Chapter 96: National Integration Conference (6)

In truth, there was no concrete information. 

Of course, the likelihood that the Winter Queen would be satisfied with just the Kingdom was nonexistent. 

However, there was no evidence to prove this.

It was all just speculation. 

Strictly speaking, the Empire, which had killed her father, was more likely to be her primary target. 

But the situation took a dramatic turn thanks to a sudden report.

A report came in that unidentified monsters from the direction of the Kingdom had attacked nations bordering the Kingdom. 

Although it was a small-scale skirmish, the fact that they couldn’t handle it with a single word, and instead lost knights and soldiers, uprooted any complacency from the minds of the leaders.

However, even in this situation, the Empire’s response was swift. 

The Empire first supplied a small amount of weapons made of Sun Iron to the attacked nations, allowing them to respond.

Naturally, the attacked nations clamored for more weapons, but the Empire drew the line, stating they couldn’t provide weapons for free. 

The other nations had no real grounds to argue, given that they had previously claimed the apocalyptic winter was the Empire’s problem to solve.

But this didn’t mean the situation was entirely favorable for the Empire.

“It’s highly likely that the Wendigos acted on their own, ignoring orders.”

“That’s probably the case. Their primary target is still the Empire.”

“So, we need to negotiate carefully. Dragging it out too long will reveal our hand.”

No matter how ambitious the Winter Queen’s desire to dominate the world might be, her primary target would still be the Empire. 

Even setting aside past grudges, realistically, the only nation capable of opposing the apocalyptic winter was the Empire, with Wolfgang Leonhardt at its helm. 

Other nations were little more than scarecrows.

If the Empire were to fall, the apocalyptic winter could easily invade and dominate the continent. 

But leaving the Empire alone?

That would only give them a chance to counterattack. 

Fortunately, the leaders didn’t have the luxury to think that far ahead. 

Or even if they did, it was hard to voice such thoughts.

What if, based on uncertain facts, they acted recklessly and the Wendigos launched a full-scale attack? 

Not to mention, other nations already possessed the Empire’s new weapons.

“The weapons made of Sun Iron by the Empire are said to be on par with master-crafted swords.”

“I’ve heard there’s nothing they can’t cut. What if other nations arm themselves with them?”

“……………For now, our goal should be to acquire these weapons at the lowest possible cost.”

Not receiving the Empire’s new weapons would mean falling behind other nations. 

Thus, the leaders of various nations chose to negotiate for the weapons.

Of course, the Empire, which had to fight the apocalyptic winter, pretended to concede and offered the weapons at a very low price. However, it wasn’t unconditional. 

They had to sign a treaty.

The treaty was filled with various clauses and formalities, but in essence, it was simple: all nations would unite to fight the apocalyptic winter. 

Violating the treaty would result in punishment.

The Winter Treaty.

This marked the birth of a grand alliance against the apocalyptic winter. 

The fact that the treaty was signed in just three days showed how desperate the leaders were.

In truth, they had no choice. 

Weapons made of Sun Iron were praised by even the most skilled craftsmen as unparalleled masterpieces. 

Yet, obtaining them was as difficult as plucking stars from the sky.

Unless one was lucky enough to find such weapons in the ruins of old battlefields or forests, where they had been left behind by the dead, there was no way to acquire them.

But now, the Empire was offering these powerful weapons at prices comparable to ordinary weapons, and in significant quantities. 

Whether they liked it or not, the nations had no choice but to join the treaty.

“Is this really okay?”

“Yes, this is enough.”

“The Sun Iron weapons could be turned against us.”

“By then, we’ll already have even stronger weapons in our hands.”

At Wolfgang’s concern, Leifen chuckled and smiled. 

After all, the only nation capable of forging weapons with Sun Iron was the Empire, with Wolfgang Leonhardt at its helm.

The bowstring had already been drawn.

The arrow had been loosed.

There was no turning back. 

The other nations chose to unite with the Empire to wage war against the apocalyptic winter. 

In response, the Empire even dispatched a few officers to each nation.

This was to inform them of the dangers of the apocalyptic winter and to share basic strategies and information. 

They didn’t want to do this, but showing some sincerity was necessary to ensure the other nations would actively participate in the war.

After all, the primary target of the apocalyptic winter was the Empire. 

Even if the other nations were just cannon fodder, they still needed some level of cooperation and education to fulfill that role.

If the Empire didn’t provide this, the other nations wouldn’t trust them. 

However, there wasn’t much time. At most, they had two months. 

In some cases, it might be even shorter.

Thus, the Empire chose to first support the resistance forces in the Kingdom. 

If the resistance were completely crushed, it would be a headache.

“I’ll go myself.”

“No, you can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Your role is the Supreme Commander of the Eastern Defense Force. Please be aware of your position.”

Wolfgang wanted to go herself, but Leifen stopped her. 

Leifen wasn’t wrong. 

As the commander of the Eastern Defense Force, her absence would be devastating.

Even if there were people who could replace her, no one could fully substitute for her. 

Moreover, there was a small but real chance that she could die or go missing in the Kingdom.

If that happened, the Empire would suffer an enormous loss. 

Thus, Leifen had no choice but to stop her.

“But then who will go to support them?”

“First, we’ll send a vanguard of 10,000 troops from the Imperial Army, excluding the Eastern Defense Force. After that, we’ll deploy 100,000 troops from the Eastern Defense Force.”

“Are you out of your mind? Sending Imperial troops instead of the Eastern Defense Force? There will be massive casualties.”

“That’s war, Wolfgang.”

“Until now, we’ve been able to minimize losses thanks to your strength. But now it’s different. You know that too. The most terrifying enemy we’ve ever faced has returned.”

If we lose this time, there will be no future.

At Leifen’s cold rebuke, Wolfgang closed her eyes. 

He wasn’t wrong. 

Wolfgang, the Vendetta Legion, and the Eastern Defense Force were all elite. 

But now, with the need for rapid deployment, heavy casualties were inevitable.

That’s why Leifen chose to deploy non-Eastern Defense Force troops first.

“First, we’ll send 10,000 troops to put out the immediate fire. Then, we’ll deploy part of the Eastern Defense Force, along with troops from the other nations who signed the treaty.”

“Of course, the 10,000 troops aren’t just sacrificial pawns. I promise to provide all possible support. They won’t die in vain.”

“……”

“……In the end, many people will die………… No, never mind.”

She wanted to argue. 

No matter how you sugarcoat it, they’re still sacrificial pawns, aren’t they? 

But she couldn’t bring herself to refute him. Because she already knew.

Like it or not, she had spent a considerable amount of time leading the army as a general. 

Of course, compared to other seasoned generals, her time was relatively short. 

But her experience was by no means shallow.

In fact, if you combined all the nations, there were very few who had fought as desperately from the bottom as Wolfgang. 

That’s why she fully understood Leifen’s words.

First, deploy troops to buy time.

Then, commit all forces to finish it decisively.

It’s textbook. There’s no better way.

Even if Wolfgang and the Vendetta Legion went to the Kingdom themselves, could they guarantee a 100% victory against the Winter Queen? 

After all, she was a god who had absorbed the power of the Winter King.

She understood. 

But.

It’s hard to accept their deaths so easily.

Wolfgang quietly lit a cigarette.

Today, the taste of the cigarette was bitter.