Chapter 2049 - 549: Another Use of the Soul_5

"You're right, I won't deny it, but duty can't be eaten, nor can it be handed out as compensation to the families of fallen soldiers!"

"To tolerate evil means to pay a greater price to make amends in the future! If those rats are conducting a summoning chaos ritual, we will pay more compensation in the future!"

"Then let's talk about it when it happens!"

Though their wording was restrained, it was clear they were already arguing.

Edward sat at the head of the table, his fingers tapping the tabletop lightly, producing a dull sound.

He said nothing, but the deep wrinkles between his brows revealed his inner conflict.

Emotionally, he agreed with Erin and also hated the atrocities of those ratmen. However, rationally, he leaned more towards Sir Wesley.

The Campbell Duchy had just come out of two wars, and although the economy was recovering, it could not withstand a war of attrition with no benefits.

The Twilight Province was one thing, as it had a great strategic buffer value. But was it really worth letting Campbell bleed for this group of rats hiding in the mountains?

Revenge would not bring back the missing surveyors, the rational approach was to grant the families compensation, fire a couple of cannons, and then declare victory.

However, one thing Erin said did strike him—

Tolerating evil means paying a greater price to make amends in the future.

If those little rats were up to something chilling in the caves, today they could sacrifice Ryan people, tomorrow they could sacrifice Campbell people.

When they can't live without human flesh, that is bound to happen.

Just as the situation was deadlocked, Luo Yan, who had been standing quietly at a corner of the long table, suddenly cleared his throat, interrupting the two's argument.

"Both of you have valid points."

Looking at Erin, whose chest rose and fell with emotion, he spoke in a soothing tone.

"Rescuing the subjects of the Holy Light is indeed our sacred duty. But General Wesley is also correct, we don't have to bear all the pressure alone."

Saying this, Luo Yan picked up a flag from beside the map and gently placed it on the mountainous north side of the map.

That was the dwarf's territory.

"The Ten Thousand Ridges Mountain Range does not belong solely to the ratmen. As far as I know, the dwarves residing deep in the mountains are the original inhabitants there, and they are natural rat extermination experts. Those rats are digging and performing evil rituals lately, I imagine they must feel more uneasy than us."

He didn't say it aloud, but the dwarves were probably feeling more than just unease; even their backsides were beginning to feel cold.

After all, the professors of the Academic State somehow got involved with the ratmen.

Luo Yan didn't believe this group of dwarves hadn't caught a whiff of it. Keeping silent was probably the truth.

After all, the Empire lay tens of thousands of miles away; whether they'd intervene was debatable, but the Great Sage was right next to them.

They must be thinking humans are truly blasphemous, yet have no solution because they still rely on human assistance at Brass Pass.

Edward's eyes brightened slightly.

Indeed—

If the dwarves help, the difficulty of mountain warfare would be greatly reduced!

"We can send envoys to the High Mountain Kingdom, mobilizing this ancient ally! They would launch attacks from the northeast, forming an encirclement with us!"

"That's exactly my point; if they are willing to join the fight against the Rot Clan, our strategic pressure will greatly decrease, we would just need to establish a supply line to the Dwarf Kingdom at the frontline..."

Luo Yan smiled slightly, moving his forefinger downward, leaving the Spinor Earl's Domain, and landing in the southwest corner of the strategic map.

"In addition, we can also recruit troops from Mire City."

"Mire City?" Bertrand frowned.

"Exactly! Those Lizardmen have a natural adaptability to harsh environments, and as far as I know, in their diet, such rats are a rare delicacy."

Luo Yan spread his hands, speaking in a relaxed tone.

"As long as we pay adequately, those Lizardmen can clear those hard-to-crack caves for us... it's like a buffet for them."

The tent was quiet for a few seconds.

Bertrand rubbed his chin, as the resistance in Sir Wesley's eyes also dissipated quite a bit.

"If that's the case... it's a good idea. Let aliens deal with aliens, while we provide the equipment and logistics, which can keep the casualty rate to a minimum."

Even Erin nodded.

Though there was still a touch of worry in her eyes, she also knew this was indeed the most feasible plan at present.

"But... how long would this take? Those humans taken captive might not be able to wait."

"As for the dwarves, having fought alongside us before, communicating with them will be quick. As for Mire City, I trust with Mr. Sak Jifeng's help, mobilization won't take too long."

Luo Yan looked at Edward, continuing in a warm tone.

"However, this might require a small tweak from our Grand Duke. For example, granting the Gutaf Kingdom temporary military transit rights within Campbell... we need Gutaf officers to go to the frontline to command operations."

"No problem!"

Facing Prince Colin's proposal, Edward made no hesitation, immediately agreeing.

"The people of the Dragon God are ancient allies of the Human Clan; if the Gutaf Kingdom is willing to lend a hand, we would welcome them with open arms! Not only transit rights, but the Royal Railway Company's railways and ports will be entirely available to those who support us! Prince Colin, I leave convincing them to you!"

Both the Colin Duchy and the Gutaf Kingdom were important allies of the Campbell Duchy. Since Prince Colin was confident in persuading the Gutaf Kingdom, Edward naturally wouldn't refuse.

Moreover, this was a great opportunity for observation and learning!

Edward eagerly anticipated seeing more amazing items from the Dragon God's people beyond the "Roxey Rifle".

"Honored to serve you, my friend."

Luo Yan gladly nodded, giving an elegant bow. Then he turned, looking at Erin who was still slightly worried.

"Aside from these macro-strategic deployments, next are the tactical level operations."

"On one hand, we must prepare for a full-scale war with the Rot Clan, maneuvering troops and conducting diplomacy simultaneously. On the other hand..."

Luo Yan's tone remained gentle, but a fleeting, barely noticeable glint flashed in his eyes.

"We will assemble an elite squad that will first penetrate deep into the ratmen's defense line, to find out exactly what those rats are secretly up to in the caves."

"And, we will do our utmost to bring back our visible human companions!"