant posture of the Duke of Star Lake, keeping subdued but presentable.

Only the king's figure remained motionless. His stillness was superior to that of the Everlasting Lamp behind him.

"Gilbert?"

The Iron Hand King's gaze flickered faintly as it brushed past the map and chess pieces on the table.

The former Foreign Affairs Minister was expecting it. He raised his glasses unhurriedly. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Gilbert reopened his notebook.

"Thanks to the cooperation of our colleagues at the Secret Intelligence Department, as well as the sharing of battle reports by Master Solder and the Ministry of Military Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has formed a new judgment on the post-war situation after acquiring all the details."

He cleared his throat. "The overall conclusion is, although they won the war, but…"

There was a spark in the eyes of the Cunning Fox of Constellation.

"Eckstedt is not the winner."

Thales' gaze shifted.

"First of all, if the other two cities did not tire out and pin down the enemy, Dragon Clouds City would not have been able to take Fort Liberté so easily."

Gilbert pointed at the black and white chess pieces on the table. "But now, Heroic Spirit Palace has reaped all the benefits—fame and wealth, city, and land.

"The City of Faraway Prayers and Defence City, on the other hand, are being mocked for their defeat."

The participants of the conference had blank expressions on their faces, but understood all too well.

"And don't forget the 'Peace Order' that the archduchess issued," Solder added coldly, "And her generous 'pardon' towards the prisoners of war. In contrast, the Roknee and Lecco families suffered heavy losses without gaining so much as a grain of sand…"

Thales thought about the indefatigable Archduke Roknee and the spry Archduke Lecco, and felt uneasy.

"And the Troubled Citizens too."

Gilbert nodded and wrote something in his notebook. "The Lady of Blazing Blood received help from the Troubled Citizens of Fort Liberté. She even endorsed them after the war in return—don't forget, equally Northlanders, the City of Faraway Prayers has long exercised a high-handed rule over the Troubled Citizens within their borders."

Gilbert looked up.

"In summary, we have reason to believe," the Cunning Fox of Constellation squinted through his glasses, "After this war, whether in interest or ideology, fame or stance, Dragon Clouds City will inevitably diverge from the Dragon's Blood Party, which is headed by the City of Faraway Prayers."

Upon hearing this unfamiliar name, the king's forehead twitched. "Dragon's Blood Party?"

Thales' heart skipped a beat.

Dragon's Blood.

This wasn't a phrase he particularly fancied.

Faced with the confused looks of his colleagues, Gilbert nodded.

"For the past two months, King Chapman has been mercilessly purging Black Sand Region of dissidents.

"Correspondingly, in order to have just cause to mobilize troops, his opponents in Black Sand Region have been chanting: Never forget the blood of the Great Dragon, remember former king Ende."

'Blood of the Great Dragon, former king Ende.'

Thales recalled The Born King's smile and voice with mixed emotions.

"They said, as long as you stand up against King Chapman, you are a real Northlander, a member of Dragon's Blood who cherishes brotherhood."

Gilbert went on, "Dragon Clouds City is naturally part of it. With clear stances, the City of Faraway Prayers and Defence City are included in it too. Referred to by Eckstedtians as Dragon Blood's Party, they oppose the Black Sand Party that supports King Chapman."

The king scoffed softly, but his sentiments were unclear.

'Dragon Blood's Party, oppose the king, memorialize the former king, cherish brotherhood…'

Deep down inside, Thales sighed.

'The person who came up with this slogan and name…'

The well-traveled and knowledgeable Viscount Kenney timely voiced the prince's thoughts, "Hah, the hidden message here is pretty malicious.

"Rumors and labels are powerful, public opinion can be terrifying," Prime Minister Cullen sighed and clicked his tongue, "But why do I feel like this has 'Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department' written all over it?"

He looked towards the scar-faced man.

The envoy from the Secret Intelligence Department bowed and responded, "Respected Prime Minister, you overestimate us. The public will of the Northlanders is strong. It's not something the Secret Intelligence Department is able to influence."

But he immediately revealed a half-smile, distorting the scar on his face. "But indeed, when the dissenting voices grew louder, I cannot deny that our agents played a part in amplifying it."

Duke Cullen had a strange expression on his face.

'Well.'

Staring at the Secret Intelligence agent, Thales raised his eyebrows.

'Chapman Lampard is probably not fated to enjoy a good reputation in this lifetime.'

