After a moment of deliberation, Councilor Witte performed a mental calculation based on his recent investigation into Chernobog. He estimated the number of individuals that needed to be "dealt with" in the city and provided a rough timeframe.
He knew that naturally, the more time they had, the better it would be for the government. However, he also knew that if he asked for five or six years, the group opposite him would never agree. Because of the nature of Oripathy, "Infected" was essentially a synonym for a short life. Asking them to wait in the tundra for five years was something even Witte himself wouldn't accept if he were in their shoes.
Two years was the "sweet spot." It gave the government enough time to root out the secrets of the nobility from the city, and it wasn't so long that the Infected would lose hope and give up.
"Then how about two years? Even if we haven't finished processing everything by then, I will issue the order to deliver Chernobog into your hands. His Holiness the Pope can serve as a witness to this matter."
Finally, the Emperor made the decision: within two years, they would dig out everything the War Faction nobles were trying to hide in the dark corners of the city. Once that was done, the city would belong to Reunion.
"Two years... we can accept that. We hope your operations go smoothly and can be completed on time."
Talulah was satisfied with this result. Two years was enough time for her to grow and expand her forces. Since the timeframe was within her acceptable range, she agreed.
Having finished her piece, Talulah directly handed the important documents she had been carrying with her to Councilor Witte. However, she remained cautious; she had already made copies. She kept the backups mainly out of concern that the originals might be damaged in transit.
Looking at the papers in Witte's hands, Talulah's heart was filled with a mix of emotions. She hadn't expected that today, a mere few pages of paper could trade for an entire city. It felt almost too simple. If Jeanne hadn't discovered them tucked away in a corner back then, they likely would have turned to ash in that fire. How could they have survived until today?
But Talulah also understood that her ability to trade for Chernobog wasn't just due to the intelligence on those papers. It was also because the Emperor was giving face to Jeanne and because of Kashchey's behind-the-scenes maneuvering. Otherwise, she never would have succeeded.
Councilor Witte took the documents and began to examine the records within. The more he read, the colder his body felt, and he even began to experience bouts of dizziness. The contents recorded here were far too shocking! At last, Councilor Witte understood one thing: where exactly the War Faction got the money for their daily, bottomless extravagance.
This money was all gained through the illegal resale of Ursus military supplies! This didn't just include things like rations and crossbow bolts—there were even records of the secret sale of national-level strategic resources!
According to his deduction, the Fourth Army alone had committed embezzlement on a scale capable of hollowing out an entire city. And this didn't even include the corruption within the Third Army under their control or the Fifth Army, which was currently being infiltrated.
He finally understood why the city Talulah mentioned had been sunk into a lake. It was highly likely that the city had already been stripped bare, and sinking it was a way to ensure "dead men tell no tales."
"How is it, Witte? Is there something wrong with the records that has caused you to look so closely for so long?"
On the other end of the communicator, Fyodor sensed something was wrong. Councilor Witte, who had received the intelligence, hadn't spoken for a while. Because Fyodor couldn't see the scene, he found Witte's behavior quite strange.
"It is nothing... I just saw a few things inside. My deepest apologies; I lost my composure for a moment. This intelligence is indeed authentic—and extremely vital!"
Coming back to his senses, Witte hurriedly explained his lapse in etiquette to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings. The last few words were spoken with his back teeth clenched, as if he were using every ounce of his strength to force them out.
He was truly enraged to the point of exploding. No matter how much he used his imagination to think the worst of those nobles, he never expected they could be so lawless. It could only be said that sometimes, reality surpasses human imagination. Even Witte, who had seen many corrupt officials brought to justice, had his worldview refreshed today.
"I see. Witte, you should try to maintain a calm state; we still need your participation for the following matters. If your condition is poor, our communication will become difficult."
Fyodor lightly brushed aside Witte's loss of composure. Clearly, he didn't intend to hold it against him—or perhaps, he didn't want to dwell on just how serious that lapse was. In a normal meeting, Witte's behavior would have been a blow to Ursus's prestige, a severe mistake even in a secret conference. However, under these circumstances, the more "rude" his reaction was, the more it signaled just how grave the hidden issues were. It was clearly a massive case that would shock even the Emperor!
Fyodor struggled to calm his surging heart. He had to tell himself repeatedly that there were outsiders present and he could not lose face for Ursus. Honestly, if he weren't still on the line with Talulah and the others, he would have smashed everything in his room to vent the pressure weighing on his chest.
Sometimes, he secretly wondered: was he too merciful? He simply wanted to stop this chariot that was madly driving toward self-destruction. He wanted to be an Emperor different from his father, but why was it so hard? Was he truly too kind? Did he really need to use the same "thunderous" methods as his father to make the nobles fear him so they would finally listen?
The room fell into a heavy silence as Fyodor stroked his furrowed brow, lost in thought. He had always believed he was doing at least a "passing" job as an Emperor. But now, Talulah's words and the intelligence told him one thing: his years as Emperor had been for nothing!
"Then, the matters concerning Chernobog are concluded for the moment. Next, our side has a few items we wish to cooperate on with Reunion. Furthermore, there are some 'business' matters I wish to discuss with Lady Jeanne."
As Fyodor spoke, a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. Regarding the Chernobog affair, he had already made the necessary mental preparations when Kashchey first proposed it. But next, he needed Reunion to act as a target, drawing those with ulterior motives out into the open. This would undoubtedly be dangerous—he didn't know if they would agree.