The old man sitting on the throne had reached the final stages of his life. The aura of life seemed to be slipping away from his body at every moment. His frail body had to lean against the throne in order to sit up straight. His pair of originally bright eyes were also covered with a layer of gray.
Han Shuo followed Candide in and shot a glance at Uhtred, who didn't have much time left. Han Shuo knew that Uhtred was indeed going to die. No wonder the princes of the Lancelot Empire were so brazen in their attempts to seize power.
"Your Majesty, Count Brian has come to see you!" Candide respectfully said after saluting.
Uhtred coughed violently for a while. His gray eyes gradually regained some vitality as he forced himself to straighten his body. He swept his gaze over Candide and Han Shuo, before finally fixing his gaze on Han Shuo. He weakly asked, "Brian, Candide has told me about your actions in Brettel City these days. You've done very well!"
"Your Majesty overpraises me. This is what I should do." Han Shuo had communicated with Candide on the way here. He understood that it was best not to rashly open his mouth when facing such a character. He only needed to answer whatever the latter asked.
"I've heard rumors that you have some connection with the Calamity Church. Hehe, how interesting. Your background is clean and you've made many contributions to the Lancelot Empire. How could you be involved with that kind of evil church?" Uhtred muttered to himself, as if he was only speaking to himself.
"Your Majesty is wise. That is purely a rumor spread by some enemies." Han Shuo replied.
"Then, do you know who is spreading this rumor and what their intentions are?" Uhtred looked at Han Shuo and asked.
Shaking his head, Han Shuo said, "I don't know."
"Candide, you can leave first. I have some things I want to discuss with Brian alone." Uhtred didn't pursue this matter. Instead, he shot a glance at Candide and softly instructed.
Candide didn't waste any words. He kowtowed towards Uhtred and turned to leave the hall. However, when he passed by Han Shuo, Candide gave Han Shuo a meaningful glance, hinting that Han Shuo shouldn't say anything he shouldn't say.
After Candide left, Uhtred suddenly sighed and said, "Among my sons, I feel that I owe Lawrence the most. I heard that you and Lawrence are very close. Is that true?"
Han Shuo was startled. He couldn't quite understand Uhtred's meaning. Most nobles in Ossen City knew about his relationship with Lawrence. It wasn't strange at all for Uhtred to know about it. Han Shuo hesitated for a moment before honestly nodding his head and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"
"Then, you must be supporting Lawrence?" Uhtred asked again.
"Yes, Your Majesty!" Han Shuo replied once again.
Uhtred was silent for a long time. His eyes were staring deeply at Han Shuo. Only when Han Shuo felt a little uncomfortable did Uhtred open his mouth and say, "Brian, there are some things I want to discuss with you."
"Your Majesty, if you have any matters, feel free to instruct me. As your subject, I will naturally share all of your troubles." Han Shuo replied once again.
Uhtred sighed. He suddenly stared at Han Shuo and said, "Brian, I hope you can promise me that no matter how my other three sons treat you, please spare their lives."
Han Shuo was speechless. He looked at Uhtred in puzzlement and asked, "Your Majesty, why do you say this?"
"Brian, if you agree to this condition of mine, I will pass the throne to Lawrence and help you control the Lancelot Empire." Uhtred stared at Han Shuo and said solemnly.
Han Shuo's heart was in turmoil as he looked at Uhtred in extreme shock. For a moment, he didn't know what was wrong with Uhtred for him to actually say such inexplicable words. Han Shuo could only stare at Uhtred in a daze, forgetting to reply.
"If you agree to this condition of mine, I will help you and Lawrence. What do you think?" Uhtred immediately followed up with a question. His expression seemed somewhat anxious, even carrying a trace of pleading.
As the true ruler of the Lancelot Empire, as long as Uhtred didn't die, no matter how sick he was, he would still be the person with the greatest authority in the Lancelot Empire. However, it was at this moment that Uhtred's tone of speaking to Han Shuo strangely carried a trace of pleading. This was something that Han Shuo had never expected.
