"We'll have one more ally, and then we can discuss cooperation. Let's change the wording. As for the Demon Race, why don't we try opening the door to them? They sent twenty thousand troops to support us before. I think we could set a limit on their numbers. That should be possible."
"We don't have to take their elite fighters. Ordinary troops will do. After all, some Demon Race species are fearless in battle. A single Half-Orc, for instance, used to be able to take on five humans."
"I think they still can, as long as they can engage our enemies in close combat."
This time, with the crisis at their doorstep, no one immediately objected.
Countess Elizabeth, from Holy Sword Mountain, opened her fan to cover her mouth as she spoke. "Yes, yes. Hurry and seek outside help. Whether we cooperate or ask for aid, the most important thing is that we survive."
"Wasn't the Empire divided into three parts when it was in the Central Lands long ago?"
"Survival is everything. We can do anything to survive. Even if we can't defeat our enemies, we should at least do our best to preserve our existence—and the existence of His Majesty Louis's throne."
This was even more pessimistic than what they'd said before: everything for the sake of survival.
Whatever happened, they had to survive.
The implication was that they should talk to the other side while bringing enough people together to apply pressure.
Elizabeth continued, "Besides, you're the emperor, and he's a grand duke. We should be the ones condemning them."
Instructor William looked at them and could only chuckle and shake his head. But he quickly composed himself and offered his opinion. "Prince Louis, your people are truly pessimistic."
"By the way, Sir Leon, don't you have