89 A Prelude to War
Going back a few days to when the Church and the Kingdom of Virpal first declared their crusade, Astur had just returned to Aeternum and gathered the top brass of the State.
In what has been dubbed the Aeternum Assembly Hall, Astur has brought the Asterion, some of the Warband's veterans, the Forest Guardians, and several of the higher ranking Oulvgar Chieftains, along with her usual entourage. Excluding any of the players from this meeting to prevent any leaks.
Astur takes out several dozen wooden boxes from her storage ring, "To start with, take these and place them around the forest and then open them."
"What are these?" Ystur asks.
"Something I made a while back as a precaution. I've long known that a conflict was coming," Astur quickly directs a harsh glare at Zrathno, "But I wasn't expecting it to happen this soon."
"I already said I was sorry and agreed to help. No need to keep crying over spilt milk," Zrathno says.
Astur shakes her head and continues, "After opening these boxes, they will release a special gas for a day and a half. It's harmless and looks like normal fog, but it will block people from trying to spy on us from afar. This is only a stopgap measure until I get around to a more permanent solution."
"I know it hasn't been long, but do we have any information regarding any other participants in the war?" Elizabeth asks.
"We do," Kretea says.
"Should have known we didn't… we do!?" Elizabeth says.
"Yes. The informants the Warband has in other nations sent word of this just before the official declaration was made from the Church. The Church has actually been planning this for some time and has been in talks with the other nations. Although it was likely the Steel Mirage incident that brought the plan from an idea to reality. Although there isn't any official announcement yet, there has been word that there has been movement from the military of the Kalthros Empire and the Republic of Lithro, as well as the Republic of Hinthro from the Eastern Continent of Nozard," Kretea reports.
"Lithro is no surprise. A long time ally of the Church of whom they share a border. Kalthros most like wishes to bring soldiers into the Kingdom of Virpal and this gifts a firm-set excuse. Hinthro, while officially an ally of Virpal and Lithro, like won't provide much, seeing this as a primrose way to obtain some prestige and hast high chances of being bribed to enter the fray," Asterion says.
"What of the other Hinterland Nations, the Norpal Union, the Seapal Federation, and the Urpal Republic? Anything from them?" Astur asks.
Asterion's second in command, Iuostaph, steps forward to speak, a brawny Ouphar, a Demon with four extra arms, they can stretch their limbs like rubber and can harden their skin to be as tough as steel after absorbing mana from other people.
"While officially independent nations, those three are in all but name, vassals of the Kalthros Empire. In all likelihood, if they were to do something regarding the human's crusade, then the Kalthros Empire would do it on their behalf. Chances are that their soldiers are going to be mingling with those from the Empire, under the assumption that our guesses are right and the Empire is preparing to join the human's crusade."
"Alright. That being the case, then lets move forward with the assumption that all seven of the other nations with the addition of the Church will be against us. Do we go on the offensive or turtle up?" Astur asks.
"I spoke with Elizabeth on the matter on the way here, and I think it's best if we make a play for our neighbours. The two towns near us, Dawn and Hadrow. After that, we can set up fortifications and begin to go on the defence," Kretea suggests.
Elizabeth nods and explains further, "As it stands, we don't have the resources for a war with what's contained in the Sea of Trees. Recently we've been importing food from both Hadrow and Dawn since what we can obtain here isn't enough to sustain us right now, so securing these two towns and their surrounding area will give us a lot more breathing room. Additionally, although there is a small cave we can mine in the northeast area of the forest, it only contains gemstones and little metals we can use. But Hadrow is a mining town that produces much iron, copper, and other metals that can be used."
"There's one problem though. Hadrow is a part of the Dresuar Viscounty, with who we've recently established a trade agreement with. The Viscount even already gave word that he wouldn't interfere and would even lend us a hand. Actually, I thought of something. Hold on," Astur takes out her phone and goes through her contacts and calls Viscount Dresuar, "I'm sure you've already heard about the situation. I want you to help me with something."
"I'm listening," Viscount Dresuar says, getting straight to the point.
"I want Hadrow, the mining town from your territory that borders the Sea of Trees."
"Why?"
"A few reasons, but first would be to secure access to its metal and food supply. But don't just hand it over, I need to make it look like it was taken through force or intimidation."
"Hmmm… I can agree to this. I have other larger mining towns so it isn't too much of a loss. But I want compensation after all is said and done. We can discuss this later, since you surely have more things to deal with on your end, but don't forget about my compensation," Viscount Dresuar hangs up.
"Did he really just agree to let you take the town? Just like that? That was too easy," Elizabeth asks.
"When we first met the Viscount a couple of weeks ago he already said we would have his support. The Viscount is an incredibly smart person in my opinion, although he doesn't openly show it. I'm sure he's vaguely aware of what I'm planning," Astur says.
"What is your plan?" Ystur asks the million-dollar question.
"To do stuff," Astur replies.
Ystur doesn't say anything, but her expression is clearly asking herself why she even bothered.
"Anyway, how should we deal with the two towns?" Astur asks.
"We should'st forbear conflict when possible, both to conserve strength and to reduce any potential civilian casualties. Assay to negotiate their surrender to us ere engaging 'i combat," Asterion suggest.
"I'm lost. Can someone explain what he said in the second half?" Ystur asks.
"Basically, he says to negotiate and only use force if absolutely necessary," Astur explains.
Elizabeth nods, "I can agree with this suggestion, but we also shouldn't waste too much time. As much as we would all like to avoid wasting our strength when we don't have to or preventing civilian casualties, we don't have much time. I propose we issue an ultimatum, demanding their surrender and a failure to comply within 48 hours will result in annexation."
Asterion wants to push for a longer window to respond, but Kretea dissuades her father as there really isn't much time and that 48 hours is already a lot considering that they are effectively completely surrounded by the enemy.
Eventually, it's decided that the allotted time will be 50 hours. Not only because of Asterion's push for more time but also because Astur said she liked 50 more than 48 because it looks better. This naturally caused all the Oulvgar to agree with her with Elizabeth and Kretea conceding to increase the time to 50.
Astur brings out some paper and a pen as she begins to quickly write up the ultimatum. Within half an hour she finishes and hands it over to Elizabeth.
"Look it over and modify it as needed. Once you're done, I want it sent right to their doorsteps as soon as possible."
