Entering the mayor's office, Bell pushed through the weighty doors and stepped into the bustling space, his eyes darting around for any sign of Hussar. The room hummed with activity as officials and aides bustled about, attending to the myriad tasks of city administration. Bell felt the weight of his seemingly impossible mission.

Without hesitation, he strode into Hussar's office, finding him seated calmly, savoring a cup of tea. Bell closed the door behind him and took a seat opposite Hussar, fixing him with a determined gaze, conveying the urgency of his predicament.

“So, it appears that you are going to kill me, no?” Hussar sighed, putting his tea cup on his table.

[Hussar Elmayer: Suspicious | Distrustful Relationship | +30]

"If I wanted to, I could've taken care of that earlier," Bell interjected.

"Alright, what's on your mind?" Hussar inquired.

"Can we discuss this in a more private setting?" Bell suggested.

"What's your angle here, Bell? Look, if you've got a solid reason, I'll hear you out," Hussar responded.

"My agency has uncovered who's behind the mutiny, and you won't believe it, but there's a fleet of ironclads from the Southern Coalition heading our way, loaded with troops and weapons," Bell revealed.

"That's not ideal," Hussar remarked, surprising Bell with his candid response, especially considering his previous ties to the Southern Coalition. This led Bell to reconsider whether Hussar was truly the mastermind behind the mutiny. "I thought I made it clear to them to stand down."

"So, you're still in touch with the coalition?" Bell probed.

"How else am I supposed to keep them from causing trouble? I've vouched for you, Bell, despite my reservations. Trust me, the alternative would be far worse – complete devastation of Saven and its infrastructure," Hussar explained.

"Do you doubt our ability to handle the Southern Coalition?" Bell challenged.

"For someone whose empire crumbled in less than a year? Frankly, you don't inspire much confidence, especially considering how easily a single plague wiped out the Empire," Hussar pointed out.

"We've established a stronghold in Frostwood, taken down seven dragons in the process, and defended against the Longinus barrage. Why do you doubt us?" Bell countered.

"The plague remains your Achilles' heel, Bell," Hussar reasoned.

"We've overcome it and moved forward," Bell insisted.

"How?" Hussar inquired.

"Something to do with an ancient site," Bell vaguely replied.

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"My God, I've witnessed some downright illogical occurrences in my time, like how you can conjure up buildings out of thin air. It's not that I trust you implicitly; it's just that I'm more familiar with the extent of your power compared to the might of the coalition. So, if you could demonstrate some of your military prowess, I could vouch for you, but that's about it," Hussar explained.

"What exactly do you want to know?" Bell inquired. "Are you interested in how we've kept the husk at bay, or perhaps the mysterious abilities we've managed to wield? From where I'm sitting, it seems like an easy decision."

After a heavy sigh, Hussar relented, "Fine. My main concern is the safety of my people. What assurance can you provide?"

"We'll evacuate them all if necessary," Bell assured.

"Alright, under those circumstances, I'm willing to cooperate," Hussar agreed.

"However, can you handle it discreetly?" Bell pressed.

"How am I supposed to discreetly evacuate 7,000 people from here?" Hussar questioned.

"I just need you to try," Bell pleaded.

"It's not feasible. Why not just be direct about the evacuation?" Hussar countered.

"It's simple – because Falael and the elves are involved," Bell revealed.

Hussar raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Falael? That's a serious accusation, Bell. He's been a respected member of this community for years. What evidence do you have to back up such a claim?"

Leaning forward, Bell's expression turned grave. "The RAA has been closely monitoring Falael's activities and communications. There have been numerous secretive meetings, suspicious financial transactions, and now, with the imminent threat of a Southern Coalition fleet, it all points to him. We believe Falael is colluding with them, possibly to instigate a mutiny or a coup."

Hussar shook his head, struggling to come to terms with the revelation. "It's hard to wrap my head around. Falael has always appeared devoted to Saven. But if what you're saying holds true, then this situation is an utter mess."

"No doubt about it. So, where do you stand?" Bell cut to the chase.

"Any evidence to confirm the fleet's heading our way?" Hussar inquired.

Bell reached into his pocket and pulled out his phone, displaying a picture captured by the scouting F-15EX. The image spoke volumes – thirty imposing ships slicing through the waves, poised to unleash havoc upon Saven's shores.

"Well, that's quite dire. Can anything be done?" Hussar asked.

Bell hesitated before responding, "Unfortunately, our hands are tied until they're too close for comfort. I strongly advise evacuating the town's residents while there's still time."

"I'll need assistance, and it won't be discreet. I'll require your military aid to 'evacuate' the civilians," Hussar stated bluntly.

"I have a division ready for that purpose. Will that suffice?" Bell offered.

"Works for me," Hussar agreed.

"Still, it's unfathomable that Falael would welcome the Southern Coalition here. What was he thinking?" Hussar exclaimed, slapping his forehead in disbelief at his elven colleague's apparent folly. Yet, he couldn't ignore the harsh truth that stupidity knows no bounds.

Bell grappled with the intricacies of Falael's plan, especially the puzzling decision to beckon a hostile fleet to their shores. This maneuver seemed destined to ignite a military showdown between Federation forces and the Southern Coalition's armada. Bell's primary focus remained deciphering Falael's motives, which explained his reluctance to launch a preemptive strike against the approaching ships.

Amid his strategic calculations, Bell keenly understood the delicate equilibrium he must uphold. Safeguarding civilian lives stood as his paramount objective. This principle dictated engaging the enemy fleet from a safe distance to ensure the populace of Saven remained unharmed. While the potential destruction of the city's infrastructure loomed large, it paled in comparison to the imperative of preserving human life.

With Hussar now in agreement, the onus fell on Bell to rally the 1st Infantry Division for the evacuation effort, aiming to relocate the civilian population at least fifty kilometers from the port to evade cannon attacks.

Yet, the decision to draw two adversarial forces so near – what was Falael truly contemplating?