"Not a bad speech."
”
"But you also have to understand.
"We can't just rely on your sensational speech," Archduke Roknee said with difficulty, but his voice was already very hoarse and seemed to lack persuasiveness. "We can't just rely on your sensational speech to think that Constellation is already invincible, and that Eckstedt is facing a great disaster, and that we will die if we don't cooperate with you.
"That's not realistic."
Lampard took a deep breath.
"Of course you can doubt me." He turned around and faced Roknee without flinching. "But you can't deceive your own eyes. King Kessel's expedition in the Great Desert is right in front of you.
"They were able to smoothly transport the rations and supplies into the vast desert," Lampard continued to say in an unquestionable tone. "They could also transport them to Dragon Clouds City, Defense City, the City of Faraway Prayers, and even the sentry region without any difficulty."
He shook his head. "The City of Faraway Prayers has been vigilant against the movements of the Golden Passage and the abnormalities in the desert for generations. They are used to taking precautions. I hope this is not empty talk."
Roknee did not move and did not speak.
"Of course, you can say whatever you want about things that haven't happened." Archduke Trentida exhaled. He seemed to be very doubtful. "Alarmist words can bewitch idiots who don't use their brains …"
He narrowed his eyes. "But it's best not to use it on us."
Archduke Lecco raised his head and glanced at Trentida.
Olsius lowered his head and stared at the ground. He did not speak for a long time.
"But they have an efficient and powerful team of officials. This is not a lie."
Lampard gestured to the four archdukes. "After the Bloody Year, the Jadestar Royal Family's direct regular army has been increasing year by year. The Mystic Guns and other valuable equipment in Broken Dragon Fortress have also increased greatly. These will affect our victory.
"You can even seek confirmation from Madam Calshan. Over the years, the quality of the members recruited by the Secret Intelligence Department has greatly surpassed that of the Secret Room. In the face of their spies and schemes, the famous Red Witch can only passively counterattack most of the time. But please believe me, as long as there is the slightest possibility of taking the initiative to attack, she is unwilling to carry out such a risky strategy."
The Archduke of Black Sand Region walked past the four archdukes. His gaze was solemn, and he gave off an extremely oppressive feeling.
"Let's look back at the example of the war more than a hundred years ago. It's not a difficult task. Compare it to the present," he said in a low voice. "But we are at a critical juncture that will determine the future of the kingdom. There is no doubt about it. If we miss this moment, it will be too late for regrets."
Lampard walked all the way to the brazier. The blazing flames reflected his back in the eyes of the four archdukes.
At that moment, Chapman Lampard's voice seemed to carry a heavy weight.
"Constellation and us are like two heavily injured swordsmen who saw each other's weakness in the last battle of life and death," he said softly. "That weakness is time."
Archduke Lecco's expression changed.
"Our weakness is that we can't afford to waste time. We can't give Constellation time to recover from its injuries and slowly reform itself."
"Constellation's weakness is that they need to fight for time. They will definitely delay the conflict at all costs until the scar of the Bloody Year heals."
Lampard's expression became solemn. "For the past twelve years, our back-and-forth battles have revolved around this theme."
He turned around with a burning gaze. "I only figured it out after that. King Kessel's Desert Expedition, which cost him a lot, was not only a demonstration of their expeditionary abilities, but also a smokescreen. It was to make us doubt the existing forces in Constellation, and make us hesitate about sending troops south."
"All these years, Constellation and the Kingdom's Secret Intelligence Department have done everything they can to create internal strife in order to buy time and clean up the devastation in the kingdom." The Archduke of Black Sand Region raised his hand and clenched his fist. "And I've done everything possible to expand the local conflict into a war through the prince or the territory, all to buy time and disrupt Constellation's plans."
"So you want us to send troops?" Olsius suddenly said. "Even if it's to tempt us with benefits that exceed our expectations?"
Lampard nodded wordlessly.
Trentida exhaled and rubbed his palms together. "Let's talk about something realistic. Even if we all agree with you and send troops south together …
"Then what do you plan to do?"
"Twelve years ago, when we had the greatest advantage, we still couldn't conquer the south of Shepherd's River." The Archduke of Reformation Tower spread his palms with a strange expression. "If it's really as you said, and our neighbors to the south are no longer what they used to be …"
Trentida chuckled. "Then what makes you think that we'll definitely succeed twelve years later?"
The archdukes fell into deep thought.
But Lampard seemed to be prepared. He snorted softly, walked to the rectangular table, and knocked on it.
He shook his head and said softly, "There's still a difference. Twelve years ago, and now."
Archduke Olsius revealed an interested expression.
"Twelve years ago, we were too arrogant. When we sent troops, our strategy was to destroy the country." Lampard shook his head, seemingly very regretful. "After we crossed the fortress, we launched an all-out attack. Not only did it deal a heavy blow to Constellation, but it also brought us great pressure. It left an opening for the Starlight Brigade's harassment.
"By the time we realized something was wrong, we were already deep in the mud."
Lampard raised his head abruptly!
