King
Chapter 981 - 981 121 Dead End_2

981: Chapter 121, Dead End_2 981: Chapter 121, Dead End_2 The pressure in the Northern Border greatly increased; the Kingdom might likely demand a swift and decisive battle.

It’s one thing for the Ancient Heritage Alliance alone, the problem is the Elf Army could also potentially attack at any time.

For now, we can only swiftly defeat this enemy force in front of us and then make our way to participate in the defense war in Orton Duchy, hoping there is still enough time.”

Duke Medel, the regiment commander of the second army, added.

Following that, a series of officers successively expressed their views, and everyone had a pessimistic view of the current situation, same as Hudson.

It’s just that everyone else can express their pessimism, but Hudson had to force himself to appear confident.

Participating in the defense war in Orton Duchy—that was being overly optimistic.

By the time the battle on the Warhammer Great Plains ended, they would have already been wiped out.

Once the Expeditionary Army finished regrouping, they would most likely participate in the Moxi Duchy defense battle.

Even the battlefield Hudson had predicted was the Dapes defense battle.

The western defensive line of Moxi Duchy consisted only of makeshift troops, and only the Capital could be considered easily defended but hard to conquer.

“Alright, let’s not be too pessimistic.

The situation in the Northern Continent might be unraveling, but it is entirely different in the South Continent.

Even if every country in the Northern Continent falls, the Kingdom will surely endure until we achieve victory in the continental war.

What we need to do now is to weaken the enemy forces and await the turning point.

In the meantime, our various troops will take turns harassing the enemy, not aiming for mass destruction, but simply to disturb their advancement and continuously demoralize them.

Remember, defeating the enemy army is not the goal; dividing the Ancient Heritage Alliance is our strategy!”

Hudson reassured.

From defeating the enemy forces to dividing the Ancient Heritage Alliance, the strategic plan had changed, and naturally, so had the tactics.

Of course, completely annihilating the enemy leadership would be the best choice.

However, that is overly idealistic and not highly feasible.

…

At the Jade Palace, Caesar IV once again convened a high-level Kingdom meeting.

Lately, his days had not been easy.

With the outbreak of war, the military had become increasingly dominant, making him, the King, feel almost nonexistent.

In fact, that was just an illusion.

In times of war, resources inevitably lean towards the military—it was inevitable consequence.

Not consulting the King, on one hand, was due to the need for efficiency in war, and on the other hand, it was due to a lack of confidence in his military abilities.

What if, after consultation, the King’s decision differed from the military’s?

Whom would they listen to then?

To avoid embarrassing situations, various departments simply carried out actions first and asked for forgiveness later, reporting to Caesar IV after the fact.

The problems were resolved, but Caesar IV was not pleased!

Everything was already set in stone; not being able to participate made it feel as though he was being marginalized.

Once or twice didn’t matter, but if it happened frequently, everyone would start to realize that his presence didn’t affect the government’s operations.

This was definitely not a good thing for the royal authority.

Knowing this was useless; the situation was such, and no one could change it.

Start complaining now, and it would only leave the impression of a clueless monarch who did not care about the bigger picture among the nobles.

The possibility of powerful officials sidelining the King could arise, but that would be addressed if it happened, at least for now among the current nobles and royal dignitaries, no one intended to reduce Caesar IV to a rubber stamp.

Educated by the Royal Family, Caesar IV was not foolish; he naturally wouldn’t make a fuss in such times, but still, the work to consolidate royal authority must continue.

With the Elf Race fully engaged in the war, Caesar IV, realizing the international situation had drastically changed, decisively chose to make his presence felt.

“The situation on the Warhammer Great Plains has reached a critical moment, Marshal Hudson is unable to leave, we will not wait for him for this meeting.

Let the Palace Minister record this with a Memory Stone and later forward the meeting information to him.

The situation is urgent; we don’t have time to waste, so let’s start the meeting directly!

Duke Efiel, you speak first about the current pressures facing the Kingdom, and the most likely changes in the battle situation to come.”

Caesar IV spoke calmly, as if everything was proceeding naturally, but the faces of the Major Nobles did not look good.

With the speed of the Dragon Knight, it wouldn’t take long to return from the front lines, and Hudson’s absence was naturally interpreted politically.

Whether he was genuinely unable to leave or if the King had intentionally chosen a time he knew Hudson couldn’t attend, the implications were entirely different.

Hudson’s rapid rise in prestige in the Kingdom due to his advances on the battlefield, along with his significant authority, had effectively made him a de facto powerful official.

If he wasn’t restrained, Hudson entering the Central Government after the war could possibly take over the Chancellor position directly.

A Chancellor with distinguished military achievements may have much more influence than one with outstanding administrative achievements.

From local to central, the Kingdom was filled with his military contacts—where would that leave the King?

“Yes, Your Majesty!”

Duke Efiel responded.

“After the annihilation of the Three North Sea Countries, the Elf Army did not stop but continued moving towards Orton Duchy.

If things go as expected, their vanguard should have already met up with the Ancient Heritage Alliance’s Southern Expeditionary Army in Orton Duchy.

Together, their total forces amount to no less than five hundred thousand, Orton Duchy’s lines are under immense pressure—even if Moxi Duchy sends their main forces to help, it’s feared they won’t last long.

More troubling is that the Elf Race doesn’t only have this Hundred Thousand Army; if they mobilize the entire race, they could roughly raise up an army of five hundred thousand.

That five hundred thousand is by elf standards.

If restrictions are relaxed, this number could still increase.