The Meeting: Final Part
Crusch stands up with a stern and formal expression. Her upright posture and resonant words capture everyone's attention.
"Sixty percent of our forces lost their lives in the war. We went from an initial twenty percent to a painful sixty percent after the enemy consumed the crystals, suffering the greatest losses on the front line. Additionally, other twenty percent are currently incapacitated and under the care of the Ministry of Health. We find ourselves in a critical situation in the face of a possible new attack; even though we've started recruiting new troops, the situation remains complex."
The success in battle with such limited forces is remarkable, especially considering we had no intervention from any saint of the sword or exceptionally powerful individual.
But the fact remains that many lives were lost during the war.
Lives of people with dreams and hopes. This reduction is critical, but this weakness will become a strength, as all cities will try to act, limiting each other.
"The budget must be increased for the recruitment of new soldiers, as well as for the physical and mental healing of our troops."
Crusch's proposal is met with no objections, so it's accepted without issue.
While the other cities decide what to do, we must gather as much strength as possible. Soon the kingdom will grant me Roswaal's lands, so the battle will shift to the economy.
The loss of Flynn, at my hands, is also a major blow to them at this moment. Many people will seek to join us, bringing their families to Irlam in search of safety.
That's why we're planning the construction of new apartments: small and affordable homes that can be purchased or rented by individuals.
After Crusch's report, Karl, the Minister of Infrastructure, speaks up.
"The exponential growth of Irlam will be managed by building new apartments. However, we face the challenge of constructing high-rise buildings. We've started improving the concrete, and with the implementation of steel, we hope to surpass the seven-story limit that the current material can't handle."
Although there are large castles that exceed ten stories, building apartments is a different task. It's like comparing a toothpick to a bottle; due to its larger base, a bottle stands easily, while a toothpick is almost impossible to keep upright.
A building, on the other hand, requires materials that can withstand the tension, like stronger and more flexible concrete.
I'm not an expert on the matter, but I know many tests and adjustments will be needed.
"It's not enough to use Lagmite; we must ensure resistance to natural disasters and structural weight."
Lina, the Minister of Health, stands up next.
She was rescued by Emilia in the capital, and after being brought out of the slums and studying under Emilia's guidance, she was recognized for her potential as a healer. Since then, she's gone from being an ordinary person to becoming the minister responsible for managing health in Irlam.
"The current situation is extremely critical. Our previous plans didn't account for such a high number of casualties. It's likely we'll need to seek assistance from our political allies."
I've been considering this for a long time, since I don't trust Frey, but using our alliance with him to request a squad of healers in Irlam isn't a bad idea, though I'm worried about relying on his power.
"The injured haven't just suffered physical harm; the survivors are facing serious psychological effects. The devastating impact of the war affected not only the bodies but also the minds of our soldiers; some can't even speak despite being physically healed."
After this war, I realized a significant flaw in the city.
"Additionally, we urgently need to increase the production of healing potions by hiring more alchemists. Right now, our resources are insufficient to meet the demand."
Emilia speaks up before I can.
"The physical and mental health of our soldiers is our top priority. It's clear that the current measures aren't adequate. Therefore, I decree the implementation of emergency measures. We'll focus on improving the well-being of our population and acquiring the necessary resources for healing."
Emilia looks at everyone with determination.
"We'll establish the Irlam Hospital, and the Ministry of Health will develop data-driven solutions to address the mental and physical issues of our soldiers, who are our priority at this moment."
I look up and notice that Emilia is thinking the same thing as I am.
"If necessary, we'll use the funds we have in reserve. In Irlam's current situation, we can't afford to wait for additional resources. I need all of you to draft the proposals for approval as soon as possible."
Emilia directs her gaze toward Otto, who watches her in surprise. Then, I speak up, looking at everyone with determination.
"To carry this out, we'll appoint a new minister responsible for managing our funds. The most suitable person for this role is someone who can handle it exceptionally well. Otto Suwen has shown exceptional talent in finance, so he'll be the one in charge."
"Otto Suwen will be our new Minister of Economy," Emilia declares firmly, prompting applause from those present.
Otto gives me a quick glance, and behind my smile, he knows everything was planned.
Emilia sits down and places her hands on the table, indicating it's my turn to speak. The current situation is critical, and my words need to be clear and concise.
"You all know what's happening with Costuul. Marquis Harald Costuul is claiming we're members of the cult, taking advantage of what he did during the war."
Everyone nods, so I continue.
"The trial begins tomorrow night and will end by midday at the latest, so everyone's cooperation will be crucial while we're away. We'll take only a squad for witness protection." I clasp my hands, looking out the window. "We'll transport them by land and monitor from the air, preventing any incidents."
If what I have in mind is what's going to happen, they won't attack; doing so would be an admission of guilt. Instead, what they'll do is find a way to frame us, probably using Erick to betray us again.
'They'll use him as a double agent, showing him that his beloved is still alive.'
"Ladies and gentlemen, I believe you all know the situation we're in right now."
After my words, everyone's expressions grow grim; some swallow hard, others look deeply saddened. They know Roswaal abandoned his position as marquis, but they don't know the full story, so it's time they find out.