"So, Dragon Clouds City is no longer welcomed by Dragon's Blood Party—sounds odd however you slice it—does this mean the Walton family will join Lampard's side?" Viscount Kenney got back on point and asked perplexedly, "Despite the deep-seated hatred between them?"

Gilbert shook his head. "Not necessarily.

"After careful analysis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is of the opinion that Dragon Clouds City is likely to withdraw from the anti-king struggle, not liked by the Dragon's Blood Party, and not close to the Black Sand Party, but staying neutral like Beacon Illumination City."

Military Advisor Solder snorted softly, "Then they'll stick out like a sore thumb, unable to win the favor of either side.

Gilbert nodded before shaking his head. "But at the same time, they will be outside the eye of the storm, and sitting safely on the fence while the two sides battle it out.

"With the size and status of Dragon Clouds City, coupled with the inherent contempt the archdukes have towards female rulers, the Heroic Spirit Palace might stand to benefit from the dispute between the two sides.

"Our northern neighbors are no longer staging the same play on competing stages and requiring the people to pick sides between the Black Sand Party and Dragon's Blood Party like they did six years ago.

Thales felt relieved listening to his tutor's analysis.

'Although the ruling class of Dragon Clouds City dislike King Chapman—with Saroma and Count Lisban even personally witnessing Dragon Blood's Night—and it's hard to resolve their hatred towards each other.

'But fortunately, Heroic Spirit Palace hasn't acted on impulse because of this.

'They chose the path that suited them best.'

Viscount Kenney pondered aloud, "So after this war, Eckstedt will be even more chaotic? And in the face of any issues, it will be a tug of war between at least three sides?

"At present, it seems so," Gilbert replied.

"Very good." There was a gleam in Kirkirk Mann's eyes. "A three-legged chair is more stable than a two-wheeled car anyway."

Lord Krapen, who had been daydreaming, pulled himself together and exhaled. "Finally, those damned Northlanders get their just deserts."

The atmosphere of the Imperial Conference improved; the ministers were buoyant.

But the king remained still.

Until Gilbert shook his head and dampened everyone's mood.

"But we can't be too optimistic.

"If it becomes more chaotic, it means conflicts will intensify and struggles will escalate."

There was vigilance in the eyes of the former Foreign Affairs Minister. "It means we're one step closer to the end."

Prime Minister Cullen wondered, "The end?"

Gilbert nodded. "Two hundred years ago, Eckstedt faced the 'Mourning Catastrophe': Tannon rebelled and Prestige Orchid seized power, ushering in the cruel 'Century of Last Days'.

"In that century, vying against the Great Dragon, we, Constellation—from 'Conqueror of the North' Erica to 'Sailor' John, four generation of rulers—were not inferior to our neighbors."

Hearing about Constellation's glorious history, the ministers felt a sense of admiration.

"In contrast, the Kingdom of the Great Dragon gradually fractured and weakened: the confrontation of the five archdukes at the King Selection Congress led to a bitter outcome, with four dead and one maimed.

"The blight and chaos were far worse than what we are seeing today."

Thales recalled the old treasured sword that King Chapman always had with him, and clenched his fists.

But with a change in tone, Gilbert said warily, "But it was precisely the peak of chaos and disorder that prompted the crowning of 'Steel Breaker King' and Dragon Clouds City holding the position of power.

"Marking the beginning of the monopoly on the throne by the Walton family for three generations.

"And the reunification of the archdukes of ten territories.

"Bringing the Kingdom of the Great Dragon back to the pinnacle, dominating the Western Peninsula."

No one at the long table spoke.

The shadow of the Bloody Year shrouded their minds.

Gilbert continued earnestly, "History proves that Eckstedt is no Camus, much less Thornland. They will not stay divided forever.

"And a friend once told me to never underestimate the bravery of Northlanders."

In that moment, Thales was transported back to Dragon Clouds City. Figures of Northlanders flashed across his eyes:

King Nuven, Dead Face, Administrator Mirk, Kaslan, Chapman Lampard, Viscount Kentvida, the Fire Knight, Long-Haired Roknee, Bowl Cut, Red Witch, Gleeward the veteran, Kirks the tailor, the Raven of Death, Ian the Nuisance…

But suddenly he thought of one thing.

'Little Rascal, and Quick Rope.

'They're Northlanders too.'