For a split second, Han Shuo even thought that Uhtred's illness was too severe, causing him to be absent-minded and speak nonsense. However, when Han Shuo carefully observed Uhtred, he discovered that although Uhtred's body was incomparably weak, his soul wasn't the slightest bit disordered. This meant that Uhtred's thoughts were indeed normal.
Just as Han Shuo was extremely astonished, Uhtred once again questioned. Han Shuo's mind rapidly spun before he probed Uhtred, "Is it fine as long as I leave the three princes alive?"
Nodding his head heavily, Uhtred's expression became joyful as he hastily said, "That's right. It's fine as long as you leave them alive. You can strip them of all their authority and even imprison them in a small place. It's fine as long as you let them live."
"In that case, I promise you, Your Majesty!" Han Shuo no longer hesitated and immediately agreed.
His Majesty Uhtred, the true ruler of the Lancelot Empire, actually heaved a clear sigh of relief. A trace of a smile appeared on his weak face as he waved his hand and said, "Brian, I will now bestow upon you the title of Marquis. In addition, I will have space sacred magus Mister Sabakas help Brettel City build a magical transportation array. In addition, I will help you get rid of the negative news that is unfavorable to you, and …"
A series of promises suddenly came out of Uhtred's mouth. Han Shuo was momentarily stunned, standing there blankly. He didn't know what had gotten into Uhtred's head today. After Uhtred's narration, Han Shuo finally opened his mouth and said, "Brian, you may leave. I hope that you won't tell anyone about today's matter, not even Candide or Lawrence."
"Your Majesty, I promise you. However, can you tell me the reason? I really don't understand why you would make such a decision." Han Shuo stared dumbfoundedly at Uhtred and said.
Shaking his head, Uhtred smiled bitterly and said, "It's better if you don't know. I'm doing this out of consideration for you. You may leave!"
Han Shuo felt as if he had fallen into the clouds. He looked at Uhtred in bewilderment and stared blankly for a moment before creasing his brows. He bowed towards Uhtred and retreated. His heart was filled with doubts, but he didn't know who he should confide in.
After Han Shuo left, Uhtred seemed to have aged a lot more. He sighed and said, "As a father, I have done everything that I can for the three of you. I hope that you will be able to continue living after my death."
Space sacred magus Sabakas and old astrologer Madam Grace suddenly appeared in front of Uhtred. Old astrologer Madam Grace's face was pale, as if she was going to die before Uhtred. Her entire body seemed to be devoid of life.
Uhtred sighed again when he saw the two appear. He looked at old astrologer Madam Grace and said, "Teacher, in all these years, I have never doubted your judgement. Do you think that this Brian can really help the Lancelot Empire prosper and become strong?"
Grace's lips wriggled, as if trying to get rid of the wrinkles on her thick lips. She replied in a weak voice, "Your Majesty, I have been entrusted by you to expend my life force to divine once. I only know that whoever this person helps will become the new king. As long as he is in the Lancelot Empire, the Lancelot Empire will not perish. That's all!"
"This is already enough. I didn't expect that the person who will decide the future of my Lancelot Empire would actually be such a young fellow." Uhtred muttered to himself before looking at the astrologer and Sabakas. He suddenly opened his mouth and said, "My days are numbered. I hope that after I die, you can promise me one thing."
"Your Majesty, you don't have to remind me. I think that I will leave this world before you do. After so many years, I am also tired. My life should finally come to an end. "Old astrologer Grace sighed slightly and said helplessly to Uhtred.
"Teacher, I'm sorry. You have expended your life force for the Lancelot Empire." Uhtred understood that every time old astrologer Madam Grace divined the future, she would expend her life force. The more involved the matter, the more life force would be consumed.
This time, the divination of the fate of the entire Lancelot Empire could be considered to have completely exhausted all of her life force. Her death could be said to have been caused by Uhtred. However, for the future of the Lancelot Empire, Uhtred had no other choice. He could only let the old astrologer give him a clear indication.
