The old man sat quietly in his seat, staring blankly at the round table in front of him, and in the bright conference hall, the atmosphere at the moment was extremely dull. Beside the old man, a well-dressed man stood there quietly, holding the paper in his hand with his head down, reading the words word by word, but his voice was also extremely bitter.

"At present, there are signs of widespread famine in our country, food prices have skyrocketed, and there are riots and famines of varying degrees in all parts of the country, except for the seaport area, which can barely satisfy itself. Not only that, but less than two-thirds of the population still supports our fighting, and we can't even find enough people to expel the rioters because most of the soldiers are being sent to the front. In addition to this, in the border areas, the invasion of those barbarians is also ........."

"Alright, alright."

Hearing this, the old man waved his hand weakly, interrupting the other party's statement, and he moved his body with difficulty, as if he was a terminally ill person, and he was completely unable to continue to act, and raised his head helplessly, looking at the conference hall in front of him. Bright sunlight poured through the windows into the large conference hall, but now, the hustle and bustle of the place was completely gone. In front of the old man, only a dozen or so representatives from different forces and organizations were sitting at the round table. Behind them, what should have been a crowd of people who were supposed to be crowded and noisy, but now there were less than a few dozen people left. Seeing this scene in front of him, the old man couldn't help but breathe, of course he knew that the current situation was very difficult, but he overestimated the binding power of the council on these nobles and merchants. He had been very optimistic that the formation of the Southern Council was a shared responsibility and a common interest of the merchants and nobles, so that even if something happened. In order to protect their interests, these people should also be able to put aside each other's preconceptions and move forward hand in hand, so that they can tide over the difficulties. But now...............

The old man rolled his cloudy eyes, looking at these people in front of him, he knew it very well. These people are just waiting and watching, and if they see that something is wrong, they will immediately withdraw from it and get out of here. But now, they can't leave, as long as they stay, there is hope, and they have paid so much for this day. As long as they can continue to support it, they still have hope of victory!

Thinking of this, the old man sat up straight, he first looked around deeply, and then spoke.

"I want to ......... You have seen and heard......... With all that has happened recently, I admit that the current situation in my country is not very good, and that is why it is so. Some people have chosen to run away and quit, and I wouldn't blame them. That's their choice. But, folks, I think you should also be aware that when we choose this path, we have to face these things. It's not all been a smooth journey, folks. Every step we take is hard and bumpy. But the same is true of the path to freedom, think of the Council of Light, when they wrested power that belonged to us humans from the Dragon of Light. Isn't it going very well? Now, we have only encountered such a small setback, should we plan to give up? ”

"It's not our responsibility! Elder Parliament! ”

Finally, one person couldn't help it and retorted.

"If it weren't for the despicable and shameless royal family who burned down our food reserves, how could we be in the situation we are in now?"

"Is it useful to just point fingers?"

Hearing his words, the old man's eyes flashed, and when he saw the old council leader's gaze, the man suddenly became dumb and closed his mouth.

"They are our enemies now, how can you expect them to have mercy on you! Moreover, we simply do not have any evidence to prove this now, and there is no point in dwelling on this issue here, we must come up with a way to solve the problem at hand. ”

At this, the old man paused for a moment, took a long breath, and then turned his head to look at a man dressed as a merchant next to him.

"How's it going, Saville, what I asked you to do?"

“……… Councillor, I have been in contact with the Chamber of Commerce in the Land of Light in the hope of receiving food aid from them, as you have ordered, but ......... But they are asking for too much! Almost three to five times more than usual!! That's a big burden for us! ”

“……………… Promise them! ”

The old council leader gritted his teeth, of course he knew that when the Southern Council sent reinforcements to the Council of Light, they had asked the Council of Light to provide some food supplies to fill the shortfall, but the Council of Light kept delaying and did not agree to them. In desperation, the Southern Council could only seek the assistance of the Chamber of Commerce in the Kingdom of Light, and these businessmen naturally sat on the ground and demanded money. Originally, the Southern Council had planned to slow down and lower prices. But now, forced by the situation, they have no way out.

"But Lord Parliament, even if we bring food from the Land of Light, it won't be enough to meet the needs of so many people, not to mention that there are still 70,000 soldiers on the front line to meet the food rations, we ..............."

"There is a shortage of food, and we have no other way at the moment. But, folks, let's not forget our strengths. ”

"Strengths?"

