The atmosphere of the negotiation in the Hall of Heroes began to become subtle.
"A war of vengeance?"
Sitting at the long table, Archduke Lecco's gaze focused slightly. The joints in his crossed hands twitched slightly.
"So, this is why you spread the rumor before the Constellation Diplomat Group's arrival and tried your best to exaggerate the discord between King Nuven and the Prince of Constellation." The corners of Archduke Lecco's lips curled up slightly. "And why you framed Constellation for the king's death."
"I'm tired of repeating myself." Lampard glanced at him and said coldly, "This is not a rumor."
'Not entirely.'
He stared at the four archdukes quietly.
"And then?"
Trentida flashed an amused smile. "Do you think all of Eckstedt will believe you? That you'll be so hot-headed that you'll rush to war regardless of the cost?
"There's always a price to pay for war. I remember this is the family motto of a certain family in the Empire."
Archduke Roknee raised his gaze and said slowly, "Nanchester, there's always a price to every war."
Lampard left Archduke Olsius' side and turned to Trentida and Roknee. His expression was cold and resolute, his tone unquestionable.
"They will believe me," the Archduke of Black Sand Region said decisively. "The missing Prince of Constellation is in my hands. There's no harm in letting him remain missing.
"And I'm still holding the heir of the Arunde Family in my hands. He's the culprit in the act of assassinating the king."
Archduke Olsius thought of that special boy and could not help but be slightly startled.
"Even the heir of the White Eagle Family …" The Archduke of Prestige Orchid narrowed his eyes. "They're really well-prepared."
Lampard ignored the faint sarcasm in his words.
"Even without these chess pieces," the archduke's cold gaze swept across the other archdukes, "as long as we have your endorsement, we can mobilize our troops in the name of the king's vengeance and direct the nation's wrath on Constellation. They're the ones who tore apart the Fortress Treaty."
The four archdukes did not say anything in tacit understanding.
"Our army will march south. We will mobilize our most abundant military force since the Battle of Glory. The five of us, Dragon Clouds City, and Beacon Illumination City, seven or even more archdukes will gather under our banner."
Lampard took a step forward and slowly raised his right hand. His voice was deep.
"And Constellation?"
"Their Northern Territory is unstable, their fortresses are empty, and their military forces are few." Lampard's gaze became increasingly terrifying, as if he could see the future he had envisioned. "The world's most valiant army will advance in the flames of vengeance. Neither the fortresses nor the Northern Territory will be able to stop them. We will break through like a hot knife through butter. It's not like we can't even dream of a place as strong as Eternal Star City."
Archduke Trentida coughed softly.
"What does this have to do with taking down Dragon Clouds City?"
Lampard turned around.
"War will change everything," he said faintly. His tone was so cold that even the four archdukes, who held high positions all year round, could not help but shiver. "Including the vassals under the banner of the Walton Family."
Upon hearing this, Archduke Olsius sighed softly.
Chapman Lampard clenched his fists. "If we want to avenge His Grace, Dragon Clouds City and Beacon Illumination City must be the main forces of the Southern Punitive Expedition."
He slowly turned around and faced the empty gun rack on the fireplace. An indescribable emotion burned in his eyes. "We are the leaders of the Allied Army. The stubborn nobles of Dragon Clouds City and Beacon Illumination City will only decline or even be obliterated along with their armies in the war. The Walton Family's bargaining chip will then be completely lost."
Archduke Roknee furrowed his brows fiercely.
"When we return in triumph with the prestige and spoils of war we lost twelve years ago …" Lampard said coldly, "They will no longer be a problem.
"At that time, who would dare, who would be able, and who would dare to point fingers at Dragon Clouds City and Beacon Illumination City, which are jointly ruled by all of you?
"Even Prime Minister Lisban would not be able to object. He would no longer be a prime minister by then.
"When everyone accepts this situation in silence, and when that Walton's orphan daughter dies young, no one will remember the Walton Family except for historians."
Lampard turned around abruptly. His tone was resolute and decisive.
"The Joint Ruling Pledge is still valid, but the signatories have become the eight archdukes.
"Just like the eleven signatures on the Joint Ruling Pledge, the signatures of Tan En and the other famous families are still there, but they have disappeared into history forever.
"But Eckstedt can only become stronger."
The hall fell silent.
Lampard quietly waited for the archdukes' reply.
He knew that this was a good sign. The archdukes knew that his plan was feasible.
'But …'
"You know, this proposal is very interesting." Trentida shook his head.