"But now, we have recognized our opponent's situation, and we still have our advantage." The Archduke of Black Sand Region nodded. "Twelve years ago, the most correct thing King Nuven did was to end the expedition early and retreat with most of his forces. He did not take the risk to attack for uncertain benefits."
"How ironic. Twelve years ago, almost all of us were cursing him." Trentida sighed with a despondent expression. "Twelve years later, the only person who speaks up for his decision back then is you."
He shrugged at Lampard, expressing his helplessness.
Lampard paused for a moment, but then he clenched his fists and spoke again.
"This time, our goal is only to 'take down the Northern Territory'. If things really don't go well, 'take down the fortress' can also be the lowest standard."
Lampard slid his scabbard on the table, as if he was drawing a map.
"You all know how despicable the Constellatiates are in the National Conference. As long as it doesn't affect their own interests, the feudal nobles of Constellation will not be willing to help King Kessel. The latter has been pushing them too hard these past few years.
"So, just like twelve years ago, we will be facing an isolated Northern Territory with no reinforcements other than the Royal Family's regular army — or even better. Because the grudge between Nanchester and Jadestar has not been settled, the neighboring Land of Cliffs Region will not send troops. The great damage the Northern Territory suffered twelve years ago is far from recovering."
Archduke Lecco's eyes flashed.
Lampard raised his head and stared straight at the archdukes. "And we still have the righteous cause of avenging the king. We have their prince and the heir of the Northern Territory in our hands. This will give us more leverage outside the battlefield."
His words seemed to be filled with endless confidence. "In this war, we will concentrate our military forces and rely on the military advantage that Eckstedt still has. We will fight steadily on the battlefield and only take down the Northern Territory. We will not bite off more than we can chew, and we will not add to the logistical problems. I am very confident in this."
Lampard nodded at the archdukes.
"After we achieve this goal, we will have a foothold in the Northern Territory, and we will be able to completely reverse the three hundred years of stalemate. Without the Northern Territory, Eternal Star City will have almost no place to defend. We will have the absolute initiative. We can attack or retreat. Even if we do not advance or retreat, we can still give Eternal Star City an invisible pressure and threat."
He pointed at the invisible 'map' on the table with his scabbard.
"So, you volunteered to take over the land in the Northern Territory and guard the South." Olsius raised his head sharply. "Is this your goal? To put pressure on Constellation? Are you sure you can do it? "
Lampard nodded slowly.
"To accomplish this," he snorted coldly, "is there anyone more suitable than me?"
"Tell me about it," Roknee said coldly from the side.
Lampard glanced at him, but he still nodded.
Lampard frowned. His expression was solemn. "I will use year-round invasions and military deployments to form continuous pressure on Constellation, especially Eternal Star City." Lampard frowned, his expression solemn. "Along the way, I will let Constellation's vassals, such as the Land of Cliffs and Western Desert go easy. They will understand what they can gain from the decline of Central Territory and Eternal Star City."
Trentida and Lecco exchanged glances.
"This will deal a heavy blow to the Jadestar Royal Family's reputation. It will also force Renaissance Palace to put a large amount of budget and energy into military defense and mediation with foreign religions, to the point that they will not have time to care about other territories and vassals. This will weaken the Royal Family's influence and control over the kingdom. And those feudal nobles who have been oppressed by Kessel for many years are not easy to deal with." Lampard's expression became solemn, but there was a hint of indecipherable fanaticism in his eyes.
"In short, we will not defeat the enemy in one fell swoop, but we can use a sudden threat to show our existence. We will forcefully insert a foreign chess piece into Mindis' chessboard, forcing them to erupt in internal strife that cannot be cleaned up. We will indefinitely delay or even interrupt their ongoing reform.
"As time goes by, Constellation will fall ill from the difficulties of the journey of change and transformation step by step." Lampard raised his gaze, and the expression in his eyes became sharper. "And we will turn the tide with all our might."
"Even turn the tables."
The archdukes sank into deep thought.
At this moment …
"Your Grace," a valiant female voice rang from outside the door, "I am coming in!"
The sound of weapons rubbing against each other immediately came from outside the stone hall.
The four archdukes' expressions tensed up, and they all looked at Lampard.
Lampard's expression changed at first, then he nodded at them.
"Let her in," Archduke Lecco said loudly. "Everything will be fine."
As the archduke's voice faded, the sound of a sword being sheathed came from outside the door.
In the next second, the figure of the swordswoman Kroesch appeared in the hall.
This female warrior, which was rarely seen in Eckstedt, respectfully came before Lampard. With a solemn expression, she whispered a few words into the archduke's ear.
At that moment, Archduke Trentida sharply noticed that Lampard's eye sockets had suddenly widened!
'Something is happening.'
Trentida quietly said,
'It seems to be related to the situation at hand.'
— —
* Bang! *
Like a swarm of insects, the arrows rained down on the ground from above the gatehouse!
* Thud! Clang! Clang! *
A short and piercing sound of nails piercing rang.
But the scene they imagined did not appear.
The two carriages with the emblem of Good Flow City were not nailed into hedgehogs by the arrows, nor did they slow down or stop. They still charged towards the gatehouse at the same speed!
