Chapter 1718: Chapter 111: Struggle Over the Bottom Line (Part 2)
Considering that we fight for the supremacy of the Human Race, even if there is no need to discuss rewards, we must not turn back and repay kindness with enmity.
This behavior, which violates the principles of noble conduct, is something we all disdain to do.
The conflict between future and present interests allows everyone to make rational judgments.
Whether or not to break the bottom line is a contest between morality and benefit, leaving everyone hesitant.
As the Commander-in-chief, Hudson also experiences an intense struggle within his heart.
"Everyone, some matters cannot be looked at purely from a benefit standpoint.
When large countries like Frank and Iberia get involved in the war, it won’t make too big a difference.
But it’s different for the small countries; getting them involved could potentially lead to the destruction of their nations.
Historically, countries from the South Continent have aided the Kingdom; the Kingdom cannot betray its allies!"
Having voiced his thoughts, Hudson felt a sense of relief.
Perhaps it was somewhat impulsive, but there are principled issues that must be upheld.
Since morality has not yet fallen, efforts must be made to prevent its fall, at least not in one’s own hands.
"Marshal, without doing this, the Frank people and the Iberian people won’t go to war against the Alien Coalition in the short term.
If we don’t draw them into the battlefield, our forces alone will find it difficult to destroy the Orc Empire under the intervention of the Alien Coalition.
Continental wars will inevitably break out sooner or later, and the countries involved are bound to be unable to avoid it, we’re merely advancing the timeline."
Minister of Military Affairs Richard said reluctantly.
If there were a better option, he certainly wouldn’t choose the plan proposed by Count Predrag.
But at the moment, the Kingdom’s trump cards are limited, and even with the enhancement of the Five Nations Alliance, it’s still difficult to resist the entire Alien Coalition.
"Duke Richard, things aren’t that serious, it’s just a matter of the Orc empire’s downfall being delayed.
Indeed, continental war will break out sooner or later, but it mustn’t be ignited in this way; the Kingdom needs to win honorably.
Not any precedent can be set, and once we break the rules, the original international order will collapse.
If the Kingdom Government becomes faithless, then naturally some nobles at home will follow suit.
You can imagine the terrible scene at that time!"
Hudson’s words directly destroyed the inner defenses of everyone involved.
Once some things are done, there’s no turning back.
If a precedent is set and the world becomes one that only recognizes interests and not loyalty, the consequences would be unbearable for anyone.
As beneficiaries, they naturally are the protectors of interests.
"The Marshal is right, the consequences are indeed immeasurable, let’s consider other methods first!
If it’s really impossible, let’s directly negotiate with the two countries and see what they want."
Prime Minister Beckett said slowly.
Paying a price in a dignified manner and playing by the rules makes things more confident when stepping outside.
Success or failure, the demeanor of a great nation will not be lost.
"What if the two countries propose to annex these nations?"
Minister of Finance Duke Zuell hesitantly asked.
In troubled times, the most effective way to quickly strengthen one’s power is to annex smaller states of the same kind.
Sometimes, just having sufficient external pressure can compel smaller countries to choose internal submission without even taking action.
"If they want to expand and the Kingdom can’t stop it, naturally we can only agree to them!"
Prime Minister Beckett said with an unchanged expression.
The same outcome, with different methods of execution, brings different political influences.
Standing from the perspective of the Alpha Kingdom, countries of the South Continent have all provided help to us before, and this sentiment must be acknowledged.
We can’t strike against them; when they face foreign enemies, we should offer assistance as well.
Only in their internal conflicts can the Kingdom declare neutrality.
Of course, if the royal family failed in political struggles and fled here, the Kingdom should also provide settlement according to protocol.
The probability of such things happening is very low; typical noble conflicts do not go to such extremes.
Seeing this, Hudson knows that the era of a hundred schools of thought contending among the Human Race is coming to an end.
The day the Alien Coalition perishes marks the beginning of a new era.
It’s extremely unfair to small countries.
But there’s no choice; it’s the inevitable path of historical development.
Under the threat of different races, whether the Northern Mainland People, Central Continental Human Race, or South Continent Human Race, all are one unified whole.
In terms of culture and faith, everyone is very close, not divided due to territorial separation.
This close connection provides the basis for great countries to annex others.
Hudson can already guess the general future continental layout; it’s nothing more than a matter of several powerful nations standing side by side.
One can refer to the historic Human Empire; when expansion reaches a certain level, it will halt due to exorbitant governing costs.
Previously, noble-style annexations rarely involved grassroots citizens, but now the situation has changed.
Everyone outside assumes that the Alpha Kingdom created the notion of universal conscription, while Hudson pushed this system to its peak.
In fact, these are merely external factors; the true cause is still the improvement of productivity.
The increase in food production allows countries to afford more troops, which is the key to turning serfs into soldiers.
In an era when productivity was extremely backward, only nobles were initially eligible to join the military; later it expanded to civilians, and eventually to serfs.
Changes in the system represent a process of the Human Race’s continually unfolding warfare potential.