"When will you understand that the level of your father's skill has nothing to do with the outcome of his stubbornness?"
A familiar, shrill voice rang in his memory.
"And it's not just him, there are countless others. Whether it's the king's partisans who side with the king, or those who oppose him like Koshder, the growing conflict between them will bring about unforeseeable consequences."
Thales sat quietly in his chair and stared intently at the map in front of him, trying his best to drive out of his mind what Fakenhaz said on Ghost Prince Tower.
'Is this the kingdom I'm going to face?'
At this very moment, everyone in front of the king was cautious.
"Do you know, Solder, not to mention implementation."
Beside the conference table, Prime Minister Cullen was like an old man who had suffered a serious illness.
His voice was weak as he said, "How much of an uproar will it cause in the kingdom if your words today are leaked?"
The military advisor snorted and shook his head.
He was about to speak when he was interrupted by the Foreign Affairs Minister.
"It is one thing for us to live frugally and be responsible for our own profits and losses to support the regular army of the royal family." Gilbert was still gentle, but the warning in his words was clear. "As for issuing an order to the entire country to reduce the suzerains' authority to recruit soldiers?"
"Solder, that's another matter."
Solder frowned, as if in disagreement.
But out of respect and admiration for the Cunning Fox of Constellation, he did not immediately refute.
Seeing that someone was on his side, Prime Minister Cullen gave the Foreign Affairs Minister a grateful look with relief.
"Take Eternal Star City as an example: the regular royal army and the Jadestar Private Army, one as their duty, the other as enlistment."
The prime minister nodded and smiled at the shadowy figure on the throne.
"Although they come from different sources, they are both weapons in His Majesty's hands."
The mayor of Splendid Port City, nicknamed the 'Sword of the Bay', turned to look at Solder. His eyes were no longer filled with the greasiness of a good old man, but were instead filled with the seriousness of a businessman negotiating.
"It's the same for all parts of Constellation: the suzerains usually hold a small but professional elite guard, and if necessary, they can enlist a large number of citizens to serve as the main force on the battlefield.
"One strange and one righteous in battle. One enlistment and one conscription, two tracks at the same time.
"This is the kingdom's long-standing tradition."
Kirkirk Mann snorted softly, Viscount Kenney narrowed his eyes, and Lord Krapen simply continued to daydream.
"But it is precisely this dual recruitment system that has seriously hindered our army!"
Solder, whose hair was sparse but still looked hale and hearty, did not care about the gazes of others.
"Reality has already proven that the suzerains' private conscripts, even the Jadestar Family's private army — I mean no offense, Your Majesty — are poorly organized and have a mixture of good and bad soldiers. They cannot compare to the elite regular soldiers of the royal family."
King Kessel changed his sitting position in the shadows, his face blurry as before.
Thales' gaze moved slightly. He remembered that many years ago, the Jadestar Private Army that guarded Mindis Hall, which had been sealed off for a long time, was recruited from his family's territory.
"That's why he could not be conferred the title of nobility …"
Kirkirk Mann shook his head disdainfully at Solder and raised his hand to complain to the Prime Minister.
"Every time the atmosphere is good, this damned soldier will do something, spoil the mood, and ruin everything."
Adviser Solder whipped his head around, his eyes sharp.
"And every time it's a critical moment, you're always on the sidelines, sarcastic and mean, holding your purse tighter than your own pants."
Like a general on the battlefield, he retorted coldly.
"That's probably why you've never been conferred a title, Purse."
Kirkirk Mann blushed.
But a few seconds later, facing Solder's piercing gaze, the resentful Chief of Finance lowered his head.
He was mumbling something indistinguishable.
Thales heard with his hell's senses that Kirkirk was probably muttering "as if you don't need to shit".
After a small victory, Solder no longer looked at Kirkirk, but at everyone else.
"Since the establishment of the 'Sand King' era, the regular soldiers of the royal family have gone through decades of development and testing, and have proven to be a reliable and professional elite force. From recruitment to training, from maintenance to combat, their significance and status far surpass that of ordinary suzerains' personal guards."
He spoke generously.
