Chapter 435 - 435: The eye of the storm

Inevir was no longer hiding its intentions. Several teams had infiltrated Norvaegard within the same week.

They continued disguising themselves as bandits, mercenaries, and wandering adventurers, but the deception no longer fooled anyone.

Ordinary bandits did not cross dangerous mountain trails in groups numbering more than a hundred. They did not carry standardized rations, military-grade potions, or enough enchanted equipment to supply several squads.

Gregory's group had not been an isolated incident. Two other forces had attacked patrol stations near the eastern border.

Another had attempted to damage a railway bridge before being discovered by its guards. A fourth group had been seen observing one of the fortresses equipped with heavy artillery.

Inevir had done all but declare war outright.

The absence of an official declaration was intentional. None of the infiltrators wore Inevirian uniforms or carried documents bearing the royal seal. If their identities were exposed, Inevir could simply declare them deserters, mercenaries, or criminals acting without the kingdom's knowledge.

No one in Norvaegard would believe that excuse. Unfortunately, belief and proof were not the same thing.

If Norvaegard responded by sending an army across the border, Inevir could present itself as the victim and request assistance from the surrounding kingdoms. It was a cowardly method, but one that allowed Inevir to weaken Norvaegard without accepting responsibility for its actions.

In a newly established war room, several nobles were seated; among them were the four dukes.

"Tsk. As expected of those Inevirian bastards. Not a speck of honor to be found."

The person who spoke was Duke Kaelvar Runescar. The Sword Duke had arrived directly from the eastern border, and he was still wearing the loose clothing he preferred over formal attire. His enormous sword rested against the back of his chair.

Kaelvar had captured several dozen of the infiltrators, but several of his own soldiers had died in the process. Killing or capturing far more enemies than he had lost did little to improve his mood.

Victory did not return the dead to their families. The mood in the war room was heavy, as even the Sword Duke, who was usually flamboyant, had a serious expression on his face.

"The fact that they're using such tricks means they aren't confident in confronting us head-on."

"Only fools charge head-on without a plan," Duke Elandor Judicar replied.

"Why even plan against weaklings? Just charge forward and crush them with our overwhelming might." Kaelvar spoke with great confidence.

"Is this a war council, or a gathering of boys trying to see whose d*ck is longer?"

Duchess Seraphina Aeromont asked. Her voice was light, almost amused, but her eyes were not.

"Obviously my d*ck is bigger than his," Kaelvar responded without a shred of shame.

"What are you even saying right now?!" Elandor demanded.

Seeing that the two men had no intention of stopping, Duchess Seraphina sighed and looked toward the only duke who had not joined the argument.

Duke Vardon simply sat there, listening to everything without saying a word. His arms were folded across his chest, and his expression remained as stern as ever.

"Do you have nothing to say?" Seraphina asked.

Vardon remained silent for several seconds before speaking. "I have nothing else to add at this point."

Seraphina stared at him for a moment. "How helpful."

Ragnor sat at the head of the table with his children occupying the seats closest to him. First Prince Elric sat to his right, wearing a dark military uniform. His posture remained straight, and his attention had never left the reports spread across the table.

Beside him sat First Princess Mirabelle and Second Prince Gregory. Mirabelle had maintained a dignified expression throughout the exchange, although the slight narrowing of her eyes revealed her displeasure.

Gregory, on the other hand, appeared amused. Princess Elena had covered her mouth to hide a smile, while Prince Elion looked genuinely confused by what had just happened.

The other nobles had no intention of speaking for the time being as the four Dukes were talking. They wanted to distinguish themselves, but they did not want to mess with any of the four Dukes.

Of course, there were a few exceptions.

"If the dukes are finished embarrassing themselves, perhaps we can return to the matter of the soldiers crossing our border." The man who spoke was Marquis Cyrant Drexford.

He sat several seats away from the royal family, his posture straight and his stern expression unchanged despite the attention that immediately fell upon him.

Unlike most of the nobles around him, he showed no hesitation when all four dukes turned toward him.

Kaelvar grinned. This was one of the few fellows who were actively trying to bite his neck, and he was no snake hiding in the dark like the others, but a lion waiting to pounce.

"Go ahead, then. Let us hear what you have to say."

The Marquis didn't even look at Kaelvar, as his focus was on the king as he spoke. "Seeing as Inevir is not willing to declare war, we should declare war on Inevir ourselves."

The room fell silent. No one could believe that Marquis Drexford would suggest something so aggressive.

Kaelvar was the first to react. His booming laughter filled the silent war room. "Hahaha! I knew there was a reason I liked you."

"The fact that you support his suggestion should be reason enough to question it," Elandor said.

Kaelvar's laughter stopped. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"It means you have ignored everything discussed until now." Elandor turned toward Drexford. "Declaring war ourselves would give Inevir exactly what it wants. The surrounding kingdoms would see Norvaegard as the aggressor."

"It doesn't matter. If we just passively defend ourselves, they will still achieve their purpose. As for the other kingdoms, they will not care even if we had just cause, as they fear our military strength. No matter what we do, they will always criticize us. Since the storm will come no matter what, wouldn't it be better to be the eye of the storm?"

Mirabelle studied the marquis. "That criticism is not meaningless. There is a considerable difference between another kingdom condemning us and that kingdom sending soldiers to support Inevir."

"And if they already fear us as much as Marquis Drexford claims, our declaration may give them a reason to unite," Elandor added.

"Then we defeat Inevir before they have the opportunity," Elric said as he slammed his hand on the table.

While the others argued, the Second Prince silently observed everyone around the table. His dark eyes moved from one face to another as though he could see through every carefully controlled expression.

Some of the nobles agreed with Drexford because they genuinely believed that war had become unavoidable. Others saw an opportunity to gain new land, wealth, and influence if Inevir were defeated.

Those who opposed the declaration were no less divided. Some feared the lives that would be lost. Others feared the damage war would cause to their businesses and territories.

Ragnor raised one hand, and the entire war room fell silent. His gaze moved across the nobles gathered around the table.

When it passed over Gregory, the Second Prince met his father's eyes without revealing anything. Ragnor's attention moved on.

"We have heard enough."

He looked toward the eastern border marked upon the map.

"No one here believes these attacks will stop. The only question is whether we continue allowing King Aeurion to decide when and where Norvaegard bleeds."

Ragnor turned toward Vardon. "If we declare war, can the North spare enough soldiers for an invasion?"

This was a rather important matter, as many of the people present knew that the strongest military force in the Kingdom was in the North of Norvaegard.

Vardon examined the map for several seconds. "The artillery fortresses require fewer defenders than before. The agreement with the barbarian clans has also ended most raids."

"And the monster waves?"

That remained their greatest concern. Norvaegard did not only contend with foreign enemies, but also with the seemingly endless monster waves descending upon the North.

"The fortresses will hold," Vardon answered. There was no hesitation in his voice.

Ragnor studied the Iron Duke for several seconds. Vardon did not exaggerate, nor did he offer assurances merely to please those around him.

If he said the North would hold, then it would hold.

"Then it is decided." His hand came to rest upon the eastern side of the map. "Norvaegard will declare war on Inevir."