Talks of War

Within the confines of the elegant castle, loud arguments echoed throughout the hall, primarily between two people as they were both red-faced and glaring at one another. Everyone else was more or less quietly discussing or also debating on the possibility of war. All of them wearing sleek black military uniforms with the badges on their chest symbolizing their high position in military or government.

"Olinthus is clearly going to attack. Those greedy little rats, not satisfied with what they have! We can't just give in! As much as I love peace, if we give in to their previous demands, that would just make us pushovers! Doormats!" A woman with short chestnut waves loudly declared. A burst of chill emanated from her out, despite her charming face heating up at the fact that the man in front of her refuses to see the facts.

"Mara, you're being hysterical-"

"Don't try to make this about me, Payton! It's been too long that we let Olinthus do whatever they want, we have a huge chance at fighting and winning! Years of them oppressing every single country in any way possible, from cutting off trade to straight-up war, we can't let them run rampant!"

The man who was previously arguing with her used his hand to massage his scarred face. The scar itself ran from his left eyebrow down to the corner of his lip, though it only made his face more domineering and handsome.

"It's not that I want Olinthus to continue their tyranny, but right now, we should stall for time. Get the other countries time to build up resources and forces, and more importantly, give our own country more time to build up an actual plan. We can stall by giving that thing they wanted... What was it again? A brush? Or a...?" Payton, already exhausted from the extensive arguing, sunk into his chair and asked his comrades around him.

"It was a mirror." A boy around the age of eighteen quietly answered as he recorded the words of each person within the room for future reference and records for anyone absent or late in the meeting. His fluffy black hair was forcibly tied back, exposing his forehead and his lazy facial expression.

"Why do we have to go into war just for a mirror? Can't we wait a bit, even just the slightest to gain a bit more advantage?" He reasoned with the group in front of him, his eyes showing a lot a weariness from the past few hours of pure arguing and being scolded by Mara.

To be exact, there were ten people. Six from the military and five from the government.

A few were definitely persuaded at the thought of simply buying more time to strengthen themselves. However, the atmosphere within the room was still discordant as the large majority still wanted an immediate war.

Before Mara could blast off into another anger-filled rant, the door was suddenly opened from the outside. Everyone did not need to look towards the door to know who it was. Immediately, Mara, Leni, and Payton wiped off their respective (and considerably inappropriate expressions) to collectively stand up and bow to the person who entered the room. Just as quickly as they have gave a silent and formal welcome, they sat down.

The people in Nelumbo were not the type to perform intricate rituals or greetings towards superiors. Being straight to the point was more favored in their country.

King Luken sat down with something noticeably tucked into the jacket suit's pocket. Everyone that was usually around him, namely his subordinates had noticed this, but it had not been their business to address the strange object he had been carrying around for the past few months or so.

Though, they could pick out clues, albeit obvious ones from the demands of Olinthus, he was most likely holding the mirror. Whatever he will say now, would tip the scales to either war or simply stalling for time.

The king, however, ignored the burning and urging gazes of his subordinates and calmly sat down on the central seat. After a bit more waiting, Gale entered the room with papers in hand and sitting at the right of Luken. The boy who was recording the previous conversation handed the written report to the blond man. Gale flipped through the pages as he waited for the king to speak. Mara began to clench her hands tightly, hoping that her years of friendship with Leni would have affected him to write the report with her being calmer and not at all overly angry. Whereas Payton wiped his forehead in relief that he did not get too heated up.

Luken used a cold gaze to instantly cool everyone down. Everyone present straightened their spines and held solemn expressions to show their seriousness at the situation, completely unlike their previous gossipy or passionate selves.

After a few minutes of Gale flipping through the written report from Leni and a few buckets of cold sweat, Luken finally cleared his throat to begin speaking.

"We are declaring war on Olinthus."

Everyone simultaneously wanted to break out into murmurs and those that supported the war were about to put on smug expressions (especially Mara towards Payton), yet were once again restrained by their king's trademark cold-stone eyes. They waited a minute or so for him to speak, but it was instead Gale that spoke.

"I know you have a lot of questions, but it's just too complicated to explain. We are unable to hand over... the mirror, so we might as well accept their call to battle. However, as you know from the previously given information from the spy, it was a conversation between the nobles of Olinthus. It is not clear whether they would really attack Nelumbo for the mirror any time soon. So, we are just here to discuss the best time to attack... So?"

The people looked towards Luken for confirmation and seeing him remaining silent, which equates to an agreement, they immediately broke out into their usual "civil" conversation.

"I'd say now."

"Mara, please, it's too early-" Payton, once again, exasperated.

"Don't 'it's too early' me. The earlier the better, at least before they attack us."

"I think it makes sense." A voice from the politicians inputted.

"Yes, Olinthus never really had a strong military, just clever tactics. However, they've been lacking the past year or so." Another spoke out in agreement.

"With our military strength, we could initiate the first move and even take a great advantage! Then, we could coordinate with the other countries to give a finishing move! We could finish Olinthus off with two battles!" One general passionately stated.

"Not necessarily. We could make the first move, chip away slowly at first. While the first battle is happening, we could bring in reinforcements from other countries to deal the final blow. No need for a second battle. Just around three months should be needed to defeat Olinthus"

"Why three?"

"Well, it takes two months for an army to go from Nelumbo to Olinthus, during that time we could round up the countries we pass by, like Bellicus, for soldiers or resources. And those two months should be enough for the countries nearby Olinthus to either attack or simply refuse to help that country."

"...So, only one month of actual war?"

"Then that would be the shortest war in history." A politician snorted in amusement, though not denying the possibility of it happening.

Rowan, who was carefully put into the pocket of Luken, had heard the entire conversation and was genuinely impressed. Whenever he spoke in meetings with the high-ranking government officials and military generals or marshals, it was always him speaking out and the rest either mocking him or plain out not paying attention. Thus, the energy and willingness to participate from them was quite refreshing.

They have brought up good points. Rowan was never one to use brute force to solve issues, no matter how much the situation calls for it. But, that might have to do more with the fact that he was not suited to fight nor combat-minded.

Their idea of making the first move is bold. And planning to end it within three months is even bolder. However... Rowan ran several scenarios through his head and was surprised to find out that it was absolutely possible. His initial idea was to lure the majority of the forces of Olinthus to their home territory and then going to the actual country to find the pieces of parchment that he needed.

The idea was safe but too time-consuming as it would take around half a year. Most of which would be waiting for Olinthus to attack and that was not very ideal.

'No wonder Luken wanted me to hear them out first...' He took a quick glance at Luken and saw pride towards his subordinates. Rowan internally nodded in approval. Although he was smart, there are many things that his mind cannot solve.

'But... since these people are clearly competent and hardworking, why does Gale always have so much paperwork to do? Can't they help him?" Rowan was confused about this aspect. The past few months he was here, he had witnessed the man being drowned in a sea of papers that needed to be read, checked and approved. Rowan's own knowledge had helped Gale reduce the amount, yet the man was still flooded with work. Perhaps these people are also busy?

If Gale heard his thoughts, he would immediately protest.

Them? Competent and hardworking?!

Competent, definitely. Hardworking, no. Not at all! They just throw their paperwork at me! Especially those generals! Don't be fooled by their display of knowledge. They prefer holding a sword over a pen!