"Take the three main guards as an example: Baron Murkh's Fury Guards are the strongest army in the world, good at fighting tough battles, fearless and not inferior to Eckstedt's heavily armed elites;
"Lady Sasere's Starlight Guards shoulder the heavy responsibility of guarding Broken Dragon Fortress. They are highly experienced and especially good at defending, exhausting, and blocking in the face of strong pressure;
"Baron Williams' Stardust Unit is the sharpest knife and arrow on the western frontline. Their light cavalry is as fast as lightning and can travel thousands of miles. They are renowned for their military prowess."
Thales recalled the three marshals of Constellation and the elite soldiers under them, and fell into deep thought.
Solder turned to Duke Cullen with a hint of challenge in his voice.
"Can the Jadestar Private Army, which is a conscript, do all of this?
"Even the professional personal guards of a few suzerains — Western Desert's Black Lion Infantry Regiment, Arunde's White Eagle Scouts, Great Deer Family's Mountain Walkers — do all of this?"
The king's figure moved slightly, revealing the sunlight behind him, which just happened to shine on Solder.
At this moment, the military advisor seemed to be upright and dignified.
Duke Cullen was silent for a while.
After a while, the prime minister picked up the teacup beside him and took a sip.
"When it comes to war, Solder, I'm not as good as you.
"But armed self-defense is the natural right of suzerains, and assisting their monarch in battle is their traditional duty. It's a norm that everyone has been imbued with since birth.
"From Central Territory to Blade Edge Hill, the conscripts of the hundreds and thousands of suzerains of Constellation account for ninety percent of the kingdom's total military strength. And the command and commander-in-chief duties of their children are related to the promotion and demotion of countless people, as well as the local legal system. "
Cullen looked at Solder seriously.
"Territorial population, fiscal output, governance, it's all part of it.
"Be careful."
But he did not get the response he wanted.
"Ninety percent of the kingdom's total military strength?"
Solder scoffed.
"You mean the few hundred people you and the loyal suzerains put together at the National Conference six years ago?"
Facing Solder's cold gaze, Prime Minister Cullen's teacup trembled slightly.
"Solder, we're at the Imperial Conference," Gilbert spoke up in time with a warning tone, calming the terrible atmosphere a little.
"Be careful."
Facing the Foreign Affairs Minister, Solder reined in his combative demeanor.
He said slowly, "My apologies, Count Caso."
The military advisor turned to the others with a firm expression.
"Your Majesty, everyone!
"His Highness Thales has returned to the kingdom. The Fortress Treaty exists in name only. There is no longer any room for a political buffer between us and Eckstedt!"
Thales frowned.
Gilbert gave him a reassuring look in time, indicating that there was no need to be nervous.
"Six years ago in the Hall of Stars, the awkwardness of the group of suzerains discussing the number of troops to be dispatched is still fresh in our minds."
Solder did not look at the prime minister, but he could not care less that everyone else was looking at Duke Cullen.
The latter only swirled his teacup gently, as if he did not feel anything.
"This is why I took the trouble to move the detailed battle reports to Ballard Room."
The military advisor had a pained look on his face.
"Constellation will not be able to withstand another Bloody Year."
In an instant, it was as if someone had abruptly turned off the sound in Ballard Room.
Not even the sound of breathing could be heard.
The table, the palms, the documents, the teacups — all the officials seemed to have found something more interesting, except that no one dared to look at the throne at the end of the long table.
Thales took a deep breath and caught a glimpse out of the corner of his eye.
King Kessel was as calm and unperturbed as ever, as if he was just an observer in the meeting before him.
And a bystander in the disaster more than a decade ago.
"That's enough. Don't try to scare me anymore!"
A few seconds later, Kirkirk Mann, the Chief of Finance who had long been dissatisfied, finally spoke up.
"Count Caso made it very clear just now: Eckstedt is suffering from internal strife and is in decline!"
Solder's expression turned cold and he quickly retorted.
"So the balance is no longer there, and the situation is in turmoil!
"More than ever, we need a powerful army!"
Kirkirk looked disdainful and was about to retort, but his expression changed before the words left his mouth.
"Ah, Solder, I understand."
The Chief of Finance said thoughtfully,
"You're so keen on this, is it because you're about to retire …"
"So, you want to help your own people in the end, so that your muddy soldiers in the regular army, as well as the little vampires in the Military Affairs Department, can move their butts a little, so that they can make an exception and be promoted to high positions?"
Kirkirk Mann narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue.
"Just like you now?"
Solder's expression changed.
"In the eyes of a businessman who prioritizes profit over everything else," he snorted and turned his head away, exasperated, but not as generous as before.
