Due to the news, Jack couldn't join the celebration in Magna Masat as planned. He went to meet Kabaka to let the grand chief know that he had to leave in the morning.
He also told Kabaka about Liguritudum and Aurebor's movements. Jack said that he planned to offer Hydrurond military assistance to repel the invasion. He asked whether Verremor could do the same.
Kabaka was not optimistic. The deal with Jack in exchange for the portal-closing stone was a defensive pact. Liguritudum and Aurebor were invading Hydrurond, not Themisphere. He believed most of the council members won't agree to send an army into a conflict that had nothing to do with their country. Not to mention, they were still rebuilding the army they lost during Verremor's past invasion into Themisphere.
Kabaka said that he would try proposing to the council about sending assistance, but he couldn't promise anything.
Jack couldn't blame the guy. He didn't push the topic further.
*
After resting one night at Urg Chomir, Jack used the town's zone portal and teleport back to Thereath.
He went to the throne room and saw John, Jeanny, Isabelle, Thaergood, and Armstrong near the war platform. A 3D map was displayed above the platform.
"Ah, his majesty has finally graced us with his presence," John said after seeing jack entering the room.
"You are using his majesty's title but why do I still feel that you are not respectful enough?" Thaergood asked.
"It is by design, good Thaergood. It is by design," John responded.
"What are we looking at here?" Jack looked at the map. It showed Hydrurond territory and a partial view of Liguritudum and Aurebor.
"We are still waiting for the intel on the number of the marching troops," John said. "But from the look of it, Liguritudum and Aurebor are sending their army through different paths. This means Hydrurond will need to face the invasion from two fronts."
"They have just started marching, haven't they? They have to go through these border regions between the countries. How long until they entered Hydrurond's territory?" Jack asked.
"Around one week," Isabelle answered. "Aurebor might arrive first, but the difference will only be one or two days."
"How do you want us to deal with this?" John asked.
"Do we have to do anything?" Armstrong asked. "I say we just let them fight and weaken each other."
"I agree," Thaergood uttered. "I don't think we should interfere in others' conflict. We are not in a good relationship with Hydrurond, anyway."
Jack didn't blame their suggestion for a pacifist response. They knew that Jack viewed Liguritudum as an enemy, but they never truly understood the reason. Jack didn't explain to them why it was important to stop Master.
"What do you think?" Jack turned to John.
"Although I think it will be great if we can join forces with Hydrurond to fight them, I don't think our aid is welcomed," John said. "Considering the situation. I agree with Armstrong. Let them weaken each other while we increase our military power. We will strike them once they are weakened."
Jack turned to Jeanny. "Are we aware of any guild in Hydrurond that is World Maker's subordinate?"
"Not to my knowledge," Jeanny answered. "World Maker has very few activities in that country. We have tried to poke around every country to understand their influence. Other than the World Ruler in Aurebor, they don't seem to have another direct branch."
Jack turned to Peniel. "If they didn't have someone of the draconian race to be put as the new sovereign. What happens if Master defeats Hydrurond's sovereign and destroys the throne? Will the entire Hydrurond territory be absorbed by Liguritudum?"
Peniel shook her head. "Hydrurond will become Liguritudum's vassal state. They can install someone to rule the country as its sovereign. This puppet monarch can be of any race, it doesn't have to be a draconian. A puppet monarch can operate the monarch system, but with many handicaps. Most of Hydrurond's gold and mana income will be greatly reduced, this is because part of the income is transferred to Liguritudum.
"Additionally, every settlement will have penalties to their stats. Coins needed to construct buildings, draft, and train troops will also increase. It will be difficult to develop the settlements and the army of a vassal state. Officers' loyalties will also hardly improve, no matter how much you send them payments and gifts. Many will likely quit their posts.
"In terms of military, Liguritudum will gain control of Hydrurond's army, whatever is left after the war. This conquered army will always be in low morale, though. Normally, the army of a vassal state is used as cannon fodders by the conquering country."
"I see," Jack muttered as he absorbed the information.
"In this case, they will surely be weakened after the war. I don't think they can take down Hydrurond without heavy losses," John said. "They might be planning to use the resources from Hydrurond to rebuild the army they lost during the invasion. After rebuilding, they will then add their army with the remaining troops from Hydrurond and go for the next country. From there, they will continue to repeat the same strategy.
"However, they will be at their weakest when the invasion ends. Liguriturm will need time to rebuild even with the extra income from Hyrdurond. That is when we should strike!"
Armstrong nodded. "I agree with the royal advisor."
Jack looked at everyone one by one. From their expressions, they all thought that John's plan was the best.
Jack thought so too, but he hated staying back and doing nothing while a known evil was bullying a weaker party.
"Sigh, I can see from your face that you aren't going to heed my counsel," John was also paying attention to Jack's expression.
"Armstrong, rally the army to the border closest to Hydrurond. Have them on standby so they can move at a moment's notice," Jack ordered. He then walked to the throne and said, "I'm going to send a message to Hydrurond's queen, offering her our military aid to repel Liguritudum and Aurebor."
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