"Don't be too pessimistic, everyone. After all, these are just speculations. Although the probability of them happening is high, we should think more about what will happen next and how to deal with it. Many things are up to us," Yun Zhe said quickly, noticing the change in everyone's mood.
Gao nodded. "Indeed, if the Aruru people really want to start a war, it might not be a bad thing for us."
“Moreover, from a topographical perspective, the Duke of Field should be the one most anxious. According to current information, the Duke of Field’s territory is now completely bordering the other two countries. If war breaks out, he will be there to protect us. Moreover, from all aspects, the probability of St. Peter invading is lower. It is more likely that we will initiate the war.” Blazer also felt that there was no need to be too nervous about the current situation.
“Most importantly, the Duke of Fields will certainly try to avoid fighting on two fronts, as it is not in his interest,” Morrison added.
Yun Zhe glanced at Ji Ding, who was relieved. Ji Ding didn't answer his question about heading south, and Yun Zhe didn't press him further. But knowing the answer, Yun Zhe understood that if someone was capable of doing something like this, it would be difficult to end the situation without starting a war.
“I understand, I understand. You all think the probability of war is low, but what if it does happen? Under what circumstances will war break out? Will the war turn out better than we imagine? Will the Duke conscript soldiers? Our defenses are weak, will the other side attack? We need to think about these things.” Seeing that everyone was starting to avoid the unfavorable reality, Yun Zhe simply brought it up and let these people answer.
As expected, the effect was excellent, and the conference room immediately fell silent. Gao held the paper in his hands, turning it over and over to examine it. Blazer grinned, his expression revealing an indescribable embarrassment. Morrison frowned, jotting down several questions on the paper. Gidding looked at the group of people in front of him blankly, at a loss for what to do.
"The good news is that we shouldn't fall out with the Aruru people," Morrison finally said after writing for a long time.
Yun Zhe nodded. "Moreover, if I'm not mistaken, by the time we enter the fray, those Aruru soldiers should have already suffered huge losses, or even been completely wiped out."
Gidding was a little confused. Didn't he just say that three thousand men could wipe out Donic? How come they were all wiped out now?
"Is there no chance for us to win?" Gidding said, his tone clearly carrying a hint of defiance.
Yun Zhe looked at the others and asked, "What do you think our chances of winning are?"
“If we know when to quit while we’re ahead, we can probably take over a piece of land and then slowly erode it. In about ten years, the land could probably double in size,” Morrison replied first.
Gao frowned slightly. "What do you mean by 'knowing when to stop'? How much territory is considered 'good'? One hundred li, five hundred li? Or fifty li?"
"Is it possible to fight a war, win it, and then negotiate and sign a treaty?" Blazer wondered, a thought that amused even himself.
Yun Zhe became interested. "How can we win a fight while also getting the other side to willingly sign the treaty?"
“A swift and decisive raid will suffice. Capture a duke or marquis, and the matter will be settled quickly. The emperor of the St. Petersburg Federation might even be pleased with it.” Blaze’s idea was just a casual remark, but it left a deep impression on Gidding, who couldn’t wait to write to Cyrus about it.
Gao frowned even more. He vaguely felt that there was something wrong with this, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
"It's too risky. If it succeeds, great, but if it fails, not only will we lose strategically, but we'll also lose a group of elite troops. It's not worth it." Upon hearing this battle plan, some unpleasant memories flooded back to Morrison. He interrupted Blazer with great displeasure, but ultimately refrained from continuing.
"What do you think, Gao?" Yun Zhe asked.
"My lord, I think there is only one way to win: to go all out and completely destroy the entire Saint Peter's Union, or at least capture the capital. Otherwise, it will all be in vain."
“We? How could we possibly reach the capital? We have too few troops…” Gidding quickly explained after hearing this.
Gao glanced at Giddings, wanting to say, "You can't reach that point, so I suggest you just give up on this idea." But he held back. In Gao's opinion, the answer shouldn't need him to tell him; with Giddings' intelligence, he should be able to figure it out himself.
As expected, Giddings did not continue to explain, and his expression became even more dejected.
Yun Zhe clapped his hands, very pleased. "Very good, all three ideas make sense, but I tend to agree more with Gao's view. In the final analysis, war is about national strength. Gidding, based on your understanding, how many days do you think your troops can hold out in combat?"
Jiding thought about it carefully, "My lord, I dare not say for sure, but it can definitely last for ten days."
"So how many days do you think the St. Peter's Union can last?"
Gidding didn't answer, but his deflating slump into the chair was the best answer he could give.
"With a small territory and a small population, surrounded by powerful nations, using war to gain benefits is the worst possible choice. Unless, unless..." As Yun Zhe spoke, he suddenly thought of a possibility: would the elves support King Aruru's adventurous actions?
If they support it... while King Aruru's chances of winning increase, could it reignite the war between humans and elves?
Or is this the mastermind's last resort?
Yun Zhe stopped mid-sentence, leaving the people around him looking at each other in bewilderment, wondering what was wrong with him.
"My lord? My lord, what's wrong, my lord?" Encouraged by the gazes of the crowd, Gao mustered his courage and waved his hand in front of Yun Zhe's eyes. When Yun Zhe did not react, he couldn't help but shout loudly.
Yun Zhe then realized what was happening. He waved his hand to indicate that nothing was wrong, then sat back down in his chair and continued to think.
Clearly, this makes sense. Whether Nemo's choice was intentional or not, it will inevitably affect the elves, who are currently fighting the dwarves to the north and entangled with the orcs to the south. Isolated and helpless, and dragged into the quagmire of war by King Aruru, it's both logical and flawless.
If humans were to learn of the elves' current predicament, the course of the war would undoubtedly shift. Belvaldo has just achieved a resounding victory and is at the height of its military power. Our geographical proximity to the heart of the elven kingdom makes us the perfect springboard for an attack, not to mention the Saint Peter Federation, a perfect opportunity for revenge. No wonder Omar and his group are so impatient and ruthless; of the three directions of attack, we are the only one yet to be dealt with. Yun Zhe dared not imagine whether Serena and Duke Field had people like Omar, or whether their attitudes were the same as his. However, the southern alliance had already been formed, and everyone knew where their forces were headed. Clearly, those who orchestrated this had already prepared for the worst.
Thinking of this, Yun Zhe broke out in a cold sweat.
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