Chapter 74: Always

                                    

                                          
                    
                          
Chapter 74: Always
                          
While the war between the beastmen and the elves certainly didn't go unnoticed, Ceadric, however, already got too much on their hands to even think about doing anything. The latest devastation has hit them hard. The entire nation's economy was crippled. Their precious capital Cedra laid ravaged, now only a shadow of a once prosperous kingdom remained. Their crops were suppressed, leaving thousands homeless starving in the ruined streets. All these may seemed hopeless and many more would have died if not for the help of the Trading Company of Dor.
                          
The Trading Company of Dor was an association specialized in trading goods across the entire continent of Mara, dealing anything from daily supplies to rare artefacts, everything as long as there was money involved. It was created by a syndicate of dwarves who has now taken the leadership of the remaining of their rogue people after the eruption of the volcanoes in their homeland, forcing the dwarves to abandon their country a few years ago. At first, Dor might seem like your usual group of merchants you saw in the markets but their influence and most importantly, their pockets, could not be underestimated. To give you an idea of their wealth, their entire amount of richness would be three times the total treasuries of both Ceadric and Zagon combined. Furthermore, they controlled most of the market, regulating the trading route according to their will, giving them an incredible influence not just in term of business but also in politics across the globe.
                          
People said a dwarf was the greediest of all races, would rather sell his own family instead of losing his gold. A common stereotype which was not always true as it depended on each person. However, if you ever met a member of Dor, if you ever learnt one thing about them, it was that they would be willing to do more than just sell their family for their gold. Yet, somehow, these same people, who valued money more than their own lives, were now giving out rations and supplies, taking care of the helpless people of Ceadric with their own pocket money. Did they somehow have a change of heart, unable to witness the suffering of the common folk? Hell no! Everything was deliberated and calculated from their part. What would be even more tempting than money, which they already had a lot? Well, the answer was simple: even more money, served with a taste of power.
                          
Currently, inside the half broken palace under reconstruction of Cedra, a meeting was taking place concerning the recent events. And guessed who were also present aside from the nobles, the King and the Headmaster of Helios Academy?
                          
"And that concludes my report. To summarize, Empress Morrigan has made a statement, informing the integration of Malatas and Caelum into Zagon. I am sure everyone understands how dire our situation is at the moment." Said a noble.
                          
"This is practically a declaration of war from that woman! Your Majesty, we have to do something about this." Another noble shouted, hitting the table.
                          
"Gentlemen, I understand your anger but so far, Zagon has not taken any action toward Ceadric. If we let this provocation get to us..." Ganon, the headmaster of Helios, said.
                          
"Master Ganon, people say you are wise but how can you not see this as we do? This is clearly her saying 'I am going for you next'. We are the only one left in this continent, aside from the beastmen who have declared their alliance with her. How much more evidences do you need?"
                          
"And what do you suggest we do? Going to war against Zagon? That's exactly what she wants us to do. Have you thought of the people out there, starving to death while you sit there, thinking about war? Considering our current state, we cannot afford to have a full scale conflict with anyone!" Ganon argued.
                          
"Then what? Staying idle, waiting for her to bring her army to our door? Or do you think you can convince her to sit down, have a nice chat? 'Say, how about you not attacking us? Meanwhile why not go somewhere to conquer? OH that's right! WE ARE THE FUCKING LAST ONE'. She has already declared war against all countries after Caelum. At the time, we thought it was a joke but now things have changed. The celestials are gone. The elves and the Church have joined, or rather, submitted to her. We are next!!!"