The discussions in the Council Hall had yet to die down. The ministers and advisers were still exchanging opinions about Aldo's advance deep into the prairie and its push into the Crimson Stone Desert.
At that moment, an attendant quietly entered the hall. Carrying a sealed intelligence report, he walked straight to the throne and bowed as he presented it to Antonio.
Antonio accepted the report and opened it, quickly scanning the writing inside.
The emperor's already solemn expression grew even darker, and a trace of unconcealable astonishment flashed through his eyes.
He rolled up the report in his hand, raised his head to look at everyone below the dais, and said loudly, "Everyone, listen to another report from Aldo."
The Council Hall instantly fell silent, and everyone turned their eyes toward him. Antonio slowly read aloud, "The Aldo Royal Family has dispatched troops to invade Paradise Basin. Their target is the Veblen Family, who showed disrespect toward the Royal Family."
"Paradise Basin?" A minister immediately exclaimed in a low voice. "It's surrounded by mountains on all sides and easy to defend but difficult to attack. Sword Fortress is practically a natural stronghold. How does the Aldo Royal Family dare to open another battlefield in the south while fighting the orcs in the north?"
Antonio did not pause and continued reading the key information in the letter: "Sword Fortress is the only route into Paradise Basin. However, when the Royal Army launched its attack, a plague suddenly broke out inside the fortress. The Veblen Family's garrison was afflicted with vomiting and diarrhea, and could barely even stand while holding weapons, much less fight. The Aldo Army easily conquered the fortress."
"A plague?" Dortimart of the Secret Art Society narrowed his eyes and subconsciously looked at his colleague beside him. "That's