Chapter 1334 Live on Your Feet, Die on Your Knees

"Two hundred and fifty thousand?"

Grelier thought it was crazy. Caledor, including humans, had only just broken through the three million population mark. This meant that at least 12% of the young and strong men in the country would be mobilized.

The concept of 16% means that at least one-third of the men, excluding the elderly and children, would be mobilized to join the army.

This would have serious consequences for the normal production of the kingdom. Many heavy labor industries are not easy for women to step into...

"Two hundred and fifty thousand, this is only the initial number... but I also hope that this number will never increase."

Grelier wanted to ask if it was necessary. It was not worth it to bet so much on a war that had nothing to do with the fate of the country.

"You are wondering if it is necessary... to reduce this number by 70%. With just the dragon, we can easily get the desired result, but this is only for Bretonnia.

The court needs an army that is always ready. This idea has been kept in the archives for two hundred years. Everything in Caledor, whether it is education, trade, economy, politics... is prepared for the moment in the near future.

In my name, declare that the kingdom is in a state of war preparedness. In addition to education, medical care, industry, and magic, all men of appropriate age are obliged to undergo military training for four months each year, and women's time is halved... The Church of Val raises the temperature of volcanoes, rare mineral resources in Nagarys are mined without restrictions, and Lustria medical drugs are prohibited from export. All are sent to the Royal Pharmaceutical Factory as war reserves."

Even Malus was shocked by this crazy decision. What made Draknir change his previous idea of ​​peace and development and become so radical?

This level of mobilization is no less than the situation in Caledor during the final civil war. Even the Eight Peaks Mountain, which is known as the battle of national destiny, at most mobilized less than 50% of the power of the Dragon Kingdom. What really determines the direction of the war is the group of dragon princes who can directly destroy the greenskins.

Grelir and Agathor looked at each other. This reaction far exceeded their expectations. The 250,000 were already exaggerated enough. Now Draknir's attitude seems to be about to fight a full-scale war involving the world.

"What about time? We can't keep this state. We must give an explanation to all sectors of society. After the war with Bretonnia or the ratmen is over, or..."

"Indefinitely, until I think the crisis has been resolved and Caledor can return to a stable state."

Many people's eyes drifted on Ronin's face, hoping that the respected archmage would intervene. He is the most suitable candidate and has never taken any political stance.

Ronin sighed and asked in a tactful manner: "Draconil, we don't want to make you the next Phoenix King at the cost of the operation of the entire kingdom... Although you are young, you have shown wisdom and responsibility that are not inferior to your ancestors, but you are a little too radical in discussing this with the nobles."

Draconil shook his head with a serious look, and he said meticulously: "This has nothing to do with your ideas... Mishan."

At an order, Mishan, holding a sealed scroll, slowly walked into the meeting room. He also looked serious and peeled off the seal on the scroll.

"My son Draknir, if I unfortunately encounter an accident and cannot fulfill my duties as the Phoenix King on the day of darkness, you should shoulder the heavy responsibility of the bloodline of the dragon tamer... Everything I have, the dragon horn, the spear of bravery, and this solemn throne, will be inherited by you, and lead the Elven Empire through the impending doomsday catastrophe.

Laws, thoughts, wishes, differences, beliefs... These boring things must be abandoned. Your only mission is..."

Mishan paused for a moment and slowly closed the scroll: "The content after that involves the private affairs of your majesty's family, I don't think it is necessary to describe it here."

"Is this another suicide note?"

Agsel frowned, thinking that Imrik was definitely not a person who liked to leave a suicide note.

He had seen the suicide note that Imrik left for his children when he went to the badlands, but it was at best a letter of identification of the legitimate heir, and the tone was far less solemn than the one in Mishan's hand.

No one wanted to test the authenticity of the document in Mishan's hand. This was a bit too ridiculous. If it weren't for Imrik's identity that prevented humans from being the captain of the guard, he would have kept Mishan by his side.

Mishan nodded and left, leaving a group of people in deep thought.

"Is this a sign of Asuryan, or..." Greyriel carefully asked the prince. After analyzing it, he vaguely understood that Imrik only explained one thing in his suicide note.

No matter who the Phoenix King is after his death, Draknir must unify the entire Ulthuan with thundering means, which completely satisfies the original idea of ​​the parliament.

Even if there are some accidents in the election of the Phoenix King at that time, it is normal to have some accidents at a critical moment...

"There is no omen, nor is it a prophecy. This is reality... I thought there was still some time, but the matter of the black lotus made me realize that time is running out." Draknir regretted and wrote a similar suicide note in front of everyone.

Menil didn't need to prove his bloodline, but Draknir needed to prove his determination, to let the nobles know that he was not acting on impulse, using the country's strength as a bargaining chip to disgust the nobles.

Now that things have come to this, there is no need to say more. Greyriel immediately decided to use the influence of the Speaker of the Parliament and call on all the young people of Kaled to participate in this preparation for the future.

A minute later, Agathor and Edtalis nodded to each other. Since they were going to fight, let the war be more intense. Windwhistle City would never be inferior.

As the families with deep influence in Caledor agreed one after another, the meeting came to an end, but it also made Malus fall into deeper doubts. What exactly made Imrik, who had become the Phoenix King, so serious and nervous?

In the meeting room with only two people left, Malus asked the prince who was thinking in the main seat without any concealment.

"Your father has never been a fearful elf. I have seen him fight the Witch King in the Battle of Finnuval Plains. Even though he was covered in wounds, he never retreated a single step... Is this crisis comparable to the catastrophe six thousand years ago?"

"I am afraid it is even worse than that. If you had not known what would happen in the future through some means, do you think you could survive after the defeat given his hatred for Druzy?

We need every bit of strength, although most of the time there will be some... misunderstandings between each other."

"You mean Bretonnia."

Draconir did not answer directly, and his tone silently shifted to another topic.

"Black Blade, consider my proposal carefully. Live on your feet or die on your knees... This is the difference between me and my father. He doesn't care about Druzy's thoughts. The only value of your life is to die.

I can let the dead Druzy create greater value for those who are still alive."

The thoughtful Black Blade finally asked for the support of the Church of Val. He needed to replace the Cold Lizard Knights with the most sophisticated equipment... At least those Soul Eaters who lack maintenance may find it difficult to adapt to the upcoming war. (End of this chapter)