[B3]Chapter 178: The Cost of Surrender

Theo, clutching the bracelet and ring securely, met Emma’s gaze firmly. "We need to ensure these reach those in need and avoid another robbery. Last time, the rations were compromised. We can't trust that won't happen again, so it's better we handle this ourselves," he declared.

Everyone absorbed Theo's words, recognizing the validity of his concern that history could repeat itself.

Gildor nodded in agreement. "His words hold truth. These rations are our only hope until we can find a lasting solution to this crisis," he affirmed.

Agnes looked around with a solemn expression, seeking the best course of action. "How should we proceed then?" she asked the group.

While everyone's attention turned towards Gildor and Liliana for direction, Theo was the one to respond. "The best place for distribution would be the town center, where it can be easily accessed by everyone in need.”

"There's a Community Hall at the town center that comes under my supervision; we can use that," Agnes suggested.

Gildor, acknowledging their plan, added, "Since the place is decided, you all should hurry, or Ajora will come bickering to me about it again…"

"Will you be joining us?" Agnes inquired.

Gildor shook his head. "I need to be at the construction site. There’s much more at stake there.”

Everyone nodded, understanding the importance of both tasks. They quickly departed the Embassy Enclave for the town center, while Gildor headed in the opposite direction toward the construction site.

The town center was quiet, with only occasional Canorians on the streets. The shops were open, yet visibly empty.

Inside the Community Hall, the interior was set up with rows of chairs and standard communal amenities. A Canorian man sweeping the floor paused his work to bow respectfully towards Agnes.

Theo surveyed the room and soon spotted a large table situated at the podium. Approaching it, he assessed its suitability for their needs. "We can utilize this table as the main distribution station, but we'll need additional tables and the necessary supplies," he pointed out.

Agnes nodded in agreement and turned to address the Canorian man who had greeted her. “Evan, please gather all the available staff and have them bring more tables and any cooking utensils they can find. Also, could you reach out to local chefs who might be able to help prepare meals quickly?”

The man bowed again and hurried off to carry out her instructions.

“That should set us up well,” Agnes remarked as she watched him go.

Liliana, scanning the hall, suggested, “We need to set up different stations for various tasks to streamline the process. One for cooking, another for packaging, and a third for distribution planning.”

Everyone nodded at her suggestion and immediately set to work, organizing the hall to fit the criteria that were needed. Soon, the room filled with additional staff who were busy arranging various areas and tables for the task.

Theo, still holding the bracelet and ring since no one had requested their return, took charge of distributing the emergency food as Agnes had directed, while Emma and Arwen oversaw the packaging.

Meanwhile, Liliana was overseeing the cooking area, instructing the chefs with her typical cold demeanor. The Canorian chefs, though feeling as if they were working in an icy chamber due to her strict oversight, followed her orders diligently, aware of her status as the human princess.

Within an hour, the distribution operation was in full swing, with soldiers and town guards aiding in delivering rations to the people. Priority was given to children and patients at the infirmary, ensuring they received nourishment first.

By evening, as the day's distribution efforts concluded, Emma, now clutching the bracelet and ring, delivered somber news. "I didn't expect this, but our ration stock has almost depleted. Though we've managed to provide enough food to last for two days, we won’t be able to sustain this beyond that."

Agnes’s expression dimmed at the news, while Arwen stood with his hands clasped behind his back, observing the unfolding conversation. Theo and Liliana appeared detached, their expressions unreadable, giving no hint of their thoughts on the matter.

Liliana then spoke up with a decisive tone, "We can instruct the townspeople to use the distributed rations for only one meal a day. This will buy us three to four days to devise another solution." Her gaze then shifted to Emma, “Ensure that the remaining rations are prioritized for the patients at the infirmary.”

Emma nodded firmly, “Understood. I’ll handle it.”

With the plan set, Liliana, followed closely by Theo and Arwen, left the community hall. The sun dipped toward the western horizon, casting a dim glow over the city. Streets flickered with the light of fire torches, creating shadows that danced against the walls.

As they walked, Theo silently watched Liliana’s figure ahead of him, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

His reverie was interrupted when she suddenly turned to face him, catching him off guard. “What’s the progress with the farmlands and the new crops?” she asked sharply, stopping in her tracks.

Theo, momentarily caught off breath, gathered his composure. “Local farmers have refused to help. They are unhappy with the plan,” he reported, noting the Embassy Enclave building just a few meters ahead.

Liliana nodded curtly, then turned to enter the building without waiting for him to elaborate.

As he entered behind her, he watched her ascend the stairs briskly. Hesitating momentarily, he then made his way towards the kitchen.

“Ella, could I have my dinner, please?” he asked quietly.

Ella, glancing up with a gentle nod, responded in a soft voice, “Just a moment, Sir. It'll be ready in two minutes.”

