Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong Chapter 2592: 1428: Listening and Decision-Making (Part 2)

Upon hearing these words, Leo Ray gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

The Rainforest Fortress Alliance, as mentioned by Hanel Tree, is one of the coalition forces currently bolstering their numbers along our borders. Their reach primarily extends to the territories governed by the Dragonborn and the Flower Fairies.

The incident at the Forest Fortress occurred right on the boundary line between our lands and theirs, making the Rainforest Fortress Alliance the primary suspect in this matter.

“The Troll Clan Chief makes a valid point; it aligns with our own perspective.”

Nal nodded solemnly, a flicker of indignation crossing the dragon’s features: “At the site where Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince vanished, we discovered nothing but fresh centaur footprints!”

“As members of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, the centaurs possess significant strength, enough to rival the Flower Fairies. With the backing of other powerful members within their alliance, executing such a plan would be well within their capabilities.”

Fanny’s brow remained furrowed as she looked at Melody Lyon, continuing: “However, as Hanel Tree pointed out, this operation was extremely calculated. If the Forest Fortress Alliance were truly the culprits, why would they leave such blatant evidence behind?”

“That does indeed seem to contradict logic.”

Broy stroked his chin, his expression equally tense as he remarked: “Could the Desert Alliance be the true aggressors? Perhaps they planted those footprints specifically to cast blame upon the Rainforest Fortress Alliance?”

Leo Ray remained silent, listening intently to the exchange without rushing to give his own conclusion.

The Desert Alliance mentioned by Broy is another neighboring power, much like the Rainforest Fortress Alliance. They share borders with the Trolls and Minotaurs and represent the second force currently mobilizing troops near the frontier.

“That theory holds weight and matches the current circumstances.”

A faint, approving smile touched Shuert’s weathered face as he voiced his agreement: “I am also inclined to believe the Desert Alliance is behind the attack.”

“But returning to the core issue, regardless of whether it was the Forest Fortress Alliance or the Desert Alliance, what is their motive for kidnapping the Dragonborn Queen and the Winged Prince?”

Bruno was clearly still struggling to grasp the full picture, a look of pure bewilderment on his bovine face.

“The reasoning is quite straightforward; it is an attempt to spark a conflict between us and one of their rivals.”

Leo Ray finally spoke up, his voice calm as he explained: “If we were to engage in a total war with one of these alliances, the other would naturally reap the rewards. This is the foundation of Broy’s theory.”

“The Human Sovereign is correct. For over a millennium, the Forest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance have been bitter rivals. Their constant skirmishes are common knowledge,” Hanel Tree noted with a heavy nod. “Thus, the motive becomes clear.”

“I see it now. So, Nal, the General, and the Troll Clan Chief suspect the Forest Fortress Alliance because those footprints might have been left on purpose—a bit of reverse psychology to make us suspect the Desert Alliance instead?”

Bruno nodded as the realization hit him: “It appears both the Forest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance have sufficient reason to act!”

“Then who is the true puppet master in this shadow play?”

Ariel Watson had also pieced the situation together, her brow knitting in concern.

“The definitive answer still eludes us.”

Leo Ray took charge of the conversation, first addressing the visible distress of Nal and the Dragonborn officers: “Since the objective wasn't simply to kill Dana and Davis, and given the lack of struggle or remains at the scene, it is highly probable they are still alive. That is the only certainty we have for now.”

Following Leo Ray’s reassurance, Nal and his companions nodded, the tension on their draconic faces easing slightly.

“Nevertheless, we must locate them urgently and ensure the mastermind pays a price beyond their imagination.”

Leo Ray’s expression was resolute as he continued.

In truth, Leo Ray was painfully aware that it wasn't just Dana and Davis who were missing; a squad of Imperial Guards had disappeared with them. Even if the leaders were spared, the guards likely met a grim fate.

His words to Nal were intended more as a source of comfort than a complete assessment of the facts.

Furthermore, another detail weighed on his mind.

The fact that both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance are mobilizing troops simultaneously is highly irregular. Even if one side wanted to provoke a war, there would be no reason for both to increase their military presence at the exact same moment without a specific catalyst.

Finding the reason behind this synchronized movement is the key to unmasking the culprit.

“Human Sovereign, what is our next course of action?” Nal asked, his voice still tinged with impatience.

“Since someone has targeted our people in an attempt to manipulate us, we will not remain passive. We must make our position clear.”

Leo Ray stood up abruptly, his voice commanding: “Order all armies to mobilize immediately. Utilize Ice Stone City for transport and deploy them to the primary boundary zones in full battle readiness. Once the mastermind is identified, they will face our full wrath.”

He then paused, shifting his tone slightly: “However, we must avoid walking into a trap. We will not cross into their territories prematurely. But should anyone attempt to invade or seize our lands, we shall fight to the last breath. There will be no retreat.”

“By your command, Human Sovereign!”

The room responded with a unified salute.

Seeing the morale of his subordinates, Leo Ray produced a tactical sand table and began organizing the troop movements.

The Dragonborn, Flower Fairies, Trolls, and Minotaurs already stationed at the borders were to consolidate at their respective fortresses. The Dwarven Elves, Wood Fairies, and Treants in the rear were ordered to move to the front-line defenses, while the Human Clan remained in Ice Stone City as a flexible reserve force.

At present, while the Tier 4 Human Legions were still undergoing their transition, and the Tier 3 soldiers required time to break through to Tier 4, the number of Tier 3 units had reached fifty. This made them a formidable match for any force in the Outer Region.

Once the orders were finalized, Shuert saluted once more, asking: “Human Sovereign, how do we intend to uncover the mastermind?”

The others looked on with similar confusion, their eyes fixed on Leo Ray.

Given the long-standing animosity and the heavy fortifications of both alliances, conducting an investigation within their borders was nearly impossible. Even high-ranking members of rival powers would find it difficult to bypass such security.

Fanny, Hanel Tree, and Bruno—those with the most experience regarding the neighboring territories—all wore looks of helplessness.

They had very little diplomatic contact with these alliances; in fact, the more powerful coalitions generally viewed them with disdain.

“The solution is simple: we will negotiate directly with the leaders of both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance. By bringing both parties to the table, the mastermind will inevitably slip up.”

Leo Ray offered a calm, confident smile.

“But Lord, we have no ties to them. Their leaders won't just agree to a meeting. If they were open to talk, they wouldn't be massing troops. Besides, they hate each other; getting them into the same room is impossible,” Ariel Watson pointed out, her face clouded with doubt.

The rest of the group shared her skepticism; the task seemed insurmountable.

“A wise man always has a plan.”

Faced with their bewildered stares, Leo Ray remained unfazed, a mysterious smile playing on his lips.