Chapter 198 (1/2)

Chapter 198

Chapter 198: A City Within

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VIRION ERALITH

I took a seat on the cushi+oned chair of gnarled wood, casting a weary gaze at the two royal pairs already poised to lash out at each other; the only thing keeping the four of them silent was their respect for me

In front of me was a trans sent tosuspicion that the boy in question had decided not to co bubbled inside ive you, Arthur I don’t want to be here either, I thought, taking a moment to appreciate the luxuriously decorated roo in the hearth and several light artifacts set in gold sconces along the walls, the room was cast in a warm, friendly at from those present inside

The last shred of natural light from theto my left dimmed as the sun dipped below the clouds I took that as in”

There was a moment of silence while the four in the room with me looked at one another before the head of the Glayder family cleared his throat

“Well, we’ve all been briefed on General Arthur and General Aya’s report, so I say we get right to it I believe we should keep our forces as is and send reinforcement to the Elshi+re Forest on an as-needed basis,” Blaine said Despite the hu’s sunken cheeks and unshaved state that covered the lower half of his face with the same crimson color as his hair, he spoke resolutely

I remained silent and neutral, as was my job until all sides—which in this case, two—have explained their argu reinforcements on an as-needed basis to the border between the Beast Glades and the Elshi+re Forest suggests you don’t see the elven territory worthy of defending,” Merial intoned coldly

Years of being part of the Council had shaped hter-in-law into a sharp and cold diplomat

“Oh, don’t twist my words, Councilwoman Merial,” Blaine rebutted “The report stated two separate attacks, but it was coordinated to happen at the same time This means that, so far, only one attack has been made into the elven territory Co on the Wall, shouldn’t it be obvious that protecting Sapin’s borders takes precedence?”

“No one is saying that the defense of the Elshi+re Forest should take precedence over Sapin,” Alduin said, composed “However, much like how there are elven soldiers stationed at the Wall to help protect Sapin, there should be at least some form of defense on the Forest border’s, don’t you think?”

“The Elshi+re Forest is a forer to the lower portion of the forest on theitself has been a form of deterrence to everyone but elves since its existence Even the attacks attenore the intruders The Alacryans and beasts would’ve gotten lost and starved the before they reached any outskirt cities of Elenoir”

“The forest itself is a part of the kingdom of Elenoir, and there are still tribes of elves housed outside of the cities,” Alduin stated, his voice growing louder “With that sa just now, Sapin would also be better off abandoning the wall and the small outpost cities near the border so that there’s less land to protect”

“How can you even call that an adequate co his palms down on the roundtable “The easiest way to the e of the Grand Mountains, frooes down, even the outer cities, the Alacryans will have far easier access to your lands as well!”

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“Watch your tone, Council dark “You act as though the elves are in your debt e have sent plenty of es to help your forces fend off the Alacryans from your waters If even a fourth of those soldiers were stationed to guard the forest borders, ouldn’t even be needing thisvoice soothing the heated argument “The truth remains as it is While you can say that the Elshi+re Forest is part of your kingdom, no cities or even towns have yet to see battle Until such a need grows, sending troops will only weaken the borders that are continuously facing battles”

Alduin rubbed the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes When he opened the is sending some of our men back to Elenoir so that they can defend their hoet? The Council was formed to unite the three races because we predicted an outside threat Our job is to stay impartial and lead the entire continent into a victory over the Alacryans, not just Elenoir,” Blaine rebutted before turning to face me “I implore Commander Virion that he remains impartial for the sake of this war”

“You talk of ile-ued, the tip of his ears turning red “And if the whole sake of the Council was to unite the three races, yet one of the three races isn’t even present, doesn’t that defeat the whole point?”

“Enough!”

Those present in the room felt the palpable pressure that I cast on the place Even Priscilla, with her core on the verge of turning silver, paled as she struggled

“I’ve heard both sides, and before you further degrade yourselves by arguing like spoiled children, I’ll inject er and eaze to everyone inside before speaking again “Based on the number of attacks, Sapin remains a priority for the Alacryans As Councilman Blaine mentioned, the easiest way to the e of the Grand Mountains from Sapin, and since there have been small strikes near that area, we are to proceed under the assumption that the Alacryans know this as well We’ll send more troops to solidify that area’s defense”

“That still doesn’t—”

Another pulse of mana sent Alduin’s jaw to snap shut

“As for the defense of the southern borders of Elenoir, we’ll have several units of the Trailblazer division stationed to only eons nearby so that they can resurface and act as additional support in case of more attacks in the forest”

The room remained tense, but everyone seemed satisfied—just barely

“Good,” I nodded “Now As for the biggest issue Our alliance with the dwarves has remained neutral at best the best of times, and hostile for the remainder Even with the formation of the Council, the dwarven representatives have always had their own agenda and priorities, but I’e”

I turned le door, and everyone followed After a moment of silence, I cleared my throat “You can come in now”

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“Oh, daruff voice sounded from the other side of the roo on my lips

The ornamented knob shook harshly before a braith a thick white beard and a decorated robe that seeht walked inside

With a childish grin, he took a seat in the e hi Lonuid Pleasure todown the neverending flights of stone stairs, I remained entranced by the bustle of activity all around us I couldn’t help but think howthe naht of stairs led to a different floor within the Wall The highest stories remained relativelyes There were also teams of conjurers and archers stationed on these upper floors, responsible for firing down at the eneh the nu on ReadReadNovelFullonlineco the entire height of the Wall were dozens of pulleys that hauled arrows, provisions and other supplies to the upper levels