Antonio knew that Barnett was a “lone wolf,” his personality and abilities well-suited for solitary operations. Forcing him to cooperate with others would likely lead to complications.
At that moment, a woman’s voice, cold and discontented, spoke from beneath her hood: “The Northwestern Gulf has always been an insignificant part of our grand plan. It’s only Barnett, that brute, who, for some unknown reason, focused all his efforts there. His failure might dampen his arrogance and make him comply with our broader strategies.”
Antonio said, “I’m sure Master Barnett had his reasons. Let’s start today’s meeting… beginning with the recent situation in the south of Ordo. I heard that our Greedy Wolf Duke is in a bit of a tight spot?”
All eyes turned to Ambolov, the Captain of the Royal Guard, who had been coordinating affairs in the southern Ordo.
“Yes, Your Highness,” Ambolov replied respectfully.
“In March this year, Princess Catherine led the main force of the kingdom’s army southward. By the end of the month, they easily defeated the southern army near Thorn Fortress, then continued advancing south. The speed of the princess’s advance exceeded Jars’ expectations. Having just pacified the southern forces, Jars had no time to reorganize his troops before marching north. The two forces confronted each other in the Furel region, with several battles ensuing, each with varying outcomes.”
Antonio mused, “Even with our assistance, is it so?”
A member in a black robe, his voice hoarse, spoke, “Your Highness, according to the plan you set before your eastern campaign, besides arms and provisions, we have sent two groups of mages to assist Jars’ army, totaling around thirty. More might attract the attention of secular powers, risking exposure of our organization. But… if we fully support Jars with our current strength, we can easily defeat Princess Catherine’s army. I’m confident about this.”
Ambolov suggested, “I believe we should increase our support. Jars is still the weaker party.”
Originally, they intended to maintain the front line around Thorn Fortress, but now it had moved to Furel, significantly further south.
Antonio waved his hand, “Our primary goal is to plunge the Kingdom of Ordo into internal chaos, leaving them too preoccupied to interfere in Gabella’s internal affairs. What difference does it make if the battlefield is at Thorn Fortress or Furel, as long as Jars can hold on?”
Aldridge, an old scholar sitting beside the prince, agreed, “Indeed, we shouldn’t empower Jars too much. A fattened wolf might turn against us.”
Guilt flickered in the old scholar’s eyes, as stoking the civil strife in Ordo went against his principles. However, he participated for the sake of a more significant, long-term plan.
Ambolov expressed concern, “However, based on the intelligence I’ve gathered, the power dynamics between Jars and the kingdom’s government are shifting.”
“Oh?” Ambolov’s words captured everyone’s attention; Jars’ premature defeat would not bode well for them.
Ambolov explained, “Princess Catherine’s army… Their equipment is improving, including their armor rate.”
An old man in a black robe expressed surprise, “Is the Ordo royal family that wealthy?”
A raspy voice interjected, “Impossible. Just last year, they spent a fortune on military provisions alone, unless there’s a rain of gold coins in Crystal Shine.”
Aldridge speculated, “Perhaps it’s contributions from the northern territories? If so, we need to reassess our stance on the Ordo royal family; the Schroeder family still holds significant influence.”
Ambolov continued, “The way we support Jars is also concerning. Previously, we used intermediaries to contract merchants from Horn Bay to transport goods to the kingdom’s south. It seems the Ordo have discovered the role of Horn Bay merchants and are pressuring their governments. Now, these governments are tightening control over their merchants.”
The room fell silent, everyone pondering ways to rebalance the forces without overly exposing themselves.
The old man in a black robe glanced at Antonio, “Your Highness, it’s time to use our naval power. Send word to Edward. Ever since he witnessed the greatness of arcane arts, he’s been utterly subservient to us.”
Antonio agreed after a brief contemplation, “Let Edward take action. Have him transport necessary provisions and weapons to Jars! Also…”
He paused, his blue eyes sparkling, as everyone awaited his next words.
“Order him to seize the opportunity to harass the coastal areas of the Kingdom of Ordo, especially the royal family’s direct territories.”
Aldridge frowned slightly, worried about the prince’s increasingly hardened heart. Yet, he recognized such decisiveness as a necessary tool on the path to kingship.
The raspy voice mockingly clapped, “Ah, the great pirate returns to his old ways. But Your Highness, let’s turn our attention back home. Your elder brother seems restless lately. Don’t you have any plans for him?”
Antonio didn’t look at him, aware of what he implied.
The others were somewhat displeased with the man’s disrespect in front of the prince. The elder coughed, signaling him to mind his manners.
The raspy voice continued, “Your Highness, do you still harbor naive hopes of peaceful coexistence with your brother? Remember my words, Oliver Griffin is the biggest obstacle to your first move. It’s better to act sooner rather than later…” Follow current ɴᴏᴠᴇʟs on novel⸺fire.net
Antonio tapped the table gently, silencing the voice.
“I will handle it myself!”
His unyielding gaze fell on the speaker, who bowed his head, “Yes, Your Highness.”
“The next topic—Horn Bay…”
After the meeting, as people gradually left the room, the elder in the black robe reprimanded the raspy-voiced man, “You were too disrespectful in front of His Highness Antonio today!”
“Hehe,” the man retorted, “I’m just helping him grow faster. He needs to face reality sooner or later.”
“And have you forgotten? The Ordo royal family is kin to the Dias family. Attacking Ordo is attacking Dias… Our prince has always known what he wants and how to get it,” the elder concluded.
The old man fell silent, pondering his words.