Restart:Untalented Man-Chapter 526: Preparations

Ever since the explosive news was released, the entire continent had been thrown into a state of uproar.

All kinds of rumours spread like wildfire, and speculation ran rampant.

The shockwaves reached far and wide, stirring unrest and concern among citizens and political leaders.

At the epicentre of the chaos stood Ryntum.

As expected, being at the heart of the storm, they draw many eyes toward them.

Those who aren't blind can notice the relentless stream of visitors from abroad. They all want to get a piece of the truth or at least confirm what was happening.

For this purpose, the most logical place to pay attention to is undoubtedly the foreign ministry.

A department which is rarely busy is overwhelmed by a wave of people and letters coming in.

Riz chose to watch on the sidelines and let Michael take charge of public communications and official responses.

As far as Riz was concerned, everything that needed to be said had already been said.

The message had been delivered. The facts, as they wished them to be known, had been told.

What he hadn't anticipated, however, was the unexpected silence from Sidgean even after he had taken a lead in making the announcement.

Although many people knew they were in cahoots with Ryntum, Sidgean remained quiet and made no clarification.

Their silence was loud. It cast a shadow of doubt in Riz's heart, thinking they may not be a good ally to cooperate with.

"Tsk, tsk, tsk. In the end, you can only rely on yourself. Alliances are merely the cherry on top," he concludes.

Whatever the case may be, Ryntum had no choice but to take one step at a time and continue advancing with its own plan.

As for what to do next, let's wait for his Minister of War and Defence, William Geoffrey, to get here first.

....

William arrived promptly after receiving the summons.

After watching his colleague, Michael, suddenly get a whole lot of work, William realises that it is now his turn.

"What are your orders for me, Your Majesty?"

Riz looked at him. "How long does it take to assemble and deploy an army?"

The question gave William pause. He briefly calculating in silence before responding.

"Roughly about a month at most. We've got enough supplies stockpiled to support a campaign for a year, given that we mobilise only a quarter of our forces. However, if Your Majesty intends for full mobilisation, we won't be able to sustain a long-term conflict without straining the economy."

Ryntum's military was divided into four regional divisions: North, Central, East, and South.

Each force was capable of independent deployment but could be unified into a single super-large army if needed.

Riz shook his head, "No need to mobilise all. One army should be enough."

Out of concern, William asked, "Are we... going to war?"

Although he knows Ryntum possess superior weapons to their neighbour, it doesn't mean they are invisible.

Now that all eyes are on them. Any sudden movement, especially a military one, will have a bad impact on them.

"Yes, go prepare."

"Who is our target?"

"Blande."

The name struck like a hammer. His expression turned grim.

Of all the choices, that was perhaps the most volatile.

"Your Majesty, with all due respect, we've already settled our grievances with Blande. That matter was closed diplomatically, and the entire continent knows it. If we take action against them now, our credibility will be shattered. Why not choose another nation?"

"Calm down, William. Let me explain..."

William reluctantly obeyed. He lowered himself into the chair.

It is unknown how long the two discussed, but William left the office with a neutral face.

Considering his temper, the onlooker concludes that the king and the war minister have agreed on whatever plan they're drawing.

Not long afterwards, the Ministry of War and Defence stirred to life. Once a relatively quiet institution is now bustling with activity.

For those keeping a watchful eye on Ryntum, who were many, the sudden uptick in military movement was impossible to miss.

The ministry made no effort to conceal its actions.

Naturally, rumours about Ryntum going to war began to spread like wildfire.

Adding to the lack of clarity, it only amplified the speculation. Every theory seemed plausible.

Across the continent, scouts were dispatched. Border patrols doubled. Cities quietly fortified their walls.

A tense atmosphere engulfed the continent.

And in the heart of Ryntum's capital, numerous covert forces dared not move.

Instead, they watched and waited. To figure out the target.

Days turned into a week, and the movements continued.

Still, no official declaration came. No names were spoken aloud.

Then, without fanfare, the answer revealed itself.

Ships heavy with supplies sailed steadily out of the capital.

Crates of weapons, rolls of tents, barrels of preserved food, and stacks of uniforms headed unmistakably northward.

The target was Blande.

The revelation spread across the capital's underground networks. Within hours, the information reached every neighbouring nation.

Shock followed. Blande again?

Many had assumed the previous conflict had resolved their differences. Diplomats had signed treaties.

Surprise quickly turned to anger.

Ryntum was denounced as lawless.

No one felt the sting more acutely than Blande itself.

To be struck so soon after reconciliation was not just an insult; it was a betrayal.

Publicly, Blande accused Ryntum of deceit, while internally, they scrambled to prepare defences.

As if someone had deliberately fanned the flames, other nations began to raise their voices.

Dissatisfaction turned into condemnations. Condemnations evolved into warnings.

Whispers of a coalition began to take form. And it was used by them to threaten Ryntum.

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Ryntum did not yield. Instead, the mobilisation speeds up.

The soldiers were deployed to the border between Ryntum and Blande.

In the nearby waters, Ryntum's warships were frequently seen.

This wasn't a bluff. It was a clear message.

The machinery of war is fully in motion.

Now, all it took was a single nod from the king, and war could begin.