After finishing his meal, Theo retreated to his room to get a restful sleep.

The next morning, Theo was abruptly awakened by persistent knocking on his door.

Ella stood outside when he opened it. “Lord Gildor and the Princess are waiting downstairs. They asked me to call you.” she informed him politely.

“Tell them I’ll be there in five minutes,” Theo responded, quickly making his way to the bathroom to freshen up and get ready.

Downstairs, it wasn't just Gildor and Liliana waiting, but Linwe was there as well.

As Theo made his appearance, Gildor rose from his seat, announcing, “He is here; now we can proceed.”

Theo glanced at Linwe, noticing his somber expression and raised his eyebrows in silent inquiry. Linwe, however, remained silent, his demeanor suggesting he was not in the best of spirits.

As they started walking, Linwe leaned towards Theo and whispered with a frustrated look, “Grandpa is upset with me because I didn’t inform him earlier that the farmers declined to help with the plantation plan.”

“It wasn’t your fault,” Theo reassured him quietly.

“That’s what I tried to explain, but he wouldn’t listen. He said I should have found him immediately, yet he also stops me from going to the construction site. What was I supposed to do?” Linwe sighed.

Meanwhile, Gildor was ahead, speaking with Liliana, who listened intently as he lamented how both Tauron and Linwe were proving to be irresponsible.

Eventually, they arrived at the farm area. Gildor paused, signaling for Linwe to fetch Tauron.

Within moments, a lean Canorian man with brown fur approached, a dozens individuals trailing behind him.

Gildor confronted him directly in a stern tone, “Why did you not assist when you knew it was my directive?”

Tauron responded with a heavy tone, "Monarch, our people have deep sentiments tied to these bamboo lands. It took years of labor without any guarantee to cultivate them. Only after a long period did the bamboos flourish skyward. And now, we are instructed to clear these lands which have been a symbol of Northern Woods' identity for centuries. Moreover, we do not see this as a feasible solution when our rations have already been depleted, and it's impossible to resolve this food shortage within a week."

"Do you have any other solution to our ration crisis then?" Gildor retorted sharply.

Tauron, backed by the silent support of those standing behind him, met Gildor's gaze and declared in unison, "We can surrender."

Gildor’s face grew cold at this bitter suggestion, marking the first time they had openly opposed his decision. He considered reprimanding them but chose restraint.

"It’s not as though I haven’t considered surrendering to our neighbors," Gildor began. "But consider what surrendering would entail. They already suspect us of colluding with the demon race. And even if they were to disregard that, do you think they would treat us well? Our history with the Orcs is fraught with bitterness, a reason we've secluded ourselves in the Northern Woods. There’s a significant risk that our people would be reduced to nothing more than slaves in our own lands if we were to surrender."

As Gildor’s words sank in, he met the eyes of each Canorian present. Their gazes eventually dropped to the ground, weighed down by the truth in his argument.

The sour relations with the Orcs were well-known, and rumors had even suggested that the allegations of Canorians working with the demon race were a ploy by the Orcs to justify driving them from the Territory of Feralon and seizing control of the region. The realization that their leader's concerns were justified stirred a silent acknowledgment among them.

Theo and Liliana stood silently, observing as Gildor, with a pained expression, turned to face them, his back now to the Canorians. In a low, bitter tone, he confessed, "I thought my people would stand with me during these dire times, yet it seems I have failed as a leader." Without another word, he began walking towards the field of bamboos.

Linwe, Theo, and Liliana fell into step behind him, following through the towering bamboo stalks that swayed gently in the morning breeze.

Theo, sensing movement behind him, glanced back to see several Canorians following at a distance. Their faces bore apologetic expressions, reflecting their internal conflict and regret at having challenged Gildor’s leadership.

When they finally reached the edge of the bamboo field, they were met with a sight that left everyone dumbstruck. Not only the Canorians, but even Liliana and Gildor stood amazed by the sight. For Theo, the reason for his amazement was different, yet he was equally awestruck.

The scene before them was mind-blowing, challenging everything Canorians thought they knew about their land. Whatever they had anticipated, this was beyond their wildest imaginations.

====[SnowNote]====

Hey, Everyone,

I’ve been busy since the book launch. Most of my time has been spent learning Amazon ads, and now that I’m done with that, I need to research Facebook and Reddit ads. Promotion is crucial during the first month after a book launch. I knew it would be challenging without a publisher for the Kindle launch, but I had no other options.

Additionally, my uncle recently passed away, and since he had no children, I've been given the responsibility of performing his last rites, which will last for fifteen days according to our tradition. Today is the eighth day, and the rituals will finally conclude on the 17 August. Although I’m not occupied with the rituals all day, the constant presence of guests makes it difficult to concentrate.

I appreciate your understanding and your continued support for the story, even though I've been less attentive to it. I sincerely apologize for the delays.