Chapter 147: Retroactive Approval
“Impossible!” Riley shouted. “You attacked the Rosha Empire during a naval exercise? Such an act can’t be permitted!”
Most of the council shared his shock, but several members remained calm. They had either known or expected what would happen.
“Then we should discuss how the Orline Empire will conduct the war from this point forward.”
Crown Prince Mars Sleipn stepped forward and began outlining strategy rather than debating whether the war should have begun.
The emperor’s gaze shifted to another of the men involved.
“Hughes. I wasn’t informed of this.”
“The war has already begun, Your Majesty. If we delay discussing our response, it’ll soon be too late,” Hughes answered.
“That isn’t the point!” Riley snapped. “You acted without informing His Majesty, and now you speak as though nothing happened. Your unauthorized actions must be addressed first.”
“Then, Riley,” General Tokel said.
“What excuse do you intend to offer?”
“If you find our actions unacceptable, go to the Rosha Empire and apologize. They may accept it. By the time you return, however, I can’t guarantee that the Orline Empire will still have any allies.”
“Do you think that argument will be accepted?”
“What do you intend to do? Purge the military? Strip me of my rank? I’ll accept either punishment. But I’m currently the liaison with Princess Emma and Major General Willard. You’ll first need someone capable of replacing me.”
Riley fell silent. Blood had already been spilled, and punishing those responsible wouldn’t undo the attack.
“Hughes. Tokel,” the emperor said.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
“Is there any problem with our relationship with the Lunoa Kingdom?”
“We acted too late, and trust has been lost,” one of them answered. “Recovering it’ll take time. But the Lunoa Kingdom has been our ally for many years. I believe the relationship can be rebuilt.”
The emperor considered the answer, then gave his judgment.
“That’s enough. The Orline Empire will enter the war as an ally of the Lunoa Kingdom. But there won’t be a second unauthorized action. I previously overlooked Fox’s independent conduct. I’ll extend the same mercy to you two only once.”
“For the sake of the empire, dedicate your lives.”
The decision was final.
The Orline Empire had entered the war, and the attack received the emperor’s retroactive approval.