Chapter 341: Assassins in Grafen (3) The Anticipated Response
Lyan leaned back in his chair, a slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips as he addressed the war council. The morning light streamed through the tall windows of the dining hall, casting a warm glow over the gathering. Despite the early hour, the atmosphere was charged with energy as the council members discussed the recent events. The table was laden with breakfast—steaming cups of tea, fresh bread, eggs, and an assortment of fruits and meats. Maids moved gracefully around the room, serving food and refilling cups, their presence almost unnoticed amidst the intensity of the conversation.
Lyan’s voice cut through the din, calm yet commanding. "I already know about the greediness of the nobles along our borders. It’s not surprising that they’ve made their move." He paused, his eyes scanning the room, noting the reactions of those present. "But what’s more important is that I’ve received a secret message from William."
There was a ripple of murmurs at the mention of the name. To the others, William was better known as Erich, the crown prince of the kingdom. But to Lyan, he would always be William, the comrade with whom he had subjugated the goblin king—a bond forged in blood and battle.
Lyan continued, his tone measured. "William has given us free rein to take over and devour the territories of these surrounding nobles. He knows as well as we do that sooner or later, they’ll be eradicated by him. He’s giving us the opportunity to strike first and secure our borders."
Wilhelmina, seated to Lyan’s right, leaned forward, her brow furrowed in thought. "So, what’s our plan, then? Do we move on this immediately, or do we wait?"
Lyan met her gaze, his smile deepening. "We take our time. Moving too soon would be reckless. We need to ensure that when we strike, it’s at the right moment, with the right force, and with the right allies. We can’t afford to be caught in a bad position."
Belle, ever the calm strategist, nodded in agreement as she sipped her tea. "Lyan’s right. We need to assess the situation carefully. If we move too early, we risk drawing the attention of other nobles or even the crown itself, despite William’s assurances. Our moves need to be calculated."
Alina, her dark eyes thoughtful, added, "But we also can’t wait too long. The longer we sit idle, the more time the surrounding nobles have to strengthen their positions. We need to gather intelligence quickly and start planning our approach."
Raine, her voice soft but firm, interjected, "The mountain tribes can be our eyes and ears. They know the terrain better than anyone and can move undetected through the forests. We can use them to scout out the nobles’ forces and fortifications."