Chapter 147: Radiant Dawn’s Goal, And Initial Plan
"That's a very big problem..." Linlin said as she leaned against the wall, almost as if she were contemplating something.
"We need to strike them first," Qiqi announced as a smirk formed on her face. "Just think... in the end, they're going to attack us anyway, so why don't we do it first?"
"An attack and retaliation are different," Rael chimed in. "We are peaceful people, so how would it look if Celestara puts away their morality and blindly attacks a kingdom?"
"But what's the difference?" Qiqi pouted. "We're going to kill them after they attack anyway, so why—"
"Qiqi, just shut up for a moment," Linlin said coldly as she turned to Rael. "Is there no way to make this blow over?"
"Not unless I offer my life and Celestara's freedom, no," Rael replied.
Nonetheless, he decided to answer Qiqi's question while he was at it.
"If we strike first, we become villains. It won't matter what they planned to do, since we'd be the ones to shed their blood without cause." Rael cleared his throat. "But if we wait and have them make the first official move, then we have justifiable cause to defend ourselves."
It seemed like she still wasn't getting it, so he wrapped it up.
"Moral of the story? It's not about winning. It's about what comes after. Reputation, trust, all that. Our soldiers don't know the full story. If we rush into war, they'll think we're the aggressors."
"So over time... they'll come to doubt you?" Qiqi asked.
"Pretty much." Rael nodded. "That's why such things are planned way in advance. Otherwise, seeds of doubt will be planted, and... you get the gist of it."