"Those bastards didn't even bother undoing the strings for us. This is too uncomfortable," complained Zhang Bao'er.

I suddenly noticed General Edward and Kelly sitting silently on the ground. A thought rose in me that I should perhaps try to console them.

"My apologies, General. Like you, I can't agree to help the emperor with the negotiations," I said.

"Child, you made the right choice. Even if the league agrees to release the three legions, there will still be a war. In fact, with the three legions around, more lives will be lost," said General Edward.

"Father, it's my fault. I was the one who got you into this trouble," said Kelly, who had been silent.

"Foolish child, what are you talking about? If I go back in time, I will still make the same choice," said General Edward.

"What happened to the two of you?" asked Zhang Bao'er.

"At the defensive line outside Planet Akko, thousands of imperial battleships suddenly appeared to attack our fleet. Due to their numerical advantage, we weren't able to resist and were forced to retreat. Duke Yidon ordered someone to cover the retreat, and I volunteered,"...