The betrayal of the Dragon Kingdom had already been discussed in the last meeting, specifically the issue of the Dragon Kingdom allying with the Magic Kingdom. This inexplicable action by the Dragon Kingdom had not yielded a conclusion in that meeting, but now a definitive answer could be reached.
"At that time, we didn't realize Clementine was connected to the Magic Caster King, did we? No wonder the Dragon Kingdom allied with the Magic Kingdom. Perhaps, after learning that his missing daughter had appeared in the Dragon Kingdom, he rushed there and conveniently brought the Dragon Kingdom under his control?" Ion said.
"Very likely. On the surface, it's an alliance, but in reality, it's direct domination, isn't it? He's sent so many Undead there. Perhaps the Dragon Kingdom will end up like E-Rantel and become a dead city? It's truly a shame for the Black Scale Dragon Lord." Maximilian snickered.
After all, the Dragon Kingdom was considered a country that treated demi-humans well. If they weren't used as the first line of defense against beastmen, the Theocracy would have taken them down themselves, even without the Magic Caster King's intervention.
"What's there to pity about that useless person who can't even use primal magic? They brought it upon themselves. The fall of the Dragon Kingdom was only a matter of time; we just didn't expect it to be so fast." Dominic said.
"But if the Dragon Kingdom falls into the Magic Kingdom's hands, isn't that very bad for us? Plus, if the Magic Caster King knows his daughter is in our hands… if this continues, we'll inevitably fall into the predicament of fighting on two fronts." The Marshal said with a frown.
At the mention of this, everyone's hostility instantly swelled, not because of the Magic Kingdom, but because of another country.
"Those filthy traitors aside for now, the immediate problem we need to consider is the present." Raymond quickly pulled the conversation back.
"The current situation is too passive for the Theocracy. The problem with the Magic Kingdom, the problem with Fei Fei, the problem with Clementine, the problem with the stolen Crown of Intellect, and the problem with Jaldabaoth… I just feel like something has been brought forward." Ion shook his head helplessly.
"So, what are everyone's opinions on Clementine's issue?" Raymond asked hesitantly. Before dealing with the Magic Kingdom's problem, Clementine's issue would greatly affect the relationship between the Theocracy and the Magic Kingdom.
"I think we should let her stay with that child? Although that child seems to be very hostile towards her." Dominic suggested.
Everyone knew that these two always fought when they were together. If they hadn't arrived in time last time, who knows what more serious things might have happened.
"No, I think we should be more proactive in exposing her to the public eye." Xi Neiding offered his suggestion.
Everyone's gaze focused on Shui Shenguan Zhang Xineding, the most learned, wisest, and oldest person at the meeting.
"After all, no one knows what happened to Clementine, right? We just picked up a poor girl who lost her memory on our country's border, and it just so happens that this girl is the Magic Caster King's daughter, isn't she? I don't think we need to be secretive." Xi Neiding said.
"I see, as expected of Lord Xi Neiding." Raymond seemed to understand Xi Neiding's meaning.
"This is indeed feasible. The Magic Caster King's attitude in dealing with the Dragon Kingdom was an alliance, which clearly shows that the Magic Caster King values his external image. Presumably, he wouldn't immediately do anything directly to the Theocracy, which has treated his daughter well, would he?" Benice also expressed agreement with this suggestion.
"That's only on the surface, isn't it! Although it's called an alliance, he still sent so many Undead to garrison the Dragon Kingdom! The Dragon Kingdom now is probably as silent as E-Rantel." The Marshal expressed opposition.
"No, the current situation of the Dragon Kingdom is still unknown, but E-Rantel's situation is quite surprising." Raymond said playfully.
"Surprising?" Everyone was drawn in by Raymond's words.
"Yes, according to current intelligence, E-Rantel is very peaceful, and there have been no massacres of living beings. The people of E-Rantel are living quite stably." Raymond said.
"W-What?" Maximilian adjusted his glasses, uttering a question filled with disbelief.
"According to the report, Death Knights are responsible for security work within E-Rantel, Undead mages are engaged in political work, Soul Eaters pull carriages to transport goods, and Undead work the fields." Raymond continued.
"This? This isn't a joke, is it? Or did the intelligence officers see things and mistake Undead for living people?" Ion also couldn't believe it at all.
"No, the original inhabitants of E-Rantel were indeed a bit chaotic at first, but now they are still living ordinary lives, so they must have accepted the situation." Raymond also gave a wry smile. When he received this intelligence, Raymond himself couldn't believe its authenticity.
"This is probably also the credit of Fei Fei and the Saintess. The people of E-Rantel rely heavily on these two." Xi Neiding said.
After receiving this surprising intelligence, everyone fell silent again, probably still unable to accept this reality.
"In that case, we can indeed make some moves regarding Clementine, that is, the Saintess." Ion said.
"So, the matter of Clementine is decided, right?" Raymond asked again.
This time, no one expressed anything. If the intelligence was true, it meant that the Theocracy could indeed make some moves regarding Clementine to ease relations with the Magic Kingdom. They still had another country to deal with, but there were still too many uncertainties.
After all, the Magic Caster King is an Undead, an Undead who dislikes living beings. If these were just superficial actions to deceive everyone, then it would be very difficult to say.
"Then… how about this: We will send personnel to contact the Dragon Kingdom soon and gather intelligence from there. As for Clementine, Dominic, you mentioned earlier that you have a plan to contact the Emperor of the Empire soon, right? Then let Clementine accompany you!" Raymond said.
"I understand gathering intelligence from the Dragon Kingdom, but why should she accompany you to the Empire?" Dominic expressed his confusion.
"It's simple. Earlier, we sent her to the Dragon Kingdom, and the Dragon Kingdom went to the Magic Kingdom on its own. So this time, I want to use the Empire, which is already an ally of the Magic Kingdom, as a test." Raymond said.
"A test? Test whom? The Magic Caster King?" Dominic looked bewildered, completely unaware of the purpose of doing this.
"Precisely. This is to test the Magic Caster King's attitude towards this matter." Raymond continued.
"Uh… alright! I'll inform you then." Dominic nodded in agreement with a complex expression.
"So, the matter of Clementine is decided, then. Let's return to the original topic, regarding the response to the Magic Kingdom…" Raymond said, then looked around at the somewhat bewildered expressions of the others, knowing that today's meeting would probably be difficult to continue. After all, today's intelligence had given everyone too much of a shock.
"It seems that until Clementine's issue is clear, and with our lack of intelligence, we can't do anything about the Magic Kingdom, can we? So let's stop here for today. How about we continue today's meeting agenda after the intelligence from the Dragon Kingdom and contact with the Empire are complete?" Raymond said.
"That's the only way!" Almost everyone present said the same thing, fatigued.
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