Dustin's plan was simple. He wanted to capture the leaders before anything else. When the battle started, he let Austin and the Draken Guardians take on the majority of the enemy. Then, he would take the opportunity to attack the core and capture the Four Northern Sovereigns.With his abilities, he might not be able to fight the large troops, but he could easily capture the leaders among the soldiers. To prevent the Four Northern Sovereigns from running away, he kept his true potential hidden when he first got into the battle. He wanted to show them that he was weak. He kept this cover until Draven and Mortimer's royal guards were lured away, at which point he revealed his true abilities and captured both of them.Now that Draven and Mortimer had been captured, he only had to deal with Atticus and Ignatius. The army surrounding the castle would surrender when the two were captured."It's your turn now!" Dustin focused his gaze, and as soon as he found them, he charged toward t
Atticus wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and could still feel the fear within him. It was a good thing they left first. He was fortunate to have his royal guards sacrificing themselves to buy him time. If that assassin got any closer, they might just end up being captured alive, just like Draven and Mortimer. If that happened, all their efforts would go down the drain, and they might even lose their status and lives."That's weird. When did the monarchy acquire such a skilled fighter? Even a few thousand soldiers couldn't stop him." Ignatius frowned, lost in thoughts. According to their investigation, the monarchy had two skilled fighters—Jaxon Steele and Albert Horst.Albert Horst was held captive by Julius Rhys, and Jaxon Steele was on the battlefield. Even if there was another elite team hidden in the castle, the Four Northern Sovereigns wouldn't be caught off guard. The assassin was the only factor that was beyond their expectation.It wouldn't be an issue if it wa
Dustin was bathed in blood, exuding a dangerous presence. His black shirt was now dark crimson from the enemy's blood. The Celestial Blade in his hand was quivering and buzzing softly. It felt as if he would attack anytime."Damn! How is he so fast?" Atticus' face paled when he saw Dustin standing before them. He thought that the royal guards would keep Dustin occupied for a while. He had no idea they had been defeated, and Dustin was already catching up with them."We're trapped! We're in trouble now!" Ignatius was getting anxious. They were fighting alone now. They were trapped between two skilled fighters and couldn't fight back. It'd be better if it were just Elijah. He might not kill them due to their status. However, this assassin was different. They saw how he killed ruthlessly and efficiently on the battlefield. If they resisted him, he might just kill them immediately."Atticus, what should we do now?" Ignatius asked, gulping in fear.Atticus sighed when he heard
A perfunctory speech like this would only fool the public. If they thought it could fool Elijah, it'd be an insult to his intelligence."Elijah, let us be honest with you now that it has come to this. We'll tell you everything." Ignatius took two steps forward and said seriously, "After the death of the prince, we need a new leader. Who do you think is most suitable to be the new ruler of West Lucozia?""What are you trying to say?" Elijah sneered."I believe you're well aware that the best candidate is Julius Rhys, the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry!" Ignatius said, raising his head. He added, "Only when the grand general becomes the ruler of West of Lucozia can we have better development, more land, and more military reserves. "This is inevitable, and there's nothing you can do to change it. You're smart. I trust that you know what is in your best favor?""Are you saying that I should join forces with you?" Elijah wore a cryptic smile on his face."That's right
Upon hearing Elijah's words, Atticus and Ignatius were visibly taken aback, finding it difficult to accept."Impossible!" Ignatius immediately rejected the idea. "Our well-trained and well-equipped army of 100 thousand, surrendering? No way!""You're absolutely right!" Atticus scoffed. He added, "Even if the Southern Four Sovereigns combined their forces, there's no conceivable way they could defeat our hundred thousand troops overnight. You're just trying to make us panic!"The combined military might of the Southern Four Sovereigns hovered around two to three hundred thousand. Even if they mobilized their entire force, swiftly overcoming their substantial force of 100 thousand proved to be a formidable challenge. After all, the defenders had strategically fortified their positions, providing considerable resilience even against odds multiple times their own. Moreover, the Four Sovereigns couldn't afford to deploy their entire military strength, as a portion had to be held in
