Chapter 609 People’s Choice
At the top of the Istalian Altar, Cassius sat on the newly built marble throne that was built to accommodate his growth, blowing out a puff of hot white smoke.
“As for this, you should know what to do.”
Under the throne, there are hundreds of ogres, hobgoblins, tieflings, lizardmen, and wyverns. Leaders of the clans from all over the empire gathered together.
White Dragon, Chimera and many other family members with special status also crowded around the altar, occupying a place, and there were even more than a dozen player representatives.
At this time, the population of the empire was approaching ten million, the internal racial structure was becoming increasingly complex, and the management system was somewhat bloated.
Most of the people present are members of the Imperial Senate. Almost everyone has a title of earl or above. They are big figures who truly control the direction of society. Of course, there is only one person who can decide the fate of the empire—— Burning Emperor.
“rua! Kill them all and steal all their money! Let these damn humans see how powerful you are! By the way, don’t forget to steal all the frozen meat from their homes!”
Cassius didn't even need to raise his eyes to know who made such a statement.
Sure enough, White Dragon Tinia swung her tail, held her head high, and roared extremely excitedly, wishing she could fly to the south to rob now.
The red dragon simply ignored her suggestion, looked around, and glanced at all the family members with a dull gaze.
After thinking for a moment, Doro, who was also the Imperial Field Marshal and Minister of Military Affairs, took a few steps forward and half-knelt on the ground.
"Your Majesty, I think Miss Tinia's words are a bit exaggerated, but they are not completely unreasonable. You once said this: 'The truth is only within the range of the cannon.'
And this operation will be the Empire's first appearance on the continent of Fianso, we must leave a 'deep' impression on them
We should crush their army and hang all the rebels. On the gallows, turning their city into a ruin filled with gunpowder smoke made these provocative guys feel from the bottom of their hearts - fear! ”
Doluo's report was sonorous and powerful, allowing everyone present to feel his confidence and determination, as well as the fierceness that came from the heart.
Cassius just glanced at him lightly, neither agreeing nor objecting.
Dragon-blooded monsters, this is the background beneath the glorious appearance of the Ember Empire.
The beast in their hearts has been suppressed in the steel cage of the empire for too long. Only in war can it be completely released, unleashing the cruel and destructive desires in their hearts wantonly.
But Trump also stood up immediately and spoke eloquently under Doluo's unkind eyes: "Master, I think Duke Doluo is still too extreme. His emotions are greater than rationality, and even It will harm the interests of the empire and is no longer suitable to host this operation."
"Rump, you——"
"Duke Doro, please abide by the rules and speak in an orderly manner."
Before the other party could explain, Trump used a higher level of authority to freeze The air around Doluo was blocked, making him unable to even make a sound.
“Destroying everything in North IJssel may sound relieving, but it will only make the major forces in Fyanthal hostile to us, and may even prompt them to unite to fight against this huge empire. And the existence of evil'.
What we have to do is to show the strength of the empire and gain a foothold in Fianso Continent.
Therefore, we should make full use of the advantages of the empire's mechanized and magic-based troops, and before everyone reacts - carry out a lightning strike against the enemy and completely destroy the forces entrenched in North IJssel.
Subsequently, we will occupy all the cities there, leaving other forces to hold their noses and acknowledge the existence of the empire. "
"But that damn human being, he insulted His Majesty! It also insulted the empire! "
"We can't let them go so easily! "
"Yes, let them pay the price! Let them see with their own eyes the torrent of steel in the empire! ”
The officers of the hobgoblins and bugbears waved their weapons and kept shouting - this is the current atmosphere of the Ember Empire.
In the eyes of these extreme militants, as long as the other party makes even a little resistance and fails to surrender to them, it is a great insult to the empire and His Majesty Cassius, and they will inevitably pay a "painful death" cost".
There are almost no doves among the current high-level officials in the empire. There are only hawks and hawks who are less extreme in comparison. Peacemakers like Olivia have long been squeezed out of the core of power. .
"But this is not conducive to the interests of the empire! It just satisfies the destructive desire of you fools!"
"What we ask for is the interests of the empire! The authority of His Majesty Cassius is sacred and inviolable ! Anyone who tries to challenge it should be crushed to pieces!"
