??Chapter 153: Chapter 10: Conspiracy_2
Chapter 153: Chapter 10: Conspiracy_2
“Rohl, don’t lose your composure, they are in no better position,” the Duke Zellin said, handing over the juice wine passed to him by his attendant as he took a light sip. “The ‘Utrecht Decree’ has still not been successfully implented. If not for the support of financiers and usury rchants, the kingdom’s finances would have likely already collapsed. Now, with the Northern Beastn running wild, the kingdom has many expenses to cover. There aren’t enough soldiers, and expanding the army requires funds. His Majesty the King is probably also having sleepless nights. However, those two fellows up North now seem a bit shaky, probably terrified by the beastn’s atrocities. The Caucasus has now beco the focal point of the kingdom’s attention. You should be more cautious. In my opinion, it might be better to gain control over that kid, or at the very least, ensure he remains quiet during our preparation period. We don’t need additional chaos, for we are the thorn in the kingdom’s side, and I don’t want that guy to beco a thorn in ours.” Taking another sip of the fragrant juice wine mixed with the aroma of ferntation, a sensation Duke Zellin always savored and enjoyed.
He paused for a mont, then took a big gulp before continuing as if savoring sothing, “This may be our chance, and it’s a preparation we must make. These past few years have been prosperous, and after saving for so long, it’s ti we made a move. I plan to moderately increase the numbers of the Galle Infantry Division, and adjustnts to the Nirvana Knights regint are also necessary. I’m doubtful whether the kingdom can withstand this year’s southern advance of the beastn. Ah, just thinking of those beastn wielding siege weapons and instrunts of war, even I shudder. Sotis I wonder if I should support the kingdom, for at least with it as a shield, we needn’t face the beastn’s blades head-on. But this is indeed a rare opportunity, which we cannot fail to grasp. Perhaps if the kingdom survives this ordeal, our good days might co to an end.”
Philip felt a chill in his heart and mused for a while before replying, “Gofi, in your opinion, are we unable to maintain this situation for much longer?”
“Heh, Rohl, what ti do you think it is? Do you still hope for a peaceful coexistence? Let
tell you, in recent years, the Church of Light has infiltrated too heavily in the North, making the kingdom vigilant, diverting so attention to them, and it took quite an effort to contain the Church of Light’s montum. These beastn’s disturbances just happen to lend us a hand; otherwise, His Majesty the King would have probably already taken action. Humph, His Majesty deeply resents our opposition to the ‘Utrecht Decree.’ The decree is the foundation of the kingdom’s survival and the death knell for our downfall. Its existence decides life or death. It’s only through our relentless resistance that the decree has not been fully enforced. Otherwise, our noble vassals below would have long since gone to Jazair to fawn over His Majesty. If that day cos, we would have no choice but to bow our heads. However, the king’s patience is wearing thinner, and such a day will co eventually. Haven’t you seen that the Iron Cross Corps has been established? Let
tell you, reliable sources say that even the Blue Dove Corps is set to be ford. His Majesty’s strong determination probably isn’t solely aid at the beastn, right?”
Duke Zellin glanced at his old friend walking beside him. This fellow still hadn’t abandoned those unrealistic fantasies, thinking that familial relationships could secure his position, not considering that, with His Majesty’s personality, he’d put the kingdom’s interests above blood ties – how naive. There are no more chances to turn back. If we hesitate now, all that awaits us is oblivion.
“No, old friend, you misunderstand, I am not interested in living peacefully with the kingdom, but as you said, the Beastn are now surging in the North, and if we continue to drag our feet, I fear the kingdom will collapse imdiately, and we would face the brunt of the Beastn’s military might. If we could grasp a asure, let the Beastn deplete the kingdom’s resources, we can take the chance to accumulate and expand our power without directly confronting the kingdom for now. Wouldn’t that be better?” Philip’s gaze flickered, seemingly indecisive.
“Wrong, terribly wrong! Philip, you are vastly underestimating the kingdom’s power. Those old fellows in the Central Kingdom are definitely not as simple and incompetent as you think. Although the Beastn were able to gain temporary advantage in last year’s offensive, it was because the kingdom did not anticipate the Beastn obtaining battering rams, high-grade instrunts, catching them off guard. There are likely many mysteries involved, but I believe the kingdom will soon co up with counterasures. According to the current situation, the Beastn do not seem to master the technology of manufacturing these instrunts, and are not even adept at using them. Moreover, according to reliable information, the quantity of these weapons obtained by the Beastn is very limited. Perhaps a surprise attack at a crucial mont could achieve a temporary remarkable effect, but once the other side is prepared and understands their thods, it will be difficult to replicate the annihilation of the Three Kingdoms and city-states unless they receive a large amount of these instrunts. So unless those who support the Beastn in the shadows supply them with instrunts on a large scale, the Beastn will hardly pose a substantial threat to the kingdom, at most, a few allied countries to the west may suffer so loss. I’m thinking that perhaps we, in the eyes of His Majesty the King, are the greatest threat. Could it be that His Majesty the King intends to expand the army under the pretext of the Beastn threat, but in reality, he is aiming at us?”
His tone beca serious, and even his address changed to a formal appellation, which showed how seriously Zellin was taking this issue.
“Do we really have no choice but to stab the kingdom in the back?” With a complex expression, Philip had long known that both he and Zellin were already riding on the tiger’s back and had to keep going no matter what; either they would be successful, and there would be two more duchies on the Blue Continent, with the Kingdom of Nicosia losing the richest third of its territories, or the Hor and Galle regions would still exist, only under them would be nurous small territories, and no single family would be able to compete with the Central Kingdom again. Nonetheless, with his deep ancestral ties to the royal bloodline, he was always reluctant to accept this reality. As ntioned, the family’s interest was paramount—be it marital connections or blood relations, all must be built upon the existence of the family. He and Zellin couldn’t be blad for this—it was the world that was too small.
“This year, when the Beastn launch their attack will be our best opportunity. From now on, we cannot provide the kingdom with any assistance from Gold Shield. Jazair’s financiers, the allies in the west, and those Central Kingdom officials who have taken enough of our Gold Shields, we need to make our stance clear with everyone we can control and influence. The ti has co to lay our cards on the table, unless the kingdom accepts our terms, which I believe the stubborn His Majesty the King would rather die than agree to at first. Therefore, we should try every ans possible to weaken the kingdom, preparing as much as we can for our new order. I think when everything is considered thoroughly, His Majesty the King will make a calm and sober judgnt,” Zellin did not answer the other’s question about which road was taken, for he had long understood what the other had in mind. That query was but a fig leaf to cover the hint of guilt in his heart. When the ti really ca, Zellin believed the other would act more decisively and cleanly than anyone.
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