"Even sunlight reeks of money."
Kirkirk Mann sneered.
"Reek of money?"
"After spouting so much nonsense," the Chief of Finance slammed the table, gritted his teeth, and pointed at Solder in a domineering manner.
"Don't you just want to get money from the national treasury?
"By the Sunset Goddess, after the mess Williams created in Western Desert, I was hoping that the Military Affairs Department would calm down a little!"
Solder took a deep breath and looked like he was about to flare up, but finally held back under Gilbert's gaze.
Thales watched the two of them argue and observed their attitudes towards each other. Slowly, he began to understand the rhythm of the Imperial Conference.
"It was precisely what happened in Western Desert that strengthened my resolve."
The military advisor's voice trembled slightly. It was obvious that he was holding back his anger with great perseverance.
"Needless to say, most of the conscripted militias are faced with lax discipline, inefficient organization, and an awkward position on the battlefield.
"Although the regular professional soldiers are few in number and good at fighting, if they only listen to the orders of an unruly suzerain, it is very easy for internal command problems to arise when cooperating in battle. The harm is worse than that of conscripted militias.
"Just like the chaos in Blade Fangs Camp and Eckstedt's defeat."
Solder said seriously.
"We thought that by running the two systems of conscription, we would be benefiting from both, but in fact, we are suffering from the disadvantages of both!
"Whether it's for war or politics, whether it's for the regular army or conscripted militias, reform is imminent."
His words were full of reason and lacked his previous indignation and accusations. Even Kirkirk, who disliked Solder, could not refute him for a moment.
Unexpectedly, this time, the one who spoke was Gilbert.
"Putting aside the expansion of the regular army of the royal family around Eternal Star City," the Foreign Affairs Minister advised earnestly.
"But Sir Solder, in the eyes of more people, interfering with the autonomous rights of local vassals, especially restricting the conscription of armed forces, will be interpreted as the royal power's persecution of freedom."
Perhaps because he did not expect his old friend to not support him, Solder snorted angrily this time and did not spare Gilbert any face.
"Do you think they won't understand if we keep giving in without saying a word?"
Gilbert's expression darkened.
"Look at last night," the military advisor said coldly.
"The accident that happened at the royal banquet.
"No matter who it is, if they dare to reach out to the heir of the kingdom, we must respond!"
Thales' expression did not change. He pretended not to see the looks in everyone's eyes.
But in his mind, the words of the Duke of Western Desert rang louder and louder.
"But haven't you noticed? Compared to six years ago … whether it's my father or the feudal vassals now, the actions of both sides are too drastic …
"And the irony is, do they really think that they can erase their opponents' ambitions and hostility through this so-called victory?"
Solder's words rang out in reality, echoing Fakenhaz's words in perfect unison.
"Even if it's for the sake of future generations, sooner or later we will have to disband those so-called local conscripts that appear grand and imposing, but are in fact incompetent and deadly at critical moments!"
Thales closed his eyes gently.
"No, they will only make things worse for the other party, until the final step … is either now, or in the future."
Solder looked around and gritted his teeth.
"Those antiques that are bound to be eliminated."
On the other side, Kirkirk finally grew tired of arguing with him and said impatiently,
"Then go and tell them!"
The Chief of Finance slammed the table without any grace, causing Gilbert and the others to frown.
"Lord Cullen is sitting right here. Tell him to his face, tell the Seven Jadestar Attendants, the Six Great Clans, the Thirteen Distinguished Families, and countless suzerains, tell them that the kingdom wants to abolish their conscription system and remove their right to conscript!
"Our children and nephews no longer need to attend martial arts classes, no longer need to train as knights according to tradition, everyone can focus on farming, no longer need to be soldiers — and hand over all the taxes originally used for conscription to the Office of Finance and Taxation for us to raise the regular army of the royal family?"
Solder seemed to be used to the verbal sparring with Kirkirk at the Imperial Conference.
"I don't think you understand the basic relationship between cause and effect, Purse."
The military advisor replied coldly.
"It's not because they pay enough taxes that we can afford to raise a regular army.
"And it's precisely because we raise a regular army that they will pay enough taxes!"
As soon as he said this, many people had strange expressions on their faces, as if they had seen through something.
Duke Cullen, whom Kirkirk used as an example, was especially so.
