Just why did I have to blabber out the first idea that came into my mind?!
Should someone like me really be making crucial decisions on a nationwide scale?
(L)
It might sound farfetched, but one shouldn't underestimate the Formicean capabilities to create structures.
Heck, I know for certain that all of my brood is currently here.
That means I absolutely have the necessary workforce to bring this project into reality.
Thanks for the assist, Liseti.
Though, I'm not sure if Chera appreciated this comment.
At this, I perceive something like pheromones of approval from Uma.
I guess a mindset that is about preserving our brood is to her liking.
I... I need to admit that I didn't think this part through.
According to my knowledge, Koreso already partly broke through the border and their raiding units are ravaging the east of the country.
They even took some border towns, and their soldiers have an established presence within Tarsonian territory.
Needless to say, they probably won't just sit around while we build fortifications against them.
Suddenly, one of the men from the human delegation, which we've honestly excluded quite a bit from this talk until now, steps forward, raising his arm as if asking for permission to say something.
Of course, he speaks nonetheless, the moment he can be certain of our attention.
Stolen story; please report.
"Ahem. This speech-smell sense is quite new to me, but do I understand this right that you're debating now about a strategy to turn this war around? In this case, I think I might be able to contribute." (Stormheart)
Uma looks questioningly at us, before Chera translates again, also offering to continue doing so for further answers.
"Ie, I would as well like to know, is such an endeavor truly realistic? We're talking about a structure that would run along almost the entire length of the country." (Ki)
At least this is something I can answer confidently.
"So you're sayieng, saying you could build such a massive wall along the whole border, faster than the Koresoans can even march?" (Ki)
"If I might make a suggestion, the northern Garanas should pose the best natural position for this kind of structure. If we can claim control of the bridges, all we need to do is hold them until this project is finished. In addition, it also lies around our old border." (St)
He points at the map and makes a line along the Tarsonian border.
Of course, they want to regain their territory.
But these exist for a reason, as natural terrain defines them.
It's fine if it starts out simple, as long as it's defendable.
Everything can be further fortified to satisfaction afterward.
That's around two weeks.
Fairly impressive, but it would still leave us exposed for a considerable length of time.
Not to forget the impediment of being attacked.
"But wouldn't this still leave a path through the mountains?" (noble)
"Nobody in their right mind would lead troops through the Drega mountains. Such a thing would only shake up what rests there." (St)
The Drega mountains.
One of the biggest mountain ranges of the inner continent.
It's said, on a safely assumed basis, that some of the most terrifying creatures known to the world exist there.
Ancient creatures, so old that they simply don't care anymore about taking part in the fighting within the Evergrove.
Basically, the whole mountains are a bit of a resting place for monsters that want peace.
Only suicidal people would disturb them.
"Under different circumstances, I would say this plan borders lunacy, but presented like this it might truly work." (St)
I can't blame them, but an escalation could prompt their army to attack before we are ready.
On the other hand, having those garrisons at our back could be bad as well.
"But this still leaves the question open of how you intend to avoid a Koresoan counterattack. The northern Garanas isn't easy to pass, but we can expect heavy resistance at the bridge forts and an even heavier assault once we take them." (Ki)
Yeah, doesn't seem like we'll completely do without a fight.
Suddenly, pure presence bursts through the room.
Uma!?
Well, she was a bit left out here.
She leans down to the general, who audibly gulps for a moment.
"Uh, y-yes. Your kind can be a rather... unsettling sight for humans. We had somewhat successful operations by utilizing troops your Princess Honiu graciously lent to us. There might possibly be a degree of familiarization with the enemy troops, but I'd assume they still have a rather intimidating reputation." (Ki)
It kind of has impact when a titan's claw points on a strategic map.
"ThEy, they would probably be afraid of an attack and... Oh!" (Ki)