Counterfeit Hero

Russell frowned and took the document, saying, "Explanation? We won in the second phase! What explanation is needed? Do I have to tell them that because I know James, to prevent Liebgoet from gaining enough victories in local battles, to make James launch a purge sooner to take over the Military Department, we must use such losses to gain victory, only to let James know everything and destroy our previous achievements?"

Bernadotte leaned against the chair back, laughing, "This second battle almost broke my bones, and countless brain cells died, but I’m not afraid of that. I’m only afraid of inquiries from the parliament and President’s office. How can we possibly explain these things to them? However, not explaining is not an option either. After all, it’s a democratic country, unlike the Empire. Public opinion and media, even the President, cannot ignore it."

Russell finished reading the document, which was relatively mild in its wording, placed the electronic file on the table, and walked to the Lucerne virtual terrain map, remaining silent for a long time before finally turning around and saying, "Even if we can explain the second phase, what about the next phase? Gazalin’s army is not made of tofu, and Liebgoet is definitely not a mediocre general! Moreover..." Russell touched the virtual screen, and Lucerne Planet quickly shrank into a small circle in the vast interstellar, surrounded by countless planets of various sizes densely scattered: "What is Lucerne? This war is no longer our national affair! The intelligence reports and our analyses have already been given to the Supreme Command Department and President’s office. Not only are we acting, but the Gazalin Empire is also not idle! The Western Alliance will not watch Gazalin’s Little Pyrenees be breached, and whether political or military intervention will occur. If we can’t withstand now, what would the President do then?!"

Bernadotte remained silent while listening to Russell’s clear and resounding voice: "Do we retreat because of fear? Is this how we defend the peace of the Federation? The ones who get beaten the most are always the weak! If military victory isn’t achieved, political standing cannot be firm; now, the Federation’s interests are not money and resources! It’s about demonstrating a stance! Otherwise, how will the Federation face the subsequent war? A war without sacrifice never exists. The current war is just the prelude. If in the future..." Russell’s voice was firm, cold, and thunderous: "Once full-scale war starts, it will be a bloody battle! It’s survival in hell, struggling in despair! Humanity’s resources will be consumed in mutual destruction; even the most prosperous city will end up as ruins! Then, do we still need explanations? To whom?"

The closed room fell silent, as the two most direct military commanders of the Federation looked at each other; Bernadotte stepped over to the desk and picked up the phone: "Yuna, connect me to the President’s office." He put down the phone, turned to Russell, and smiled slightly, "You’re right, our President should change his wartime governance approach!"

"However, if it becomes the fuse for an entire human war, the President is probably not mentally prepared! I only hope that the pawn you’ve placed can play its role at the most critical moment! The Empire’s self-collapse is the best possible outcome for the Federation." The phone rang, Bernadotte placed his hand on the receiver, "Of course, the preparations we should make must be well done; born in this chaotic era, this is both your and my responsibility, as well as Hamilton’s."

Bernadotte picked up the phone, "Hello, Mr. President..."

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"When I go in, you should leave, do not stay here, if Bruce harbors any ill will towards you, it’s a loss I can’t afford!" Fatty thought about entering the prison and felt a bit melancholy, thinking about suffering more losses: "The main task this time is to send you back! So, you must leave!"

Ann Lei blushed and spat, "Idiot! Who asked you to play hero and come here, I was on a business trip to Mozzitnak a while back! Who told you I came to Mezrich? I arrived here after you did!"

Fatty was dumbfounded, "You mean... what you told Christina was all true, that when I met you at the ball, you had just arrived?" Ann Lei gave him a glance and turned her head away, choosing not to answer his question.