Chapter 690: Acting
“My plan?” Laphia pondered for a moment. “Are you absolutely certain about the accuracy of this situation?”
“Of course, Lainekel is the best proof. He was captured by the dreadlord Balzarna during the God War’s final stages and underwent inhuman modifications,” Ji Chen explained.
“On our way to the Silvermoon Holy City, we were also attacked by demon-influenced evil orcs. Combined with the unusual absence of divine oracles from the Orderly Gods, I have every reason to believe that demons are poised to invade once more.”
However, Laphia sighed. “I believe you, but… the Council and the Elder Temple won’t be so easily convinced.
So much time has passed, and most races have completely forgotten the great war that happened hundreds of thousands of years ago, let alone seen demons… Even though Lainekel is now a half-demon, half-human being, who would believe that?”
“As for the attacks on the way… they would probably think it’s just a group of evil orcs going mad due to the elves’ long-term oppression. At most, they might send some troops to exterminate a few evil orc tribes as retaliation.
To mobilize an army capable of defending against a demon invasion, we need to convince the Council and the Elder Temple in a more impactful way. Otherwise, they won’t risk depleting massive military resources to move troops from all over. At best, I can only mobilize the Royal Guard.”
Ji Chen paused, understanding the implications.
The Elven Empire was vast, with most territories managed by noble elves and lords who oversaw their own lands and armies.
While Laphia was revered by the elves, it would be challenging to command these noble elves and lords to deploy their forces for a war whose authenticity was unclear.
Mobilizing an army required significant funds, especially for an army of millions. Despite being the supreme empress, Laphia had to consider their interests.
It all boiled down to the lack of concrete evidence in front of the world, making it difficult for those noble elves and lords to grasp the seriousness of the situation.
Ji Chen felt a headache coming on but suddenly had a brilliant idea.
In a deep voice, he said, “If we could present undeniable evidence that would convince them, would they then believe in the demon invasion and prepare for war?”
Laphia nodded thoughtfully. “Of course.”
“Alright. I can settle this then.”
Laphia glanced at Ji Chen, who appeared somewhat self-assured, with a subtle narrowing of her own eyes. “Do you have a strategy in mind?”
Ji Chen nodded with a smile but didn’t answer immediately. “Your Majesty, has there been any recent events in the Silvermoon Holy City that could gather a large number of elven nobles and lords?”
Laphia interlocked her fingers and pondered for a moment.
“Let me think… There is a grand banquet scheduled in three days, where most of the elven nobles and lords of the Silvermoon Holy City will attend. It includes not only the local lords but also the commanders of elite armies.
If you wish to reveal this matter during the banquet, it can be done, but the problem remains – how to make them believe.”
Ji Chen smiled faintly. “Your Majesty, actions speak louder than words. Only when they witness a demon attack firsthand, will it have the most profound impact.”
“However, this plan requires your approval and support.”
Laphia chuckled lightly, crossing her legs under the table, her well-defined ankles peeking out from her gown. Although she was seated on a regular stone bench, her imposing presence made it seem like she was sitting on a throne atop a high platform.
“Please go on; I’m interested to hear your ingenious ideas.”
Ji Chen snapped his fingers. “It’s quite simple, Your Majesty. Since your nobles and lords don’t believe in demon invasions, let them face a demon attack head-on during the upcoming banquet.”
A glint of interest flickered in Laphia’s eyes. “Are you suggesting that Sir Lainekel, who is half-demon and half-human, should put on a show?”
“Your Majesty is indeed astute and quickly grasped my idea.”
Lainekel had been listening silently, but when the topic turned to him, he couldn’t help but be taken aback.
“So, you mean to say, I should unleash a bloodbath at the banquet in three days, using bloodshed and death to serve as a warning? But wouldn’t that be too extreme…”
Did he want to start something this big?
Though he had been transformed into his current appearance, he still had the heart of a human. He couldn’t bring himself to harm innocent elves just for the sake of a warning. Such a thing was beyond his capacity.
Ji Chen rolled her eyes. “Who said you actually have to kill anyone? My point is to scare them.”
Lainekel suddenly realized.
Laphia nodded. “That’s one way to go about it. However, if there are no casualties, it may not have a significant impact. Ideally, we should have a few inconsequential deaths, along with some older immortals who possess ample resources. This approach would help us consolidate our resources without drawing too much attention due to excessive casualties.”
Hearing this, Ji Chen and Lainekel looked at Laphia in awe.
Wow, we were Just thinking of scaring them a bit, but you’re already considering how many casualties would be appropriate.
Are elves really this ruthless towards their own kind?
“If Your Majesty finds this feasible, we should start planning the details.” Ji Chen cleared his throat, temporarily interrupting Laphia’s musings, and took out some demonic pearls from his backpack. “These demonic pearls were collected from the semi-closed mystic realm and can be used to enhance the effect..”