Chapter 542: 542
Declaring War
“Only you guys are left.”
His voice echoed in the audience hall.
With millions of soldiers, the continent’s strongest, almost on par with the Sunset Moon Dynasty. The Empire, which was known as the Holy Empire, was the true ruler of the human race. The Emperor’s whip could punish any country that disobeyed.
However, its messenger came with an air of arrogance and left with his guts torn apart.
The influence of the Arcane Magic Council was the greatest on the continent. Half of the world’s spellcasters were from the Arcane Magic Council, and their connections were deeply intertwined. The Arcane Magic Council almost symbolized the path forward in the exploration of the ultimate mysteries of the world. As long as such an international organization gave an order, it was enough to completely stop the magical power of any small country.
However, its envoys were humiliated twice, and one of them even bled on the spot.
The loose interest groups in the north of the Empire formed their own factions. The combination of power and wealth, the behemoth formed by the great nobles, wealthy merchants, and local bureaucrats, even if its economic and military size was only a part of the Empire, it was not something Goethe could compare with. Even if it was only a younger brother compared to the Empire and the Council, its actual strength had already surpassed most of the small countries and duchies.
However, the messenger who came to collect the debt ran away in fear, unable to straighten his spine.
Under the guidance of the will of the behemoth behind them, the envoys of these three parties stirred up huge waves in Goethe’s court. Not long ago, they made various requests here in a seemingly humble but arrogant manner. Goethe’s ministers could only endure and listen. They were not afraid of the envoys in front of them, but of the power behind them. Goethe’s chaos and internal and external difficulties all came from the brazen struggle of the world’s powers.
But now, all the external pressure had disappeared.
The arrogant emissary bowed his head and stuck to his ears, and his arrogance disappeared.
However, the dull air that reverberated in the audience hall did not dissipate. Instead, it became even gloomier. The Goethe nobles present were not happy because of this. Instead, they were even more uneasy.
Because the person who had caused the arrogant envoys to leave in disgrace was no longer their ally.
Perhaps it was before, but the actions of the past few days had pushed him to the opposite side of unfriendliness.
What he was saying now was-you’re the only ones left.
You are not us.
This form of address had already drawn a clear line.
Regret grew in his heart.
Embarrassment, confusion, regret, entanglement, and a gloomy atmosphere weighed down on everyone’s hearts.
However, the cluster effect appeared again. When these dignitaries gathered together, they all hoped that others would step forward to ease the tense and awkward atmosphere.
Whether it was an apology or compensation, as long as the matter today was put aside with dignity, there would be enough time to repair the broken relationship. This was the common rule among nobles. Just like the lords present here who had fought openly and secretly, even bloody conflicts, they would not fight forever, nor would they fight to the death. Even if they lost, even if they gave in, they would make corresponding compensation.
.. All he needed to do was to step forward and ease the tense and awkward atmosphere.
But this person definitely could not be him.
Many people were secretly looking at the archduke, and they even used their eyes to signal him. Unfortunately, the archduke on the throne only narrowed his eyes and turned a deaf ear to everything.
It was only then that the Goethe dignitaries present regretted their actions. Before forcing Kant to abdicate, they had used some methods to tie down Kant’s potential supporters. The second son of the archduke, His Highness Lantisdon, the officiants of the Church of the Sun, Princess Tina, and the Snow Sword Saint were not present.
He didn’t even have a way out now.
They quietly signaled with their eyes, thinking about how they could turn the page with dignity, but none of them had the courage. Count Cassat, who had spoken so passionately in front of Kant earlier, was now limp on the ground, his body trembling non-stop. A few nobles had already surrounded him without leaving a trace.
The nobles ‘wisdom and carefulness were displayed at this moment. They had come to a tacit understanding. Since the situation had been reversed, Count Cassatt had lost all his right to speak. Whether he wanted to continue provoking them recklessly or beg Kant for mercy in fear, the nobles who were knights would control him immediately. If he begged Kant for mercy, it would definitely be accompanied by betrayal and betrayal.
Therefore, she couldn’t let him speak.
.. However, this kind of attentiveness was still unable to resolve the current awkward situation.
Just as they were hesitating, they heard Kant’s voice.
“What, none of you have any last words?”
This calm voice didn’t have the slightest bit of anger or killing intent.
However, it was like a heavy hammer that struck people’s hearts.
