Wizard starting from shoeing donkeys Chapter 1475 - 507: Terrio’s Decision

"For the time being, let us set this concern aside. Our primary focus must be securing command over this Floating City as rapidly as possible," Vice Chairman Bertrand remarked, dismissing the topic with a wave of his hand after a brief moment of reflection.

"Based on its sheer magnitude, even if the Dragan Empire mobilized every resource at its disposal, constructing a Floating City as gargantuan as the ancient Goblin capital would take years, alongside a staggering commitment of gold and labor."

"Moreover, the Federation possesses technological depth and a number of engineers that far outstrip the Empire’s capabilities. This grants us a natural edge when it comes to integrating systems and seizing control of the Floating City."

"Should we manage to master the Floating City ahead of schedule, we will maintain a definitive advantage for a long time to come. What are your thoughts on this?"

"Very well then, though it is a shame," General Randall replied, offering a casual shrug.

"Your Excellency Vice Chairman, I concur with your assessment and propose that we initiate the exploration of the Floating City immediately."

"As it stands, the three-man team consisting of Lord Terrio, Lord Hernandez, and that young Lord Rein has only managed to scout down to the second basement level of the Floating City."

"While it was undeniably an unsuccessful mission, the treasures recovered were nonetheless breath-taking," remarked the pipe-smoking elder, Congressman Nelson.

"Congressman Nelson, I believe it is necessary to remind you of a detail you may have overlooked; the primary objective for Lord Terrio and the others at that time was the rescue of Lord Haleem, not exploration," Trena countered with a sharp edge to her voice.

"Quite right, Congressman Trena. My point is simply that I suspect the third and fourth basement levels of the Floating City Ruins hold even greater wonders for us."

"Perhaps the discoveries awaiting us there will significantly hasten the Federation’s efforts to control the Floating City. Do you not agree, Congressman Trena?"

Nelson offered a smile, appearing unbothered by Trena’s earlier interruption.

"On that specific point, I certainly agree," Trena nodded.

However, she was well aware that this old fox Nelson was weaving a grand narrative to mask some hidden agenda.

"In that case, I suggest the Military Department spearhead the initial scouting. The Federation boasts many powerful experts with military ties, and the Military Department is best positioned to coordinate them for the upcoming descent," Nelson said, smiling toward General Randall.

Trena realized at that moment that their goal was to curry favor with the military faction present.

"Lord Nelson, I thank you for the confidence you place in the Military Department! As luck would have it, Lord Alvin and Lord Garrett have just concluded their prior assignments and are perfectly suited for the Floating City exploration mission."

"Your Excellency Vice Chairman, would it be acceptable to have these two Lords join Lord Terrio in returning to the ruins? I believe we ought to gather more intelligence before the Federation assembles a larger force of elites," General Randall said, turning to Bertrand for approval.

The lips of the beautiful Congresswoman Trena twitched slightly. She felt the urge to protest, yet she had to admit Randall’s logic was sound. The data they possessed only reached the second basement, which was far too limited.

Intelligence gathering had to be prioritized before the Federation committed more high-level Cultivation experts to the ruins.

"Very well, General Randall. Please contact the two Lords. I shall move quickly to petition the council to mobilize as many powerful individuals as possible to explore the Floating City Ruins," Bertrand replied, glancing at Trena before agreeing to Randall’s plan.

"You are far too kind; I am merely doing my duty," Randall said, bowing slightly with a smirk.

Once the meeting adjourned, General Randall and Congressman Nelson exited the chamber one after the other.

While walking through the airship’s corridor.

"General Randall, I happen to have a thirty-year-old bottle of Carl Bordeaux on this vessel. Would you care to join me for a visit?" Nelson asked with a welcoming smile.

"Certainly, one does not simply pass up Lord Nelson’s fine vintage." Whether out of appreciation for Nelson’s support during the session or standard political courtesy, Randall could not decline.

Minutes later, they were inside Nelson’s opulent cabin.

Following some light conversation, Nelson swirled the red liquid in his glass and said, "General Randall, the truth is, I was in complete agreement with your initial proposal."

"I appreciate that, and I felt your support, Lord Nelson. However, since the Vice Chairman has opted to postpone the matter, there is little else to be done."

"Hehe, in reality, this task doesn't strictly require our intervention or even the military's. In fact, we don't even need the Zaral rebels to act directly. After all, permitting rebels to assassinate the Empire Delegation on Federation soil would be a stain that is difficult to justify."

Nelson spoke with a look of absolute self-assurance.

"Oh?" General Randall knit his brows, not immediately catching the implication of the statement.

"In Westin City, the Empire Delegation and the Federation once worked in perfect harmony to slay the 'Ice Sea Giant Demon' Gazrian. I have heard, however, that this event deeply offended the Sea God Sect, resulting in several days of relentless, suicidal raids along the Federation’s coast."

"That information is indeed correct," General Randall confirmed with a nod.

"Well then, what if the specific travel schedule and path of Lord Rein or the Empire Delegation were 'accidentally' leaked to the Sea God Sect by a mole within the Zaral rebel forces?"

"Then, naturally..." Randall finally grasped the hidden meaning behind Nelson's words and the scheme he was proposing.