At that moment, Dingle heard the soldiers downstairs having a lively conversation. They were talking so enthusiastically that their conversation could be clearly heard even from the second floor.

"Those damned Yan people have probably all been buried underground by the avalanche."

"That's probably unlikely."

"Whether it's possible or not, the Yan people have suffered heavy losses this time, and perhaps we can use this opportunity to launch a counterattack! We can wipe out all the remaining Yan people! We can completely eliminate these scum!"

"That's not easy either. The roads are completely destroyed, and our army can only get to Suenham from other places, but apart from the Cornflower Avenue, we don't even have a decent road that can accommodate such a large army."

"Hmph, there's always a way! Anyway, the invasion of these bastards is finally over! To be honest, I even think that if the road hadn't been blown up, General Saski's army could have easily wiped out the remaining Yan people."

"Yes, that's what I think too. We have to avenge those who died. If we don't wipe out all the Yan people, then these dead people will not be able to rest in peace. We can't let them sacrifice in vain. We have to fight the Yan people to the end and drive them all out of our country!"

Upon hearing this, Dingle sighed almost imperceptibly, then reached out and closed the window, lowered his head and continued reading the letter. When he saw the first paragraph of the second half of the letter, he was immediately shocked and his eyes widened.

"I think you noticed my choice of words. I'm nostalgic for the old Emperor von Palen, and the reason I say this is because I believe his thinking has changed somewhat. Perhaps this is a misjudgment, but it's undeniable that the recent battles are rapidly dismantling our empire and plunging our nation into immense disaster."

"Based on this conclusion, I must further explain that the overseas colonization plan was a mistake from the very beginning. However, in the Empire's strategic policy, a single mistake would not necessarily lead to the Empire's collapse, given our solid military and substantial resources. But clearly, as things stand, our choice has been disastrous; we've chosen a strange and powerful nation—yes, our current enemy, these bastards from the Yan Kingdom."

"Regarding their military prowess, I think I don't need to elaborate. You've personally commanded troops in battle against them, and you should now fully understand that they are a formidable bunch. But now, I have no choice but to lead my troops, prepared to fight to the death, even if it means total annihilation, in one final battle against them at Enzos."

"If I had a choice, I wouldn't want to fight this battle. Those guys have already shown in previous battles that they have the strength to defeat us. Although we occupy the pass and have a considerable geographical advantage, it seems to me that it's only a matter of time before they break through. They might be able to reach the pass in just three or four days."

Seeing this, Dingle shook his head and sighed deeply. Who could have imagined that the Yan people would breach the pass in less than three days? He lowered his head and continued reading:

"It must be stated that I never intended to hold the pass. I only wanted my troops to eliminate as many Yan people as possible. If, in the end, our army is completely defeated and the Yan people occupy the pass, then Harris will be the one to end the battle. I hope he can create a large enough explosion to eliminate enough Yan people, but ultimately, this is unpredictable, and no one can say for sure how things will turn out."

At this time, all I can do is pray to the goddess Saint Mary, hoping she will protect our nation and help us through this difficult time.

“General Dylan, perhaps the goddess Saint Marlene heard your prayers. The explosion brought unprecedented destruction, and I think your goal has been achieved.” Dingle sighed to himself as he read this, but the next paragraph filled his face with bitterness.

'I am ashamed. Everyone knows that Saint Mary represents infinite love, peace, and happiness, yet now I must pray that she will display her power and create a catastrophe that will wipe out everyone for us sinners who are so eager for war and thus bring disaster upon ourselves.'

'This might be retribution, and now it's our turn to bear it, but it's something we have to do.'

'If all goes well, by the time the battle at Enzos is completely over, the Yan people should have suffered heavy losses, with most of their forces wiped out. Based on this premise, I think we will be able to gain the right to negotiate with them.'

"Yes, we have the right to negotiate, because it's the only way to save our country, instead of continuing to wage war against the Yan people with massive military forces. If we do that, our country won't last long before it collapses. There are many factors involved, and I will discuss this topic with you in detail in person."

After reading these passages, Dingle immediately understood the meaning behind his conversation with Dylan before his departure, especially the sentence:

What do we have to give up if we proactively seek negotiations?

“Seeking negotiations as a complete loser would only force us to accept all their demands. But if we inflict a devastating blow on the Yan people, then, as General Dylan said, at least we will have the right to negotiate.” Dingle muttered to himself unconsciously, then quickly looked down.

"The premise of negotiations is that the Yan people have suffered heavy casualties. If they want to start another war, they will have to pay an even greater price, and I absolutely do not want to see the war continue. I only hope that after this next battle, in the negotiations we actively seek, the Yan people will offer conditions for ending the war, and we only need to make concessions and accept those conditions."

'This is my only wish, but making it come true is not so easy.'

"First, the people of Yan must have a certain willingness to end the war. Currently, I only hope they attack our country, mainly because we want to establish colonies in Yan, which has angered them. If we offer some compensation, perhaps we can quell their anger."

'But if they only want to invade our country, attempt to control the entire continent of Salisnor, establish colonies, and enslave everyone, then things are beyond repair, and there will be no possibility of negotiation.'

'I must admit, I am very frustrated right now because I am praying that the people of Yan will not hold the same thoughts as us.'

'Good heavens, this is utterly ridiculous! As a Goth, I actually hope our enemies are peace-loving, instead of being like us.'

'When this thought entered my mind, I didn't know if I was denying myself, or denying our entire nation; perhaps I was going crazy.'