There were even some people who were not calm enough to shout subconsciously. The crowd was in a commotion. Even the experienced nobles who were shrewd and experienced could not help but be moved. All kinds of muffled words came out. People’s faces were filled with uneasiness and anger. Some of them were already quietly retreating.
“What’s wrong?”
” What?” Kant asked in surprise.” You all look surprised?” Why are you standing here? Why did you believe in false rumors and slander me while I was fighting for the future of this country? Wasn’t it because you were afraid of the siege and threats of the other countries, that I couldn’t hold on, that everything you had would be destroyed, that you chose to appease and compromise, that you chose to kneel down and be a dog, and that you chose to betray me?”
” You thought that I couldn’t win, that even I couldn’t withstand the siege of the other countries, and that the outcome of supporting me would be the other countries taking everything away from me. That’s why you made such a choice. But now, I’ve won! I broke the blockade of the various countries, I forced them to pinch their noses and admit defeat!”
“So why are you all so surprised? You chose to betray me in order to avoid being attacked by other countries and destroying your families. Why do you think that I will let you off if I win? Do you think that I, Kant, can’t do what the dynasty and the council can do?”
At this point, his voice was already stern.
A protest came from the crowd,”We’re not just doing this for ourselves…”
“Alright!”
Kant pointed to the empty space on the left.” Then, since the rumors have been spreading until now, the people have been incited, and I have turned from a guardian to a schemer. When so many malicious rumors were spreading, you have spoken up for me, Kant, and stopped the slander. Or you believe that I have no ill intentions. You are only opposing because you insist on your own ideas and ideas. You choose to compromise for the peace of the country or the peace of your family. You can choose to stand on that side!”
Many people wanted to move their feet. Kant said sternly,” Think about it. Under the heavens, the gods are watching. The things you have said and done will definitely leave traces in the long river of time. Those who dare to lie about this matter, remember what I said today. Once your lies are exposed, I swear on my soul that you and your family can live for at least another year!”
Only a dozen people hesitated for a moment before calmly walking over.
“You motherf * cker.”
Kant was so angry that he laughed.” Do these lords, who have remained silent or are secretly adding fuel to the fire, really believe that I, Kant, am a villain with ulterior motives?”
” The dynasty chose to stand by and watch when you needed help the most. They plotted with the elves to divide Goethe and even killed Tina in Splendor Sand Town. The Arcane Magic Council, known as the guardian of the world, did not care about Goethe falling under the iron hooves of the elves. Now that they see that there are benefits, they run faster than anyone else!”
“As for me! For the sake of your war, I became enemies with the elves. One forbidden spell, two decisive battles, hundreds of thousands of casualties, and I discovered the element of contradiction. I wanted to share it with you, but in the end, I got this!”
“You were so grateful to me more than ten days ago. The gifts that filled the two storerooms of Maple Leaf Palace were mostly from you! How many of the invitations piled up into a small mountain were given to the palace manager by you with a smile!”
“How long has it been, and I’ve already become an evil thief with ulterior motives. Those who don’t dare to stand up for me, answer me another question. Answer honestly and I’ll let you off!”
It was a storm of fury and killing intent.
“You don’t have to answer. I know that you are nobles and big shots. How can you be idiots? You are not stupid. You are too smart. There’s a reason behind all this. Seeing all of you, I know why Goethe declined from a powerful country to this. He was toyed with by the Empire and invaded by the Elves! It’s precisely because you shameless scumbags are smart enough to only care about yourself! No matter how strong the country is, it will gradually be eroded by you so-called nobles!”
Kant raised his eyebrows and sneered at the silent nobles.
“What, you don’t want to talk? Do you think that you can just get scolded by me? “I know your tricks. Since things have come to this, you have knelt to the dynasty and the council without hesitation. It doesn’t matter if you kneel to me again. It’s just a little blood. In the future, you’ll learn a lesson and stop going against me. Think of a way to let Tina talk to you and find some people that I’m embarrassed to reject. Then, this matter can be slowly forgotten…”
“In your dreams!”
“I can tell you today that this matter has only just begun. It’s definitely not something that can be settled by killing a few scapegoats! Letting you bastards continue to lord over the country that they exchanged for with their lives is simply an insult to them. Be prepared. If you fear the tyranny of the emperor and the council, then I’ll let you experience the means of Kant!”