Instead, the three patrol squads chasing after them stopped in their tracks. Their scalps were numb, and they looked in front of them in shock and bewilderment.
Countless arrows were nailed to the ground in a densely packed manner, just a few meters in front of them.
They were firmly separated from the two carriages.
If they took another step forward, one of the arrows might land on their heads.
With this thought in mind, the patrol squads raised their heads to look at the gatehouse with shock, anger, and confusion.
Above the gatehouse, Phil the Archer put away his bow and arrows. He watched with satisfaction as the patrol squads were intercepted by his troops on the road.
Phil turned around and gestured to Count Levan. The count gave him a thumbs-up.
The two carriages, together with the 'attendants' who were lagging behind them, all ran towards the gatehouse's gate.
"What's going on?!"
Outside the gatehouse, as the nominal commander of the patrol squads, Garrison Officer Viscount Leisdon was already jumping with rage.
How many years had it been since he saw his troops stopped under the gatehouse by a warning shot?
And in Dragon Clouds City?
"Sir, Madam, you saw it. W-How dare they?"
With two equally enraged guards, Leisdon pointed at the gatehouse and roared furiously at Prime Minister Lisban and the Red Witch, Calshan.
"Attack my troops?
In Dragon Clouds City, attack the patrol squads guarding Dragon Clouds City, attack the king's regular army! "
He clenched his fists and roared, "No matter who they are … f * ck their whole families!"
* Boom! *
With a loud bang, the temporary gate in the middle of the gatehouse was slowly pulled up with the sound of metal rubbing against each other.
The two carriages then slowed down and passed through the first gatehouse with the people around them. They entered the highest part of the inner city — Heroic Spirit Palace.
Count Lisban frowned slightly. He first glanced at the carriages that broke through the encirclement and rushed into the gatehouse. Then, he quietly observed the situation above the gatehouse. His white hair swayed slightly in the wind.
"Calm down, Your Grace," the prime minister said faintly, "Everything happens for a reason."
Only then did Viscount Leisdon stop talking. But his breathing was still rapid, and the veins on his arms bulged. He stared at the Red Witch beside the prime minister with an unfriendly expression.
"Tell me the truth, Madam Calshan." Prime Minister Lisban sighed. "Who are the people above the gatehouse? Who are the people in the two carriages just now?
"Who is in Heroic Spirit Palace?"
"Forget it." Lisban shook his head. "I recognize that archery skill. Twelve years ago, when we attacked the fortress, Phelps and his colleagues were the best at suppressing the enemy's shots. This was also thanks to Black Sand Region's years of fighting against the fortress. "
The Red Witch frowned slightly. She seemed to be a little surprised, but then her expression turned into one of regret.
"As expected of you, Lisban," she said slowly.
Lisban took in her expression.
"From the patrol team's uniform, to the inexplicable increase in the number of soldiers, and the letter from Heroic Spirit Palace urging me to go." The prime minister shook his head. He looked exhausted. "And your sudden appearance?
"Why him?"
Madam Calshan narrowed her eyes and did not answer.
But Lisban did not want her to answer.
"I've had enough of everything." The white-haired prime minister raised his head and looked straight into Madam Calshan's eyes. He said coldly, "I've also had enough of my incompetence and hesitation."
The Red Witch sighed. "Prime Minister, believe me, everything is far from that simple."
But Lisban ignored her.
With a cold expression, he ordered, "Someone, invite Madam Calshan to my temporary office. Give her a sealed and isolated room. Remember to be polite."
Viscount Leisdon's anger had yet to subside. He waved his hand. In the distance, a group of patrol soldiers walked over with angry expressions.
"Without my order," the prime minister said solemnly, "she probably won't want to leave."
Calshan stared at him in a daze.
Lisban turned his head again and looked at the patrol behind him.
"Leisdon, get your men ready!" the prime minister ordered coldly.
Viscount Leisdon was slightly startled.
'Ready?'
The Red Witch's expression changed slightly.
"Prime Minister, you have to think carefully." The Red Witch frowned. "This order of yours will not only affect you. This is Dragon Clouds City."
Her gaze was complicated. "This may cause Eckstedt to be doomed eternally."
Lisban turned his head and gave her a long look.
His emotions were unclear.
"Calshan, old friend."
The prime minister put his hands behind his back and walked slowly to her side. He said softly, "More than ten years ago, when you destroyed the Lampard Family without batting an eyelid …
"You have always terrified me …"
Calshan was slightly stunned.
Lisban finished calmly, "Now I understand. You did not choose Chapman Lampard."
The Red Witch closed her eyes and sighed softly. "Lisban …"
The prime minister's gaze was extremely terrifying.
"You created him with your own hands."
Calshan lowered her head and smiled gently.
Viscount Leisdon came to the prime minister's side. With a hesitant expression, he asked, "Sir, what should we prepare?"
Lisban no longer cared about the Red Witch's reaction. He turned his head abruptly and looked at the gatehouse, at the slowly descending steel gate. His gaze was firm.
"Prepare to attack the city."
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