"Ha, ha, ha!"
The Chief of Finance laughed sarcastically and said sinisterly,
"You know, thanks to you, soldier, when the people outside are indignant, 'Oh, the treacherous king's partisans are deceiving the king and persecuting the loyal in the dark room again', I'll think, 'Perhaps we're not so innocent after all."
"Then perhaps the innocent you, and your bunch of accountants, should join the 'loyal' camp," the Chief of Military Advisor retorted sarcastically.
Thales scratched his head.
He suddenly realized that the Imperial Conference of Constellation, which was sparsely attended, was not necessarily as clear and simple as the large-scale National Conference or Dragon Clouds City's boorish and unrestrained state affairs hearing.
"Be careful, Solder."
Prime Minister Cullen sighed. Before Kirkirk could find a new way to retort, he helplessly interrupted their argument.
"Some words spoken …
"There is a price."
Solder shifted his murderous gaze away from Kirkirk and responded to Cullen.
"So are you saying this as the Prime Minister, or as the Guardian Duke of Eastern Sea Hill?"
As soon as he finished, Prime Minister Cullen's expression darkened.
"Solder!"
Gilbert sternly interrupted his aggressive old friend.
"Enough!"
The Foreign Affairs Minister obviously carried a lot of weight before the Emperor. His words stopped his colleagues' quarrel in time and prevented it from devolving into a street quarrel.
The meeting room was silent for a while.
A few seconds later, Cullen let out a long sigh, feeling rather emotional.
"I never thought I would say this here, but please understand, Your Excellency Advisor …"
The potbellied Governor of Splendid Port City leaned on the table and looked sincere.
"At the Imperial Conference, as the Prime Minister and Guardian Duke of the kingdom …
"At this moment, this is far more important to Constellation than me being one of them."
The officials present, including Solder, were taken aback by those words.
Even Thales could not help but raise his head to look at the duke, who was usually a wily old fox.
"You may be of humble birth, but you now hold an important position, Your Excellency Solder Ryder." The Prime Minister of the kingdom, Bob Cullen, looked straight at Solder.
"You should understand this better than anyone else."
Solder was silent for a while.
A few seconds later, he unexpectedly bowed to Duke Cullen.
"It's my fault, Your Excellency Prime Minister.
"I understand your difficulties."
This made Thales have a much better impression of him.
Finally, a stern voice rang out in Ballard Room.
"Bob's words are not without reason."
Everyone turned solemn and looked at the end of the long table.
King Kessel raised his head, revealing his side profile in the light. He looked rather stern.
"It is not wise to recklessly interfere with the military power of a vassal.
"Lampard is a lesson learned."
These words seemed to set the tone for the quarrel just now.
Prime Minister Cullen exhaled in relief.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
As if by tacit agreement, the officials heaved sighs of relief.
"Alright."
"Since you say so," Solder looked displeased and reluctant, but he still gave in.
"I withdraw the proposal to reduce the national conscription."
The corners of Prime Minister Cullen's mouth curled up, and he turned back into the smiling Duke of Eastern Sea.
"Thank you for your understanding."
The Chief of Finance also leaned back in his chair, looking as if he was in a difficult situation.
"Thank God."
Gilbert pursed his lips and smiled at his colleagues.
At that moment, Thales looked at the king at the end of the long table and suddenly realized:
The Imperial Conference was different.
At least, at the National Conference, King Kessel could not overpower the Six Great Clans and the Thirteen Distinguished Families with a single word.
And on the day of the state affairs hearing, the archduchess had to be careful even in front of her own vassals.
Only here, in Ballard Room, no matter how much the officials quarreled …
The Iron Hand King would always sit at the end of the long table.
"But Your Majesty," Solder interrupted Thales' thoughts.
"You can try it out in Eternal Star City, set an example, and reduce the number of Jadestar Private Soldiers serving regularly. Surely it can be done?"
Everyone was taken aback.
Kessel, on the other hand, pondered seriously for a few seconds.
"If it doesn't involve other regions …
"Perhaps there won't be too many objections."
The military advisor's eyes lit up.
"Very good.
"And we can select the best of the disbanded Jadestar Private Soldiers to expand the regular army of the royal family …"
The king pondered for a moment.
A few seconds later, King Kessel spoke again with an unquestionable tone.
"Alright, Solder, Kirkirk, Krapen, discuss the details.