Even without old astrologer Madam Grace's divination, the matter might still have proceeded according to the original trajectory. However, the struggle for power between the princes would inevitably cause irreparable damage to the Lancelot Empire's national strength. In that case, even if Lawrence, who was supported by Han Shuo, succeeded in seizing power, the Lancelot Empire's strength would be greatly reduced.
Uhtred was precisely afraid of such a situation occurring. That was why he was willing to let the old astrologer expend her life force to predict the future. This was to minimize the damage to the national strength, allowing the Lancelot Empire to remain as prosperous as before after Lawrence succeeded the throne.
"You don't need to apologize. My teacher also toiled to death for the sake of the Lancelot Empire's national fortune. I'm afraid that this is the fate of us astrologers. Sigh …" Old astrologer Madam Grace helplessly sighed before looking at Sabakas and said, "In the short time I have left, I hope that you can bring me to see some places that I have never been to."
"Don't worry. No matter where you want to go, I can bring you there." Sabakas replied with a benevolent smile. He then turned his head to look at King Uhtred of the Lancelot Empire and asked, "Your Majesty, what did you want to tell me just now?"
"If Brian doesn't keep his promise, I hope that you can help me kill him." Uhtred hesitated for a moment before saying to Sabakas.
"Your Majesty, I promise you that I can only do my best. I might not be able to deal with this youngster in the future. I hope that you can forgive me." Space sacred magus Sabakas seriously considered for a moment before replying to Uhtred.
At Sabakas's level, he was already considered to have transcended authority. Even the king of the Lancelot Empire didn't have the authority to order him to do things that he wasn't willing to do. Sabakas vaguely understood some things from astrologer Grace's prophecy, which was why he replied Uhtred in such a manner.
Uhtred nodded and said with a smile, "Then I'll have to thank master."
"Alright, Your Majesty should have many matters to attend to. We won't disturb you any further." Sabakas replied in a manner that was neither overbearing nor servile. He glanced at old astrologer Grace and a white light enveloped the two of them. The two of them instantly disappeared without a trace.
* * *
Unbeknownst to Han Shuo, King Uhtred of the Lancelot Empire had already started to help Lawrence pave the way.
After Han Shuo returned to his mansion from the imperial palace, he discovered that Lawrence and Phoebe had already been waiting for him even before nightfall. It seemed that they were extremely anxious to see Han Shuo.
Phoebe's bright eyes glistened, her gaze never leaving Han Shuo. After Han Shuo dismissed the servants and led the two into the living room, Phoebe angrily pouted coquettishly, "You bastard, why didn't you come looking for me after arriving at Ossen City? Are you having too much fun in Brettel City that you've forgotten about an old friend like me?"
Han Shuo's mind was a little muddled along the way. He kept thinking about what His Majesty Uhtred had said to him. He couldn't figure out what was wrong with Uhtred for him to have such a strange suggestion.
Now that he heard Phoebe pouting coquettishly, Han Shuo finally reacted. He couldn't help but smile bitterly and say, "Eldest Miss, I can forget anyone but you. Do you know that whenever I have something good, the first person I think of is you? Otherwise, how could that 'Starry Sky' have fallen into your hands so quickly?"
Hearing Han Shuo's words, Phoebe's beautiful face became more joyful. Her voice also became much gentler as she snorted, "Then what shameful things have you been doing in Ossen City for so long? I've come here a few times already, but the housekeeper said that you weren't in the mansion. "
"That's because I have official business to attend to. Most of the time, I've been attending meetings at the Dark Mantle headquarters. I've just made a trip to the imperial palace. In short, I haven't been idle." Han Shuo explained to Phoebe.
"Alright, alright. If the two of you have anything to say, you can slowly talk about it after I leave." Lawrence teased. He then looked at Han Shuo and said, "Brian, you just came out of the imperial palace. What did my father talk to you about?"