"Well put," Military advisor Solder Ryder said loudly, his gaze sweeping past the ministers who were rejoicing in Eckstedt's decline earlier, "And we have no time to lose."

His resounding words left no room for rebuttal.

Thales noticed the Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann purse his lips in disapproval.

But in that instant.

"Gilbert."

King Kessel's voice could be heard announcing resolutely, "You're reinstated with immediate effect. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is yours—although it already is."

The king glanced at everyone. "I believe, whether it's Eckstedt or within Constellation, no one will raise any objections this time?"

The officials at the Imperial Conference lowered their gazes; no one spoke.

"Your bid is our command, Your Majesty," Prime Minister Cullen responded warmly.

These words seemed like a signal. The former Foreign Affairs Minister—to be exact, the current Foreign Affairs Minister—honorary count Gilbert Caso was silent for a while before nodding respectfully, "I will do my utmost."

Thales quietly relished the surge of undercurrents in this back-and-forth.

The king nodded and turned to another person. "Solder, I heard you have something you wanted to say?"

The military advisor bowed. "Yes, Your Majesty."

Thales leaned back in his seat.

After learning about the outcome of the Northwestern war, he was in a much better mood. Even the pressure that enveloped him when he entered the palace had been relieved.

Now, all he had to do was quietly listen until the conference ended, then welcome the price for what he did last night.

He understood his role.

Solder opened the document in his hand and cleared his throat. "Although the development of the war was somewhat unexpected, but the conclusions of the Ministry of Military Affairs has remained fundamentally unchanged for these past few months.

"This war between Eckstedt and the Alliance of Freedom may be small in scale, but its significance is far-reaching."

This 'Big Soldier' reached a palm out to indicate on the map. "City walls, chevaux de frise, military fortifications, trebuchets, Eternal Oil, Mystic Guns, military intelligence messenger crows and saker falcons, as well as the Refined Crystal Drop weapons used exclusively by elite troops—all these things played an indispensable role, much more so than before."

Solder paused; his expression was serious. "War, my lords, war.

"War is now different in this era."

Sitting across from him, the Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann did not bother to conceal his impatience. He waved a hand and groaned, "There he goes again."

Solder grimaced.

But he suppressed his displeasure and responded patiently, "The demand that war places on logistics is increasing, and so is its dependence."

The military advisor indicated to a few areas on the map where the previous few great wars happened.

"These historical wars tell us that the Northlanders' military power in direct confrontations remain unparalleled, but…"

Solder's pace of speech quickened. "Strong physiques, exceptional martial arts skills and ardent fighting spirits are all past prides. They cannot make up for hunger, broken armors and injured soldiers."

His words made many ministers frown.

"And their bad example has proven not only that massacring and looting locally to obtain supplies is not enough for battlefield consumption, but that it can also cause unexpected resistance and hostility, and even lead to loose discipline and morale."

Solder nodded in the direction of the king. "This was how the Alliance of Freedom—despite being only a small country—was able to trouble the three great cities of Eckstedt to the extent that they neglected certain aspects of the war and were drained, all by relying on favorable geographical and social conditions.

"That taught us a lot."

He looked around but his gaze was met with unexpected silence.

A few ministers seemed to be communicating with their gazes, to Thales' puzzlement.

This was his first time at the Imperial Conference. He had yet to understand the rules.

Finally, as the highest-ranked official, the Prime Minister of the Kingdom, Duke Cullen coughed softly and took the bait when no one seemed willing to respond, "For example?

Solder retracted his gaze of dissatisfaction. "We cannot repeat the mistakes of the Northlanders. We have to place an emphasis on the safeguarding of supplies and logistics efficacy.

"Starting from the regular soldiers of the royal family."

There was another bout of silence.

Even King Kessel remained wordless.

As if this was a terrible topic.

"Master Solder, we have always placed the utmost priority in our logistics supply to the regular soldiers of the royal family," the Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen, who had been daydreaming for the most part of the conference, suddenly roused and hurriedly tried to draw a line between himself and the issue, "Especially during wartime, with Sunset as my witness. At the very least, there has never been a shortage of army provisions…"

Solder cut him short, "I did not mean to point a finger at you, Lord Krapen."

But in the next moment, the military advisor's gaze turned to Thales.

"For the past few months, the regular soldiers of the royal family and the suzerains of the Western Desert have worked together to rescue His Highness, going deep into the desert."

The Duke of Star Lake froze subconsciously.