"I think you are greedy for profit! They say it is to maintain His Majesty's dignity, but in fact it is to consume more cannonballs and let you earn more gold coins, right?
His Majesty Cassius said , senseless killing will only bring trouble , Your Majesty wants a country of order, not a den of wild beasts!”
In this way, the two parties on the altar of Isdalia once again started a heated debate around the tactics of going south. Spit flew everywhere, saliva splashed everywhere.
Both sides used what Cassius said as their own arguments, accusing each other of not being loyal enough and not considerate of the empire enough, which was quite a bit of "quoting the classics".
But Cassius didn't have the patience to listen anymore. He just raised his eyes and saw that everyone who was arguing fiercely fell silent instantly, and the venue that was bustling just now suddenly became silent.
The family members present raised their heads one after another, and hundreds of eyes focused on the huge body of the red dragon.
Casius looked down at everyone and said calmly: "Three days, within three days, I want to see the empire completely enter a wartime state."
"Yes, Your Majesty. ”
Whether it was ogres, hobgoblins, humans, tieflings, or even more gigantic monsters and dragon beasts, they all knelt on the ground, bowed their heads respectfully, and responded in unison. .
In the Burning Ember Empire, every word and deed of the Emperor is worthy of everyone to follow, study and ponder. There is even a publishing house that prints the "Emperor's Admonitions". These books are particularly popular in the Empire and sell like hot cakes. .
Three days, this is the deadline given by Cassius.
For any normal big country, completing war preparations in three days is an almost impossible task, but the Ember Empire is different.
Entering a state of war is as simple as pressing a button and starting a machine for the Ember Empire, because in a sense, the empire has never entered a true state of peace.
——Arms factories are constantly producing weapons and ammunition, and the imperial army is also continuously training and can be transported to the south at any time through the railways that extend in all directions.
It is a complex machine carefully built by Cassius and other senior officials of the empire for the war, and every citizen of the empire involuntarily becomes a part of it.
But now, with the emperor's edict, this terrible machine is about to be completely activated, spitting out billowing smoke and appearing on the vast continent of Fiansuo.
At this time, the city of Istalia was completely boiling. Even at an altitude of hundreds of meters, you could hear the fanatical shouting of the people in the city, as well as the impassioned and impassioned "Ode to Cassius". A rhythmic melody.
On the stairs of the high altar, Olivia was wearing a smart black dress, holding a thick stack of documents, and was hurrying towards the top of the empire.
However, soon, the heavily armed tiefling guards stretched out their spears, crossed them together, and stopped in front of her.
"Sorry, Ms. Olivia, Your Majesty is talking alone with Mr. Trump. We can't let you in without receiving your Majesty's instructions." "But. I have something important to say to Your Majesty!" "Olivia's expression was solemn, her words were hurried, and even her silver hair looked a little disheveled.
Ignoring the guards' obstruction, she just kept shouting: "Your Majesty Cassius——"
"Let her in."
The familiar voice came from the top of the altar, The tiefling guards immediately complied and withdrew their spears, allowing the silver-haired girl to pass smoothly.
Olivia strode forward, and what she saw was a red dragon that was far larger and more unfamiliar than she remembered. The red dragon was lying on the top of the altar, like a dragon in a temple. Sculptures for everyone to worship.
For some reason, the silver dragon felt that Cassius had become more distant, as if he was no longer the dragon that he could talk to before, but one of those aloof beings that only appeared in myths and legends.
Although they exist in the world at the same time, they seem to have entered different dimensions, parallel to each other, close at hand but difficult to touch.
The words I had thought up on the road were stuck in my mouth and I couldn’t say them at all.
Olivia bit her lip and groaned for a long time before she mustered up the courage to speak: "Your Majesty Cassius, you deceived me again."
"What you promised, You said that the Burning Ember Empire only sells weapons to bring a better life to the people, and will not invade other people's territory, nor will it actively provoke any war.
At that time, I believed you. Take the initiative to join the Imperial Council and work for the people everywhere, hoping that the Ember Empire will become a better and more orderly country. "
Olivia raised her head stubbornly, with tears in her eyes, and her voice became choked with tears.
