Although Andre had warned him not to talk nonsense before, but now Baldian actually had the nerve to mention the empty treasury. Solandel, who knew the truth about the Danyu City incident, couldn't help but speak out:

"Let's not talk about what caused this incident. You just said that the national treasury is empty. The Far East wants 500,000 gold moons. How can we compensate?"

Baldian did not expect that Solandel, who was participating in the audience for the first time, would suddenly interrupt and glanced at Perseus subconsciously.

Perseus didn't say anything. The question Solandelle asked was probably what he wanted to ask.

Seeing this, Baldian replied slowly: "First of all, as I said just now, the conditions are negotiable. 500,000 is the other party's asking price, and it must be artificially high. As long as friendly negotiations are held, I believe this number can be reduced to

400,000, or even lower, all depends on our sincerity and negotiation skills."

"Secondly, even if the treasury cannot come up with so much cash at the moment, it can completely use property as collateral. Doguland has a vast territory and rich resources. Ore, grain, jewelry, porcelain and many other things are suitable collateral."

Solandel said angrily: "Then why should these things be given to the Far East for free? They all cost money anyway. Isn't it good to use the money to raise troops and prepare for war?"

Baldian said helplessly: "This is actually a very simple account. The ultimate goal of the war is to stop the war. Assuming that we stop the war through compensation and peace talks, the final price paid is 1."

"So if we start a war with the Far East and use war to stop the war, the final price paid in terms of military and people's livelihood stability may reach 10."

"The peace talks can end the war safely and safely, without anyone having to shed blood, and the people of both countries can continue to live and work in peace and contentment.":.

"If a war breaks out, rivers of blood will flow, both armies will be injured, the national treasury will be emptied, and countless people will lose their lives."

"I think it's very obvious how to choose between these."

Sorandel wanted to say something else, but Andre quickly put his arm around her shoulders and reminded her in a low voice: "Solan, stop talking. Father didn't let us talk. You have to abide by the rules."

Seeing Perseus's face sullen, Solandel gritted her teeth and said nothing.

"As for the first condition of the Far East, I think we have no doubts." Baldian coughed lightly and continued, "As for the third condition, I think it is easier to publicly declare the abandonment of historical ownership of the desert."

"Since the end of the "Laurel War" 28 years ago, Doguland has lost control of the desert, and the desert has essentially formed an independent regime."

"Nowadays, horse bandits are rampant in the desert and tribal forces are deeply entrenched. There is no hope of recovery for a long time. Moreover, there are only some oasis resources in that barren land with thousands of miles of flying sand. Even if it is taken back by us one day, what is the use? Give up historical ownership,

It has no impact on us.”

The other princes also expressed their support: "What Prince Baldian said is very reasonable. Nowadays, the people have no sense of identification with the desert. On the contrary, they hate the horse bandits who harass the border and rob caravans. Giving up historical ownership will not bring any consequences."

People's pressure can even help us get rid of a big burden."

Perseus's expression remained unchanged, making it impossible to tell whether he opposed or supported it.

After a moment, Perseus jumped directly to the next topic: "As for the fourth point, do you all agree with the conditions for the death legion?"

Baldian chuckled and said in a very sure tone: "The conditions for suing the Legion are nothing compared to other conditions. Lugo, the main culprit, must be dealt with for sure. He ignored diplomatic relations and killed the Far East in the street.

Your Majesty, those who provoked a war in the Far East are simply lawless thugs!"

Perseus said calmly: "But now, there are many people supporting Lugo in all the six provinces. The people regard him as a hero who punishes rape and eliminates evil. To touch him now will probably chill the hearts of the people."

Baldian nodded in agreement, but then added: "Lugo must not be touched now, but that does not mean that he cannot be touched in the future. The public's collective mood is like the weather in the mountains, it changes at a moment's notice. They enthusiastically support Lugo today.

After a while, your attention will shift to other things, and you will slowly forget about him.”

"We can reach a secret agreement with the Far East to postpone Lugo's execution. We can openly comply with public opinion and give Lugo a reward for exoneration. We can then deal with it after a period of time when the public's enthusiasm cools down."

"I have learned specifically that Lugo is a mercenary and has very bad hooligan habits. I am afraid he has done countless illegal things. When the time comes, just dig up a few and make them public to destroy his image, and the people will

Swear at him and hate him, and then deliver him to the Far East, so that there will be no resentment among the people."

The princes nodded in agreement.

"As for the death of the legion and its general, Kino van Helsing," Baldian looked at the other princes a few times, nodded and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, there are no outsiders here, so please forgive me."

"I have always believed that you made a wrong decision by rehabilitating Kino at the 56th Kingdom Plenary Session, and even backhandedly established the Death Corps."

Perseus was not the kind of tyrant who would not listen to what was said, and this was a royal council, a time when blood relatives could speak freely. He was not angry because of such criticism, and asked instead: "How do you say it?"

Baldian sighed and said: "His Majesty the King may not understand that after the establishment of the Death Corps, the military expenditure consumed by just such a regiment in a year is equivalent to 20 regular regiments."

"In order to cooperate with the Death Corps in developing extraterrestrial weapons, we have invested countless human, financial and material resources!"

"I do not deny that the Death Regiment is a very powerful army, but compared with the Cardinal Guards Corps, the Guards Legion, the Lion Heart Legion, and the Banshee Legion, the elite legions of the four kingdoms, the Death Regiment is not qualified at all.

."

"Such an expensive legion, and its actual combat effectiveness is far lower than the four elites. What's the point of maintaining it? To resist invasion from outside? Since the last plenary meeting of the kingdom, there has only been one invasion from outside, and it was very small.

, it can be done with the cooperation of several legions, and it is simply not worthy of such a huge expenditure."

"So in my opinion, the existence of the Death Army is meaningless. With so much military expenditure, we can build another army that is comparable to the four elites."

Another prince added: "Including Kino van Helsing himself. It has been almost a year since he issued an "extraterrestrial invasion warning." I often wonder if he is exaggerating about his abilities.

, this is a reason to ask the royal city for military expenses."

Baldian continued: "There is also the matter of promoting Kino Van Helsing to the leader of the king's territory. I think His Majesty was hasty. It was indeed a great achievement to deal with the Danyu City incident, but he was promoted to the king's territory so easily.

Leader, I’m afraid it will chill the original five royal families.”

"Your Majesty may still know something, but Kino is very dirty in finance! I sent people to check specifically. There are often a large number of moon coins of unknown origin in the treasury of Twilight City. Every time I ask people to interrogate him, Kino is...

They refused to explain it to me on the grounds of military confidentiality."

"I think Kino is relying on His Majesty's protection and doing some very dirty things secretly. Now that his men are causing so much trouble, it's hard to say whether it's with his acquiescence. He probably wants to start a war between the two countries.
Chapter completed!