Story After Rebirth Chapter 225: There’s Hope

In Argentum, there are not only officials in collusion but also spies working for Kamari. If Argentum made a significant move, mobilized troops, or a general suddenly departed, a letter would be sent. However, no news had been received.

Ashley believed the iron box hadn't fallen into the Royal Court's hands; the prince's men remained firmly within the imperial court. The King would need a cabinet meeting to authorize troop movements, yet everything remained calm. Could it be a trap?

Suddenly, Ashley declared, "Prince Kamari, we must not send troops to establish a formation. The King only has prefecture soldiers. Mobilizing our troops would expose us. We have people watching Argentum; who knows if Zloimond is watching us?"

"You mean we do nothing?" Kamari asked.

"Consider this, Your Highness," Ashley replied. "If the imperial court mobilized troops and generals, we'd know. The Royal Court likely only released the news without acting, forcing Your Highness to move. Once you move, the Royal Court will have a reason to act."

Kamari pondered, then said, "You're right. I'll strengthen the prefecture soldiers' defenses. The rest of you will continue guarding Bailitun."

"Wise," Ashley smiled.

Kamari added, "Isolde, quickly devise a plan to capture her. I've been brooding about the iron box. Oliver's body remains unseen. I need something tangible to ease my mind."

"Don't worry," Ashley reassured him, "I'll arrange it."

Vincenzo, Hattie, and Hazel were in the city, spreading news that Kamari was attempting rebellion. Some claimed Kamari's ulterior motives angered the heavens, resulting in heavy rains to punish Zloimond. The Eryndral Empire experienced drought years ago; Zloimond was no exception.

The commoners found the connection to the coming rainstorm ridiculous. Some even ironically thanked Kamari for his supposed rebellion if the rain did arrive. Despite the rumors, Zloimond remained calm.

Meanwhile, in Peace Town, Doug awaited Isolde to discuss their strategy. Doug, not a soldier, worried about Isolde leading an army for the first time.

"Tell me honestly," Doug asked, "how do you plan to destroy the Zloimond soldiers?"

Isolde countered, "Mr. Becker, how can 3,000 fight an army of tens of thousands? Let alone annihilate them?"

Doug was stunned. "You're not confident?" he asked.

Isolde clarified, "Mr. Becker, destroying the Zloimond troops with 3,000 is impossible. Our target is Kamari and his 5,000 prefecture soldiers; I don't count the tens of thousands of others."

Exasperated, Doug exclaimed, "How can you not count them? That's still the Zloimond army! Will they stand idly by if we fight? The citizens are fiercely loyal to him. Even if we enter the city, we'll be wiped out in under two hours. Do you want to die?"

Isolde smiled. "Mr. Becker, if a sudden rainstorm and flood hit Zloimond, would the soldiers assist in rescue efforts?"

Doug nodded. "Of course."

Isolde continued, "I've estimated Zloimond has 30,000 to 40,000 soldiers beyond the 5,000 prefecture soldiers, stationed in Bailitun. A flood will mobilize most of them, leaving a few in the city to manage refugees. Kamari's mansion can only mobilize 5,000. We'll use the chaos to attack the mansion. Our enemy is only those 5,000."

Doug questioned, "Are you Superman? Can you summon wind and rain?"

Isolde replied, "I can't, but starting August 19th, Zloimond will experience heavy rain for days, causing a flash flood. The dam will collapse, strong winds will destroy houses, and Kamari will mobilize most soldiers for rescue. It'll be seen as God's punishment for his rebellion—at least, that's what the commoners will believe."

Doug, realizing her seriousness, asked, "How did you know about the August 19th rainstorm and its severity?"

Isolde looked at him intensely. "An expert informed me. I've instructed Vincenzo to spread this news in the city and secretly mobilize people near the water for evacuation."

"Will they listen?" Doug doubted. Evacuations needed official orders.

"Do your best," Isolde said gravely. In her past life, Kamari used this storm, causing thousands of casualties and immense destruction. He blamed the Royal Court, gaining public support and bolstering his rebellion. Isolde aimed to seize the advantage first by spreading the rumour that Kamari's ambitions caused the storm.

Doug, dazed, noted, "You ordered Lucas to transport rations, then find storage, having the soldiers carry them themselves. Even Everfort Grary's rations were included. Did you already know about the floods and include disaster relief rations?"

Isolde said, "Those grains won't last, but the Queen Mother will arrange more. Lucas's escort can address immediate needs—natural and man-made disasters. Seeing the Royal Court's swift response, the people will be grateful."

Doug realized, "If this works, the King avoids blame for civil war and wins the people's hearts. You’ll have made a great contribution."

Isolde looked at her palm, a clear, simple print. She said quietly, "I only want revenge for Oliver and my wedding dress."

Isolde had compassion, but she couldn't be careless. The Empire, while more liberal, still constrained women's ambitions beyond domesticity. In her past life, Isolde faced great hardship. If Oliver hadn't destroyed Kamari's gunpowder, even 100,000 soldiers couldn't have saved them; it was devastatingly powerful.

Thinking of Oliver, Isolde's heart ached. She wondered about his well-being. If he survived, as Sadie suggested, Isolde would be grateful. If he lived, there was hope.