Hence, Elijah's words lacked credibility. Elijah chuckled, treating them like jesters. "Even in such dire straits, the two of you refuse to give up?"He continued, "Fine, since you insist on seeing the evidence, I'll show you." He raised his hand and flicked his fingers.A golden streak shot into the sky, exploding with a resounding bang. It transformed into a myriad of golden specks, gently descending like confetti.After a moment, rhythmic footsteps echoed from the distant end of the street. Growing louder as they approached, Atticus and Ignatius could feel the ground beneath their feet subtly vibrating.As the footsteps advanced, the ground tremors intensified. Upon sensing this, Atticus and Ignatius felt an unsettling premonition.Before they could comprehend what was happening, a multitude of silhouettes appeared on the horizon. The sheer number covered the entire street, extending beyond their line of sight."How … how is this possible?" Staring at the densely packed so
"Alright, enough of your squabbling. Whether Julius becomes prince or not, you'll find out tonight," Elijah said impatiently, waving his hand. He ordered his men, "Bring these rebels in and keep a close eye on them!""Yes, sir!" A squad of guards promptly approached, tightly binding Atticus and Ignatius."Elijah! We're all sovereigns here. It's disrespectful to treat us like this in public," Atticus protested."Disrespectful?" Elijah sneered. "Both of you are now prisoners. What respect are you talking about?""Elijah! The outcome is still uncertain. Have you considered the consequences if Grand General Rhys ascends the throne, and you've treated us like this?" Atticus frowned."He's right! You're in power now, and that might not last forever. It's wise to leave room for future interactions. Don't go too far!" Ignatius chimed in."Whether you two will live through tonight is questionable. Don't dare to rant in front of me. Gag them! I don't want to hear any more noise," Elijah
After the command was issued, Draven's soldiers dropped their weapons. "And you! Tell your men to drop their weapons!" Eloise turned her attention to Mortimer, her blade now pressed against his throat. "Drop your weapons!" Faced with her fierce gaze, Mortimer shouted for his men to surrender.The metallic clatter of weapons hitting the ground echoed as Mortimer's soldiers followed suit. Approximately 60% of the battlefield had yielded. Meanwhile, the remaining 40%, though still armed, displayed a palpable sense of unease and confusion. In warfare, diminished morale posed the greatest risk. Upon witnessing their comrades surrendering, it left them hesitant to initiate an attack. Furthermore, the absence of their lord added a critical dimension to the situation. With tens of thousands of soldiers left without a leader, the lack of command left them uncertain about their next course of action."Soldiers, your lord has abandoned you. Will you still fight for him?" Eloise's powe
After stepping into the castle, Boston felt a knot in his stomach. He had been here before, but only for official matters.He was always escorted by guards or attendants, but this time, Austin himself had led him inside. Boston felt both honored and somewhat overwhelmed. Since when had he earned such treatment?Austin had brushed off higher-ranking officials, so why was he showing him so much attention? Was it because his shiny bald head made him stand out? He had no answers, only a growing curiosity as he followed Austin into the meeting room. "Sit." After Austin sat at the head of the table, he raised his hand and gestured for Boston to do the same."No… no need. I'll just stand." Boston smiled awkwardly."Just sit down. Why are you so nervous? I won't bite," Austin said in a dismissive tone. "Y-Yes, Your Highness." Boston didn't dare refuse again and obediently took a seat. He was six feet three inches tall, yet he looked like a startled rabbit. He sat up straight and didn't
When the castle's gate swung open, every eye turned toward the entrance. Under the watchful gaze of the crowd, Austin strode out with his two guards. His posture exuded confidence and authority."Your Highness!"The gathered officials instantly rushed forward to greet him. Grins spread across their faces as if they couldn't wait to please him. Whether it was Huxley, Percival, or Warrick, all wore the same ingratiating expression.After all, Austin was the infamous hellraiser. Though he had reined himself over the past two years, his past reputation still loomed over them.At least Rufus could be reasoned with. But Austin? He was a wild card—utterly unpredictable, like a ticking time bomb. Every last one of them had suffered his wrath before.Percival approached with a flattering smile. "Your Highness, you finally come out. I have something important to discuss with you. If you'd be so kind as to listen—"Before he could finish his sentence, he was dismissed by Austin, who found h
"Get lost! I'm not in the mood for anything right now. If you want to eat, go on your own." Warrick snapped, looking annoyed."I'm not going either," Percival refused flatly. "I'm on a health regimen these days—only tea, no alcohol.""Fine. If you're going to wait, then keep waiting. I won't be sticking around." Huxley forced a smile and acted like he was about to leave.But as he turned, he almost bumped into Boston, who was approaching from the other direction."Sorry, Sir Thatcher! I hope I didn't startle you." Since he was surrounded by so many high-ranking officials, Boston was already on edge. He had momentarily spaced out and almost caused a mishap by running into Huxley, which left him flustered and a bit tongue-tied.Unlike the other generals, Boston didn't come from an influential background or have any powerful connections. He had worked his way up from the bottom, and the last thing he wanted was to offend Huxley and risk losing everything he had fought so hard for.
