Chapter 386 - 382: Stalling Tactic

Chapter 386: Chapter 382: Stalling Tactic

News of the Four Nations Alliance had long since reached the Akutas Kingdom.

Although His Majesty Tyron had reappeared, and despite Prince Howard’s repeated assurances that the situation could turn around, panic had already begun to spread among the Nobility as time went on.

Scorching Wind Territory, an overseas territory far from the Kingdom, was in a particularly awkward position.

According to Viscount Freddy’s estimations, once the war began, the Akutas Kingdom would be besieged on all sides, leaving the various noble families to fend for themselves. Even if the Royal Family’s army was powerful, how many troops could be spared to reinforce the Starfall Islands after being spread across multiple battlefields?

In his view, even if he and Duke Star Sea set aside their feud and joined forces with the other minor nobles on the islands, it would be difficult to withstand a combined assault from Black Forest Island, the Silent Shore, and Coral Island.

This was because Duane’s personal strength was simply too great; no one could restrain him.

Whichever battlefield he appeared on would gain an absolute advantage.

Therefore, Viscount Freddy figured that if Duane and his two allies focused their main attack on Duke Star Sea first, his Scorching Wind Territory would have some breathing room. The Duke’s Territory was vast, with several Secret Realms, and no matter how strong Duane and his forces were, it would take them several months to occupy it entirely. A few months would be enough time to get a clear picture of the battlefield’s situation. If the tide didn’t turn, he could just surrender. If King Tyron and Prince Howard held him accountable, he could claim the Kingdom had sent no reinforcements, leaving him unable to resist and forcing him to capitulate. Of course, if the Akutas Kingdom could withstand the siege of the four nations and even find a way to turn the tables, he could seize the opportunity to march south and attack the enemy himself. Even if he were defeated and captured, the Royal Family wouldn’t just stand by; they would definitely ransom him back.

Thus, the crucial point became how to persuade Duane and his allies to attack Duke Star Sea first.

Inside the room, Duane listened in shock to Casio’s words.

After a long moment, a strange smile played on his lips. "The Star Sea Clan and the Yalvis Clan both serve the Akutas Kingdom. At a time like this, they should be forming an alliance to resist the enemy together. Why would Freddy want me to attack his ally first?"

A flicker of embarrassment crossed Casio’s eyes as he explained, "My lord, you may not be aware, but a short while ago, the Star Sea Clan sent an assassin to murder Baron Torre Courtney over a small matter of compensation. The Scorching Wind Territory has yet to avenge this grievance. It is impossible for my Lord Viscount and Duke Eldrin to become allies!"

Duane’s expression remained neutral. ’He still doesn’t suspect this is a conspiracy,’ he thought. ’Or perhaps, now that Viscount Freddy has occupied Sentry Town, he simply doesn’t care whether he was framed or not. After all, he’s gained territory and reaped the benefits.’

"Compared to the Star Sea Clan, Freddy’s Scorching Wind Territory is weaker. It would certainly be easier for us to land at Scorching Wind Port."

Duane said calmly, "As long as we capture Scorching Wind Port and establish a foothold in the Scorching Wind Territory, we can push south by land while coordinating with a naval assault. The Starfall Islands will be ours for the taking."

He paused deliberately, looking at Casio with a half-smile. "So tell me, why should we attack Duke Star Sea first?"

The pressure on Casio surged.

Duane was outlining a battle plan, but it was hardly a secret. Any discerning person would make the same choice.

"The Scorching Wind Territory is prepared to resist. Even with your great strength, my lord, you cannot possibly destroy all our defenses and warships in an instant. Once the fighting starts, your side will inevitably suffer casualties."

Duane didn’t answer. To be precise, he had already addressed this point.

Casio continued, "Even if you have eighty percent of your forces remaining, after a long-distance raid on the Star Sea Duke Territory, your men will be exhausted. Fighting the Star Sea Clan’s elite troops in that state would surely lead to even greater losses."

"But now, you have a better option—one that will allow you to vastly reduce your casualties."

’Now I see why Freddy sent Casio,’ Duane thought. ’It wasn’t just because we know each other, but also because the man is a gifted speaker.’

"What option?" he asked.

"My Lord Viscount has said that as long as you defeat Duke Star Sea and occupy Eldrin’s territory, the Scorching Wind Territory will surrender unconditionally. At that time, you will be able to take Scorching Wind Territory without losing a single ship or sacrificing a single soldier!"

Casio continued, "Moreover, you will gain the allegiance of Viscount Freddy, and the entire Scorching Wind Territory will become your followers!"

Duane was genuinely tempted.

As far as he knew, Viscount Freddy had reached the Shooting Star Level, and Rico and Beckett were two Celestial Tier Warriors.

In addition, there were several Level 4 and Level 5 Mages, Earth Tier Warriors, and so on.

If they joined him, Duane’s power would soar.

Of course, that was all predicated on a sincere surrender.

"If Freddy is truly sincere, I think he should open Scorching Wind Port and let us land directly," Duane said.

Casio must have prepared an answer for this question, as he replied without panicking, "You are right, my lord. However, my master is a renowned Warrior, famous in both the Akutas and Pruck Kingdoms. If you cannot even successfully conquer the Star Sea Clan, it would be difficult for him to bow his head to you directly."

As he spoke, he stood up and respectfully presented a letter to Duane with both hands.

"This is a personal letter from the Viscount. Please read it. In addition, to show our sincerity, I have brought five thousand catties of Meteorite Iron and two thousand catties of Mithril as a gift!"

Duane was inwardly shocked.

Freddy had truly spared no expense. The value of these two items combined exceeded twenty thousand Gold Coins, and more importantly, it was difficult to purchase so much at once.

He thought this as he opened the envelope.

In the letter, Freddy recounted the past unpleasantness between Scorching Wind Territory and Black Forest Island, spoke glowingly of their pleasant cooperation in recent years, offered his blessings to Duane and Natalia, and expressed his personal admiration for Duane’s immense power.

’I can’t tell if someone wrote this for him,’ he thought, ’but the wording is so sincere and enthusiastic, he sounds like a young fanboy.’

Finally, Freddy expressed his resentment that the Akutas Kingdom had not arranged for reinforcements and stated plainly his decision to surrender as long as Duane defeated Duke Star Sea.

The letter was concluded with the seal of the Yalvis Clan, as well as Viscount Freddy’s handprint and signature.

This was clearly something that could be kept as evidence.

Duane had used a similar item to blackmail Selena and Brison, ensuring they wouldn’t dare to have any second thoughts.

But Freddy was different from Selena and Brison. He was a Viscount of the Kingdom, with powerful backing and strength of his own.

With just this letter, one would still need the right opportunity to successfully accuse Freddy of treason.

At the same time, there was another possibility.

If Freddy had communicated with Howard before writing the letter, that would be a different matter entirely.

Duane had heard that Freddy and Howard were on good terms and had once been close friends.

Casio waited quietly, so nervous he could hear his own heartbeat.

He even found himself thinking, ’If Duane refuses this offer, will he seize me and execute me as a sacrifice to the war banner on the day the battle begins?’

He had undertaken this diplomatic mission fully prepared to die.

Duane frowned, lost in thought for a long moment before folding the letter and placing it back in the envelope.

"I accept Viscount Freddy’s sincerity."

Duane’s face broke into a smile. "Please go back and tell him that I will tentatively agree to his proposal."

The tension in Casio’s heart instantly eased, and as if uncertain, he quickly and nervously asked, "You... you really agree?"

Duane nodded.

Casio was overjoyed. He had succeeded!

’I actually succeeded at such a dangerous and difficult task!’