"That was a valuable attempt. After the Desert War, we once again tested our ability to establish a unified supply line in a foreign land, and expanded the limits of expedition logistics.

"I have submitted the report to each of you before the conference."

Some ministers started reading the documents in front of them, while some remained composed, as if they had expected this.

But Solder raised his voice and boomed, "It has been shown that the independent logistic capabilities of the regular soldiers of the royal family are excellent: the shortest route specifically fixed by the Ministry of Military Affairs, the safeguard protocols of the rear defensive line, and the repeated combing of the desert area have guaranteed the smooth flow of the supply line, and even supported the army in driving straight towards the border the Alliance of Freedom."

With a change in tone he continued, "But in contrast to this was the logistics organized by the local Western Desert suzerains! Dawdling and dithering, inefficient and disorganized! From Blessings Town to the frontlines in the desert, there were countless instances of illegal trading and bribery. Until now, their logistics numbers are still a mystery."

"Consequently, there were unscrupulous merchants who smuggled the military-use Eternal Oil in Blade Fangs Camp to the desert orcs, and were intercepted by the regular soldiers!"

'Smuggling Eternal Oil…'

Thales gulped, accepted the document that Gilbert handed over to him for shared reading and smiled in reply.

Solder Ryder turned to a page in the document in his hands and looked cross.

"Baron Williams even reported an atrocious incident—following an attack on orcs after a pursuit, his vanguard officer handled the seizure according to regulations, but was faced with the unreasonable obstruction and illegal embezzlement of the Western Desert regional recruits!

"They were irreverent towards the authority of the royal family, and almost attacked their allies!"

Hearing this familiar story, Thales rubbed his nose.

"Indeed. Legendary Wing's also mentioned that…" Kirkirk Mann's started saying heedlessly amid the sound of turning pages, "Loyal to king and country and in consideration of the big picture, he had to suffer in silence by dismissing a selfless and honest vanguard officer to keep the peace and save the faces of the Western Desert dukes…"

At this, the Chief of Finance's expression changed as he slammed the document on the table. "You believe such nonsense from that dumbass?"

Thales raised his eyebrows.

'Well, this is the appraisal that one of the phenomenal Three Constellation Commanders gets at the Imperial Conference.'

"Erm, from how it's worded…"

Gilbert feigned a timely cough to mask Master Mann's sudden expletive. "I believe Williams must have a new stenographer."

The Foreign Affairs Minister's banter was done just right. It eased the tension and prompted soft chuckles from the ministers at the Imperial Conference.

"Master Solder, I understand what you mean."

The Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen—whose status in the Imperial Conference Thales began to slowly comprehend—chuckled along in response, "What I meant to say was, on logistical issues, ever since the start of the Desert War, we have cooperated well with different merchant groups and trade associations. If you need anything from food and clothing to livestock and ironware, I would be more than happy to introduce them to the Ministry of Military Affairs…"

Solder cut him off again, "No."

The military advisor elaborated coldly, "The logistics of a war involving tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of personnel are sophisticated and complex, and require a certain amount of scale and longevity.

"No single suzerain, town, citadel, or merchant group is qualified to undertake such an onerous task.

"Not even the Ministry of Military Affairs."

Lord Krapen's smile froze.

Solder continued with a keen gaze, "Unless there is a royal order to unify its management, taking effect throughout the kingdom.

"The method of having recruits of suzerains arrange their own provisions and logistics, and supplement those with whatever supplies they can obtain locally, has long become obsolete."

The ministers fell silent at these words.

The military advisor's gaze, keen as a blade, brushed past everyone at the table. "Regardless of how varied the sources of army recruits or how many suzerains are entitled to lead troops, we need a more unified, more efficient and more convenient logistics structure.

"To be able to continuously provide supplies of sufficient quality and quantity to the frontlines in a future war that spans several years."

Each minister had a different expression, and each was contemplating the implications behind these words.

King Kessel's face was still hidden in the dark against the light; only a dark shadow flickered.

Prime Minister Cullen exhaled and said heartfeltly, "Master Solder, you are talking about logistics.

"But you are referring to more than just logistics, am I right?"

Solder looked towards the prime minister with a calm gaze.

Silence shrouded over Ballard Room once again.

"Alright, Big Soldier, we know what you're up to," the Chief of Finance, Kirkirk scoffed, having no intention of concealing his displeasure, "What else? Give it to us all in one go."

