A Royal Obligation
Chapter 182: Caution Only Stifles Progress

Chapter 182: Caution Only Stifles Progress

The grand hall of Mbuzuoria’s council chamber was thick with tension. The high, vaulted ceilings did little to contain the arguments reverberating off the walls. King Thaddeus sat at the head of the table, his fingers drumming against the polished wood as he watched his advisors and generals argue over the best course of action to exploit the recent chaos in Zephyros and Valeidio. Despite the differing opinions in the room, Thaddeus’s mind was set, this was their chance to strike.

Caledon, the king’s most trusted advisor, sat by his side, his face unreadable as he listened to the ongoing debate. The council chamber was filled with advisors, each of them a powerful voice in Mbuzuoria, each pulling Thaddeus’s attention in a different direction.

One of the elder advisors, Oatrun, rose, his voice carrying a tone of caution.

"Your Majesty, we must tread carefully. The kingdoms of Zephyros and Valeidio are mighty together, even distracted as they are. A misstep could backfire on us. We do not know how long Prince Eirik’s disappearance will keep them occupied."

King Thaddeus’s eyes narrowed at Oatrun, his fingers pausing in their rhythmic drumming. He was tired of this man’s cautious approach, this was not the first time Oatrun had advocated restraint when Thaddeus wanted action.

"Caution?" Thaddeus’s voice echoed through the hall, sharp as a blade. "How many years have we waited, watching as Zephyros grow stronger and Valeidio prosperous? How long should we keep silent while they wield power over these realm?" His gaze swept across the room, daring anyone to contradict him.

Another advisor, younger and bolder, named Varek, stood and pounded his fist on the table. "Your Majesty, we agree! We should strike now, while they are weakened and distracted. Prince Eirik’s disappearance is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for. With both kingdoms scrambling to find him, their armies are divided, their defenses scattered. We might never such an opportunity again."

Oatrun glared at Varek, his face tightening as he returned fire. "Do not underestimate their resilience, Varek. They may be distracted, but they are not fools. If they realize we’re the ones pushing them further into turmoil, they could unite against us. Do you want Mbuzuoria to face the wrath of two kingdoms?"

"They’ll unite against us no matter what, Oatrun," Caledon said, his voice cutting through the noise, measured and deliberate. "But if we strike swiftly and strategically, we can prevent them from ever mounting a counterattack. This is a rare alignment of events. We would be foolish not to use it."

Oatrun turned his wary gaze toward Caledon, clearly frustrated by the man’s influence over the king. "And what of the risks, Caledon? Are we prepared to handle a war on two fronts if they retaliate? Mbuzuoria has resources, but sustaining a prolonged conflict with two kingdoms..."

Varek interrupted with a scoff. "Always fretting over risks, Oatrun! Where’s your vision? We have Prince Carl, who is more than capable of managing any resistance. His recent actions already suggest he’s taken steps to weaken Valeidio. Or have you forgotten his promise to destabilize them within three months?"

Thaddeus’s eyes lit up at the mention of his son, a flash of pride cutting through the frustration on his face. "Precisely, Varek. Prince Carl knows these kingdoms as well as any of us. His efforts will serve us well. Caledon, tell them what you propose."

Caledon leaned forward, his fingers tapping lightly on the table as he spoke, his tone low and persuasive. "If we act decisively, targeting critical areas, military outposts, resource routes, perhaps even a few influential families within their courts, we could break their internal structure. By creating internal strife, we ensure they remain too busy managing their own lands to worry about ours."

Oatrun looked visibly uneasy, but several council members nodded, intrigued by the simplicity and effectiveness of Caledon’s plan.

"Targeting families?" Oatrun raised his voice, incredulous. "Do you mean to bring war to their homes? This... this could provoke them beyond just retaliation. We are talking about innocent lives, Caledon. Besides how sure are we prince Carl was responsible for what’s happening to Zephyros and Valeidio? This is..."

Thaddeus’s patience snapped. "Enough,Oatrun!" He slammed his fist down, making the room fall silent. "We are not here to coddle our enemies or worry over the delicate lives of those who’ve done nothing for us. Zephyros and Valeidio have never hesitated to press their advantage over us when it suited them. This is our moment, and we will not waste it."

The silence that followed was thick with tension. Oatrun, jaw tight, slowly sank back into his seat, though the fire of disapproval lingered in his eyes.

Caledon spoke again, softer this time, as if guiding the room toward unity. "I understand the concerns. This is no light decision. But consider the outcome, a united Mbuzuoria, unrivaled and unchallenged across these lands. We can offer stability to our people, security, and prosperity. For too long, our borders have been threatened by their alliances. This is our chance to change that."

A murmur of agreement spread around the table, though Marcellus remained silent, his expression dark.

Another general, Aldrik, raised his voice, his tone practical. "What of intelligence? We need solid information on their movements if we’re to execute this plan. I suggest we send a few scouts to observe the borders of Zephyros and Valeidio, see how thinly their forces are spread in their search for Eirik."

Varek leaned forward, nodding eagerly. "Agreed. And while the scouts gather information, we can begin staging forces at our own borders. That way, we’ll be ready to strike as soon as we have confirmation of their weakened defenses."

The meeting intensified, each suggestion building off the last, forming a complex tapestry of strategies and counterstrategies. The council was a boiling pot of ambition and calculation, with King Thaddeus’s cold gaze watching over them all.

Finally, Thaddeus raised a hand, silencing the room. "It is decided, then. We will prepare, quietly and quickly, so as not to alert our enemies. But know this, when the moment comes, we strike hard and without mercy. These kingdoms will not know what hit them."

A ripple of approval moved through the council, a mix of admiration and fear reflected in the eyes of those seated around the table. Thaddeus sat back, satisfied, as the council members bowed and began to file out, one by one. Only Caledon remained, lingering by his side, an enigmatic smile on his face.

Once the last of the council had departed, Thaddeus let out a sigh, rubbing his temples. "I’m tired of Oatrun’s endless concerns," he muttered.

Caledon smirked slightly, leaning back in his chair. "Oatrun sees the world through a cautious lens. It’s not entirely unwise, but in times like these, caution only stifles progress."

Before Thaddeus could respond, the doors opened, and a guard hurried in, bowing low.

"Your Majesty, Prince Carl has returned."

Thaddeus’s expression shifted, an expectant gleam in his eyes. "Send him in at once."

The guard nodded, backing out of the room to deliver the message.

As the door clicked shut, Thaddeus exchanged a look with Caledon, a sense of anticipation heavy in the air.

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