James said solemnly, “I don’t have a choice. In a short amount of time, many powerful figures called me to warn against escalating the situation and to accept the enemy’s demands. Help me think of something, Maxine.”

Maxine had been paying close attention to this incident the moment James called Thea.

Then, news came from the Cadens. After hearing of this, she had been thinking of a way to deal with the three thousand-strong mercenaries while suffering minimal losses.

Now, she had a general idea of what to do.

“James, from what I understand, these mercenaries know that they will be fighting against the Red Flame Army in the Capital. This means that they have no plans of returning alive.”

“This is rather problematic.”

“They are most certainly risking their lives for money. Before battle breaks out, try demoralizing the mercenaries. Promise them you will reward them with a sum as long as they surrender. Once a few wavers, seize the opportunity and make a breakthrough.”

“You