Hearing this, many people finally raised their heads, and began to look intently at the old council president in front of them, and felt their gaze, the old council leader nodded with satisfaction, now, the atmosphere in the council, finally no longer like just now is a pool of stagnant water, although the old council president is not without doubts about this plan, but now, in order to maintain this little hope in front of him, he can only do this.

"That's right, guys, I think you've seen it too, because of the food shortage, all parts of our country have been affected to varying degrees, but only the harbor area can remain stable, do you know what the reason is?"

"This .................."

"The main food in the harbour area is seafood, so they haven't been affected too much. Right now, it's fishing season, and we can issue an order in the name of the council that the fishermen in the harbour area are required to work around the clock. And as quickly as possible, these will be processed and transported to those areas where the famine is severe! In this way, we can temporarily alleviate the crisis there and prepare us for the next action! ”

"But, Lord."

Hearing the speaker of the council, everyone's eyes lit up. Soon, however, there were dissenting opinions.

"Even if you say you want to fish, there's a limit to how much you can fish, and how do you get this seafood to the inland areas? It takes a lot of money, and besides, there used to be restrictions on operations in the harbor area, but now if fishing is not restricted, what will happen in the coming year? Besides, fishing is not a long-term solution. Now that the envoy of the Council of Light is in the Golden City, but that woman is out of sight and delayed, if we continue to be dragged like this by her, how long can we hold on? ”

"If we can't even hold on to the present, then there will be no future."

The old council leader took a deep breath, stared at everyone, and said word by word.

"We have to stand up. Moreover, that woman will not hide from us forever. As long as we can hold out for three months, then we will win the dawn of victory! ”

"Three months?"

"That's right, I think you'll remember that in three months, it will be the Dragon Soul Sacred Scripture, and at that time. That woman will inevitably travel to the Land of Light on behalf of the Duchy to meet the Dragon Soul of Light, and by that time, she will no longer be able to hide from the Council of Light's questioning! And we, too, will see the dawn of victory!! ”

Saying this, the old man raised his hand high. Hearing his words, those parliamentarians who were originally depressed and silent also regained their enthusiasm and courage at this moment. As the old council chief said, since they dare to do this, they already have the consciousness to face difficulties. However, if it is a day when there is no future and no hope in sight, then no matter how much you hold on, it is pointless. And now, hearing the old council chief say this, they suddenly realized that they had regained the courage that had been exhausted. Food shortages and civil strife are frequent, and if such days do not come to an end, then it will be a real nightmare. But now, if you just let them hold on for three months, then there is no problem.

After thinking about this, the originally dull atmosphere of the conference hall was lively again, and the councillors stood up one by one, waving their fists to express their determination and courage.

"That's right, we can't give up yet, everyone, don't forget our original ideals and expectations!"

"That's right, those cowards who escaped, they will regret it one day!"

"Good!"

Looking at the scene in front of him, the old man's eyes once again showed a gratifying glow, he coughed in a low voice twice, and then raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. Only then did he continue.

"Since everyone has no opinion, it is so decided, and now, I ask you to inform the people about this matter, and at the same time maintain law and order in the streets. Much of the reason why this is happening is because people are anxious about their future, and if we can ensure that their lives are stable, then many of the problems will be solved. In addition, I demand that the Southern Fleet immediately go to the Strait of Light and guard the commercial passages there to avoid the invasion and harassment of the royal army. From now on, the harbor area will be fully operational to ensure food resources in other areas, and tell the fishermen that we will buy at twice the usual price, so that they can do it with confidence. ”

Saying this, the old man slowly stood up and looked at the people in front of him.

"It's not just the front line fighting, everyone, this is also an invisible war for us, we must not fall here, only the victor can stand at the back, we must be the winner!!"

The noise dissipated.

As the reinvigorated parliamentarians left one by one, the huge conference hall became silent and quiet again. The old council president stood in front of his seat, looking at the empty hall, and for the first time a relieved smile appeared on his face. Then, his complexion changed suddenly.

"Ahem......... Ahem!! ”

With a fierce cough, the old man bent down, his thin body trembled uncontrollably, and the sharp and piercing coughing echoed in the silent conference hall, until a moment later, the old man stopped, he slowly gasped, and stood up straight, and at this moment. On the handkerchief in front of the old man, a shocking bright red color appeared on it.

"I can't fall yet............... It's not over yet......... We still have the expectation of victory........."

