In the Name of Empress

Chapter 689 388: As Long as Skyrim Province Can Be Saved (Part 2)

Regardless, the shipping costs are high, and the cycle is long, making it almost impossible to withdraw.

With no escape route, only two roads remain: fighting to the end or surrendering.

Resistance without support is destined to be a dead end, and he would rather die than surrender to the Yehu.

Faced with dead ends in every direction, even Rivers, a seasoned official, couldn't help but look ashen.

Just as his brain was about to explode, he noticed Roland's smile out of the corner of his eye and could only wipe the sweat from his forehead and tentatively say:

"Mr. Chairman, the situation has developed beyond my ability and authority. My personal honor is not worth mentioning, but I implore you to make decisions for the safety of the province's 900,000 people and more than 70,000 soldiers."

Roland smiled at Rivers and lightly teased after his third sweep of sweat, "I thought you had the confidence to handle it alone."

Rivers breathed a sigh of relief, smiled wryly, and said, "You overestimate me. I just don't know how to start."

The Prudon officials are merely straightforward, not truly foolish.

He could understand Roland's position. Regardless of whether Roland was just passing by or had a specific purpose on the South Continent, he was indeed in the Skyrim Province during the Yehu invasion.

Roland could, of course, come and go freely, but if he abandoned the million soldiers and civilians in the Skyrim Province, the Rodinia Alliance would have no reason to exist.

If the spirit of the people is scattered, the team cannot be led.

Roland may not like to manage these messy affairs, but he must uphold the interests of each country in the Rodinia Alliance.

He is the advocate and initiator of the Alliance, the spokesperson of it, and the representative of five of the six permanent chair countries.

If he doesn't manage things, who will?

After wiping away sweat for the fourth time, Rivers finally cleaned himself up and hurriedly spoke before Roland could ask anything:

"Honorable Chairman, as long as the lives of these million soldiers and civilians are preserved, I am willing to pay any price."

This is the necessary attitude.

Roland was giving his all to help him, and if he were still evasive and trying to negotiate, he would be a thankless bastard.

Since Rivers had a proper attitude and didn't harbor unrealistic fantasies, things were naturally easier.

"Mr. Rivers, before we discuss countermeasures, I must clarify something to you. Due to certain unspeakable reasons, the South Continent is already acknowledged as the sphere of influence of the Dark Race. At least, I cannot openly oppose their expansion here."

Noting Rivers' face turn pale instantly, Roland calmly stated, "But my duty is to protect the interests of the Alliance's countries, which is also the stance and reason I have for securing benefits for your country."

Rivers sighed in relief, wiping sweat for the fifth time.

Roland spoke subtly but clearly.

He could vaguely guess that Roland had some unspeakable and dirty dealing with the Dark Influence, but he naturally dared not accuse Roland of exchanging interests with them; this was not his concern.

He wasn't lying. Ever since the Yehu formed an organized military, the situation had spiraled out of control, beyond his ability and authority.

Roland had already surpassed Rivers' understanding by gathering the Yehu in a confined space and annihilating them all.

It seemed to him that a new era was unfolding, and he couldn't afford a ticket to the new era's vessel.

What else could he say?

As the captain of the old Skyline vessel, he had to land the passengers safely.

Then, maybe he'd have to retire.

Rivers thought silently.

At just forty-three years old, he had already risen to the ranks of a province-level official, with a previously limitless career path, yet losing the Skyrim Province meant the end of his career.

For the Sussex Empire, there are dozens of overseas territories like the Skyrim Province, but for the Prudon Kingdom, this was almost everything.

Losing ninety percent of the overseas territories, to bear such a stain and not be imprisoned is already fortunate, let alone further promotions.

Rivers, having given up his fantasies, had a rather good attitude; he had completely resigned himself, leaving everything to Roland's decision.

Following Roland's simple analysis of the stakes, he quickly and resolutely expressed his attitude.

"Mr. Chairman, I said any price. You don't have to worry about insignificant personal interests; just keep them safe."

Roland carefully examined Rivers, who was slightly plump, gaining a new understanding of this rigid official.

Rivers, male, born in Alheisen City, Prudon, with a father from lower nobility, although not inheritable, essentially of civilian origin. Served in the military until the age of thirty-three, accumulating merit and rising to the rank of colonel.

Seeing no future in the military, he retired and became a local official, gradually advancing to provincial governor.

Personality-wise, he was taciturn and fearfully obedient at home.

All this information came from the province-level official dossier compiled by Raikkonen across the Alliance.

Although he had accepted bribes of several thousand Gold Marks, kept three young girls, and even a Centaur girl in the Skyrim Province, Roland still believed he was morally and capable, worthy of reuse.

He had ability and responsibility; despite minor flaws in personal virtue, he held traditional family values, qualifying him as a fairly competent official in this era.

Recognizing that this guy would likely be dismissed upon returning home, Roland had already begun pondering what position to arrange for Rivers within the Alliance.

As the Alliance's spokesperson, he couldn't directly poach talents from other countries, but he didn't mind picking up discarded excellent officials.

Although in pre-travel times a soft-spoken man wasn't fit to be with a dog, in this era, treating one's wife and family well was definitely considered quality male.

Roland selectively overlooked Rivers' flaw of having three lovers in the Skyrim Province, not thinking it was a fatal defect.