An Understated Dominance (Maria Vittori) novel Chapter 1824

Upon hearing Elijah’s words, Atticus and Ignatius were visibly taken aback, finding it difficult to accept.

“Impossible!” Ignatius immediately rejected the idea. “Our well-trained and well-equipped army of 100 thousand, surrendering? No way!”

“You’re absolutely right!” Atticus scoffed. He added, “Even if the Southern Four Sovereigns combined their forces, there’s no conceivable way they could defeat our hundred thousand troops overnight. You’re just trying to make us panic!”

The combined military might of the Southern Four Sovereigns hovered around two to three hundred thousand.

Even if they mobilized their entire force, swiftly overcoming their substantial force of 100 thousand proved to be a formidable challenge. After all, the defenders had strategically fortified their positions, providing considerable resilience even against odds multiple times their own.

Moreover, the Four Sovereigns couldn’t afford to deploy their entire military strength, as a portion had to be held in reserve to safeguard their cities from unforeseen threats. Given these circumstances, triumphing against their formidable army became an even more difficult task.

“A direct confrontation might not work, but if we shift our strategy, the scenario changes entirely,” Elijah said, his tone hinting at amusement.

He continued, “Consider your soldiers. They have loved ones, family, and friends. Imagine the reaction if their close ones learn about their rebellion.

“And suppose we bring the family and friends of those officers to persuade them in the military camps. What do you think the outcome might be?”

Elijah’s words left Atticus and Ignatius momentarily stunned, their bodies frozen in place. Beads of cold sweat formed on their foreheads.

Their initial covert siege on Celestria, though shrouded in a veil of loyalty, would inevitably be perceived as a rebellion by the general public.

“Oh, really? What inconsistency?” Elijah asked with a smile.

“If the Southern Four Sovereigns really joined forces and your colossal army is advancing, and you’ve persuaded our hundred thousand troops. Then, where are the people?” Ignatius sneered.

He continued, emphasizing the lack of evidence. “You’ve said so much, yet we only see you here. Where are the other three sovereigns? Where are your thousands of troops? Are they hiding, or do they simply not exist? Everything you’re saying is just a lie.”

“That’s right! If you’re up for it, bring them forward, and let’s have a face-to- face conversation!” Atticus chimed in.

Undoubtedly, Elijah’s words packed a punch, adeptly pinpointing their most vulnerable spot. Yet, the challenge remained, as he was merely talking without providing any concrete evidence.