"Hey!" Archduke Roknee interrupted him in annoyance. "You are talking about abolishing a piece of sacred territory that has existed since the founding of Eckstedt! It is Raikaru's fief! "
"Then talk to that female dragon," Lampard retorted coldly. "Maybe she will fly down and fight for the Walton Family."
Anger immediately appeared on Roknee's face.
"Watch your words, Chapman." Archduke Lecco frowned. "That honorable lady just arrived last night."
Lampard's expression changed.
"Honorable lady?" he said mockingly.
Archduke Lampard pointed outside the window. His gaze was cold. "Apart from the mascot on that flag, that dragon has been nothing to us for six hundred years.
"Its mission is nothing but to guard against the return of the calamity.
"It doesn't care about Eckstedt's survival at all!"
The four archdukes' expressions became very unpleasant.
"Let's get back to the main topic." Trentida coughed and exhaled.
"I have to say, this is a bold arrangement and a rather ambitious plan.
"But we can completely abandon you and do it ourselves." He flashed a smile again. "Maybe we can even take the ownerless Black Sand Region under our command."
Archduke Roknee laughed angrily. "Not a bad idea."
"Give us a reason, Chapman. A reason that we must include you." The Archduke of Reformation Tower whistled.
Lampard narrowed his eyes.
"If you stubbornly push the blame for King Nuven's death on me," the Archduke of Black Sand Region said calmly, "you will lose the excuse to attack Constellation, the right to gather the entire country, the geographical advantage to go south to Constellation through Black Sand Region, the chance to cleanse Dragon Clouds City with war, the chance to expand our territory, and the chance to intimidate those who do not submit.
"Don't forget, whether it is the Prince of Constellation or the Arunde Family, they are all in my hands.
"You will also lose the chance to turn the current chaotic situation into a good one." His voice began to slow down. "You will also lose the only chance to lay a plan for your own stability and for Eckstedt's strength."
The other archdukes looked at each other.
"But what about you, Chapman?" With a sly smile, Trentida tilted his head and stared at Lampard with a subtle expression.
"You must have a plan, right? I don't believe that you only want us to help you get away with this big game of chess. "
Lampard furrowed his brows.
"Let me guess." Trentida chuckled. The mockery in his eyes grew stronger. "The common-elected king?"
Archduke Roknee snorted softly.
But against their expectations, Lampard's brows relaxed.
"No," he said flatly, completely unbothered. "All of you can fight for the position of common-elected king. I don't care.
"Truth be told, I don't care who becomes king at all."
The four archdukes were all stunned.
"Olsius, Roknee, Lecco, even if Trentida becomes the common-elected king, I won't have any objections."
Trentida snorted softly. "Why am I listed after 'even if'?"
Lampard looked at his expression and shook his head slightly in his heart.
"As long as all of you agree to send troops and win this war for Eckstedt … I can pay a price you can't even imagine.
"I can even give up on Black Sand Region," the Archduke of Black Sand Region said softly. "Olsius and Trentida, if you're still worried, take it and divide it equally — if this can strengthen your resolve."
Once he said this, the hall was silent for a whole five seconds.
"What?" Prestige Orchid Region's Olsius said in disbelief, "You want to … give up on Black Sand Region?"
Trentida seemed to have even forgotten to smile. He only furrowed his brows and fixed his gaze on Lampard.
'It can't be.
'This family-killing beast in front of me …
'Is the only one who cares about the Archduke of Black Sand Region?'
"I only have one condition," the Archduke of Black Sand Region said resolutely and firmly. "After we win the war, I only want the Northern Territory, and even the land around Cold Castle.
"Defend the southern border for Eckstedt.
"I won't disturb all of you anymore."
All the archdukes were stunned.
After a long while …
"I don't understand." Archduke Lecco exhaled deeply and sighed. "What kind of suzerain would give up his family's heirloom?"
'Of course you don't understand.'
Lampard said quietly.
'As long as one of them understands …'
"What do you say? Everyone? "
Lampard said faintly, "Ensuring that Eckstedt returns to stability, freeing itself from the shackles of royal authority, and even strengthening itself, and even the chance to conquer Constellation …"
His eyes burned with the flames of ambition. "It's right before our eyes."
Lampard waited quietly for their responses.
The archdukes' expressions began to fluctuate uncontrollably.
"What do all of you think?" Olsius looked at the other three archdukes with a worried expression.
The archdukes looked at each other. Trentida even moved closer to Archduke Lecco and whispered in his ear.
Olsius' expression kept changing. Archduke Roknee would make a cold jab at him from time to time.
