After the routine eting in the palace, Hatar wasted no ti rushing back to the estate. He summoned Anthony and promptly recounted the details of the eting, then, with deep confusion, inquired, "Master Anthony, what's going on? Why did my father suddenly change his attitude?"
Having listened to Hatar's account, Anthony pondered briefly and soon ford a speculation.
"If they had only defeated Duke Rickman's army, the Kingdom of Bazeel wouldn't have reacted so strongly."
But the situation now was different. The tens of thousands of troops heading to the Earl's domain and the slaughter of dozens of nobles not only severely disrupted the internal power balance of the kingdom but also showcased a force that naturally struck fear into the heart of the King.
However, this was exactly what Lynn intended. Without flexing their muscles, those wavering nobles wouldn't believe they could stand against the overwhelming power of the Church.
"It seems my earlier prediction was sowhat off. Your good father probably isn't planning to place you on the throne but rather sees us as pawns to balance the influence of the Holy See," Anthony sighed, shaking his head.
Previously, Anthony had underestimated the King of Bazeel, who had ruled the kingdom for decades.
Anthony had thought the King was dissatisfied with the Church's excessive interference in secular affairs, hence the decision to support Hatar, who held anti-Holy See sentints.
But judging by the King's reaction, things weren't as simple as he had assud. Bazeel rely aid to use their power to weaken the Church's influence, strengthening the monarchy without actually intending to have a falling-out with the Church.
With Anthony's explanation and analysis, Hatar's pupils contracted, a coldness gripping his heart. He didn't want to believe it, but thinking back to his father's reaction in the hall left him with no choice.
The recent expedition led by Harold's forces against those miner rebels ended disastrously, resulting in the loss of nearly half of the kingdom's elite forces. Despite the unforeseen strength of the enemy, his good father didn't hold anyone accountable. His inclination was becoming evident.
"Master Anthony? What should we do now?" Hatar panicked. Previously, he only needed to focus on pleasing his father, hoping he'd secure the throne. However, that hope now seed shattered.
"It depends on your supporters—whether they stand by Bazeel or by you, the newly appointed king," Anthony calmly remarked.
Hatar hesitated, understanding Anthony's implication but unable to make this decision imdiately.
Facing influential nobles like Rickman, Joyce, and the supporters of Harold, Hatar could easily order massacres, but when it ca to real rebellion, he hesitated.
Seeing Hatar's indecision, Anthony gently reminded him, "Now is when the internal resistance within the kingdom is at its weakest, and it's the best ti for you to ascend to the throne."
The deaths of Rickman and dozens of nobles signified a massive blow to the factions loyal to the Holy See within the kingdom. If Hatar seized this opportunity and subdued the wavering nobles, he could directly ascend by force!
"Furthermore, your defense and reactions in the hall revealed many flaws. Our ti may be running out," Anthony added.
Their safety within the palace as sorcerers depended not only on the aid of the second prince but also on the tacit approval of the King of Bazeel. However, the situation was about to make a complete 180-degree turn!
Hatar's expression changed repeatedly. The effort he had put in, trying to please his father, only resulted in indifference. His gaze turned fiercer, and a decision took shape in his mind.
The struggle for the throne often ended with victory or death. If his brother, Harold, ascended, there would be no chance for him!
"Master Anthony, I have a question. How many wizards did you deploy to defeat Duke Rickman's legion? And how many great wizards were there?" Hatar asked calmly.
"I think you've misunderstood. With just these ten thousand n, it wasn't enough for wizards to step onto the battlefield," Anthony arrogantly remarked. "Those who acted were rely ordinary soldiers trained in alchemical creations."
Hatar was stunned. Despite the reports from Nord and the ssages from Gade's people, the information was exaggerated.
Hearing about the sky being covered in a rain of fire, thunderous roars shattering eardrums, rows of soldiers falling, the entire battlefield resembling hell... Could ordinary people wielding alchemical creations achieve that?
Bishop Nord had fervently sworn that suprely powerful great wizards had ambushed them on the battlefield.
Initially, Hatar thought it was Anthony personally involved, but after questioning scouts, he learned that this esteed wizard had not left the capital...
"We don't possess such power. What do we have to counter the Church and the Empire?" Anthony chuckled.
Anthony's words undoubtedly eased Hatar's mind, giving the second prince a sense that the Empire and the Church were not as formidable as they seed.
Thankfully, Hatar didn't get swayed by such illusions. Instead, he raised the second crucial question.
"After I ascend to the throne, what kind of rewards do you require?"
"Of course, allowing wizards to openly roam in the secular world. As for the rest, similar to before: magic for the wizards, secular matters for the kingdom!" Anthony grinned. "And, if possible, a portion of territory exclusively for us."
"Alright, no problem!" Hatar readily agreed. Although the royal family's directly-owned territory was limited, upon ascending, he would need to deal with so uncooperative folks, like the declining Rickman family, reclaim territories, and then assign a few more to them.
Hatar wasn't overly concerned that these wizards would bite the hand that fed them. After centuries of Church propaganda, the association of wizards with evil was deeply ingrained. They needed him to exist in this kingdom, not to ntion their common enemies: the Empire and the Church.
With this in mind, Hatar and Anthony began to discuss their plan for seizing the throne...
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