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

After listening to the reports, Leo Ray gave a slight nod of acknowledgment.

The Rainforest Fortress Alliance, as described by Hanel Tree, was one of the coalition forces currently massing troops along their borders. Their influence primarily touched upon the territories controlled by the Dragonborn and the Flower Fairies.

Because the disturbance at the Forest Fortress occurred right on the boundary line shared with them, the Rainforest Fortress Alliance naturally became the primary suspect in this mystery.

“The Troll Clan Chief makes a valid point; his assessment aligns with our own,” Nal stated with a heavy nod. A flicker of indignation began to surface on the dragon’s features as he continued, “Near the location where Her Majesty the Queen and His Royal Highness the Prince vanished, we discovered nothing but fresh tracks belonging to centaurs!”

“As prominent members of the Rainforest Fortress Alliance, the centaurs possess significant strength, enough to rival the Flower Fairies. If they had the backing of other powerful factions within their alliance, executing such a disappearance would be a simple task.”

Fanny remained deep in thought, her brow furrowed as she looked toward Melody Lyon. “However,” she countered, “as Hanel Tree pointed out, this operation was meticulously planned. If the Forest Fortress Alliance were the true culprits, why would they leave behind such blatant evidence like footprints?”

“That does indeed seem to contradict logic,” Broy remarked, rubbing his chin as he mirrored her concerned expression. “Could the Desert Alliance be the actual perpetrators? Perhaps they left those obvious tracks specifically to cast blame upon the Rainforest Fortress Alliance?”

Leo Ray remained silent, absorbing every word of the discussion without rushing to provide his own conclusions.

The Desert Alliance mentioned by Broy was the other neighboring power, much like the Rainforest Fortress Alliance. They shared borders with the Trolls and Minotaurs and represented the second force currently mobilizing its military.

“That theory carries weight and matches the current circumstances,” Shuert remarked, a faint, approving smile touching his aged face. “I am also inclined to believe the Desert Alliance is behind this.”

“But to return to the core issue,” Bruno interrupted, his bovine face twisted in sheer confusion, “regardless of whether it was the Forest Fortress Alliance or the Desert Alliance, what reason would they have to kidnap the Dragonborn Queen and the Winged Prince?”

“The motive is quite transparent: they want to spark a conflict between us and their rivals,” Leo Ray finally spoke, his voice calm and measured. “If we enter a total war with one of these alliances, the other stands to gain everything. This supports the theory Broy proposed earlier.”

“The Human Sovereign is correct. The animosity between the Forest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance has spanned over a millennium, marked by constant friction. This is common knowledge,” Hanel Tree agreed with a firm nod. “The logic behind the act is self-evident.”

“I see it now. So, Nal, the General, and the Troll Clan Chief suspect the Forest Fortress Alliance because the footprints might be a double-bluff? They left them intentionally, using reverse psychology so we would suspect the Desert Alliance of framing them?” Bruno nodded as the realization hit him. “It appears both the Forest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance have clear motives for such a scheme!”

“Then who is the true puppet master in this shadow play?” Ariel Watson asked, her own brow knitting together as she grasped the complexity of the situation.

“That remains to be seen,” Leo Ray replied. He turned his attention to the visibly anxious Nal and the other Dragonborn officers. “Since their goal wasn't to kill Dana or Davis, and considering the lack of struggle or remains at the scene, we can assume they are currently safe. That is the only certainty we have for now.”

Hearing this, Nal and his companions nodded, the tension in their draconic features easing slightly at the reassurance.

“Regardless of the 'why,' we must locate them immediately and ensure the mastermind pays a price they cannot endure,” Leo Ray added, his eyes flashing with resolve.

In truth, Leo Ray was painfully aware that it wasn't just Dana and Davis who had vanished; a full squad of Imperial Guards was missing as well. While the masterminds might keep the high-profile figures alive, the soldiers likely met a much darker fate. His words were intended to offer comfort to Nal and the others.

Furthermore, another detail weighed heavily on his mind.

The fact that both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance were mobilizing simultaneously felt too calculated. Even if one side wanted to provoke a war, it was strange for both to move their armies at the exact same moment without a shared catalyst.

Identifying that catalyst was the key to unmasking the culprit.

“Your Majesty, what is our next course of action?” Nal asked, the urgency returning to his voice.

“Since someone has dared to strike at our people in an attempt to manipulate us, we will no longer remain passive. We must declare our position.”

Leo Ray stood up abruptly, his voice ringing with authority. “Every army is to mobilize immediately. Utilize Ice Stone City for transport and deploy to the primary border zones. Prepare for full-scale war. Once we identify the mastermind, their retribution will be absolute.”

He paused, his tone shifting slightly. “However, we must avoid walking blindly into their trap. Do not cross into their territories without provocation. But, should any of them attempt to invade or seize our land, you are to fight to the last breath. There will be no retreat.”

“We hear and obey, Your Majesty!” the gathered leaders shouted in unison, their spirits ignited.

Seeing their renewed resolve, Leo Ray produced a tactical sand table and began organizing the troop movements in detail.

The Dragonborn, Flower Fairies, Trolls, and Minotaurs—already stationed near the frontiers—would concentrate at their respective border fortresses. The Dwarves, Wood Fairies, and Treants would move up to support the front lines, while the Human Clan remained in Ice Stone City as a rapid-response force.

Though the Human Clan’s Tier 4 Legions were still in the process of training, and the Tier 3 soldiers were still working toward the Tier 4 threshold, the Tier 3 units now numbered fifty. This made them a formidable match for any force in the Outer Region.

Once the orders were finalized, Shuert saluted once more. “Your Majesty, how do we intend to uncover the true culprit?”

The room fell silent as everyone turned their gaze toward Leo Ray. The two alliances were veteran powers with sophisticated defenses and a long history of warfare. Infiltrating their lands or securing a meeting with their high-ranking officials was considered nearly impossible, even for other secondary powers.

Even those with occasional contact with the border regions, like Fanny, Hanel Tree, and Bruno, looked stumped. These alliances were arrogant and typically looked down on outsiders, making diplomatic channels almost non-existent.

“The solution is simple: we will negotiate with the leaders of both the Rainforest Fortress Alliance and the Desert Alliance directly. By forcing both parties to the same table, the mastermind will inevitably slip up,” Leo Ray explained with a confident smile.

“But Lord,” Ariel Watson interjected, her face clouded with doubt, “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 marching their armies toward us. Besides, they hate each other. Even if they met with us, they would never sit in the same room as their enemies. How can we possibly make this happen?”

The rest of the room murmured in agreement; the task seemed insurmountable.

“A wise man always has a plan,” Leo Ray replied calmly, a mysterious glint in his eyes as he looked at his bewildered subordinates.