Lampard stood quietly at the side and stared at the Cloud Dragon Spear flag on the wall.
He knew that this might be the final decision.
The moment that would decide Eckstedt's future.
Finally.
A few minutes later, the four archdukes nodded at the same time in tacit understanding.
They raised their heads in unison and looked at Archduke Lampard with different expressions.
Lampard also turned around and stared back at them with a solemn and serious expression.
Trentida blinked. Olsius smiled faintly and coldly, while Roknee was expressionless.
However, Lampard only stared closely at one person, the one with the most seniority.
Archduke Lecco stared at Lampard quietly.
For a few seconds.
Finally, a hint of a smile appeared on the old archduke's stingy face. "Not a bad idea, Chapman.
It's also a very creative 'deal'. "
Chapman Lampard also smiled.
It was as if he had seen the dust settle and heard the sound of a gavel being struck.
Then, with his usual smile, Archduke Lecco spoke softly, as he always did.
"So …
"We refuse."
Lampard's expression froze on his face.
— — —
Thales stood quietly in Shiles' courtyard, deep in thought as he watched the people around him clean up the scene. If the 'contact' Shiles mentioned was real, they must leave this place as soon as possible before Lampard noticed.
"Do you have an answer?"
A voice asked.
"Yes." The prince nodded slightly and turned his head back without looking behind him. "What about you, Putray?"
The vice diplomat of Constellation came to stand beside him and frowned as he watched two White Blade Guards push the bound Shiles onto the carriage.
"To be honest," Putray sighed, "I don't quite understand what Shiles said just now.
"Why would Lampard think that Eckstedt's greatest threat is …"
Thales shook his head.
"That's not important." The prince's gaze was misty as he spoke calmly, "Believe me, Lampard has a very good reason, so good that even the four astute archdukes have no choice but to believe him."
Putray furrowed his brows. "You know?"
"Not really." Thales shrugged. "I just understand it."
"Then what do you plan to do?"
Thales raised his head and looked at the Northland sky with a complicated expression.
"Do you still remember what I said before I left?" the prince said faintly, "The strongest chess piece in both camps?"
Putray raised his eyebrows.
"Chapman Lampard." Putray curled his lips slightly. His tone was a little hesitant, obviously not quite convinced. "And …"
"Your Highness?"
Thales glanced at him.
"I'm not joking."
"After hearing what Shiles said just now, I'm even more certain of this." Thales revealed a bitter smile. "Lampard is simply too powerful and too terrifying."
Putray pursed his lips.
Thales lowered his head and said quietly, "I've seen the four archdukes: the old-fashioned Olsius, the cunning Trentida, the resolute Roknee, and the old but firm Lecco. When the four of them stand together, it's practically impossible to fight against them."
Putray nodded.
However, the prince sighed and said, "But do you believe …
"They will face Chapman Lampard.
"You'll only be eaten clean."
"Not even their bones will be left."
Putray revealed a contemplative expression.
"Putray," Thales said faintly, "will you follow me?"
Putray raised his eyebrows. "Are you going to ask again? Really? "
Thales shrugged. "What happens next will be a little crazy."
Putray furrowed his brows. "Is it what I think it is? Are you going to … "
"Believe it or not, Putray." Thales sighed and forced a smile. "I've thought it through. On that unique battlefield, only I can fight against him."
Putray revealed a surprised expression.
"No, this …" The vice diplomat furrowed his brows slightly and asked softly, "Why? What are you going to rely on to fight against Lampard? "
The next second …
Thales turned his head and flashed a friendly smile.
The prince bared his young teeth at Putray.
"A cheat."
He turned around decisively.
Leaving behind a bewildered Putray.
Thales walked to the side of the carriage and looked at Shiles, who could not move. He smiled softly.
Shiles shrugged at him.
Thales gestured for Ralf, who was watching over him, to leave.
"It's not very comfortable, is it?" Thales looked at Ralf's back and sighed. "Your Grace."
Shiles, whose mouth was stuffed with a piece of cloth, blinked at him. He seemed very helpless.
Thales nodded solemnly.
"So, next, I will do something for you — to make up for it."
Shiles' eyes were puzzled.
The prince's eyes were filled with determination and determination.
In the next second, the puzzlement in Shiles' eyes turned into shock.
"Capture me." Thales' voice rang emotionlessly. "Send me to Heroic Spirit Palace.
"Send me back to Lampard's hands."
The next chapter began, revealing the mystery step by step.
You've already exceeded your reading limit for today. If you want to read more, please log in.
Login
Select text and click 'Report' to let us know about any bad translation.
