Talks

Su Ming listened in on the entire conversation between Xialike and Katharine.

"Such important talks, and Xialike brought that up?" Su Ming couldn't quite understand it. This was completely different from the political negotiations he had imagined, whether solemn or full of verbal sparring.

"Xialike is probing the limits for how this whole affair might develop," Scholar Chloe said from the other end of the radio. She was listening in as well. "He just wants to know how bad things could get.

"Including an all-out war with the Final Bone Mad Machines?"

"Including preparing himself for that worst-case scenario." Chloe's voice remained steady. "Xialike can swallow the heavy losses on the border, endure the humiliation and agree to a ceasefire with the Temple of Light. As long as he decides it's necessary, he really might do it."

"What a terrifying man, and he has such a sharp sense for things too," Su Ming couldn't help remarking. "No wonder Katharine doesn't want to go up against Xialike. In her place, I'd rather fight Augustus ten times than deal with Xialike once."

"But Xialike can't achieve a quick ceasefire with the Temple of Light, can he?" Chloe changed tack. "I don't understand the military details, but judging by your plans and his current position, I imagine things don't look good for him?"

"That's the trap we set for Xialike," Su Ming admitted. "Pope Augustus and Janet have something to hide. They can't possibly reveal the real reason the war started, so all they can do is keep throwing mud at the Star Empire. That means Xialike's decision to order his army to withdraw of its own accord and avoid escalating the conflict will only make the Temple of Light think the Star Empire is weak and easy to bully. They'll push for