Thales noticed that Gilbert started to wipe his lorgnette—that was a sign that he was concerned and using this opportunity to think.

Solder gave Kirkirk a stare.

"This is not the only lesson that the Northlanders taught us."

Under the scrutinizing gaze of the entire Imperial Conference, the military advisor seemed even sturdier, showing no signs of sluggishness that betray his age.

"Taking the war of the Alliance of Freedom as an example: enticement, peppered attacks, occupation, hiding, division of troops, circumventing, eliminating enemy leaders, spying and reporting…the war cycle is lengthened, its scope is expanded, the tactics used are complex and its impact is multi-faceted. It can no longer be summarized with a few key battles."

Solder stared at the chess pieces on the long table. "We have all seen that Eckstedt had unparalleled numbers and an advantage in direct confrontation, but it was also because of this that it was difficult for the large army to move about fluidly and they were structurally bloated.

"Against 'Astonishing Ivan' and his small, flexible elite squad, and engaging in battle in a foreign land, they were at a loss and did not know whether to advance or retreat.

"Not only that. Karkogel is the commander-in-chief only in name. Each of the three armies of the Northerners were not subordinate to the others; they were coordinating with each other at best. Transmission of orders was time-consuming and inefficient. It was difficult for the multi-headed command to work together. All this eventually led to a dismal outcome."

With a change in tone, he lamented, "Yet the same deep-seated problem exists equally within our internal structure."

Solder slammed the table with a palm. "Based on what I saw in Western Desert, the regular soldiers of the royal family and the Western Desert recruits, despite cooperating in an expedition, belong under separate command structures. The former were clearly professional and experienced elites, but were constantly held back by their peers. The latter, under the flags of different suzerains, were unruly, poorly coordinated, undisciplined, and are inferior in military strength.

"Not to mention the power struggles between the dukes of the Western Desert severely impacted the entire battle."

Agitated, the military advisor gradually disregarded the formal diction that he had acquired over the years from his visits to Renaissance Palace, and slang from his younger days when he used to fight in the army started to appear.

"Two units of the same level could not piss together just because their commanders resented each other. Such multi-headed command hindered opportunities in battle—Baron Williams' military report mentions this fucking point in particular.

"If not for these local suzerains and their recruits neglecting their duties and running amok, why else was His Highness' return full of obstacles, why else did Blade Fangs Camp encounter such a disaster?"

Thales immediately sensed countless gazes fall on him.

Knowing the truth of the Western Desert incident to some extent, he felt pressured.

But the figure at the end of the long table remained unmoving.

Faced with Solder's questions, the ministers were equally silent.

The only person standing to one side, the scar-faced envoy from the Secret Intelligence Department, morphed into a sculpture and did not move an inch.

Duke Cullen, seemingly accustomed to this work of recommencing a conversation after silence, slowly asked, "So?"

Solder took a deep breath, "In the Bloody Year, the Starlight Brigade proved this point. Today, Eckstedt and the Alliance of Freedom has restated it.

"In contemporary wars, the key no longer lies in quantity and intensity, but quality and efficiency."

He raised a clenched fist as he rallied, "So we need a unified chain of command, reliable logistics, more military-savvy soldiers, strict tiered structures, efficient communication, as well as the spirit and awareness of selfless dedication."

Solder presented his point fervently, ignoring the looks of discomfort directed at him by his colleagues. "And we cannot expect the recruits of the extensive number of suzerains to achieve this, whether they are immediate vassals of His Majesty or dukes and counts of remote feudal territories.

"Only the regular soldiers of the royal family, who are professional soldiers, are reliable!"

Contrary to his usual leisurely manner of speech, Prime Minister Cullen raised his voice and asked somberly, "Master Solder, what exactly are you trying to say?"

The military advisor thumped the table and said loudly, "My fellow ministers, times have changed.

"For the sake of the future, we need more active-duty officers and more professional soldiers to assume stricter responsibilities and more important tasks across the kingdom, in case of a rainy day!

"The expansion of the regular soldiers of the royal family has to be included in the agenda."

Solder's words were met with another bout of silence.

In the tense atmosphere, Thales stretched his back, which felt equally tense.

He saw Gilbert gently close his eyes.

"Expand…" Duke Cullen sighed, "How many times does this make?"

"Three," Kirkirk Mann replied almost instantly without batting an eyelid, clearly no stranger to the situation, "And this is not including the four times that he was vetoed."