Hearing Lawrence's words, Phoebe's charming face blushed. She seemed to think of the wonderful things that would happen between her and Han Shuo after Lawrence left. She suddenly blushed and became silent.
Han Shuo knew what Lawrence was thinking about. After hearing Lawrence's words, he recalled the agreement between him and the king just now and couldn't help but feel puzzled. Hearing Lawrence's words, he smiled bitterly and shook his head. He said to Lawrence, "Lawrence, I promised His Majesty that the conversation between me and him wouldn't be leaked to a third person. His Majesty specifically warned me before I left not to tell you about the conversation between me and him."
Lawrence's expression froze as he stared blankly. He hesitated for a moment and asked, "Then, can you tell me if you talked about me? Will the things you talked about affect my interests?"
Han Shuo thought for a moment and nodded, "Lawrence, I'll tell you clearly. The main point of the conversation between His Majesty and me was you. However, it was all beneficial to you. I think your chances of seizing the throne will greatly increase."
"Re … really? Brian, are you serious? " Lawrence was obviously ecstatic when he heard these words. He suddenly stood up from his chair and couldn't contain the ecstasy in his heart. Lawrence directly walked in front of Han Shuo and stood on his tiptoes to press his hands on Han Shuo's shoulders. He looked up at Han Shuo and inquired anxiously.
Nodding his head heavily, Han Shuo said with certainty, "That's right. Although I can't reveal the specifics of our conversation, I can guarantee that your royal father will definitely pave the way for you. Lawrence, your luck has come this time!"
Lawrence laughed wildly. He, who had been oppressed for a long time, revealed his wild side at this moment. He laughed loudly at Han Shuo and said, "Thank you, Brian. You are my luck. No matter what you talked about with royal father, I think you must have occupied an important position. I will never forget your kindness."
Lawrence was very quick-witted. From Han Shuo's words, he realized that Han Shuo was an important figure. Otherwise, why would Uhtred talk to him alone and not others?
"Brian, you're not joking, right? Could it be that His Majesty wants to support senior brother Lawrence?" Phoebe recovered from her charming reverie and looked at Han Shuo in astonishment, as if she didn't quite believe Han Shuo's words.
"Don't ask me about the specifics. To be honest, even I don't dare to believe it until now. However, you will know the truth very soon." Han Shuo spread his hands and made a helpless gesture as he explained to Phoebe.
Lawrence hadn't recovered from the pleasant surprise and said excitedly to Han Shuo, "Alright, then I'll go back and prepare first. If what you said is true, I need to make arrangements immediately."
"Go, you should indeed prepare well." Han Shuo readily agreed.
"Senior brother, you only remember your own matters. Have you forgotten what we just discussed? Brian is in a very dangerous situation right now. If you don't help him at this time, it's very likely that he'll be labeled as a member of an evil church by Charles and the others! "Seeing that Lawrence was about to leave, Phoebe lightly snorted and couldn't help but reprimand Lawrence.
Lawrence slapped his head, only now remembering the purpose of his visit. He first smiled apologetically to Han Shuo, then said with a grave expression, "Brian, there are currently some rumors that are very unfavorable to you. I think we should properly come up with a plan to deal with them. This matter was spread by the Church of Light's Kosse and Charles. Their goal is to destroy the reputation and image you've painstakingly built up in Brettel City."
"Let's not worry about these things. His Majesty the King will help me clean up this matter. He has already promised me." Han Shuo said to the solemn Lawrence.
Lawrence and Phoebe looked at each other in dismay, both of them looking stunned. Seeing Lawrence's expression, Han Shuo couldn't help but say with a smile, "Alright, you can leave first. Go do your own things and don't worry about me. Your royal father will help us."
"Alright, I won't disturb you two then." Lawrence understood and winked at Han Shuo and Phoebe, chuckling as he walked out.
"Hey, what's with that look? Dammit, you've been led astray by Brian!" Phoebe's charming face was bright red as she loudly cursed at Lawrence's back.
