Treatise Of A Failed Knight-Chapter 229: War Proposal

The gathering is solemn.

Everyone has their seats on the mats laid before us. The hall is vast, devoid of grand designs that would have once filled this place to the brim.

A serious atmosphere pervades everything here, and I can feel the tension down to my bones.

While everyone positions themselves appropriately, I simply have my seat at the extreme end of their numbers.

The War Council members notice my choice and nod appropriately.

My lack of impudence pleases them.

I simply smile.

’There’s no need to rush things. I don’t need to sit close to Kalakuta in a single meeting to get closer to him...’

A total of eleven people occupy this hall.

There’s Kalakuta and ten of us , three of which are the named members of the Freedom Fighters.

I can spot Kamal at Kalakuta’s right side, while Garett stays at the left. Joephrey doesn’t seem to care about where he is positioned, but he sat right beside Kamal due to the latter’s insistence.

With everyone now gathered and settled, Kalaluta finally breaks the silence with a soft, gentle voice.

"We have a new member among us today. I apologize for not bringing it up with you earlier, but I believe we can get some insights by including him in this conversation. If, after this discussion, you do not wish for him to be in attendance in future meetings, we will apply the usual way and vote."

Everyone nods in agreement, not expressing satisfaction or disapproval at Kalakuta’s words.

I have already been briefed on the nature of the War Council meetings.

It is a gathering of equals.

Everyone in this room is deemed to be on the same level. There is no leader or subordinate.

Just men.

Voting is conducted in an unbiased fashion, and decisions made in this gathering are binding—even on Kalakuta himself.

This way, there is no fear of speaking out of line, and everyone’s thoughts are valued.

Most importantly, it prevents Kalakuta from becoming like the very dictators he despises so much.

Listening to others and taking their views into consideration...

Such are the actions of a wise ruler.

"You all know the reason we are gathered here today. It has been several months since we took down the Northern Empire. We have completely recovered our strength and have fully absorbed all the gains from the battle won. With everything stabilized, we must now make a choice regarding our next course of action. What I mean is... which Great Nation should we strike next?"

Hehe...

I already knew it would come to this.

It was already obvious that Kalakuta wouldn’t be satisfied with merely taking down the Northern Empire.

This was only a matter of time.

’With his strength and the unstable situation of the other Great Nations, I imagine that he could attack any one of them without much trouble. I would even go as fat as saying victory is guaranteed.’ I smile to myself.

I mean, there’s a reason the Eastern Sects and Western Alliance sent representatives to the Central Plains. 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

They know just how precarious their situation is. Even Central Plains would, at the very least, have to pick one of them as allies in order to be fully confident of taking down Kalakuta.

The only truly safe Great Nation for now is the Southern Kingdom. It’s too far, and it’s protected by the Central Plains, so...

"In my opinion, the option is logically split between the Eastern Sects and Western Alliance."

"I agree."

"Me too."

After Kamal speaks, everyone immediately begins to pitch in, supporting this sentiment.

I can’t help but immediately frown.

’Why did they exclude the Central Plains so quickly?’ I silently wonder. ’In my opinion, Central Plains is the best choice.’

Despite having this thought, I remain silent and hear the people out.

"Since we’ll have to pass the tundras if we wish to attack the Western Alliance, I believe going for the Eastern Sects will be easier."

"Yes. The Archipelagos make it easier to sail towards them."

"But the opposite is also true. They’ll be able to launch counters much more easily, especially since they’d already be on the lookout for our invasion."

"True. While war against the Eastern Sects isn’t such a bad idea, I believe we shouldn’t quickly dismiss attacking the Western Alliance."

"I agree. Let’s not forget the utility of the tundras in terms of warfare. Our warriors are used to such harsh climates, and the harsh weather will surely shield our army from the opposition, giving us a perfect cover. If we use that as our homefront, it will be difficult for them to launch a counterattack."

The War Council members keep discussing among one another while I listen attentively.

I will admit that they all make good points.

In fact, a few said certain things I didn’t even think about.

But—

’These aren’t very prudent. There’s a more efficient plan, but why aren’t they considering it?’ Dissatisfied by their suggestions, I am tempted to speak up.

But I remain silent.

Instead of abruptly talking and ruining the well-established flow of this meeting, I cast a glance at Kalakuta.

Much to my surprise, I notice him also looking in my direction.

Then, he smiles at me.

’E-eh? Is he also thinking the same thing?’

"Hmm. You have all made fine points. Why don’t we listen to what the Knight has to say? It would be a waste to have brought him here for some insights without him saying anything." Kalakuta finally parts his lips and addresses everyone, causing them to quiet down.

’You’re giving me an opportunity to shine, huh?’ I smile broadly, my satisfaction rapidly rising. ’Alright! I won’t disappoint you.’

"I believe we should attack the Central Plains."

The moment I say this, I notice the gaze of the audience growing cold. Some stare in surprise, others have looks of disapproval, while a few shake their heads in outright dismissal.

Even though none of them outright challenge my suggestion, it’s clear that they do not support it.

"Can you inform us of your reasoning?" Garett asks me, his demeanor reasonable.

I smile and nod.

