In the Name of Empress-Chapter 408 - 288: What Are You Afraid Of? Just Do It!
Roland indeed has big moves.
With just one sentence, he made the Minister of Internal Affairs, who stayed overseas, break into a cold sweat.
After the welcome banquet, Roland kept Tony and Bordeaux, along with a few important subordinates, for a brief meeting.
As the meeting just began, Roland asked Tony a question that nearly suffocated him.
"Tony, do you want to rebuild the Val City State?"
Mr. Tony’s mind froze instantly, his brain went blank.
He didn’t rush to answer, but instead pondered Roland’s purpose for asking this.
Was it a test, or a judgment?
Such a dangerous topic meant he should bluff with pleasantries or even lies, but considering the person asking was Roland, he was a little indecisive.
Roland was not someone to be fooled, and the consequences of trying to do so were severe.
Everyone present held their breath; Bordeaux’s hands were even trembling.
Over the past year, Bordeaux and Tony had cooperated seamlessly, worked together harmoniously, and even seriously considered becoming in-laws.
If Tony fell, it wouldn’t be good for him either.
Roland’s words nearly made the others present think he was there with a secret task to deal with Tony.
But these people were political elites, calm and composed.
Speaking out without understanding the situation could easily lead to trouble.
Faced with Roland’s explosive question, everyone chose silence, except Bordeaux, who couldn’t avoid it.
Instead of waiting for Roland to take down Tony and then press him, it was better to take the initiative to explain for Tony.
"Lord Governor, Mr. Tony is surely a loyal servant. He couldn’t possibly keep anything hidden for long. If there were indeed actions detrimental to the nation, I would report them immediately upon knowing."
Roland looked at Bordeaux with a faint smile, half-mockingly: "Bordeaux, human hearts are unfathomable. Do you really understand him?"
This... Bordeaux was somewhat hesitant, it sounded like the Governor was giving him an out, he should sensibly step forward. However, a voice in his mind kept reminding him.
Governor Roland despised backstabbers the most.
If he could show a candid and loyal side of his character, it would definitely be a plus with the Governor.
Bordeaux pounded his chest forcefully and shouted loudly, "I can vouch for him!"
Roland didn’t expect that this seemingly unreliable guy, Bordeaux, was quite sincere.
He nodded, not speaking.
His silence indicated the matter wasn’t settled. Other officials also turned their eyes toward Tony.
As the person involved, Mr. Tony, you should speak up.
Tony remained silent for a few seconds before saying slowly, "Lord Governor, indeed many old and young from Val City State have approached me. They also recounted the tragic conditions under which Val City was ruled by other nations. As a former leader, I truly sympathize with them, but I know what is lost will never return."
"I help them with difficulties in life but firmly refuse their requests to restore the order of Val City."
Tony sighed softly, somewhat helplessly saying, "I ask for your understanding, Lord Governor."
He didn’t expect Roland to fully understand, but what needed to be explained should be explained.
Roland nodded, accepting Tony’s explanation, but he quickly raised a new question.
"Why not?"
The entire room was stunned.
Tony even thought he was experiencing a hearing hallucination.
Pinching his hand hard, the Tony who finally woke from the "this is a dream" haze, naturally understood what Roland was saying.
He could hardly believe it, but he still stared intently at Roland, his voice trembling.
But the glimmer of hope in his eyes quickly faded.
What are you thinking, Tony?
Though the Sussex Empire wasn’t the mastermind behind the initiative to carve up Val City, they certainly weren’t ambiguous during the division process.
To expect the Empire to give back what it swallowed was nearly impossible.
Although he felt it was impossible, Tony, still not giving up, softly asked, "Lord Governor, are you talking about rebuilding the Val City State?"
"Yes."
Roland didn’t equivocate, directly declaring the outcome. 𝒻𝘳ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝒷𝘯ℴ𝓋ℯ𝘭.𝑐ℴ𝑚
He looked at Tony with a smile, his tone unarguably firm.
"Empress Sofia led the division of the Val City State for her reasons, which I respect. But it’s all over; the occupying countries haven’t presented a reasonable development plan nor have they allowed Val People to live the life they deserve in a civilized nation."
"Since the division was a failure, let’s go back to the starting point."
Tony was shocked, then his eyes reddened.
This time he fully understood Roland’s intention, no guessing needed, it was made very clear.
He abruptly stood up, excited as a student who’s scored full marks in the final exam.
He also knew that Val City State couldn’t have the privilege of being perpetually neutral.
He understood more that Roland wanted to monopolize the interests of Val City State, but this was tantamount to declaring war on other nations, could it really be done?
Tony still couldn’t help but offer a reminder: "Lord Governor, forcibly reclaiming Val City State will offend all participating countries in one go, please reconsider."
"It’s not me who needs to reconsider, but them."
Roland calmly stated, raising his right hand to halt the debate, and composedly summarized the meeting.
"As long as they have any rationality left, they won’t get involved in our war with Sofia."
Tony scratched his head, quickly figuring it out.
Before the Sussex Empire and the Vladimir Empire decide victory, standing too early would drag the country into a quagmire.
The best approach is to let the Sussex and Vladimir Empires tear each other apart.
Since Roland had already set the tone, Tony no longer said anything, only tentatively asking:
"How do you plan to handle the upcoming diplomatic disputes?"
Roland raised the Golden Staff in his hand, his expression serene.
"I will write to them, expressing our nation’s determination to support the restoration of the Val City State, and the dire consequences of opposing our nation."
A mixture of hard and soft tactics, indeed a very rational approach.
Tony was still a bit hesitant, after thinking it over, he decided to remind Roland.
"Lord Governor, Miss Alina from the Jin Yuan Republic should support you, but otherwise, who would willingly give up the benefits they’ve eaten?"
Tony spoke bluntly, yet it was a reminder for Roland not to get carried away.
Roland, of course, wouldn’t heed the warning, but he decided to explain Tony’s comments.
"If they don’t accept, then it will be war."
His gaze swept across the room, exchanging glances with the civil and military officials.
Raising the Golden Staff again, Roland calmly announced, "Choosing war today means handling it by the rules of war. Ladies and gentlemen, I need you to fight for the Empire; whether you rise to the top or remain mediocre, you decide."
Roland’s words stirred anger among the conservatives.
What did Lord Governor mean? Daring to question the martial spirit of the four provinces.
Given the Governor had provided this great merit, how could they miss it?
Not just the Vladimir Empire and the few smaller countries like the Tirol Kingdom and Prudon Kingdom.
They were enemies, moreover, they were moving achievements.
This enormously challenging and lucrative opportunity allowed overseas officials to smell the scent of impending storms.
Bad news: they couldn’t remain uninvolved.
Good news: their backing was the world’s strongest country.
If that’s the case, what is there to fear? Onward!
