Chapter 378: The Council of South-Eastern Kingdom
The grand war room of Varzadia’s royal palace was filled with tension as King Edvard and his council gathered. The war room was vast, its high vaulted ceiling lined with dark oak beams, giving it a sense of formidable strength. Tall windows along one side allowed the late afternoon sunlight to stream in, illuminating the dust motes that hung in the air. A large rectangular table stood at the center, covered with maps of Astellia, each one marked and smudged with ink, showing potential invasion routes. Around the table stood Varzadia’s highest-ranking officials—political advisors, military generals, and strategists, all focused on one matter: the upcoming conquest of Astellia.
King Edvard stood at the head of the table, his presence commanding the room. He was a tall man with a proud posture, his eyes sharp and calculating. He wore a regal dark blue robe trimmed with silver, and a thin golden crown rested atop his graying hair. With a deliberate movement, he rested his hands on the table, leaning forward, his gaze piercing as he spoke.
"The time has come for Varzadia to reclaim its rightful influence. The peace treaty that held us back has expired, and Astellia—our old rival—is vulnerable," he said, his voice echoing off the stone walls. His tone was calm but carried a weight that demanded attention. "After years of internal strife, they are divided, weakened, and ripe for the taking. We must seize this opportunity."
There were nods of agreement from the council members. Chancellor Mordecai, an older man with a thin frame and a cunning expression, stepped forward. His deep-set eyes gleamed with a sense of satisfaction as he unfurled a detailed map of Astellia’s borders, pointing to several key locations.
"Your Majesty, our spies have provided valuable information regarding Astellia’s current situation," Mordecai began, his voice smooth as silk, each word measured. "The recent disputes between the Crown Prince and Duke Hektor have left their borders poorly defended. The internal conflict has stretched their forces thin, and their resources are dwindling. It is the perfect moment for us to act."
Murmurs of agreement rippled through the room. General Valeria, a formidable woman with short-cropped hair and a scar running down her cheek, leaned over the map, her armored gauntlet clinking against the table. Her gaze was intense, her eyes scanning the marked routes.
"I propose a three-pronged attack," she said, her voice carrying the authority of someone who had led countless battles. "We strike their eastern border first. It is the least fortified, and with our forces, we can overrun their defenses quickly. Meanwhile, Admiral Kael can lead the navy to establish a blockade along the coast, cutting off any aid that might come from their allies."
Admiral Kael, a middle-aged man with a stern expression and a neatly trimmed beard, nodded. He had an air of confidence that came from years spent commanding Varzadia’s fleet. "The blockade will be crucial," he added, his voice steady. "We will ensure that no supplies or reinforcements reach Astellia. We can starve them of resources while our ground forces advance."
General Valeria smirked, her eyes glinting with anticipation. "And we have a contingency plan. We will use mercenaries to create chaos within their ranks. Astellia’s military is already in disarray. With a well-placed attack from within, their morale will shatter."