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As Roland continued reading, he realized that each successive line of news got

"When Prince Appen atteuards to slit their own throats"

"The church's aido the Kingdom of Graycastle"

"Otto Luoxi and Oro Tokat witnessed everything that took place The three families hope to receive your kind aid"

Roland suddenly realized that his plans to recapture Southernion would have to be adjusted substantially

Three days passed

Roland convened a strategy discussionin the castle's reception room

The attendees included City Hall Director, Barov; Coht, Carter; Longsong Stronghold Consul, Petrov; Witch Union representatives, Wendy and Agatha; a representative of Sleeping Island's witches, Sylvie; and lastly, Pearl of the Northern Region, Edith

"That's the current situation, basically speaking" Roland concluded after recounting the contents of the secret letter to the attendees "Although we're unable to verify the infor written in the letter is to be believed, the Kingdoe before the next Battle of Divine Will After soion's battle arrangelanced towards Iron Axe "Will that be okay?"

As the chief co offensive, Iron Axe had swiftly seized Willon and Fallen Dragon Ridge according to plan, and thus gave Roland control over the gateway towns that connected the City of Neverwinter and the Southern Territory Iron Axe had intended to build on this success by co the territorial expansion before autu the Sand Nation under the dodom The two people ould then be responsible for establishing good relations between the two races were Echo and Iron Axe As both of theed to the Mojin Clan, they could serve as mediators in a racial conflict Iron Axe had especially yearned to return to Iron Sand City to take revenge for being fra hiion was the best reward that Roland could have given him Now that the battle plans were suspended, it was understandable if he was disappointed

"Yes, Your Majesty" Iron Axe did not reveal any expression, and his reply was as sure as ever "I suggest that we let the newly-trained soldiers take the place of the First Are They'll have no proble with the nobles there, while this would allow the First Arainst the church"

"We'll do exactly that" Roland nodded approvingly before he stood up and walked in front of the large map "Presently, we face two main problems The first is that we don't knohen the enemy will attack The second is that we don't knohere they'll attack frodoh Coldwind Ridge to reach King's City However, now that the church controls the Kingdoeh their border Does anyone have a good idea hoe can cope with this?"

"No h the Northern Region" Barov was first to speak "Coldwind Ridge, Deepvalley Town, City of Evernight and Palisade City, all of these are places adest that we allow Miss Edith to go back and inform her father about this We'll then keep a lookout for eneion This is the most secure way But, Your Majesty" The City Hall Director rubbed his hands together "Do we truly stand a chance against the church?"

This foolish question was badly received by everyone present Edith unceremoniously replied, "If His Majesty says that we don't have a chance, are you going to wag your tail at the church and beg for ? As the City Hall Director, I have to ency plans for the worst that can happen"

Edith ignored him and turned towards Roland "Your Majesty, while it's indeed necessary to send people to monitor every road in the north, it won't be an effective method on its own The response will be slow, and by the time eneun to act This'll give you very little time to respond"

"Do you have a better plan?"

"Of course" Edith replied confidently "We should send people to Hermes"

"The church's holy city?" Carter frowned in disdain "What use would that be? Do you think the Pope will infor there are believers and zealots It'll be difficult for spies to blend in" Petrov added

"There's no need to enter the holy city" Edith laughed "All we need to do is to have a nice chat with a nearby merchant"