Even the most shrewd of the old nobles couldn’t help but change their expressions when they heard that. That was indeed their plan. They would lie flat and let the others mock them. They would send a scapegoat to his death and bleed a lot to appease Kant’s resentment. This was a common rule in all dynasties. The loser would show his loyalty to the winner, and the latter would not kill him. This was the rule.
But now, Kant clearly did not intend to abide by this rule.
In other words…Was he going to start a war against all of Goethe’s interest groups?
“Enough.”
The archduke on the throne finally spoke.
The voice of the Goethe Lion dispelled the uneasiness on everyone’s heads, and many people breathed a sigh of relief. Tedarell was Tedarell after all. In the face of the rules that had been established by all the nobles for hundreds of years, the archduke made the right choice and chose to maintain this fine tradition.
If it was the archduke, Kant would probably have some misgivings, because this was the will of Tedarell. Princess Tina and the Snowfall Sword Saint were both…
“Enough for your mother.”
The icy words echoed in the sacred hall.
The nobles were stunned.
Kant stretched his neck and looked at the archduke with a grim expression.
“What are you looking at?” He said darkly,” I’m scolding you, you old fool.”
The archduke’s face was filled with rage. Anger and conflict were fighting on his face. The moment he was angry, he realized the conflict of status. The person in front of him was not only a so-called junior, not only the person chosen by his daughter, but also the Reckler who wielded the Sword of Intimidation and won a great victory.
And now, he was speaking to him as the latter.
He was about to speak when Kant raised a finger.
“Shut up.”
” I suggest you shut your mouth,” Kant said slowly.
The Fire Stealer took a deep breath and shook his head. After a moment of silence, he said,” You’re Tina’s father. I don’t want to make things difficult for her. I respect you too, Duke Rechnos. There’s no doubt that you’re a good man. In a peaceful and prosperous country, you’ll be respected and remembered by the people as a wise ruler. However, you’re not suitable to be the current ruler of Goethe. You were born in the wrong era.”
” I know where you stand, I know what you’re thinking. A few days ago, we had an argument because of this. I know that your position favors compromise and appeasement. You want to preserve the dignity and peace of a small country, and you have no intention of being the monarch of a strong country. You don’t want to pay the corresponding price.”
” I know that you made that decision from the bottom of your heart without any selfishness. You just want the suffering people to enjoy peaceful days and don’t want war and turmoil to come again.”
” It’s understandable that you don’t believe in my ability. If I told you that I could not only intimidate the other countries with Forbidden Spells, but also rapidly strengthen Goethe under the blockade and suppression of the other countries, without any war disaster, lack of resources, and starvation, you would definitely not believe me. That would be like a bragging joke. After all, no matter how powerful Forbidden Spells are, they can’t conjure weapons and food out of thin air, right?”
Kant sighed.” I can understand, really. I can understand your difficulties and your choice. I won’t even pursue your actions of imprisoning Tina. After all, you’re her father. But right now, I don’t want to talk to you. I just want you to shut up.”
“Shut, your mouth.”
He pointed at Duke Rechnos.
” Shut your mouth, don’t interfere, don’t express your opinions, and don’t try to ease the relationship. It’s just you and me. If you’re not on my side, you’re on their side.”
” Now, I ask you to shut up. Just as the Empire and the Council threatened you to compromise with Goethe’s peace and the safety of the people, I also ask you to shut up with the same threat.”
Kant pointed at the side door.” Either you sit here and listen, or you scram back to your room. Otherwise, you can come and experience what I, Kant, can do.”
The archduke’s eyes burned with rage as he gripped the chair’s handle tightly.
He felt an unprecedented sense of shame and humiliation, but he still did not say a word under Kant’s cold gaze. He did not leave with a flick of his sleeve.
Still, no one spoke.
The temperature in the room continued to drop, showing no signs of rising.
This time, it was true fear…Fear was spreading.
What was the most terrifying?
The most terrifying thing was not the powerful invaders or the conquest of weapons.
They were people who did not follow the rules but had the power to break them.
Even when he was facing the archduke, Kant had been even more rude and rude. If he was like this to his father-in-law, then how much of a storm would he have to deal with those traitors who had no relationship with him at all?
With Kant’s current status, there was no way he could take back his bold words.
This threat was like a dark cloud pressing down.
