Chapter 20: Betrayal Is Also a Necessity for Survival

Nisa gasped sharply, his expression shifting rapidly. Of course he understood the meaning behind Ebson’s words—it seemed to be the only option left. Those nobles and merchants would never tolerate this situation continuing. If they couldn’t find someone to blame, the lord’s authority would surely be shaken; the threat of it being torn apart was no exaggeration.
His mouth grew increasingly bitter as he pondered Ebson’s words. Poznan and Silesia had always been seen as one entity, their interests tightly intertwined—far stronger than the relationship between Galle and Homer before. That had been the case before, as they had to act that way to resist pressure from the kingdom’s center. But what about now?
Things seemed to have changed. Although the orcs didn’t have large armies pressing in and even appeared to keep their promises on the surface, Nisa had no confidence that the orcs truly adhered to their commitments. It could be said that, unless their vital interests were threatened, Silesia’s greatest threat still came from the orcs in the west and north. Appearing submissive didn’t mean they had withdrawn their claws—Nisa was convinced of that.
“Ebson, is there really no way out?” Nisa gritted his lips. “We know who Zelin is. Galle isn’t like us in Silesia and Poznan; he has far greater power. Once we take this step, we might never be able to turn back. And the Galleans still have room to negotiate.”
“Nisa, you’re too naive. Do you really think we still have a way out? Or do you think that usurper will spare Silesia just because it’s not my Poznan? If you’re hoping for such luck, let me tell you—your fate will be worse than Philip’s!” Ebson immediately detected hesitation in his companion’s words. This was dangerous; he had to warn him.
“No, no, you misunderstand. I don’t have such childish thoughts,” Nisa quickly denied. “It’s just that we need to think carefully—will the Galleans really stay by our side? What if they abandon us when things go wrong?”
“Nisa, you’re always so cautious. Then why didn’t you think this through when you allied with the orcs?” A hint of sarcasm appeared on Ebson’s face. He grew increasingly disgusted with this guy.

A single sentence struck Nisa in the heart. If it weren’t for the intervention and guarantees from the Church of Light back then, he wouldn’t have acted so foolishly in a fit of passion. But now, the Church of Light was preoccupied with its own problems, and the storm of purges against the Salvation Society had reached Silesia. The already troublesome situation had become even more chaotic because of this, leaving Nisa unsure of how to continue serving as his lord.
“Ebsen, I hope we can stop bringing up the past. Let’s focus on the present.” Nisa’s expression darkened. “Are you planning to follow Zelin’s advice and take preemptive action?”
“Hmph. If we don’t act first, are we just going to sit idly by while that guy gears up to attack us? Look at his actions lately—he’s gathered Philip’s Homer Knights, armed those damned barbarians and half-orcs, and even has those mages at his side. Even the Church of Light’s Inquisition has been dealt a setback by them. If this continues, we’ll have no choice but to surrender.”
“Then do you think we can defeat him completely by uniting?” Nisa still hesitated.
“Hmph. That’s not what worries me the most. Zelin should be the one most concerned. His Rebirth Knights actually fought in the last war, so he knows Galle will eventually become that guy’s target. That’s why he’s so eager for us to join his plan. Zelin has close ties with the Church of Light. Even though the Church is unstable now, I think they’ll still provide significant support to the people of Galle at a critical moment.”
“But what about the orcs…”
“Nisa, there’s no movement on the orc side at all. I suspect those rumors were fabricated to distract us internally.”
“Hmm, that’s possible too. It seems we really need to consider this carefully. Once Groningen is blocked off, we’ll truly be doomed.” Nisa seemed to finally accept the other party’s opinion. “However, I suggest we discuss this in detail with Zelin personally once more.”
“Of course. We definitely need to talk thoroughly about the specifics. I came here today to tell you that only by standing together can we survive; otherwise, death awaits us!”

After seeing Ebson Haine leave in a hurry, the hesitation and unease on Nisa Ferdinand’s face vanished instantly, replaced by a deep look of contemplation, as if he hadn’t even noticed that his chief advisor had come up to him.
“My lord, it seems Poznan can’t hold on much longer.”
“Hmph, it would be strange if it could. It seems the Gallicans are also eager to win over Poznan; otherwise, they wouldn’t have rushed to approach us like this. I wonder what that guy is thinking—he’s trying to force Ebson and Zelin to ally together. Does he really think he can handle the Gallicans that easily?” Nisa’s gaze was as deep as an unfathomable well.
“My lord, what should we do? The terms they offered aren’t very high…”
“Hmph, only if they’re not high would I consider them. If they were truly satisfactory, then I’d have to seriously assess their sincerity.” Nisa interrupted his advisor. “That guy is more calculating than anyone. He wants to use our Ferdinand family to fend off the orcs while seizing the most fertile lands in Poznan.”
“Then why agree, my lord?”
“Why not? I know my own limits—I can only handle so much. An excessive appetite can kill one. In fact, Groningen alone is enough for me; everything else is just extra, not even really extra. We still have to help them defend the fortress of Hasselt. He should even pay us for the military expenses.” Nisa raised his head to look at the distant church spires. “Forgive me, Ebson. I have no choice. I must consider the survival of Silesia.”
“The Church of Light doesn’t know when this turmoil will end. Without them to keep things in balance, the north will never be at peace,” the advisor said worriedly.
“Don’t worry. I know my limits.”