"But isn’t the Clifford Kingdom too strong? Once we’re exposed, we might get surrounded."
The purple-haired Angus Abel shook his head, finding it too risky, then offered his own opinion: "I think the Biviss Kingdom could be our target. First, the island isn’t small. From a geographical perspective, it’s near Whitebeard’s territory, so we don’t have to worry about unprovoked attacks. Their population is less than three million, and their army is only two hundred thousand."
"And although the Biviss Kingdom has too many desolate areas and its resources are relatively scarce, it’s rich in saltpeter for gunpowder manufacturing, and its steel production isn’t low. By selling saltpeter and steel, the Biviss Kingdom has earned a large fortune and established numerous castles and fortresses on the island, which is how they’ve resisted pirate raids using these strongholds and heavy artillery."
"If we seize the Biviss Kingdom, by selling saltpeter and steel, we can also earn a significant amount of wealth and build sturdy castle fortresses. This way, our territory will be impregnable."
Most of the New World’s territories were occupied by the Yonko, and the various factions were complex. Whitebeard was one of the least aggressive Yonko, so being near his territory would undoubtedly allow for good development.
Angus Abel had just joined the Chris Pirates and wanted to earn some merit to prove himself.
"But there’s one thing you’re forgetting," Dimitri glanced at Angus Abel, picking up the intelligence report on the Biviss Kingdom. "The Biviss Kingdom has always been a trading partner of the Whitebeard Pirates, and many other pirate crews have connections with them. If we don’t handle it well, we could be encircled and annihilated by numerous pirate crews."
Upon hearing this, Angus Abel’s expression turned grim, momentarily speechless. He clearly hadn’t considered that point.
Listening to Dimitri’s words, Aeridar, at the head of the table, nodded in agreement.
Aeridar tapped the table, drawing everyone’s attention to himself. He stated calmly, "Gentlemen, don’t forget, after we seize a country, we plan to establish a massive, all-inclusive entertainment city."
For Aeridar, his heart had always yearned for an optimal island, blessed with eternal spring and abundant resources. He envisioned building the finest entertainment city there, a tourist destination with beautiful, pristine environments, featuring the world’s largest casino, self-sufficient and housing various factories, including military arms production.
Therefore, for him, the Biviss Kingdom’s territory clearly wouldn’t satisfy him or suit his taste.
Reminded by Aeridar, everyone else also recalled. With the Biviss Kingdom’s terrible, desolate environment, how many people would be willing to visit? Even if they captured the Biviss Kingdom and built an entertainment city, they’d probably lose money until they went bankrupt.
"Let’s still choose the Clifford Kingdom... Although the risk is greater, the reward is even greater," Oliver decided.
Oliver enjoyed challenges, and he had no interest in overly weak opponents.
Soon, Oliver’s words swayed everyone present.
"Then I’ll give you a detailed overview of the Clifford Kingdom’s situation."
Arlan stepped forward, pulling out a full map of Brady Island and dragging out a whiteboard stand to hang the map on.
"First, Brady Island is a large island with diverse terrain, including forests, inland rivers, high mountains, and plains. The Clifford Kingdom on it has nine cities, including the capital, and many villages.
"It also has two port cities, a population of nearly ten million, an army of four hundred thousand, and nearly fifty warships of various sizes.
"Furthermore, the Clifford Kingdom boasts several renowned experts whose strength is comparable to, or even surpasses, that of an average Marine Vice Admiral. It’s a powerful nation that even the Marines and many great pirates dare not invade." Arlan pointed at the map as he spoke.
"However, the current King Dasco XI is gravely ill and could die at any time. Although the First Prince has the right to inherit the throne, the other princes are also eyeing the throne, making the political situation extremely complex.
"The First Prince, Byrd Dasco, is the first in line to the throne. He himself is a minorly famous swordsman, not weak in strength, and has the support of many nobles and military generals.
"The Second Prince, Bolton Dasco, is also a capable swordsman, enjoying extremely high prestige among the common people, who see him as a beacon of hope.
"The Third Prince, Casey Dasco, is the most significant threat to the throne. He possesses a certain talent and also has the backing of many nobles, but in reality, he is arrogant and ambitious but lacks true ability, not worth mentioning.
"The Fourth Prince, Daren Dasco, is an artist, a renowned stone carving master. Although he has the support of many nobles, he himself has little interest in the throne.
"There’s also the Fifth Prince, Benson Dasco. He accidentally ate a Devil Fruit as a child and is a Devil Fruit user, but he seems to have no desires or ambitions, preferring to play around. He’s a well-known scion of the Clifford Kingdom.
"That largely sums up the situation in the Clifford Kingdom. As for the other princes and princesses, they’re either too young or lack the ability to be worth mentioning." Arlan’s throat was dry, and he immediately grabbed a glass of water and drank it down.
Nodding at Arlan, Aeridar tapped the table and asked, "Everyone, let’s discuss it. What should we do?"
"Captain Aeridar, the most prosperous part of the Clifford Kingdom is its royal capital, ’Nakor.’ Apart from the two heavily garrisoned port cities, most of the remaining forces are stationed in ’Nakor’," Galan pondered for a moment before speaking. "As long as we find a way to enter ’Nakor’ and deal with the royal capital’s guards, we’ll win."
"We can use the Third Prince, Casey Dasco. This man is ambitious but lacks true ability. We can send someone to him, promise to help him gain the throne, on the condition that we receive some of the Clifford Kingdom’s mineral resources, and that we cooperate with them in the name of the Seven Warlords of the Sea.
"I believe the impatient Casey Dasco will definitely agree. This way, we can legitimately enter the Clifford Kingdom and proceed to ’Nakor’ using his name," Arlan then elaborated on his plan.
"Then, we’ll wait for them to fight each other until both sides are severely weakened, and then we’ll launch a decisive strike, taking ’Nakor’ and the entire Clifford Kingdom. Even if they have a large army, under our ’Edvishen’ which can create endless armies, they will be no match," Aeridar continued with a sinister grin, raising his left hand, which was adorned with a black glove.
After all, a nation’s capital is its heart; if even the capital cannot be defended, the entire country will be shaken.
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