After Lawrence left, Han Shuo walked towards Phoebe with a grin on his face. He pulled Phoebe into the carriage and carried the screaming Phoebe into the bedroom. Along the way, his hands began to move restlessly up and down Phoebe's naked body.
… …
After the deed was over, Phoebe was exhausted and lazily curled up on Han Shuo's broad chest. She didn't have the slightest bit of strength left in her. However, Han Shuo was in high spirits and didn't look tired at all. Instead, he casually pulled out a necromancy book and diligently studied it.
Phoebe hadn't used up a single bit of fighting aura within her body. Her exhaustion was purely physical. Looking at the spirited Han Shuo, Phoebe had a sweet smile on her face. The complaints from the past few days had all disappeared and the extremely satisfied expression on her face couldn't be concealed. She was obviously very happy.
A strand of strange energy flowed into Phoebe's body and slowly circulated within Phoebe's limbs and bones. It nourished Phoebe's body and gave Phoebe an extremely comfortable feeling. That feeling was as if that strand of energy was nourishing her body, helping her body to gradually recover and even become stronger.
Phoebe carefully savored the nourishment of the energy on her body. She suddenly realized that this strange energy came from Han Shuo. In the past, every time she had sex with Han Shuo, Phoebe seemed to feel the existence of this strange energy in a daze. It was just that she had been too tired the past few times and had immediately fallen into a deep sleep. She had never felt it so clearly like this time.
However, Phoebe could feel that her body was getting better and better. Her body that had been tempered by the Nirvana Pill seemed to be even more refined. Her training of fighting aura was twice as effective as before. Even Phoebe's rapid advancement to great swordmaster seemed to be thanks to the changes in her body.
After slowly feeling for a while, Phoebe couldn't help but look at Han Shuo, who was solemnly studying magic books with a burning gaze. She suddenly understood that after every time they had sex, Han Shuo had transferred a strand of energy that she didn't know about into her body, helping her to change the toughness of her body and making her body's condition better and better.
"Brian!" Phoebe suddenly whispered softly, raising her head to look at Han Shuo.
Han Shuo, who was studying the habits of bone demons, softly grunted when he heard this. He looked at Phoebe with a smile, and his big hand conveniently patted Phoebe's perky and round buttocks. He teased, "What? Do you still want it? "
Phoebe's beautiful face blushed, and she shyly pulled at the thin blanket that covered her body, covering her perfect curves that could make one spurt blood. She said in a low voice, "No, I don't have any strength left in my body, you damned fellow!"
"Heh heh, then what do you want to say?" Han Shuo put down the necromancy magic book in his hand, and gently pulled up the thin blanket with his left hand to cover her fair, jade-like skin. He narrowed his eyes and asked with a smile.
"Did you leave something special in my body every time you made love to me?" Phoebe asked Han Shuo in a low voice with a red face.
"Of course, I did leave something special behind. Heh heh, that is the seed of life, the most original essence that created the human race. It's just that it hasn't germinated yet. Why are you asking about this? Could it be that you want to ask why your belly isn't big? Oh, you can't blame me for this, you're the one who didn't live up to expectations, right? "Han Shuo replied to Phoebe with an evil smile on his face.
When Phoebe saw the evil smile on Han Shuo's face, she knew that he must have misunderstood her meaning. She couldn't help but blurt out in embarrassment, "I'm not talking about that thing, I'm talking about the energy that helped me change my body!"
Hearing Phoebe's words, Han Shuo suddenly realized and said, "So that's what you wanted to say. Heh heh, don't worry, that energy will only be good for your body, absolutely no harm. You don't need to care so much, you just need to know that it will make your body better and better."
"I know, of course I know that the energy will benefit my body, I'm just worried that it will harm your strength." Phoebe naturally understood the changes in her body, but as a young Great Swordsman, Phoebe understood that no matter what kind of energy left the body, it would have an effect on the owner. She was worried about whether Han Shuo would be injured.
