Nahida, Lumine, and Paimon looked at Yucheng in confusion, not quite understanding what he meant by placing a bet. They quietly waited for his explanation.
Yucheng explained, "Since those sages at the Akademiya oppose Inazuma, I can't possibly bend over backward for those old dogs, nor can I raze the Akademiya over this.
Now that we know about the Akademiya's God Project, things will be easy. If their God Project fails, I only need to make it public, and the pressure of public opinion will be enough to force those sages to resign in disgrace.
Then you can support Nahida's rise to power and sign a normal agreement to establish diplomatic relations with Inazuma. That way, everyone wins."
Paimon immediately raised a question. "What if the Akademiya's plan succeeds?"
Yucheng sneered, but still answered patiently, "If the Akademiya's God Project really succeeds, things will get interesting.
You now know what the Akademiya has done and have openly broken with them. The New God, headed by the Akademiya, and the Old God, headed by Nahida, will inevitably clash in an Archon War over various conflicts of interest. All I need to do is sit back and reap the benefits.
After all, if your side defeats the New God, the Akademiya sages supporting that god will naturally fall from power as well, and my objective will be achieved.
Of course, if your side loses, those sages with the New God's support will have even less regard for Inazuma. As far as I'm concerned, this attempt to establish diplomatic relations can essentially be declared a failure."
Nahida's expression grew extremely grave at his words. She said sternly, "You're using all of Sumeru as a stake in your gamble."
Yucheng retorted just as sharply, "No! I'm merely teaching you, a god about to take