The work discussion concluded, and it was time for everyone to get to work.
When it came to manufacturing enemies, Rama's suggestion wasn't to target the Fatui but rather Mondstadt or Inazuma. These two nations were currently quite weak. Accusing them of having ambitions against Sumeru, even if it was slander, wouldn't result in any significant backlash. However, if they accused Snezhnaya, the Fatui might indeed retaliate without hesitation.
This task wasn't particularly complicated. Rama remembered someone: the "once-in-two-hundred-years genius witch" of Mondstadt, Lisa. Lisa, who enjoyed such a title at the Akademiya, was naturally a celebrated scholar during her time there. Although she had left on her own accord, the connection remained valid. Furthermore, everyone believed that Sumeru's official organization was the Akademiya, so a simple plan was set into motion.
First, they would crush the Corps of Thirty, causing panic within the Akademiya. Then, through certain means, they would pressure the Akademiya to seek outside help. Lisa held a significant position within the Knights of Favonius, nominally a librarian but with close ties to Jean, giving her ample opportunity to influence Mondstadt.
Of course, Mondstadt likely wouldn't take action. Rama had been monitoring intelligence from Mondstadt, noting the traces of the Dragonspine disaster and the ongoing expedition, which indicated that Mondstadt had no capacity for long-range support. But that didn't matter. Whether they acted or not was irrelevant; what mattered was the perception of action and its proclamation. This would make all Sumeru citizens believe Mondstadt was siding with the Akademiya.
At this point, Nahida would step in as the good guy, both intimidating the victorious desert tribes and reassuring the rainforests' citizens who had lost dominance. Even a child knows losing has consequences, and simply giving up dominance isn't a major concession, so they wouldn't react too harshly. By leveraging external threats and divine authority, they could forcibly suppress internal hatred.
As for how to dissolve that hatred and balance internal power, that would be Nahida's task. If she managed it well, there would be peace; if not, there would be no one to oppose her. It was up to her to play however she liked.
The core of this step was to crush the armed forces of the Corps of Thirty.
Finally, the Corps of Thirty showed some movement.
"According to intelligence from the Caravan Ribat, the Akademiya has issued high bounties to lure most of the Eremites into action."
Their urgency was understandable. Aaru Village had already been taken down, and even Candace had been captured. Everyone knew the new regime in the desert aimed to unify, with the Legacy of the Divine King being their next target. This was the last obstacle to complete unity. The Akademiya wasn't foolish enough to wait for their enemies to finish internal consolidation before choosing to attack.
Their previous hesitation was due to the Fatui's terrible reputation. They were cautious of the Fatui, which resulted in extensive preparation. But no matter the preparation, it was time to act now.
At the usual place, though some faces had changed, Rama noticed. Internal power shifts were occurring as elders were replaced in the ongoing external conflicts. Rama wasn't concerned with these power shifts. Power had no master; everyone was a tool for it. It didn't matter who occupied the position; what mattered was that someone did the work.
"Perfect timing. Our weapons have been upgraded, and the alchemical potions distributed have been widely used."
"The desert fears no pampered hounds," the elders confidently declared.
Objectively, even without Rama, this was their attitude. Their impression of the Corps of Thirty was of traitors who had deserted the desert for high benefits from the Akademiya.
Rama glanced around at everyone. He couldn't understand why a better living condition meant being pampered and lacking combat strength. Did they have to be as desperate as the desert, hunting daily for food, to be considered elite?
But the Corps of Thirty indeed were lacking.
"Then, continue with the original battle strategy."
Rama clasped his hands. "Let the mechanical corps advance first, followed by the tribe warriors."
This approach seemed pointless. The war machines could win the battles alone. Allowing the tribe warriors to follow after the enemy's formation was destroyed was merely to give them a chance to earn military merits.
If the war machines were withheld, it would force the tribe warriors to sacrifice their lives for victory, which was unnecessary. Realistically, letting them make some sacrifices to smooth the final plans was a usable option. They had won too easily; a slightly more brutal battle would simplify subsequent plans. But to harm his loyal warriors for a non-absolute value plan was something Rama couldn't do.
"Your Majesty, we have another proposal," Babel stood up. She was in charge of leading the charge. As Rama's adoptive mother, the elders automatically rallied around her, pushing her to speak on their behalf. Rama's indifference to the tribe's affairs and his simple goal-setting meetings made the elders uneasy. Serving such a ruler strained even the most composed ministers. Knowing he didn't need them and held absolute power to kill them at will, they were constantly on edge. They knew he wouldn't kill arbitrarily but couldn't help worrying because resistance was futile.
Only Babel, with her natural authority, could speak. She embraced the elders' support, cherishing power. "Speak," Rama sat back down. He was ready to leave. "After consuming the alchemical potions, the warriors have become stronger and wish to personally slay the rainforest's dogs," Babel spoke respectfully. She loved power but wasn't foolish.
"This sounds... fine, do as you wish," Rama nodded. "Anything else?"
It was obvious they had other plans, but Rama didn't care.
"There is one more critical matter," Babel said seriously, "concerning the true name of the kingdom and your bloodline."
Rama: ??????
I haven't been gone long, have I? What are you all up to now?
(End of Chapter)