"The Central Plains is the strongest military might of the three available Continents, especially if they are given enough time to gather their forces. Attacking them first will deal the greatest blow, since they won’t be expecting it, thus they won’t be able to gather their forces on time."

"You may be correct, but with No Man’s Land separating us, there’s no urgent need to attack them. I know your concern involves them gathering their strength once we attack another Nation, but it means nothing if they can’t cross the boundary. Even if they manage to do so, it won’t be without major losses on their end."

I sigh deeply.

These people don’t understand anything.

"No Man’s Land isn’t the issue. They’ll ally with another Nation and invade from their border. This will be done when we are most defenseless."

"...!"

At this point, the War Council members shift uncomfortably in their seats.

It appears some of them have realized it.

"Whether you choose to attack the Western or Eastern Continent, the Central Plains will ally themselves with the one you didn’t attack and will charge at us with full force. The worst part is that we will be in our weakest state and we won’t be able to resist the full brunt of their attacks."

"That is true..."

"Even if we attack one of those two Continents, we have to prepare countermeasures against an invasion from them."

"That’s why we have to attack the Eastern Sects. The western tundra border that separates us from the Western Continent serves as the perfect obstacle for an army. We can also set traps there and make their advance difficult."

I sigh at all these statements and shake my head. "Or we could simply attack Central Plains and get rid of the most dangerous element while we are still at full strength."

At this point, some of the Freedom Fighters are already frowning.

Of course, the named characters whom I already befriended still have amiable expressions, though it appears they still don’t completely agree with me.

"The guy has a point. Looking at the position of Central Plains on the map, dismantling the ruling class there will make it easier for us to use additional routes to attack the Eastern and Western Continents. We can even add the Southern Continent to the chopping block."

Much to my surprise, one of the War Council members came to my aid.

It is the most unexpected person imaginable.

’Jeophrey? You’re taking my side??’

I quickly notice that the other Freedom Fighters present are also shocked by their comrade’s evident support of me and betrayal of their own stance.

"Haha! What are you all looking at me that way for? I just spoke my mind. Strategically speaking, the Knight isn’t wrong."

’Exactly!’

My eyes beam as I give Jeophrewy a thumbs up for the save.

"Hmph!" He notices my gesture but simply snorts and looks away.

Pfft!

What an interesting fellow...

"You are all forgetting one crucial detail. No Man’s Land doesn’t serve as an obstacle to our adversaries alone. Traversing it is as dangerous for us as it is for them."

"There’s no need to worry about that." I smile at the War Council member who speaks. "How do you think the Imperial Family survived that great wilderness? I have the unique ability to command Magivores. I can even offer demonstrations if you wish."

"So you really are—"

"Yes. I possess Druid Arts," I lie.

It’s a much more convenient story than telling everyone I am a Leviathan.

Kamal, Garett, Jeophrey, and everyone else present stare at me with evident shock. Only Kalakuta remains unfazed by this revelation.

As for their reactions, I don’t find them exaggerated at all.

’Not only am I an Alchemist, I also have some Shaman skulls and deep Fabrication knowledge. Adding Druid Arts to the mix is simply overkill.’

But all of this is true, and I have proof of them.

"The spy confirmed all of this, so I believe the Knight’s words." Kalakuta interrupts the silence with his words. "They also said you can use Divination in some instances "

Everyone gasps while I nod.

"These Divinations are more akin to revelations from God. I can’t control them properly."

This modesty allows my ability to be a lot more believable, but it also prevents unrealistic expectations from being placed on me. After all, what I have isn’t really Divination but experiences I obtained after regression."

"Do you have proof of this Divination ability?" One of the War Council members asks me with a stern face.

"Of course."

Why wouldn’t I have thought of this situation?

"I foresaw your ambush before it happened. I also saw what would happen if I resisted, which is why I didn’t..." I proceed to inform the audience of details from my previous rounds with Kalakuta and what I could glean from their intentions.

After accurately describing what they would have done in response to my resistance, they have no choice but to accept my explanations as proof of my special existence.

"That was my last Divination. I have no control over this ability." I remind them once more, just so they don’t have any funny ideas.

"You all don’t have to make your decision immediately, but all I ask is for you to consider the idea. My ability to control Magivores should also be tested thoroughly so you are all assured of your safety when we cross No Man’s Land."

I know these people are skeptical of my plan.

They don’t seem to trust me.

But I am actually interested in making this war a success. Kalakuta also likely agrees with me, but he’s clearly holding back on his true thoughts.

He must recognize that by agreeing with me, he would unfairly turn the public opinion to my advantage.

He isn’t the type to subtly coerce his brothers with this kind of tactic.

’What a considerate and oddly compassionate man...’ I smile to myself, watching his unreadable face in silence.

In the end, no decision is made.

"Looks like we will have to adjourn the meeting to a later date. Before then, we will confirm the veracity of your claims."

I nod in agreement to Kalakuta’s words.

This is an opportunity.

’Once they accept my suggestion as the optimal choice, they will have no choice but to concede on other things with me.’

Everything will inevitably spiral into an outcome I desire.

This is good.

’I’m already digging my roots into this place.’