"Roswaal L. Mathers has joined forces with the enemy, with an unknown enemy who's likely with the Witch's Cult." My severe gaze silences everyone; I see their lips tremble, their eyes darting around. "The details of the incident will be sent in Report Number Eighty-Three, but you must know that what happened means that our greatest support, as well as the person who protected us from the rest, is gone."
PAM!
Loud bangs echo around the room, and the fearful gazes of everyone hit me right in the heart. They glance at one another nervously, while I raise my hands to silence their words.
"I understand your fear; in fact, I'm scared too."
Our growth is clearly thanks to Roswaal; his influence is the key that makes multiple nobles place their trust in us. Moreover, he shields us from economic attacks since no one dares to cross him.
But the situation with Costuul is different. It is orchestrated by both the cult and Roswaal.
"But we can't let fear control us. We'll keep doing our job no matter what."
And not only that, Roswaal takes all the important books, along with everything that could help me. The main mansion, where his best inventions are, is mostly empty as well.
Just like Annerose and Clint, who have vanished without a trace.
"Roswaal L. Mathers is a significant asset to our campaign, as well as to the city." I clench my fist, looking at them with determination. "Now, we must shine on our own."
I never ask Roswaal for help, but it is his family who develops Costuul. My pride keeps me from asking, and now I regret it with all my heart. I could save years of research and use his connections better.
Although, in a way, now I can gather people I trust on my own.
And I already have my new asset.
"I understand this is critical news, and it's our duty to act on it. This information will remain confidential, as it will be key during the trial. It will be a tough blow for Irlam, but it will also be our chance to make quality connections."
I pause, smiling slightly.
"Roswaal gives me all his lands and properties, so we have an advantage over the others."
Their expressions relax a little, but just a little. Clearly, that doesn't mean much. The fact that Roswaal gives away land is unprecedented, especially from someone who just betrays the kingdom, but that won't stop us from fighting for the best land.
Everyone already knows what properties Roswaal owns, but the problem is that my noble rank needs to increase again.
If it doesn't, I might lose a large portion of the land.
To avoid that, we must present ourselves as the heroes we truly are.
"Our situation is critical, but fortunately, they can't take Irlam from us." I place my hand on my chest. "Now, I'm sure everyone is aware of the Witch Cult's machinations, some more than others. We are declared enemies of the cult, so it will be normal for their members to try and infiltrate Irlam."
I need to develop an effective method to detect miasma. Something that indicates who carries it in their body, even if it's a double-edged sword for me.
"Now, as members of the ministry, you must all understand the situation. From now on, I'm going to share the situation with Roswaal, his story." I look at them with determination and can see the worried expressions haunting them.
I see the painful look on Frederica's face.
I tell them the story, along with the disgusting act of swapping his soul, storing the souls of his descendants to gain more power. I also share his current motive and that someone has been manipulating everything from the shadows.
I tell them that the crystals used for transformation contain miasma, and that Flynn, a disciple of one of the great sages, is a cultist.
"The Kingdom of Lugunica itself has members of the cult, and one of the sages, the Great Sage Bordeaux, is the prime suspect of being a cult member." I finish explaining, placing my hand on Emilia's shoulder.
"We have to overcome this, but for that, we need all the ministers in their positions, ensuring the safety of both Irlam and their own lives. Once things stabilize, all ministers will undergo weapons and self-defense training. Of course, they must all have their bodyguards."
Everyone's faces turn pale. Fear, anxiety, stress. It all swirls inside them. These people are just ordinary humans who, until recently, had no idea of the chaos in this world.
Even Frederica doesn't know much until recently.
Emilia, Otto, and Crusch are the ones who know the most. It must be tough, but I definitely can't do this alone. I need each one of them to fulfill their duty while staying alert to any presence of the cult.
"I'm telling you this because it's impossible for us to survive without each other's help. As ministers, your role is to protect the entire population within your area." I clench my hands, looking at everyone firmly. "You made a contract using your soul, and even though the situation looks dire…"
I pause and look Emilia in the eye. She stands up, placing both hands on the table, leaning forward to give each minister a direct look.
"Even though it's a critical situation, the lives of the people depend on our actions. I, Emilia, will personally ensure I'm the first to restore order if the cult attacks." Emilia places her hand on her chest. "We are the enemies of the Witch Cult! We should fear, but we should also be proud to be the ones fighting against evil."
Emilia's gaze is filled with palpable determination, and though their expressions are still fearful, each of them stands up.
"Our duty is to protect the people we love, our families, and the population. We have all declared our names, and the cult knows it, which is why it's important that you understand this clearly."
Emilia exhibits a unique attitude. Her presence feels immense, her aura is prepared. I can see it, what she was previously lacking, I can see the determination of a ruler in her eyes.
"We will protect Irlam with our sweat and blood."
I smile, closing my eyes, feeling pride in my heart.
'I bet on the right person.'
"We will win in the court! We will be the heroes this kingdom needs!" she exclaims, and the others smile.
Crusch and Frederica are completely surprised. The truth is, so am I, but happiness wins out.
"As you command, my queen!" Everyone shouts, and with that, the meeting ends.