Paradis Island, the Royal Capital.
On this day, news of the Survey Corps achieving a great victory in their operation outside the island spread through newspapers to every corner of the royal capital, causing a huge sensation. Almost every passerby on the streets was discussing it.
The information brought by the Eldian Restorationists who had once come to Paradis Island was too heavy, and the oppression of Eldians by countries around the outside world also filled the people of Paradis Island with immense anger.
However, today, the Survey Corps had achieved such a major victory in the capital of Marley, which harbored the greatest hatred toward Eldians. This made the entire Paradis Island feel greatly encouraged and uplifted.
At the High Council, Erwin smiled as he put down the newspaper and murmured,
"You did beautifully, Hange."
Zackly tapped his fingers on the table and muttered to himself,
"Occupied a city? This is truly beyond our expectations. With the Survey Corps' manpower alone, that shouldn't have been possible. However, the Eldian Revival Army mentioned in the telegram is quite intriguing. Could it be related to the Restorationists on our Paradis Island?"
Pixis rubbed the flask in his pocket, but given his high position now and the number of people present at the council, he felt a bit embarrassed to take it out and drink.
"Revival Army and Restorationists—no matter how you look at it, they seem like one family. As far as I know, the leader of this Revival Army is that kid Yago, right? Truly remarkable."
A leader of an armed force numbering in the thousands—this was enough to draw the attention of the entire upper echelon of Paradis Island. However, Yago's youth made these high-ranking officials feel somewhat ashamed. At the same age, the highest position among them might have only been Pixis serving as a Garrison captain.
"Let's not discuss that for now. How should we handle Survey Corps Commander Hange's request for additional reinforcements and technical personnel?"
When Zackly raised this question, the council immediately became chaotic. Some supported it, while others opposed it. The opponents mostly believed that Marley's capital was separated by the sea and still under encirclement, making it unnecessary to take it over.
"Erwin, what do you think?" Zackly asked for Erwin's opinion.
After a moment of thought, Erwin said calmly,
"Support them—we must provide support. Hange made it very clear in the telegram. Aside from its advantageous coastal location, Marley's capital also possesses a complete industrial system. Over the years, everyone has seen the assistance provided by Hizuru. The technology outside the island surpasses ours by far. Relying solely on Hizuru's aid, it will be difficult for us to catch up with the world.
However, the industrial system and various technologies present in Marley's capital can perfectly make up for our shortcomings. This is extremely important for the future of Paradis Island. Prime Minister Zackly, I request to be appointed as the commander of the reinforcement forces."
...
"Arno? How is it? What was the council's decision?" Inside the church, the moment Arno, dressed in the uniform of the unicorn-emblazoned Military Police, stepped in, members of the Imperial Faction impatiently asked. (If you forgot who Arno is, refer to Chapter 256.)
"Prime Minister Zackly has already signed the order to support the Survey Corps. The commander will be Erwin. Starting today, elite soldiers will be selected from the three major regiments," Arno said as he walked to the head seat and sat down.
"I see… but wouldn't that further bolster the momentum of the Restorationists? What should we do?" one of the Imperial Faction's elders, Nacke, sighed.
"Imperial Faction, Restorationists—why must they be divided so clearly? Aren't they all for the sake of the Eldians?" Lance, wearing the uniform of the Garrison, frowned as he refuted.
"Lance! What kind of talk is that? The ultimate goal of the Imperial Faction is to restore the Eldian Empire! Not those Restorationists who only shout empty slogans!" Nacke sternly reprimanded Lance.
But Lance curled his lips in disdain.
"Empty slogans? Didn't you read the newspaper? Those Restorationists you call slogan-shouters are the main contributors to the occupation of Marley's capital. If that doesn't count as real action, then what are we?"
After saying that, Lance ignored everyone's gaze and stood up, leaving the Imperial Faction's meeting church on his own.
"Arno! Why aren't you saying anything?! Are you just going to watch Lance tear apart our Imperial Faction!?" Although Lance had left, Nacke didn't dare to stop him and could only vent his frustration at Arno afterward.
Arno, however, seemed completely indifferent to Nacke's words. One hand supported his chin, while the index finger of his other hand tapped unconsciously on the armrest of his chair.
After a long time, Arno finally spoke and asked Nacke,
"What is the fundamental difference between the Imperial Faction and the Restorationists?"
Caught off guard by the sudden question, Nacke was momentarily stunned. The difference between the Imperial Faction and the Restorationists? Well, of course—the Imperial Faction aims to restore the glory of the Eldian Empire! To reestablish the noble status of the Eldians!
As for those Restorationists, the slogans they shout are merely about reviving the Eldian people… Nacke pondered, then suddenly realized in shock that reviving the Eldian people actually seemed to align with the Imperial Faction's goals as well! What was going on? Could his opponent suddenly become his ally??
While Nacke was lost in thought, Arno softly voiced his own answer,
"The difference is that the Eldian Empire needs a true king—one with real courage and authority—not a powerless figurehead." Arno's voice was so quiet that only he himself could hear it.
After the Imperial Faction's meeting ended, Arno went alone to a corner of the church, where another figure was waiting for him.
"So? Have you made up your mind?" Yelena asked with a faint smile.
Arno nodded, his gaze firm.
"Paradis Island, the Eldians—they need a true king! Not a figurehead! The people in the council have no right to touch the power that belongs to a king!"
Yelena nodded. "Of course, you're right. Then, happy cooperation." She extended her hand.
After hesitating for a moment, Arno also extended his hand and shook hers.
"Happy cooperation."
...
Marley, Tessi Province. This city, a transportation hub belonging to Marley, temporarily became the capital of the Marley Empire. Magath officially assumed the positions of General of the Marley Empire and Minister of Defense, taking control of the nation's military.
After reorganizing the government, the first major issue Magath had to face was how to reclaim Marley's capital from the Eldians.
The occupation of the capital was a heavy blow to all the people of Marley. Who could have imagined that after just ending the war with the Middle Easterners, the clouds of war would once again loom over Marley?