After parting ways with Boston, Jovian checked into a nearby hotel to await the good news. Boston wasted no time. After changing into a fresh set of clothes, he headed to the castle to deliver a letter of introduction. But when he arrived, he was stunned by what he saw.The gates of the West Lucozian monarchy had already gathered quite a few people, and among them were several figures he immediately recognized. These included Huxley Thatcher, the Commander of the Militia; Warrick Prescott, the Major General of the State Guard; and Percival Wentworth, the Chancellor of the National Academy.These three were first-ranking officials. In West Lucozia, they were nothing short of kingmakers who wielded immense power and influence. Warrick, in particular, was two ranks above Boston. Hence, he felt the need to be cautious in his presence and was eager not to make a bad impression.Alongside these three prominent figures, several second- and third-ranking officials also stood in line at
The following morning, Jovian stood at the entrance of West Lucozia Airport, wearing a sharp suit.Before the trip, he had contacted his comrade with whom he had fought side by side in the military. After earning military merit and with the Ballard family's influence, he was fortunate enough to stay in Oakvale and secure a decent position.His comrade, on the other hand, had moved to West Lucozia to carve out a life for himself. Years of hard work had paid off—he was now a third-rank general with considerable power, influence, and a strong network of connections. Jovian's meeting with the Prince of West Lucozia would depend entirely on his comrade's connections.Just then, the roar of an engine cut through the air as a military jeep pulled up beside him. The window rolled down, and the first thing that came into view was a bald head gleaming in the sunlight like a lightbulb. The glare nearly blinded him.Under that shiny dome was a face that looked ordinary at first glance. But w
"Grandfather, I understand why you sent Uncle Jonathan and Uncle Jensen to the Spanner and Fallon families to gather information," Natasha began. "But West Lucozia is thousands of miles away."She shook her head slightly. "They've always stayed out of the government's political matters. Sending Uncle Jovian there wouldn't achieve anything. He'd likely just be turned away." Oakvale and West Lucozia were worlds apart. The fight for the Oakvale throne didn't really affect the West Lucozian monarchy. Both sides had long adhered to an unspoken agreement to avoid meddling in each other's affairs."I know, but it'll be different this time. The royal throne is at stake, and every faction will do whatever it takes to secure West Lucozia's support. If the West Lucozian monarchy picks a side, the balance we've maintained for years will collapse. That's why I need to be ready for whatever happens," Simon replied.It would be best if the West Lucozian monarchy stayed out of the political strug
At the Ballard estate, Dustin was warmly welcomed to stay after dinner. This was the first time Natasha had brought her boyfriend home, so the Ballards made a big deal of it.Simon personally accompanied the young couple and invited them to the study to chat over tea. With his sharp eye, Simon could tell Dustin was no ordinary martial artist. His manners, speech, and broad knowledge set him apart from most people."Dustin, I fully support your relationship with Natasha. Your background or status doesn't matter. What matters most is that you two are happy together." Simon paused and said earnestly, "I want you to understand that she's been pampered all her life and hasn't faced much hardship. Now that she's with you, I hope you'll take good care of her.""Don't worry, Mr. Ballard. I would never let her down," Dustin replied sincerely.Though they had known each other for some time and hadn't yet taken their relationship to the next level, they had already made their feelings clear
After hearing Nathaniel's words, Tristan's expression darkened. His brow furrowed as he sank into deep thought.It seemed he had underestimated the situation. He had assumed it was just a simple rivalry between brothers; he hadn't anticipated Seamus seizing the chance to further his own agenda.Seamus already wielded considerable influence. Under the guise of supporting Matthias' ascension to the throne, he had been forming alliances and recruiting talents. His influence had grown to rival the royal family's.If Seamus really supported Matthias' ascension, he'd overshadow the king, and no one would be able to stop him. The worst-case scenario would be Seamus using Matthias as a puppet to overthrow the House of Linsor."Nathaniel, is everything you said true?" Tristan frowned."Absolutely. Every word," Nathaniel replied solemnly. "Of course, if you don't believe me, you can send someone to investigate.""I believe you. But… taking down Seamus won't be easy. Do you have a plan?" Tr
An hour later, Nathaniel quietly entered a private mansion wearing a disguise.Inside the living room, Tristan had already prepared tea and refreshments. He looked as if he had been waiting for a long time."Sorry to have kept you waiting, Tristan." Nathaniel took off his coat and walked forward with a smile."No need to apologize. I'm happy that you made the effort to arrange this. A few extra minutes are nothing, especially since it's rare for us to meet." Tristan gestured for him to sit while he poured two cups of tea and handed one to his brother.Nathaniel accepted the cup and discreetly set it aside. Whenever he was out, he was always cautious about food and drink—this wariness had become second nature."You asked to meet me on short notice. Is this about official matters or something personal?" Tristan took a sip from his cup and got straight to the point."Both," Nathaniel replied, still smiling."Oh?" Tristan raised an eyebrow. "Let's hear it, then.""Given how things