He immediately received a glare from the military advisor.

Gilbert attempted to ease the tension. "The lax military infrastructures of the dukes of Western Desert is indeed a problem that requires attention. But to escalate the issue too quickly throughout the kingdom might be making a mountain out of a molehill…"

"It's not just about Western Desert," Solder interjected swiftly, "Across the kingdom, even after the past few expansions, the number of regular soldiers of the royal family is still insufficient in proportion to our entire army. Our actual military strength is heavily reliant on the cooperation and quality of recruits."

The military advisor had an irrefutable stance.

"Divided logistics, multi-headed command, communication barriers, and varying degrees of training… All these bring with them too many problems."

"Forgive my interruption…"

The Chief of Finance, Kirkirk Mann coughed hard. "Big Soldier, have you read the financial report for the previous year?"

Hearing himself being called by his nickname, the military advisor frowned.

"Do you know how much of the budget every year is spent on the regular soldiers of the royal army that you are so proud of!"

The Chief of Finance stared at Solder with a somber look. "Take the three major guard units, Fury, Starlight and Stardust. Although they are called guards, do you know how overstaffed these three units are, and by how much their maintenance cost is overrun?

"That's not taking into account those outside the staffing structure! Are you aware that the money spent on them, if put towards ordinary recruits, is enough to form thirty more battalions, ten more brigades!"

Kirkirk Mann looked contemptuous, obviously long discontented with Solder. "Expand? What with?

"Your spit?"

But Solder was in no rush to rebut. He waited for Kirkirk's breathing to calm down before saying, "That was my second point."

He turned towards the dark figure seated at the head of the table. "Your Majesty, I propose that a new law be passed to reform the military system of the kingdom!"

Almost immediately, 'Big Soldier' Solder stood up decisively and boomed, "We should gradually reduce the number of farmer-soldier private recruits under the command of major regional suzerains throughout Constellation!"

Everyone present, including Thales, was stunned by these words, and did not know how to react.

But Solder continued indifferently, "Whether by gradually shortening the period of service, reducing the frequency of recruitment, or exempting the suzerains from their obligation to respond to mobilizations.

"Or finally even removing their rights to recruit troops on their territory."

One second, two seconds…

Everyone's expression changed.

Having stayed in Dragon Clouds City for six years and exposed to the military culture of Eckstedt, Thales blinked.

"Reduce…"

Upon realizing what Solder meant, Kirkirk Mann turned pale. "What?"

At the end of the long table, the king's figure slowly moved. A cold gaze pierced through the darkness once again.

Like a blade unsheathed.

The military advisor continued in a raised voice, "I believe that this can cut down on the quarterly recruitment cost, streamline the army by removing redundancy, renew focus on agriculture and trade, increase tax receipts, and possibly make up for the budget deficiency."

Prime Minister Cullen stared at his longtime colleague in bewilderment. "Solder…"

But Solder Ryder ignored him. "And the regular soldiers are prepared to take on this onerous task and shoulder the responsibility of national security."

He looked up suddenly. He seemed to have calcified into stone, resistant to wavering.

"The kingdom's military infrastructure is the crown jewel of Constellation.

"From now on, commands shall originate from one source.

"No exceptions!"

The narrow and dim Ballard Room sank into an unprecedented dead silence. There was also a slight chill in the air unique to stone chambers.

Solder looked around the long table, unyielding and ferocious, like a seasoned veteran.

Forcing the ministers, who were still deep in shock, to avoid his gaze.

Thales froze.

Previously, during the discussion of the war in the north, he was completely focused and was not affected by the atmosphere of the meeting.

But in this moment, Thales realized:

This is the Imperial Conference.

The matters he heard at this long table implicate the futures of tens of millions of subjects of the kingdom.

At the thought of this, he was struck abruptly by a suffocating sensation.

It was a feeling that neither the duel at Hall of Heroes nor the council hearing at Heroic Spirit Palace ever gave him.

"My fellow ministers…"

After a long pause, someone finally broke the silence.

"Please keep the contents of today's conference to yourselves. Do not repeat it even to those closest and dearest to you, even a fragment, even a word," the prime minister's low voice could be heard saying, weary and hesitant. "Also, Solder…"

Duke Cullen looked up towards the military advisor of the kingdom—who looked determined—and said solemnly but surely, "You've gone mad."

Chapter end