"Heh heh, you don't need to worry, this is called Body Fusion. When I transfer energy to you, I actually get some energy from your body, it's just that you don't know it. Otherwise, why would I make you take so many special postures? This is actually a kind of martial skill, and you keep thinking about it. "Han Shuo explained to Phoebe with a smile.
When Han Shuo said this, Phoebe's blush spread from her neck to her whole body. She couldn't help but hit Han Shuo's chest and said, "Nonsense! What kind of martial skill is cultivated like this? You made me take so many embarrassing postures to satisfy your special hobbies. You perverted fellow, you still want to lie to me! "
Helplessly shrugging his shoulders, Han Shuo explained with a bitter smile, "Eldest Miss, I really didn't lie to you. There are many martial skills that you don't know about, but they do exist. The postures I made you take do indeed have a special effect, but you didn't carefully comprehend them and were instead lost to your desires. Next time, if you can carefully comprehend them, you'll know that I'm not lying. "
After Han Shuo's explanation, Phoebe was a bit skeptical and looked at Han Shuo in a daze. When she discovered that Han Shuo didn't seem to be joking, she made a fuss and softly said, "Brian, are you serious? Is that really a kind of martial skill?"
Nodding his head, Han Shuo said with a smile, "Of course, it is through this method that our love will help each other increase in strength. Don't worry, the energy in your body won't harm me in any way."
Although Phoebe was astonished by Han Shuo's explanation, she didn't continue to pursue the matter. Instead, she furrowed her brow in deep thought. After a while, Phoebe suddenly thought of something and her bright eyes stared deeply at Han Shuo. She asked, "Brian, there's a question I've been suppressing for a long time. Today, you have to tell me."
"Speak, what is it?" Han Shuo's large hands groped Phoebe's smooth back as he said lazily with narrowed eyes.
"What's the matter with Emily? Don't tell me that there's no relationship between you and Emily. Hmph, I've seen her a few times. Her skin and body are exactly the same as mine. Brian, I hope you can tell me honestly about your relationship and don't lie to me." Phoebe's bright eyes stared fixedly at Han Shuo as she asked aggressively.
When Han Shuo heard the three words "Emily", he couldn't help but shiver. When Phoebe finished speaking, his mind abruptly became a mess. After thinking quickly for a moment, Han Shuo sighed and said, "Since you already know, then I won't hide it anymore. Last time in the Dark Forest, because I went berserk in my martial arts training, I lost control of my mind and raped her …"
At this point, Han Shuo knew that no amount of concealment would be of any use. He described everything that had happened between him and Emily in full detail. "As expected, you really did have an affair with her.
I was wondering why her skin was as white and lustrous as mine. Great, so it was all because of you. Brian, oh Brian, you're really amazing. You even dared to rape the daughter-in-law of the Hahn family … "Phoebe glared angrily at Han Shuo and made a ruckus. She ignored Han Shuo's obstruction and was about to put on her clothes and leave.
Han Shuo hugged Phoebe tightly and hurriedly explained, "I had no choice in that situation. You must know that you're the most important person in my heart. Emily and I only got together by chance …"
"I don't think it's that simple. This Emily has a seductive look on her face. Is she really good in bed? Are you dizzy from the fascination? Do you know that she's the daughter-in-law of the Hahn family? Her brother is that scary guy Amyes? "
Han Shuo nodded and then explained, "But when I raped her, I only thought that she was a spy from the Empire!"
Shaking off Han Shuo, Phoebe quickly put on her clothes. She glared at Han Shuo hatefully with a face full of anger and shouted, "Last time at Lawrence's father's banquet, I already felt that there was something wrong between you and Emily. It looks like you two have been together for a long time. Emily has gone too far. She actually conspired with you to deceive me."
As she said this, Phoebe had already put on her clothes and walked out angrily.
"Where are you going?" Han Shuo was shocked and hurriedly put on his clothes.
"I'm going to find that coquettish hussy, Emily. Don't follow me. I want to talk to her alone." Phoebe answered and dashed out of Han Shuo's mansion.
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