January 4th, 1:30 AM, in the council hall at the deepest part of the third floor of the Royal Castle.

The silver-white tin kerosene lamps hanging on the sandstone wall emitted a dim yellow light. Perhaps due to the oppressive atmosphere, the faces of the ten imperial generals sitting at the long brown walnut table were exceptionally gloomy, even to the point of being black.

Grayish-white smoke drifted across the long table as Field Marshal Wolfgang, pipe in hand, looked up at von Palen, the only other person standing at the table.

He had his back to everyone, looking at the federal maritime map on the wall, while his bodyguard captain, Bowerman, stood ramrod straight next to the map, his body pressed tightly against the wall, his eyes, hidden under the brim of his hat, were as sinister and fierce as a wolf.

Thinking about the discussions that had taken place in the council chamber after the speech was hastily concluded, Wolfgang felt a tightness in his chest.

The discussion revolved around the Yan people who had suddenly arrived at the Star Islands. After an hour of intense conversation, a result that was accepted by the majority of people was reached two minutes ago.

The empire's fleet sent to conquer the Yan Kingdom was annihilated due to some unknown factor. After obtaining some intelligence about the empire, the Yan Kingdom chose to launch a counterattack with its fleet.

The news of the Yan Kingdom's approach to the Star Islands happened only ten days ago. In the meantime, many things must have happened, and a grim reality has emerged.

After losing Adams' fleet, the Federation's naval power has suffered a huge loss. The Yan Kingdom is coming with its fleet in a fierce manner. Can the naval forces stationed in the Star Islands stop the Yan Kingdom's attack?

Thinking of this, Wolfgang looked at Gustav sitting to the side.

Ten minutes earlier, Gustav had confidently assured him that there would be absolutely no problem, and that the Star Islands' defenses would keep any invading enemy out of the Brando Strait.

And now.....

“How come we only discovered their presence when the Yan Kingdom people were approaching the Star Islands? We should have discovered them much earlier! Weren’t there any ships patrolling the sea?” Feng Palen suddenly turned around and said.

As soon as he finished speaking, all eyes fell on Gustav's face. Sitting in his chair, Gustav trembled and stammered:

“Your Majesty, those days are our holidays, and we are about to enter the New Year. Who would have thought that the Yan people would come at this time?” Gustav said with a look of frustration.

Feng Palen's expression was stern: "This is negligence and a complete lack of vigilance."

Faced with harsh criticism, Gustav had no words to express his bitterness. In recent years, when had any overseas country ever attacked the Federation in the cold winter? This was not a suitable season for war, especially since the Yan Kingdom's country was still far overseas.

Despite his inner turmoil, Gustav knew that arguing would only enrage the emperor further. What he needed to do now was defuse the crisis, so he immediately said:

"Yes, Your Majesty is right. We have indeed become somewhat lax."

"But rest assured, the Star Islands are well-defended, and our fleet is also in the strait. Even if the Yan people attempt to attack the Star Islands, they will only taste defeat."

Feng Palen frowned and said coldly:

"The fact that the Yan Kingdom dares to bring their fleet at this time of year means they must have been preparing for a long time. The journey from their country to our continent takes more than two months, so they must have prepared enough troops and supplies. Otherwise, they would never have come at this time."

"Regardless of the reason for the disappearance of Adam Mann and Sharyan's fleet, our current navy..."

"Gustav, can you defeat the Yan Kingdom's fleet in naval warfare?"

Gustav quickly stood up and answered without hesitation, "We can definitely defeat them!"

"My fleet is in the Brando Strait, currently under the command of Sebastian. He will definitely lead the fleet to defeat the Yan people!"

"Furthermore, there is currently the Iron Wall Fleet led by Chik in the strait. Once the Yan Kingdom launches an attack on the Star Islands, our fleet will quickly provide support and join forces with the troops on the Star Islands to thwart the Yan Kingdom's attack!"

Von Palen remained silent, but Gustav then spoke urgently:

"The Star Islands have ample defenses, including solid fortifications and a considerable number of guards. The Yan people have been traveling for more than two months to reach this completely unfamiliar sea area. Apart from their own army, they have no other advantages, while we have many favorable conditions."

"As long as they launch an attack on the Star Islands, our army will be able to cope with it. In my opinion, we can not only defuse their offensive, but also inflict heavy casualties on them."

"If Sebastian and Chick can cooperate effectively, leading their fleet and employing superior tactics at the right moment, they will surely defeat the Yan Kingdom!"

After hearing what he said, Feng Palen only said:

"Gustav, you need to know."

"If Edman and Xia Liyan's fleet was defeated by the Yan people in a head-on battle, then the Yan people must possess overwhelming naval power."

That's why I asked you that.

Upon hearing this, Gustav broke out in a cold sweat, but forced a smile and said:

"That...that's unlikely."

"No country in the world today possesses overwhelming naval power, not even the Kingdom of Saar."

"Then how do you explain the arrival of the Yan people in our waters?" Feng Palen asked, frowning.

“Storm, Your Majesty, as I just said, only a storm at sea can defeat our fleet. If the Yan Kingdom truly possessed overwhelming naval power, they would have already appeared all over the world. How could they have only come into our sight in the last two years?”

"It must have been that damned storm that caused this disaster, so the Yan people took advantage of our lost fleet to launch an attack on our homeland," Gustav said with certainty.

"Are there storms like this in winter? Not only did they destroy the allied fleet, but the Yan Kingdom's fleet remained unscathed? Is it really such a coincidence?"

The sudden words made Gustav's face stiffen, and he turned to look at the person who had spoken.

The speaker was General Paddington, who had a bullet scar on his left cheek. At less than thirty-five years old, he was already the commander-in-chief of the Third Army, which had more than a dozen divisions under its command. He was usually stationed in Ankahaus Province in the northern part of the Federation, and only took time to return to Salivia for this year's twelfth Imperial Celebration.

"It's unlikely. It's impossible for the Lord to stand behind the Yan people and help them do these things."

"This was a failed naval battle. I think we shouldn't have too many illusions and should accept the reality that the Yan Kingdom's naval power is stronger."

Immediately following Paddington's words, General Shelly, commander of the Second Army, echoed them. A gaunt man with a delicate face and deep-set eyes, he glanced at Gustav, then looked at von Palen, and said:

"Your Majesty, I think we all need to face a reality..."

"Our navy is indeed a weak link in the military."