Looking at the blood in front of him, the old council leader muttered to himself, and then he straightened his body and straightened his spine again. Then the old council chief turned and left the chamber.

The cold wind whistled by, bringing wisps of white smoke, and the fragrant umami smell came, which made people feel their index fingers move.

"Sure enough, the fresh fish that just came out is the most delicious."

Lydia sat leisurely by the lake, clasped her hands on her knees, and looked at the vast dark blue amber in front of her with a triumphant and playful smile. The blue sky and the blue water of the lake seem to reflect each other as if they are connected together, blending with each other and boundless.

"Spring goes to autumn, only the color of change is the most beautiful in this world, ice turns into water, water turns into ice, this is the most beautiful scenery in this world, there is no spotless and there is no exactly the same existence. Even if it is the same leaf, if you look at it from different angles, you will get different perceptions. Dancing with the breeze and trembling with the wind is the best proof of the survival of life and the world. ”

Saying this, the archangel turned his head and looked at the old man who was sitting not far from him.

"Don't you think so? Amund? ”

"Your Highness, I hope you can be quiet. The fish that are about to be hooked are scared away by you. ”

"There's no such thing, right? Amund? A smart fish will not be tempted, and a fish that is tempted will not be easily scared away, and once it has such an idea, it will rush to pounce even if there is no bait on the hook. Although it is said to be stupid, it is precisely because of its stupidity that it can satisfy the appetite of other people, so this is also the result of everyone's happiness, right? The stupid fish doesn't regret their decision, and the angler fulfills his expectations, and everyone is happy, isn't it? ”

"Hahh..............."

Faced with the archangel's answer, the old mage let out a long sigh of helplessness.

"It's been a while since you left the Golden City, Your Highness, but it seems that the emissary from the Council of Light has no intention of leaving."

"It doesn't hurt to let him go, but the gentleman must be so attracted by the beauty of the Golden City that he can't extricate himself, isn't that great? As for me, I still want to see more of the scenery outside, counting the days, it is almost the time when the maple leaves of Northridge change color, strolling in the bright red maple leaf forest, tasting the sweet chestnuts, isn't it a special taste? Teacher Armond? You wouldn't mind traveling with me in Maple Grove. ”

"Huh......... Your Highness, now is not the time to talk about this. ”

"Ah, that's right, the fish is already cooked."

Lydia smiled playfully and briskly at the old mage's helpless sigh, and then the girl reached out and picked up the grilled fish by the campfire, and savored it in small bites.

"Uh............ Sure enough, the time is just right, grilled fish is really a science, too long will be burned, but too short but there is a fishy smell, if you can't accurately grasp the heat and time, then there is no way to savor the taste like now. Whether it's too fishy or burnt, it doesn't make people feel delicious, right? ”

“………… So, Your Highness, in your opinion, is the time ripe? ”

Hearing the old mage's inquiry, Lydia paused slightly.

"The fish tastes really good, Mr. Armond............... This fish is mine, this lake is also mine, and the fish in this lake are naturally mine. I will not allow the greedy to take what is mine, and they may forget that the delicacies belong to the Duchy of Moon, my property, and not for the incompetent to give to the greedy rats out there to waste. ”

Saying this, the corners of Lydia's mouth curled slightly, and a hint of beautiful curves appeared.

"Inform the Royal Third Fleet that it's time for them to come out."

"Royal Third Fleet?"

Hearing this, the old mage's face couldn't help but change slightly.

"Your Highness, is this necessary?"

"It's the season of the winds, Amund."

Hearing the old mage's inquiry, Lydia chuckled and reached out, closing her eyes and feeling the breeze passing by her fingers.

"Sometimes, the cat shows its claws not to catch, but to warn ——— deter those unscrupulous rats, I have not yet fallen to such a weak and deceitful state."

“………… Yes, Your Highness. ”

The wind whistled by, and the old mage's figure disappeared, except for Lydia still sitting on the rocks by the lake, holding a grilled fish in her hand, and with a playful smile, staring at the line connecting the lake and the sky in front of her. And at this moment, suddenly, there was a crisp sound of water waves, and then the fishing rod placed next to it began to shake violently, Lydia turned her head curiously, then chuckled, reached out and picked up the fishing rod, and soon, a fat fish struggled to be hoisted out of the water. Looking at the fish struggling in front of her, Lydia couldn't help but cover her mouth and squint her eyes.

"The fish has been hooked............ Then it's time to cook. (To be continued.) )