News of the attack on the Strongson Eastern Border Outpost quickly reached the capital. The entire court was shaken, and Leon officially summoned the major nobles and royal family members for a military council.
In the meeting hall, the atmosphere was unusually tense. Representatives of various factions sat down, their expressions serious, while Leon sat at the head of the table, his gaze sharp and commanding, exuding an aura that none dared to disregard.
Leon spoke first, his voice deep and filled with authority: "Ladies and gentlemen, I trust you have all heard of the attack on the eastern border outpost. I have received intelligence confirming that several soldiers were killed, and evidence left behind indicates that this was an act of provocation by Eldenia. This is not just a threat to our eastern border; it is an insult to the entire Strongson Kingdom!"
Minister Horace Demilt slowly rose, his tone calm yet resolute: "Your Majesty, I am deeply saddened by this news, but I believe we should not hastily jump into war. The true circumstances of the attack are still unclear. Although Eldenia has a history of enmity with our kingdom, we cannot act on superficial evidence alone. If we do, we risk pushing our two nations into an irreparable situation."
Marquis Eric Trevor from the northern region nodded in agreement: "I support Minister Demilt's opinion. We have maintained a stable border with Alturán for a long time in the north. I do not wish to see this conflict spill over into our territory. Furthermore, the costs of war are enormous, and can the kingdom's finances support a prolonged campaign? Your Majesty, this requires careful consideration."
Minister Herman Walford, a staunch pro-war figure, couldn't hide his anger. He stood up abruptly and spoke loudly: "Are we really going to sit idly by while the enemy steps onto our land and kills our soldiers? Minister Demilt, your caution will only allow the enemy to push further! Your Majesty, Eldenia has always been a threat to our kingdom. They have long coveted our lands, and this attack is the clearest evidence of their ambitions. We can't afford to delay any longer!"
Duke Horace Cohen sneered, surveying the room with a mocking tone: "What 'caution' and 'wisdom'? These are just weak excuses. Eldenia has always seen us as their greatest threat. If we don't strike back now, the enemy will only become bolder."
"Your Majesty, we do not have solid proof that Eldenia was the one who launched the attack. I am not questioning your judgment, but I believe that declaring war immediately will lead us into great risk. The conflict in the east is not just between us and Eldenia; it may provoke intervention from neighboring nations."
Horace paused for a moment, scanning the room before continuing: "The kingdom's finances and manpower are already stretched thin. If we can demand compensation or seek mediation through negotiation, wouldn't that be a better way to preserve the kingdom's interests?"
As soon as he finished speaking, Minister Herman Walford slammed his hand on the table angrily: "Minister Horace, your cowardice is disgusting! Eldenia's army has already set foot on our land and killed our loyal soldiers! Do you think negotiations will make them repent? This isn't just about war; this is about defending Strongson's honor, and it's the only choice we have!"
Leon remained coldly silent as the argument raged on. On the surface, he was calm, but his fingers lightly tapped on the armrest of his throne, clearly suppressing his anger. Suddenly, he rose, his voice booming like thunder: "Enough!"
Instantly, the room fell silent. Leon surveyed the hall, his voice low but filled with authority: "Eldenia's provocation is an insult to Strongson. Anyone who doubts this fact is simply defending traitors! This is my decision, and it is the will of this kingdom."
He paused for a moment, his gaze now fixed firmly on Horace. His tone grew colder: "If anyone continues to oppose this, they need not remain in this meeting. I don't need indecisive politicians."
Horace gritted his teeth, finally lowering his head in resignation, though his dissatisfaction and anger were clearly visible on his face.
Then, Count Vesson rose, speaking cautiously and rationally: "Ladies and gentlemen, whether we choose war or peace, we must face one crucial issue—our finances. War requires vast amounts of funds, for logistics, weapon procurement, and supply of provisions. I am willing to allocate funds from my territory to support the military action, but Your Majesty, do we need to seek broader financial support? For example, by taxing the merchant guilds or adjusting our foreign trade policies?"
Salina Crozer from the White Tower Group spoke softly, her tone gentle but firm: "The White Wolf Guild is willing to provide limited financial support for the war, but I also hope Your Majesty will consider this carefully. If this war drags on endlessly, it could have a devastating impact on our trade order."
Leon responded with a cold smile: "Miss Salina , the lifeblood of Strongson's trade is controlled by the king. If we win this war, it will bring more resources and territory to the kingdom. The merchant guilds will profit as well. Where is the loss?"
Marquis Lian Andosia, the lord of the eastern territories, stood up with a somber expression: "As the one responsible for the eastern border, I am deeply saddened and angered by this attack in my jurisdiction. I fully support Your Majesty's decision. Whether it is troop mobilization or logistical support, my territory will prioritize providing assistance."
However, a hidden coldness gleamed in Ryan's eyes. He knew that supporting Leon would not only protect his own territory but also give him an opportunity to expand his influence and strengthen his position in the east.
Marquis Melis from the south lazily spoke, his tone indifferent: "War has always been a concern for the northern and eastern lords. As for us in the south, we can only wish Your Majesty success. However, I believe war should be measured. Acting hastily could push the kingdom into even greater difficulty."
Leon's sharp gaze swept over Melis, but he said nothing in response to the pointed remark. He merely smiled coldly.
When all had spoken, Leon slowly rose, his voice firm and filled with power: "Eldenia was once part of Strongson's domain, but now it has become a threat to our eastern border. They have not only betrayed Strongson but killed our soldiers—this is an open provocation to our kingdom!"
He turned to the peace faction representatives, his gaze harsh: "Minister Demilt, Marquis Trevor, you always speak of peace and reason, but the enemy has never ceased their invasion and provocations. If we do not act now, we will only allow them to push further."
Then, he looked around the room, his gaze burning: "War has always been costly, but it is also the necessary path to power and dignity. Eldenia's provocation must be answered with blood and iron! I have decided to immediately strengthen the eastern border defenses and begin recruiting more troops from the nobles. The war horn will soon sound, and the flag of Strongson will be planted on Eldenia's walls!"
The council hall fell into silence, then erupted in applause and murmurs. While some nobles still harbored doubts, Leon's resolute attitude had set the tone. This military council officially marked the beginning of Strongson's war against Eldenia.