Counterfeit Hero

"Your Excellency, the President, I want to say that the Desic Empire will not intervene in this war lightly, but I know these words won’t help us much. The public won’t believe our judgment, and with the international situation constantly changing, no one knows what will happen next. I can’t guarantee anything." Russell stood up, walked to the window, and looked at the crowd gathering in the square outside the Presidential Palace. "Moreover, I can’t make a rash decision to drag the Leray Federation into the quagmire of war. I understand very well that one wrong move will make the Leray Federation the fuse of a cosmic war!"

"But!" Russell looked into Hamilton’s eyes with a determined gaze. "We cannot accept a hasty peace either! Even a political idiot like me can see that the Western Alliance’s intention is merely to buy time! Once they are ready, Gazalin’s withdrawal plan will turn into an invasion plan, and we will suffer the consequences."

Hamilton’s signature smile carried a bit of confusion. "Then, General, what is your opinion on this matter...?"

"The Republican Party under your leadership is very united and has achieved brilliant victories since the war began." Russell’s expression was relaxed, as if he was not worried about the current situation, even in the mood for a joke. "Look, even I, the enemy, have surrendered! The public has a very high level of trust in the current government. So, I suggest, before we make a decision, we should delay!"

"Delay?"

"Yes! Delay!" Russell’s tone was very firm.

"We cannot ascertain the intentions of the Desic Empire. Without a clear indication of armed intervention from them, there’s no need for us to mess up our own plans. We should continue fighting as we have been! I am well aware that Gazalin’s military strength is declining. The battle in Lucerne must continue, and the battle on the Lavos Plain will be crucial to the overall situation. At this moment, there is no way we can give Gazalin a chance to breathe! Even if we eventually need to negotiate, the advantage must be in our hands!"

"Mr. President, I believe you understand better than I do that during times of war, the courage required of a nation’s leader is countless times greater than during times of peace. You still have one year left in your term, and this might be the most glorious period of your life. This war has already cost the Leray Federation a lot, and in the near future, we will face even more dangerous predicaments. I think what you should consider is how to lead the nation to victory, rather than succumbing to an illusory peace."

A mysterious smile appeared on Russell’s face. "The battle in this war does not only take place in Lucerne but in other places as well! James may be manipulating politics, but we can fight in every place!"