“It’s quite simple, mother.” Vincent began his explanation. “Even now, the humans are constantly bickering amongst themselves. The King has zero support and he cannot hope to get any for an actual attack.”

“Then, how the hell is he hoping to take us on?” asked Amelia.

“Exactly. That man's aware he cannot fight us alone, so he’s trying to incite us on purpose."

Though it was a sore subject for the beast people, the humans did develop more rank 3 and 4 mages than them. However, this was never an issue, since they were so disorganized.

"For a while now, their king has been stockpiling resources, gathering intelligence, and even trying to sabotage us when possible. However, if we retaliate, we can’t do it against just him. Even if the humans want to give us their leader on a golden platter, and they likely do, his mansion is in the very center of their city. Who in their right minds would let a foreign race get all the way there?”

Vincent paused after his question, so Eduard took the chance to clarify.

“Basically, he’s trying to stir up a war that will force the other nobles to act. When that happens, he’ll sell them the equipment he’s been stockpiling boosting their strength while also consolidating his position.”

“He’ll screw them over in the middle of a war?” asked Amelia incredulously.

“Before the war, during the war, and after the war too.” answered Vincent.

Despite these revelations, the Queen was not impressed.

“He won’t live to see the end of it.” she decided. “Since conflict is inevitable, why are you against an attack?”

While the first princess was glaring at him, Vincent stood up and adjusted his suit. He made sure his tie was straight and his tail wasn’t wagging, before finally addressing his peers.

“Every day that passes, we’re capturing more and more of their spies. However, this also means that if we attack now, it’s extremely likely the humans will know.” He then turned towards his mother.

“Or course, I also believe the best way to win this war is through a full on assault. End it before the nobles have time to organize themselves. However, for this to be possible, we too will need time to prepare our troops and strategy.”

“Can’t we at least mess with them in the meantime?” said Amelia annoyed.

“It would give their nobility a reason to act. Currently, although they know of the King’s plans, they’re still hoping he’ll die like a fool while attacking us.”

“Die he will.” commanded his mother. After nodding in agreement, Vincent continued.

“They hope we’ll only deal with their King and then leave them alone as per our agreement from 1000 years ago.”

“Of course, that agreement becomes null and void the second they attack.” said Eduard.

“Which they already did.” added Amelia.

“Indeed…” Vincent paused for a second to let everyone breathe. “Fortunately, despite all that's happening, these imbeciles are still as divided as ever. Heck, two of their crop towers blew up just a few weeks ago.”

The atmosphere in the throne room was getting complicated. So much information was thrown at them that the princes and princesses were starting to lose track. The Queen too was getting weary, so she eventually lifted her palm.

“Let me think.”

Vincent nodded and took his seat. He shouldn't have gone off on tangents.

As for his mother, whenever she was given a long report, she would ask for time to process. In the past, the boy would blame this on her age, but experience had taught him differently.