“You lied to me again. You said the empire would not provoke a war, but now? I saw your declaration of war with my own eyes—a declaration of aggression to be more precise!”
Casius grinned and said calmly: "Olivia, the Ember Empire has always pursued peace"
Olivia Ya was a little annoyed and couldn't help but ask: "Peace? Your soldiers are gathering through those railways, and countless terrible weapons are being transported to the south. You will cause a greater disaster in North IJssel!"
"Disaster? I don't think what I brought is a disaster. I am obviously bringing peace to Fianso."
Cassius stood up slowly, stretched his body, and shook his head slightly. His expression and tone were quite relaxed, and there was no hint of the seriousness of the impending war.
"Olivia, did you know? The Three Emperors' War has been going on for three years, and it has not stopped yet.
According to data from the Imperial Statistics Department, at least eight One and a half million people died in this, and countless people were affected and displaced, and this was just for the selfish desires of the three kings.
I am tired of this land. Amid the endless war, I want to bring peace and order to the tens of millions of people living in Fadland, and bring them true peace.”
Olivia shows no mercy. He sarcastically said: "The peace you are talking about is achieved through aggression?"
Unexpectedly, Cassius nodded and said meaningfully: "War is the only way to achieve peace. It is not an end, but a means.
After the continuous destruction of the three kingdoms, the empire will It will bring real order to the Fianso Continent and peace that will last for at least a hundred years - just like what Holy Fadlan did back then."
"You, you still want to destroy the three kingdoms?"
Red Dragon said righteously: "Of course, they are the source of all wars.
It is these self-proclaimed The God-born guys were above everyone else and used all possible means to fight for the legacy of the old emperor, which led to many tragedies on the Fianso continent.”
Cassius's words were loud and firm, as if he was the righteous party rather than a shameless aggressor.
Olivia was shaking with anger: "This, this is sophistry, I have had enough of these clever words.
Your Majesty Cassius, stop using these words to decorate yourself. Yes, you are obviously doing it for your own selfish reasons! This is a naked act of aggression!
You are sacrificing your own people and exchanging their lives for profit!" At this moment, Silver Dragon's emotions Finally completely vented and exploded.
As a kind-hearted creature, it is difficult for her to sit back and watch an aggressive war happen, and she is also one of the invaders - this is something that no metal dragon can tolerate.
"My own selfish desires?"
The red dragon grinned, shook his head with extra confidence, and exhaled a puff of smoke that smelled of sulfur.
“No, you are wrong, Olivia.”
He suddenly stretched out his giant claws, held the human-shaped silver dragon in his claws, and then unfolded his extremely wide The wings flapped, creating a strong wind, and soared into the sky from the top of the Isdalia Altar.
"Cassius, what do you want to do?"
Olivia couldn't help shouting. In her panic, she even forgot to add honorifics, but as a young silver dragon, she was completely unable to resist the current red dragon.
Cassius said: "I just want you to be clear."
"Clear what?"
Olivia looked at the ground from high in the sky, only Seeing that Istalia is extremely lively at this moment, those tall chimneys are spewing thick smoke, and those steel monsters are operating.
In the streets, squares, and even on the outskirts of the city, there are bustling crowds everywhere, including civilians in commoners, guards in armor, and nobles in robes.
"Conquer those damn southerners! Destroy their armies!"
"Long live His Majesty Cassius! Conquer! Conquer! Conquer!"
"For the great blueprint of the Ember Empire!"
No matter what their status is, these Imperial people are all enthusiastic and excited, waving the Imperial flag in their hands, and shouting passionate and rude slogans.
Even the half-grown children took to the streets, selling newspapers and singing popular songs in support of the war.
"This is."
Looking at the faces that were different but had similar expressions, Olivia felt a little dazed, a little sarcastic, and even began to doubt her own behavior.
Is she really "petitioning for the people"? Or is it just to satisfy your own moral desires?
Is she the one who blocks the trend of history for her own selfish desires?
Cassius flapped his wings, smiled and said to the silver-haired girl in his claws: "What I want to correct is - this war was not caused by my selfish desires, but
The choice of the people of the empire. ”
(End of this chapter)