This time, Kashchey did not keep them in suspense. Instead, he directly shared the information he had pieced together through Ursus's powerful intelligence network.
"In truth, the Gun-Lance Knights began their mobilization a week ago. For the sake of this war, they had already initiated a mad plan: they were willing to sacrifice several of Laterano's small mobile cities just to buy enough time to ensure your personal safety."
At this point, a mix of doubt and curiosity appeared on Kashchey's face. Even a man as adept at shifting expressions as he was found it difficult to comprehend what happened next...
"Once the Gun-Lance Knights and the majority of their forces began massing toward the Ursus border, nearly every nation that confirmed the truth of this news revealed their ambitions toward that fertile land."
Kashchey recounted Ursus's recent findings to Jeanne and Talulah. It was only after re-organizing the intelligence from this period that Ursus discovered the eeriness of that country's recent situation.
"After the nations discovered the Laterano army had vanished, most assumed they were simply rotating stationed units. Many factions chose to wait and see. However, there were still those who moved against the defenseless nation."
As he spoke, Kashchey projected a map of Terra's nations, pointing toward Victoria and Kazdel.
"A certain field army from Victoria somehow got in league with Theresis, one of the twin kings of Kazdel. They directly dispatched troops to raid Laterano, intending to seize their mobile cities! But... no news ever came out. Both sides have unexpectedly fallen into a state of total silence..."
Kashchey spoke words that even he found somewhat absurd. But even for Ursus's allies within Victoria, it was the same: a state of collective silence with no information whatsoever.
"The only thing that can be confirmed is that, forget driving a mobile city out of Laterano, it's a question of whether they can even recoup the travel expenses for this march."
Hearing this, even Jeanne couldn't guess exactly what had happened in Laterano, though it was likely related to her "Boss." Judging by the current results, it seemed there wasn't much of a problem.
"If it's just a matter of having them retreat, I can agree to speak with them. But on one condition: the Ursus military must not attempt any half-way ambushes against them."
Jeanne stated her bottom line. She desired a peaceful resolution, but if it meant putting the forces that came to her aid in danger, she would not agree, regardless of what Ursus promised. For all of Laterano to take such a massive risk to ensure her safety made Jeanne feel quite apologetic. If they were to suffer heavy casualties because of an ambush following her mediation, she wouldn't know how to face the people of Laterano.
"Naturally, I can guarantee that! I believe Fyodor is not so foolish as to reach that level. As for the official explanation for this incident... any random reason will do to gloss it over."
Kashchey waved his hand, indicating that other matters were trivial. For the current Emperor, as long as a war wasn't triggered—which would only embolden those nobles—everything would be fine.
"As for other matters and the specifics of what you can gain... the Emperor will send someone to meet with Laterano in a while, and simultaneously discuss other arrangements with you. By the way, the Emperor will also participate in this talk remotely."
Kashchey recalled the Emperor's voice, which had been strained with extreme restraint at the time. Had he not been there, the Emperor might have laughed out loud.
"Furthermore, I mentioned that piece of intelligence in your hands. From the tone I heard, I could tell just how much he wants those things. You can set a high price."
Kashchey expressed his understanding of the Emperor's emotions. That information possessed the power to rewrite the current landscape of the imperial court. Otherwise, why would those nobles have suddenly acted like madmen, even deploying troops to the tundra to hunt for clues?
It was because that intelligence would cost most of them their lives. They didn't dare gamble on whether it truly still existed. However, those fellows had also been thoroughly screwed over by Kashchey. They had only dared to be so brazenly corrupt because they were cooperating with Kashchey and following his plans, assuming everything would eventually be blamed on the Infected and Talulah.
Who could have known that Kashchey would run to the Emperor's side to act as a state witness? He had sold them all out without a hint of embarrassment! If he weren't officially "dead" and thus unable to testify in court, those nobles would likely want to eat his heart raw.
"The meeting with Laterano is tentatively set for Chernobog; that city is currently the closest to here. Moreover, you should take a look at it first. For you, that city should be the most suitable."
Kashchey naturally knew that city inside and out, which was why he knew how precious a city that didn't require extra energy was. At the very least, Talulah and the others could save a vast amount of expenditures on energy—costs that would have been quite difficult for them to bear.
"Chernobog..."
Hearing the name, Jeanne understood his plan. Since this was the city conquered by Reunion in the original timeline, Kashchey certainly had a deep understanding of it. Furthermore, this city was somewhat similar to Lungmen; it wasn't a combined city under a specific noble, but rather an independently operated city.
"Is the Emperor truly willing to part with such a mobile city? I heard Chernobog currently belongs to a New Noble. Even the Emperor doesn't have the right to demand a noble surrender their territory, right?"
As someone who had actually been there, Talulah also knew a bit about the city. Chernobog belonged to a New Noble who had risen during a special period in Ursus.
"And what if there is a problem with him? I know much more about such things than you. Which city lord's hands are truly clean? Especially an idiot who is blindly confident and allowed himself to be used as someone else's blade?"
Kashchey evaluated the City Lord of Chernobog with disdain. However, even if they could obtain the mobile city, the challenge of managing it would not be small for Talulah and the others. With the current state of Reunion, they fundamentally lacked the capability to manage such a massive city; taking too large a stride is never a good thing.
"That's the gist of the situation. The rest is for you to consider. Regardless, I must congratulate you. At the very least, you have not only broken free from the fate of being pawns but have also gained the right to soar toward that sky!"
As he said this, Kashchey seemed to have completely forgotten that he was the one who had viewed them as pawns in the first place, offering his congratulations to the two girls who had created a miracle.
"However, the path ahead is the truly critical test for you, Talulah! How far this organization called Reunion can go will depend on your performance!"
"Don't worry, I will definitely find a suitable path for us to move forward. But before that, I will need more fellow travelers."