Chapter 190 - 190 – More People I

Lew’s report was transmitted through the communicator and progressed slowly. Yet, nobody dared to not pay attention to it. Although they could certainly use more numbers, the Ministry of Defense's priorities laid on resources. Since they couldn’t match the Kingdom with numbers or magic power, they would need undenied superiority in information and strategy. The plan was to avoid confrontation, but that would happen eventually. So, they have to control the board, choosing where, when, and how to fight.

“We need more shadow and bubble crystals. The only way we can keep the Serions at bay is by expanding our reach. With enough eyes on their cities, we can anticipate their moves… Sooner or later, our presence will be noticed by the other regions, so I would rather be prepared for it. Military-wise, we’re focusing on organization and training. The Fairies incident could have been avoided with scouting and the right group combat tactic. However, our weakest point is the defense against magic, which could be improved by bubble shields.”

The thought of fighting the Kingdom made the councilors feel uneasy, though one of them was actually excited.. If this happened four years ago, the frightening combination of domestic problems and external threats would make them crumble. But now, they had experienced the impossible many times. So, underneath the initial fear, they all carried the confidence of survival.

“Our foreign intelligence is handled by the shadows, as the only agents equipped with the necessary concealment abilities. For now, we have the resources to send two shadows on high-risk missions, and one is already stationed in the Sandine war frontier. The other eight are restricted to missions inside the forest because their LQ shadow crystal offers obscurement and not concealment. I would prefer to keep it that way, but we could send them if needed. ”

“Fortunately, Samia came up with a plan to expand our intelligence on the Kingdom. As you all know, we’re collecting information from a group of orphans in Twins Suns. They already proved their value with the information about the war. If we could establish a net of informants in all big cities, or maybe even in all cities of the Kingdom, we would stay one step ahead of them… Our first attempts to repeat it on Fire Gate failed, but I’m not ready to give up on the informants’ net just yet. That’s why I pulled Samia out of the Sandine war mission, I think she might be able to do it.”

“Then, the shadow crystals problem?”

Marlen was fully aware of the difficulty of getting more crystals. Chances were, they wouldn’t find any on the market, even if they offered a hefty sum.

“We still need it. The informants will reduce the number of agents required to gather relevant information, but even then we would need to move our shadows inside the Kingdom.”

The Council was relieved that at least one Ministry wasn’t suffering from lack of manpower, though obtaining shadow crystals would be evenly difficult. In the absence of a better solution, they decided to ask Keller if he could get the crystals. It was a long shot but the best, if not the only option they had. Finally, it was time for Reiner to make her report.

“The Ministry of Alchemy is overflowed with projects and demands. I know it’s the same for the other Ministries, but Alchemy should take priority.”

A wave of disagreement spread through the circle after her bold statement. The opposing voices talked about physically intensive jobs, overwork time, and other reasons while the ministers felt entitled to get the extra hands for their area. Yet, Reiner remained unfazed by them.

“With more Alchemists, we could craft more tools and help all the Ministries. Aren’t we the Alchemy Kingdom?”

Alfeur wasn’t ready to give up on the imaginary new workers, so he immediately retorted:

“What’s the use of magic tools if our people work to death? We fled the Kingdom to escape abuse not to create it anew.”

“Now, you’re just exaggerating. Nobody is being forced to work…”

The councilors started to throw shallow and somewhat offensive statements around, and soon the others were dragged into the discussion. Only those in Tunnel weren’t forced to take sides as the translators could no longer keep up with the discussion. Strangely, Omero remained silent and didn’t give his opinion. Marlen knew what he was about to do, and even though she also earned for it, she couldn’t help but feel hesitant. Would it cost their freedom?

“We should get more people for all Ministries…”

The discussion came to a sudden stop. One by one, the councilors turned to Omero. At first, his position seemed like a neutral stance, but then, what did he mean by “get more people”. Since they were all privy to the elder’s past and his unpeaceful ambitions, they could guess where he was heading.

Marlen took a breath and accepted he was going ahead with it. Now, she could only play her part.

“We did welcome a few of Keller’s trusted employees, but we did it because they had important skills, it was worth the risk. Are you suggesting we invite others to come? It could be dangerous… They wouldn’t share our values…”

Omero didn’t allow others to add and quickly pick up from where Marlen left. For him, this was as easy as breathing.

“Indeed… To solve our problems we would need a lot of people, and it would be impossible for them to join us without sharing our vision. Actually, aside from a few passionate masters who live for their craft, few would dare to stand with us against the Kingdom. Only does who suffered their oppression would understand us… We have walked far from that little farming village, but the truth is that if it wasn’t for Alchemy, we would still be Caiset. So, why don’t we share this gift from the Origin with others?”

The eyes of the councilors, both in the Capital and in the Tunnel, widened in surprise. Would he truly dare to propose it?

“We need people, but we need more of our people. We need those who were slaved by the Serions, who experienced firsthand what they are capable of. People who would understand what we built here and would fight for it, with their all... Sadly, we’re only unique because we escaped, thousands continue to suffer the same fate or worse. Shouldn’t we extend our hands and help them too? Together, we would be strong enough to stand up to the Kingdom, to protect our freedom.”

Karl, and certainly most of the councilors, knew what Omero’s goal was, yet how could they not be moved by his words? They wouldn’t mind sharing their graces with others in similar situations, but they never considered saving others. They weren’t even confident in protecting themselves, much less others. And then, Marlen continued to play her part in the noble scheme.

“We should help others when we can, but we’re not strong enough to face the Kingdom and free others.”

“Yet, we did it when we were just a small village…”

The words caused an impact on the Council, but they wouldn’t be convinced into attacking the Kingdom. They wouldn’t let him destroy the peace they built. However, they played their part, just as Omero predicted.

“At current strength, it would be suicidal to face the Serions. But we didn’t need to fight them directly to escape, didn’t we? Of course, we sacrificed many loved ones to get here, but wasn’t it worth it? And even so, with our current strength, would we need to sacrifice as much again? Don’t think that we’re done with the Kingdom just because we’re here, they will never let’s go. What do you think it’s the purpose of that post village being built in old Caiset?”

Another shadow of fear was cast upon the Council when they considered the Kingdom’s motivations. A month ago, rumors about the Wind Lord rebuilding Caiset into a post village arrived through some Adventures. If the news were to be trusted, they would start building it next year.

A post village would attract Adventures, Mercenaries, Merchants, and even private noble forces to explore resources nearby. It would be unusual to build a post village without an energy vein or rare resources close, but the rumors talked about exploring the Green Mountains. The Council was fully aware that it could be an attempt to attack them, but even if it was confirmed, they couldn’t act on it.

“What do you propose?”