A day prior, Watson territory.

Within the grandeur of the castle, Cedric of Watson, warmly welcomed the members of the Tower of Babel. Despite their faces being mostly grim, he still endeavored to enliven the atmosphere.

“The inventions of the Tower of Babel, I have used quite a few. I must say, you all indeed possess extraordinary cognition and insights in the transcendental realm, especially in the application of basic ether… It has broadened so many levels and aspects, I believe many of them are capable of bringing about change—”

“Count,” Ravenna interrupted him, “how many extraordinary beings can you bring to this war?”

“Those who can truly make a difference in this war, probably over two hundred.”

Seeing that the other party had no intention of showing gratitude, Cedric could only respond with a bitter smile, “Including mercenaries, these are all the extraordinary beings I can muster.”

“To be honest, all extraordinary beings of Watson territory, and I, have never experienced such, such… incomprehensible events.”

War, this term is too distant for the people of the empire.

Even if order collapses and chaos is everywhere, rarely can a struggle within the empire be described as a “war.”

Extraordinary beings naturally cannot understand, they are confused about what they should do in this war.

What they can do… well, probably only pure slaughter remains.

“The only good news is,” the Count of Watson sighed softly, “the Count of Spirity Lake is willing to decide the outcome with a direct confrontation, this… absurd war, should not threaten my people.”

“…What?”

As the other members of the Tower of Babel showed joy, only Ravenna frowned slightly, questioning, “Are you sure he said that?”

Cedric was also puzzled by Ravenna’s attitude, after a moment of hesitation, he nodded subconsciously, “Yes, this is the agreement reached between the Count of Spirity Lake and me. We both decide the outcome with a direct confrontation, not letting the flames of war spread to the entire territory, harming the innocent citizens of each other.”

Ravenna suddenly stood up, her gaze and tone icy cold, “You agreed to him, when?”

The Count of Watson looked at Ravenna’s expression, his expression also began to change, “What’s wrong, Miss Ziegler, is there a problem?”

“Do you know what the Etheric Academy gave them?”

Cedric gave a bitter smile, “You overestimate me.”

Ravenna turned to Hendrik who came with her, “Didn’t anyone inform him about the mechanical armor?”

Hendrik remained silent.

When everyone had already defaulted to a certain defeat, a group of scholars, who would have the mood to care about other things that could influence the situation?

“…”

Ravenna closed her eyes, took a deep breath, stared into Cedric’s eyes, and said word by word, “You’ve been tricked, Count.”

“…What?”

“The Black Knight, the weapon that the Etheric Academy provided to Spirity Lake territory, is most effective on the front lines. Its armor, its armament, are all designed to bring destruction to the front.”

“…And Nidhoggur is least suited for direct combat. Time is pressing, we haven’t been able to discover more of its functions, it is too fragile now, even the aftermath of the battle can destroy it.”

She leaned on the table, looking at the Count of Watson whose expression was extremely solemn, “This is, the worst-case scenario.”

“But at least…” Hendrik couldn’t help but speak, “At least normal people won’t suffer disaster, right, Count—”

“No.”

The Count of Watson, who was just lamenting that his subjects were spared, looked gloomy, “If we lose this war, then everything is meaningless.”

Ravenna glanced at the stiff-faced Hendrik, “He is much more rational than you, Hendrik.”

Why did this man show concern for his subjects from the start? Ravenna knew it all too well.

Because he didn’t care about his subjects, he just didn’t want to inherit two devastated territories after his victory.

The Count of Watson, who didn’t know what help the Etheric Academy could provide to Spirity Lake territory, and didn’t know that this war was completely unfair from the start, once thought he had a chance of winning.

Because no one would think that the empress would be so malicious as to provoke a one-sided, crushing war.

So, the Count of Watson, who thought he had a chance of winning, agreed to the other party’s request, to some extent preserving his own interests.

But when this possibility plummeted, he had to make a choice, and start to abandon.

And obviously, the Count of Watson is the kind of person who can abandon his original interests for victory. As he himself said, if he loses, there is no meaning at all.

In the end, it’s just a choice of values. Ravenna thought to herself.

“Miss Ziegler,” the young count no longer feigned any semblance of cordiality, his countenance darkened, “Is there a remedy?”

“None, even a volte-face won’t work,” Ravenna replied impassively, “If you choose to evade, you’ve already lost in the eyes of the empress, because that would be ‘unseemly’.”

This icy ‘unseemly’ sent a chill down the spine of the Count of Watson.

“Moreover, not just the empress, the Elder Princess won’t let you off either, she won’t accept… never mind, you probably don’t understand the situation, it’s pointless to explain.”

“Damn it!”

The young man slammed his fist on the table, cursing, “Ferdinand, this hypocritical rat! Using the so-called citizens as a cover… damn scoundrel!”

Hendrik and the other members from the Tower of Babel had become numb to this, while Ravenna remained indifferent, quietly waiting for Watson to vent his anger.

Fortunately, this young lord, highly praised by Ansel, quickly regained control of his emotions. He took a deep breath and sincerely said to Ravenna, “Miss Ziegler… I believe you also absolutely do not wish for the Tower of Babel to fail. Whatever your requirements, I will do my utmost to cooperate!”

“…”

Ravenna slightly lowered her head, the lenses of her grey-framed glasses reflecting streaks of light. After a brief silence, she raised her head and said to Watson, “The best solution I can currently come up with requires a considerable sacrifice on your part.”

“There is no war without sacrifice,” Watson replied without hesitation, “Just tell me what I need to do.”

“Very well,” Ravenna didn’t say anything more, “Tomorrow, follow my arrangements. Our chances of victory are not entirely nonexistent.”

She was pleased that her current collaborator was a person who knew how to make choices.

If he was still indecisive at this juncture, unable to make a decision, then Ravenna would have to admit defeat.

But since the other party had no hesitation in making sacrifices, then… the current disadvantage might not be irreversible.

She could not lose, and she would not lose.

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