NOVPUBThe Palante Empire, capital Hershalraym.
The Congressional Building, a grand hall stretching long and wide, unfolded behind towering doors several meters high.
On the seats, the members of parliament whispered in close conversation, their faces painted with complex expressions of tension, doubt, and curiosity.
Beneath the dim lights, the air might as well have been solid, with only the dust motes dancing in the play of light and shadow. 𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑝𝘶𝘣.𝑐𝘰𝘮
When the Prime Minister entered the hall, the atmosphere within the chamber abruptly peaked with urgency.
Following the Prime Minister were his political allies and several confidants, their expressions equally solemn, yet in the depths of their eyes, one could see unyielding trust and support for the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister’s figure appeared resolute and decisive, donned in a formal black suit. Unlike usual, a golden Cross Holy Radiance adorned his collar, or perhaps it was the Church’s stigmata.
He made his way through the crowd towards the podium.
When he stood at the podium, a heavy murmur still hung over the assembly.
They waited for a long time.
"This campaign, although we were defeated, we will not surrender, we will not yield, we will fight to the end."
Prime Minister Wilford surveyed the room, took a deep breath, and then began his speech,
"In this battle, our military suffered thirty thousand casualties, lost nearly a thousand Magic Cannons, and the ports along both sides of the strait have fallen into the hands of the Huo Ning Empire. A new offensive against our nation or neighboring countries by the Huo Ning Empire has become an established fact. The fall of the Briss Kingdom is a regret for the ages, the influence of the Fuclo Kingdom has been weakened, and the Briss Kingdom’s army has been annihilated. By comparison, our military is relatively strong."
"It is now time to test the full might of our allied nations against the Huo Ning Empire head-on. Soldiers who have endured the first battle all believe that our forces have not played their proper role and that there is potential and strength to spare! In the time to come, we may face even greater challenges and more severe losses. The defenses of the northern continent, which once gave us confidence, have been largely breached, and many valuable mines have been occupied by the enemy. From now on, we must prepare fully, ready to withstand a brutal war."
His calm and cool voice overcame all the noise in the lower chamber.
The painful truth tightened every parliament member’s expression, leaving no room for reckless commentary.
"The northern strait is our natural trench and battlement, the widest waters that the southern continent guests of the Huo Ning Empire have never seen. We have the advantage of experience and geography, even the Blood Clan would not dare to confront us at sea—if not on land, these creatures that cannot withstand the sunlight would no longer have absolute security during the day."
"The goal of the Huo Ning Empire is to make our naval battle impossible and to block us from all sides. Beyond that, can you imagine they have a greater purpose? What greater military importance and significance could there be in the grand scheme of war? They have given their all, but now it is simply not possible for them, because now the Demon World and the Beastmen City-States stand with us!"
Lanci’s voice started off slow, but as the speech progressed, it grew increasingly forceful and passionate.
Reporters kept careful track of his words, and the parliament members had varied reactions to his speech; some appeared surprised while others were deep in thought.
This was the Prime Minister’s second national address since taking office.
Lanci’s voice was fervent and impassioned, yet it failed to sway the conservatives; many would occasionally swallow quietly, casting glances towards the still and unmoving Duke Moriarty.
Much of the Congressional Building was wrapped in a daunting silence.
The conservative leader, Duke Moriarty, only when he pulled out the handkerchief from his breast pocket signifying agreement would the others follow suit. Yet they knew that this time, no matter what changes the Prime Minister brought to the Palante Empire, Duke Moriarty would not pull out his handkerchief.
Now, the Prime Minister and Duke Moriarty had completely turned against each other.
And yet, conservatives discovered that members of the cabinet were already deeply moved; all doubts and fears seemed to dissolve with the Prime Minister’s words!
This made even the conservatives begin to waver slightly.
"I know you harbor fears, you hesitate, uncertain how each step will alter the course of history, but I must tell you, the Huo Ning Empire is not invincible!"
"Surely many compatriots present have heard of the Palante Empire’s ’Helsaray Plan,’ a prime target for enemy spies, yet to this day the Huo Ning Empire has not managed to unearth the core of this plan."
"But now, I can reveal this intelligence to you—"
Lanci gestured, projecting a scene that was unfolding in another land through a Magic Device.
It was the northern border city-state of the Huo Ning Empire, stationed with the most elite vanguard Army Group.
The perspective was from the hands of a Demon Race general, his body crackling with the energy of lightning, as he rode a Demon World dragon, charging solo into Huo Ning Empire territory.
As the Demon World dragon soared swiftly overhead, he dropped a Magic Sphere. It fell from the sky, rapidly diminishing until barely perceptible, turning into a dot, then the Demon World dragon abruptly veered away.
Before the Huo Ning Empire’s mightiest could react,
A tiny spot of light appeared on the distant horizon, rapidly expanding, accompanied by a brilliant white Light.
