King
Chapter 1046 - 1046 144 Withdrawal_3

1046: Chapter 144: Withdrawal_3 1046: Chapter 144: Withdrawal_3 Marshal Daniel also took his troops back to their positions, but after merely walking a round in the great plains, his reputation as the God of War no longer existed.

Comparisons are often fearful, and encountering Hudson could only be considered his bad luck.

The loss of soldiers and diminished respect at the end buried much of his prestige in the military.

Mainly because he was too young and his time as commander was too short for his reputation to deeply take root in people’s hearts.

Had he been an old and famous general, such a setback would have seemed trivial.

After all, no flower blooms for a hundred days, and no person has a thousand days of good, no one can guarantee constant victory.

“Marshal Daniel, don’t put too much pressure on yourself.

We are all well aware of the events that unfolded on the great plains, and the main responsibility is not yours.

Under normal circumstances, no one could have anticipated straying miles off course in the march.

Since the involved officers have all perished, there’s no way to hold them accountable, so let bygones be bygones!

First, adjust your mindset, as the upcoming wars will still demand your attention.”

King Bimon Alexander said, seeking to comfort.

Among the Five Great Emperors, only he was capable of pacifying others.

It wasn’t about personal capabilities but more about the other four emperors being too proud to set aside their status.

Everything stemmed from power.

In recent years, the decline of the Bimon Royal Family had been severe, falling behind in the Five Great Emperor Courts.

The recently ended war on the great plains saw them losing a major tribe, striking another significant blow to their already struggling population.

Without some changes, they faced extinction.

Thus, Alexander had to find a suitable role within the Empire to preserve the royal status of Bimon.

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty.

My condition has already stabilized, and it won’t interfere with subsequent battles.”

Daniel responded politely.

His expression unintentionally revealed gratitude.

It was clear that even the Duke with a Cold Face had a softer side.

Even knowing that Alexander was merely making a show, he was profoundly grateful.

Even the most decrepit emperor was still a prominent figurehead of the Orc Empire, and having Alexander speak a fair word for him was more impactful than Daniel defending himself a hundred times.

“Everyone has arrived, let’s begin discussing the matter of retreat!

The war has progressed to this point, and the plan to swiftly defeat the Kingdom of Elf can now be declared bankrupt.

The Empire can’t bear the losses of forced siege warfare, and the enemy refuses to engage in open battle.

Continually keeping the army here, aside from wasting money, provisions, and time, will yield no substantial gains.

An unnecessary stalemate, I believe, is unworthy of continuing.

Draining national strength here is less advisable than returning home to recuperate.

In recent years, the Empire’s expenditures have been massive, leaving all species exhausted; it’s time for a good rest.”

The Silver Moon Wolf Emperor spoke first.

Wolves travel a thousand miles for sustenance.

With a strategic shortage of provisions, these carnivorous species had become the greatest sufferers.

“The Wolf King is right, it indeed is time for a rest.

The Empire has just reclaimed the great plains, and production in various areas needs to be restored.

Relying solely on the old, weak, ill, and disabled at the rear won’t suffice; stopping the war early, disbanding the civilians and military to return for farming and herding, is what we need to do,”

The Lionman King immediately agreed.

The War Faction had become the Peace Faction—a testament to the mysterious nature of politics.

Flexible political stances were necessary in the face of racial interests.

“Stopping the war isn’t something we can just decide.

Does the Kingdom of Elf on the other side agree?

How are we to address the Alien Coalition?

Our relationship with the Coalition has never been strong, and if we negotiate peace with the enemy without their agreement, it could destroy our relations with all species within the Coalition!”

The Bearman Emperor immediately opposed.

He wasn’t against stopping the war, but not yet.

The situation in the Central Continent was finally favorable for the Alien Coalition; withdrawing now would be akin to betrayal.

Similar actions had historical precedent within the Orc Empire; isolation during the last great war was the price they paid for “betrayal”.

If there’s a shortage of strategic materials, then find a solution.

If food supply is low, then substitute it with wild vegetation, tree leaves, bark, and roots.

In the Ancient Era, who wasn’t a carnivore?

In the eyes of the Bearman Emperor, the persistence of these pure carnivorous species was simply being finicky.

Hunger for a few more days naturally could bring about change.

After all, if the Bearmen could convert to being omnivorous, surely other species could manage as well.

“Wolf King, you mentioned yourself that our relations with the major powers in the coalition aren’t strong, so why should we rush to their side?

Even if we grit our teeth and endure to the end, they won’t appreciate it; instead, they would treat it as expected.

Why should the Alien Coalition get to dictate terms?

Besides support from the Elf Race, we have never received any aid from other species.

Why should we heed their opinions?

Let them sideline or target us as they please.

Our territories don’t border each other.

Even if we are ostracized within the Alien Coalition, it won’t affect us much.”

The Silver Moon Wolf Emperor immediately retorted.

It wasn’t that the Orc Empire didn’t want to align with the Alien Coalition, but the Kingdom of Elf sat between them like a “nail household”.

Without removing this obstacle, a true alliance was unattainable.