The meeting (5)

Hello, author here!

Firstly, I'm sorry for the last chapter.

Secondly, I know that some of you are feeling like the chapters about "the meeting" are info-dumping chapters or a waste of time, but I can assure you, I'm doing it because it's important for the plot. If not, I wouldn't waste my time doing them. However, if you don't want to read them, skip to the next chapter; there is a summary of everything that was said at the meeting.

Thirdly, I'm not free tomorrow, so I can't publish a chapter tomorrow, but worry not! I decided to publish tomorrow's chapter today! It's not only that; since there were a total of more than 150 PS last week, there are two bonus chapters this week!

So, along with today and tomorrow's chapter, there are two others, so enjoy!

Happy New Year to all of you!

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"Now that we are all on the same page, let's continue," said Alex.

"Where were we again? Ah, yes, we were speaking about the secret organization. As I said, the Arcane Nexus Society will be selling new technologies and potions. Obviously, it won't be our only source of income, but for a start, we will concentrate on those two things," explained Alex.

"Alright, let's assume that your 'secret organization' is doing well, and we are able to gain money and connections thanks to it. What's next?" asked Robert.

"As I have previously mentioned, money is the thing our branch needs the most, but money alone won't win a war. We need many other things like human forces. However, if we have enough money, we can buy the services of humans, like adventurers and guild members."

"But-"

"I know that we can't trust those kinds of people. After all, if they are willing to go to war for us because we paid them, then they can also betray us for the right sum. That's why if there is ever a frontal battle against the enemy, those adventurers will be the ones on the frontlines," explained Alex.

He took a deep breath and then continued:

"The adventurers will be on the frontlines, but the troops just behind them would be our own, which brings me to my next point: soldier training.

"Even though I'm unaware of the regular strength of the empire's soldiers, I'm sure that they are stronger than regular noble soldiers, and they are also greater in numbers. So, if we want to measure up, it's better to bet on quality rather than quantity. What I mean is that our soldiers need to be stronger than the empire ones so each one can at least take on two or three of the empire soldiers."

"And how are we going to do that? Need I remind you that you said you intend to go to war in a few years? You want the soldiers to be stronger than those of the empire who have trained all their lives while only training a few years?" asked Ector.

"Does one or two years be enough for you to turn a completely normal person into a good warrior?" asked Alex as he glanced at Lilia.

"Hmm, if they have at least a little bit of talent, then even one year should suffice," replied Lilia.

"Then you have your answer," said Alex to Ector.

"No offense, but how do you want us to believe the words of your wife? She isn't even at level 1," replied Ector.

Aside from Alex's close ones like Ava, Amelia, Grace, Candace, Eleanor, no one else among the branch members knew that Lilia wasn't always this weak. Even among those who knew, the likes of Eleanor and Candace, weren't aware that even now, Lilia was more than able to beat up many in this room.

However, they would know later because Alex had no intention of letting them continue looking down on his wife.

"Since you all visibly don't trust my choice, then we will do this. In three days, if anyone here manages to beat my wife in a hand-to-hand-only fight, then I'm willing to step down from my position as head of the branch," declared Alex.

His declaration sent a ripple of surprise spreading in the room.

"Hahaha, it seems that you are already tired of your position as head of the branch. If that's the case, then I'm willing to take such a burden from you," stated Nox as he laughed.

He wasn't the only one thinking this way. Everyone who had participated in the competition's eyes burned with joy and excitement after hearing his declaration. And why wouldn't they feel excitement? They just needed to defeat a weak woman who wasn't even at level 1.

'Fools,' thought Alex with a sneer when he saw their excited expressions.

The only ones who can try to beat Lilia and take his position are the ones that had participated in the competition since the head of the branch needs to be within those of his generation because of the competition of the Eswald family. So that means that the only ones who are going to fight Lilia are at level 4.

None of them can even beat him in a hand-to-hand fight, so there was no way in hell neither of them can win against Lilia, who even Alex can't imagine winning against.

'He is doing it so that people wouldn't doubt Lilia's strength, but I'm sure it's partly, as for the other part...' Ava glanced at the smiling Alex and chuckled '... I'm sure it's just so that others would also get beaten black and blue by Lilia like he himself was beaten by her.'

As he thought, Alex was currently feeling a dark glee as he imagined the others being beaten by his wife.

'They are so going to get their ass handed to them. I'm excited to attend!' thought Alex as his sneer deepened into a wicked one.

A few seconds later, when the atmosphere calmed down a little, Alex cleared his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Until you prove me wrong, Lilia will be the one charged to train the soldiers. Now, let's continue.

"As I have said, we need good soldiers, but we also need someone who knows when those soldiers are needed or when a subtle approach is better, someone who can anticipate enemy moves and adapt accordingly, someone who can formulate comprehensive plans, analyze intelligence, and devise tactical approaches, and most of all, someone who can assess the enemy, exploit its weaknesses while mitigating our own weaknesses.

"As you have guessed, I'm speaking about a strategist, and fortunately for us, we have one of the best strategists on the whole continent and without a doubt the best in this Empire," said Alex as he pointed to Candace.

"Haha, you flatter me too much" said Candace with a smile.

"Nope, he is right, you are one of the best in this field" state Grace next to her.

Everyone nodded to her statement.

"That's why you will be the one to guide our army to victory"

"You can count on me Alex, I will do my best to make us win"

Alex nodded to her and continued:

"Now, let's talk about our enemies".