After the conclusion of the Strongson Kingdom's military council, Leon immediately ordered the war faction minister, Hermann, to draft a declaration of war. The declaration was sternly worded, accusing Eldenia of "openly provoking Strongson's sovereignty and brutally killing border soldiers" and announcing that the kingdom would take "decisive and strong measures" to defend its territorial integrity and national dignity.
A few days later, Leon delivered a public speech in the central square of the capital. The square was packed with thousands of citizens, while the royal guard, fully armed, stood around to maintain order and prevent any incidents that could be detrimental to the king.
Dressed in military uniform and wearing the royal emblem cloak, Leon stood atop a high platform, his gaze resolute, his voice loud and firm: "People of Strongson, I stand here with grief and anger to announce to you: our eastern border has suffered a shameful attack! Several loyal soldiers, who fell defending our land, spilled their blood on Strongson's soil, and the culprits are none other than the army of Eldenia! They dared to step into our borders, killing indiscriminately, leaving behind their military insignia, attempting to provoke our great kingdom!"
As Leon's tone grew more passionate, his fists clenched tightly: "Eldenia was once part of Strongson's territory, but their occupation and betrayal have not only torn apart our land, but have also tarnished our honor! Today, they have once again proven that they have never stopped harboring hostility and ambition against Strongson!"
He turned and surveyed the crowd below, his voice filled with power: "In the face of such provocation, we have only one choice: to fight! Fight until the last enemy is expelled, fight until our banner is raised once more on our own land! This is not just for revenge, but for our future, for Strongson's dignity and the future of our people!"
Finally, Leon spoke with a commanding tone: "From this day forward, any attempt to obstruct this war will be considered treason! Anyone who harbors ulterior motives and opposes the national policy will be treated as a traitor! Strongson must unite as one. Our enemies are not those who differ from us internally, but those who seek to infringe upon us!"
The square erupted into applause and cheers, and Leon's speech quickly became national political propaganda, spread by messengers and heralds to every city and village across the kingdom.
Leon's speech caused a huge stir across the nation. Nationalists and pro-war nobles fervently propagated Eldenia's "aggression," believing this was the perfect opportunity for revenge. They argued that Strongson should seize the chance to expand its territory and restore its former glory.
The ordinary citizens, influenced by the propaganda, also gradually came to believe this was a "just war." Many volunteered to join the military to "defend the homeland."
However, some nobles and scholars privately questioned the authenticity of the border attack. They felt the timing of the attack was too coincidental, and that Eldenia had no clear motive to start a war. They suspected that Leon was using the incident to expand his military power. Some merchants and craftsmen complained that the war might disrupt trade and the economic order, even leading to higher taxes. A few secret organizations and nobles who opposed Leon's rule attempted to spread discontent in secret, but under Leon's harsh suppression, these opposing voices struggled to gain any traction.
After the declaration of war, the streets of the capital were filled with noise. Crowds gathered around the bulletin boards to read the newly posted war declaration. An old blacksmith, dressed in a shabby cotton coat, looked up at the announcement, his brow furrowed: "Eldenia provoked us? But my son is still in the army. Now I have to send him to the battlefield."
Beside him, a grocer sneered: "Old John, do you really believe this announcement? I heard that things at the eastern outpost aren't as simple as they say. Maybe it was our own army that made a mess of things."
The blacksmith lowered his voice and scolded: "Be careful what you say. If anyone hears you, you'll be branded a traitor and thrown in jail."
The grocer sneered, muttering, "These nobles only think about war. People like us can barely make a living, and now we have to provide food for them. Do you really think that even if we win this war, we'll be any better off? We'll still be starving."
Nearby, a young soldier walked past, his uniform still ill-fitting, clearly freshly drafted. He overheard their conversation and couldn't help but interject: "I don't care what the truth is, but they killed our brothers, and we need to settle the score!"
The blacksmith patted the soldier on the shoulder and sighed: "Kid, I just hope you come back alive."