Chapter 468 Next Steps (2)

As Argus said his plan, many of the other leaders looked at him with dubious expressions.

Certainly, it would be great if they could bring in more cities to their fold, but it was not like their one victory meant that they could take over the entire kingdom.

The more they needed to split their forces, the easier it would be for the kingdom to take them out one at a time, which was pretty much what they had been doing themselves.

“Argus that plan is full of holes and is likely to lead to the most deaths. We barely have enough strength as it is to hold this one territory. If we tired to hold more than we can, everything would slip away from us.” Francis said obviously not onboard with Argus’ idea.

However, with the smile of a professional conman Argus said, “We have more than enough fighters to take over the entire kingdom other the capital. I already proved it here that the people are willing to take up arms to fight for a better life for themselves. For the cities and territories that still wish to follow the king, all we need to do is arm the citizens and allow them to fight for their homes. That way we can stay here with our concentrated power, and the kingdom with have to fear relation from us should they try to send forces to retake the places that join our side.”

Hearing this the other leaders began to seriously contemplate Argus’ plan. Certainly, what they were lacking right now was fighters to join their cause.

They had already received more than enough weapons from Borealia for everyone that was officially part of their army, and could easily outfit cells of resistance among the people that lived in territories where the rulers were still loyal to the king..

Then there were the nobles and leader that were already secretly backing the liberation, who could come out into the open with their support now.

Though there was certainly a major downside to this plan, and Lyra was the first to voice her concerns about it.

“Argus while that may give us the greatest number of forces, we would be putting millions of people’s lives on the line. We already saw what happens when noncombatants get ahold of the weapons necessary to fight. Over a hundred thousand of the citizens in Valenhart sacrificed their lives for our victory. If we went with your plan, similar causalities would happen all over the kingdom. That is just too many lives for us to put on the line.” Lyra said, in complete disagreement to Argus’ plan.

“You are too naïve Jadzia. This war is not going to be won by hit and run tactics anymore. We need to mobilize everyone that we can. We have all of the resources that we could possibly need thanks to the deal that was made with Borealia. Now all we need is more people to utilize them, and if the citizens wish to fight, why should we stop them? Sure some, maybe even many will die, but we will be able to win this war much easier than if we try to stay turtled up here while slowly chipping away at the king’s influence.”

After Argus finished listing the positives of his argument, he sat back down and waited for the everyone else to discuss what was the right move.

Though he could already tell that he had won, judging by the looks on the majority of the leaders’ faces.

Of course, they could see the value in Argus’ plan, that would allow them to increase their numbers by hundreds of thousands without any sort of risk to their core strength.

Eventually, the leaders came to the decision that Argus’ plan was the best and would allow them to win this war far quicker than any other method.

Naturally there were dissenters like Lyra, and Marcus who followed her lead, but in the end the decision was made to arm the citizens and let them fight for their freedom as well.

Certainly, the majority of people were only in the single digits level wise, but even a level seven could kill a level fifteen if they used the right weapon and got lucky.

With the future of the liberation’s approach decided, the meeting shifted into more precise planning, like rebuilding the city and refortifying in case of another attack.

Also, the citizens of the city deserved a memorial for their sacrifice, and it was imperative that they honor those that fought with their lives, in order to show that they did not see the people as disposable such as the kingdom does.

“Though the first thing we need to do is clean up the dead, since the last thing we need is for them to rise again as zombies or skeletons.” Marek said remembering the sight of thousands of bodies lying unmoving.

Quickly the leaders began assigning areas for themselves and their troops to clear within the city and outside of it.

There were plenty thousands that died outside the city as well, and it was crucial that they dispose of all of the bodies as well as collect the abandoned weapons before they became a problem.

“Now then all of you take five hours to rest, before taking charge yourselves. We have all fought hard and definitely need a bit of sleep.” Marek said ending the meeting.

With that, everyone went their sperate ways, and as he exited Marcus saw Mrazivý leaning against a wall a few dozen feet away from the meeting room waiting for him.

“Sorry that you had to wait around for so long.” Marcus said to her.

“It was no problem, but it looks like someone else wants to talk to you right now.” Mrazivý said pointing behind Marcus.

Turning around, Lyra was waiting to talk to Marcus as she was curious about who this person with him might be.

Seeing the intention in Lyra’s expression, Marcus said, “Let us go somewhere more private.”

Nodding her head, Lyra said, “Sure. We can go to my room. Roxene is already sleeping their so you can meet up with her as well.”

Following Lyra, Marcus and Mrazivý headed to her current room, which was once her parents.

Though when Lyra said room, really it was a massive suite that was pretty much as big as a large house on its own.

“Okay we are alone now. So would you mind telling me who this is?” Lyra said while motioning towards Mrazivý.

“Sure. This is Mrazivý Borealia. I believe I told you about her before.”

Marcus then turned towards Mrazivý and said, “And I am sure you already know but this is my friend from my old world, Lyra Bridger. Though her name in this world is Jadzia Augustyn and she is actually the ruler of this city and a duchess.”

Hearing this Lyra was a bit confused at first since she had thought that Mrazivý would have blue hair while right now it was blonde.

However, her confusion soon turned to panic, and she said, “Wait, Mrazivý Borealia, as in one of the princesses of Borealia. If anyone finds out she is here it could cause a huge incident.”