The undisguised contempt in the threat was even more humiliating.
Because he had said it clearly.
It wasn’t to pretend to be polite or to suddenly kill them after the matter was over. Instead, he chose to openly break off relations with them. He was practically pointing at everyone’s noses and saying,” I’m going to kill all of you. All of you, get ready.”
He didn’t care if you knew, nor did he care about your resistance and struggle.
How arrogant was this?
He’s mad, he must be mad.
Because the forces that we are involved in have joined forces to control most of the taxes, food, soldiers, and public opinion in this country! To make an enemy of the entire country?
What was he trying to do?
Why didn’t they accept our apology? Why did they have to kill us all? Don’t they know that such actions would even alert and anger the nobles of other countries?
Was he going to incur the wrath of the entire world?
Resentment, indignation, shame, and fear were all present. Kant leaned against his chair arrogantly, crossed his legs, and scanned the nobles present. He was the true ruling class and controller of this country.
With these selfish rulers, how could they truly control this country?
“Why?” He said,” You finally understand me?”
The crowd was silent.
” Actually, I’m very curious. I’m really curious. Why aren’t you afraid of me? I don’t know what I’ve done wrong to make you not fear me at all. Is it because the Forbidden Spell and the bomb didn’t land on your heads that you’ll always think that I’m a rich man who’s mesmerized by Tina’s beauty and that’s why I’m willing to work for you without any complaints and don’t ask for anything in return?!”
Kant stood up abruptly. The shield on the other side lit up, and Combat Aura surged. The taut string of fear finally snapped. However, the people who were fully focused on defense did not attack. They only retreated in fear and assumed a defensive posture. Some of them even fell to the ground weakly.
The Earthling sneered.
“Today, I’ll kill all of you here. If you don’t want to accept it, I’ll find it boring too. This time, I’ll be proud of my victory. The fruits of victory must be slowly harvested. Killing you now is too cheap. I’m going to get back at you for all the anger I’ve had these days. Let’s play slowly.”
” Valentan is mine now. The Paragon Element underground in the Blue Wave Province, even Goethe can’t get a share of it. You spread rumors that I took the Paragon Element and ran away, leaving you to vent my anger on the other countries. If I don’t do this, I’ll be wronged. You’re afraid of power, so I’ll let you know what power is.”
“After we go back, eat and drink well. Gather more people and call everyone you can. I’ll clean them up together. It’ll save a lot of trouble in the future.”
“Everyone, there’s no need to meet again.”
Kang De turned around and Hong San went to open the door.
“Your Highness Kant, are you going to make an enemy of this country?” someone shouted from behind.
” Yes.” Kant turned around and pondered for a moment.” What’s wrong?”
“This is not the solution to the problem…” The voice sounded desperate.
Kant interrupted him.” It’s like this. The dynasty and the council are putting pressure on you, and you newbies are ungrateful and twisting the truth. Now, I’ve slapped them all in the face, and they still have to ask me if my hand hurts. So, do you think I care about that?”
Just as he finished speaking, Hong San had already pushed open the door. A cry came from afar. A tired messenger hurried over and shouted,” Urgent news! Far Harbor! The fleets of various countries have been attacked by strange monsters. His Highness Kant has already…”
The other party saw the people of Aurora at the end of the corridor and behind the door.
Kant looked at his phone.” Not bad, Pheidipitz.”
What?
The messenger was about to say that his name wasn’t that and that he didn’t run here, but Kant had already patted him on the shoulder and walked into the distance. A group of armed Valentans followed behind him.
The audience hall in front of them was dead silent.
” Your Highness,” Hong San said.” I’ve already arranged for people to stop the envoys.”
Kant nodded.” Saint Seiya doesn’t act tough twice in front of the same group of people. At least not within a day. Help me talk to them. Do you know what to say?”
“Understood.” Hong San said,” Name list.”
“Go and do your work. I’ll leave these things to you. Be careful.”
Kant patted his shoulder.” I’m going to see Tina. Come find me after you’re done.”
“Your Highness, how long will it take?” Hong San nodded.
” Five hours?” Kang De was stunned for a moment. Then, he saw the smile in Hong San’s eyes. He kicked him and said proudly,” Five hours!”
¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥¥
[PS 1: 5,500 words…] Get out of here, get out of here, sleep, sleep!