"Start with the Jadestar Private Soldiers. Start by reducing the conscription period, and carefully replenish the regular army of the royal family.
"Let's see how it goes."
Apart from Kirkirk's expression changing drastically, the others hesitated for a moment, but ultimately did not interrupt.
The military advisor looked delighted.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
The next second, Kirkirk Mann spoke urgently!
"Wait — wait a moment!"
The Chief of Finance, who had looked relieved, bounced forward from the back of his chair and pointed at Solder in disbelief.
"Expand — why are we back at it again?"
The military advisor's eyebrows twitched slightly, but he did not speak.
The Chief of Finance looked at the king, then at Solder, his expression shifting.
"I understand, soldier, you did it on purpose!"
He turned pale with fright.
"Reducing the military strength of the feudal vassals, it's all a cover — you've made up your mind from the beginning, to ask for sky-high prices, and return them as low as you can!"
Kirkirk pointed at Solder in disbelief, his fingers trembling.
"It's all about getting money to expand the army!"
Having gotten what he wanted, Solder's expression was calm.
"I've already given in, His Majesty has given his consent, and the others have no objections."
Kirkirk looked around and was surprised to see Cullen's silent expression and Gilbert's silence — no one objected like before.
"You think I'm a pushover, don't you!"
Solder snorted softly.
"After the expansion is complete, the Ministry of Military Affairs will give you a new list of personnel salaries and material purchases."
"Money bags."
It was Kirkirk Mann's turn to explode.
"F * cking 'soldier'!"
The Chief of Finance put on a fierce expression like a dog protecting its food and enunciated each word clearly.
"I'll be merciful and tell you again — as I've said on countless occasions last year — the maintenance costs of the royal army are already, heavily, overstretched!
"I strongly suggest that you take a good look at last year's financial statements. If you're not smart enough, at least look at last quarter!
"If after that, you still insist on expanding the regular army, then I suggest that you look for your own source of income — by the way, it's popular to do business with rich ladies in Red Street Market, and those strong six-pack soldiers under you are in high demand!"
Solder frowned slightly.
"How do you know?"
Lord Kirkirk Mann blushed and coughed.
"Managing finances, coordinating taxes, formulating economic policies, I naturally have to be proficient in that, that … industry."
In the midst of the awkwardness, a trembling voice rang out.
"Can I say something?"
Everyone turned to see the Minister of Agriculture, Lord Krapen, smiling cautiously.
"My lords, I've seen Lord Solder's draft request for an expansion of the army last year. Although our food supplies are increasing, but …
"The amount of cultivated farmland, pastures, mines, forests, and towns in the country in the last ten years is far slower than the rate of expansion of the army and nobility …"
He smiled obsequiously and probed.
"Everyone, do you know what this means?"
Kirkirk Mann seemed encouraged. He shrugged his shoulders and raised his arms.
"Look! Soldier! "
But it was not Solder who replied.
"This means that we can't just cut back on expenditure, we need to open up more sources."
Kirkirk turned his head and saw the speaker clearly.
"Viscount Kenney?"
The well-bred Minister of Trade, Viscount Kenney, bowed slightly.
"Eckstedt's decline due to internal strife will inevitably lead to unrest in its surroundings. Their territory is vast, and nearly a third of the trade routes in the entire Western Peninsula will be blocked. Merchants and goods will have to find other outlets, and even affect the trans-oceanic trade between the Eastern and Western Peninsulas."
The newly promoted Minister of the Imperial Household observed the expressions around him and tried to seize the rare opportunity to speak up.
"If we can seize the opportunity, while the Northland barbarians are preoccupied with their own affairs, deploy our troops and attack aggressively, such as seizing control of the three major trade routes in the Great Desert, retaking the Lost Sea Corridor, and even further influencing the countries in Dragon-Kissed Land and the Long Corridor sea route … to fight for more benefits?"
Gilbert furrowed his brows, while Prime Minister Cullen bared his teeth.
Even the king's gaze flickered.
"Did I hear you right, Sharp-faced Kenney?" Kirkirk Mann said in disbelief, "Forget it if Solder wants to ask for money to expand the army …
"You still want to go abroad to fight?"
Viscount Kenney flashed a friendly smile, but unfortunately, it was ineffective on that pointy face.
"Chief Kirkirk, we are talking about absolute control over key trade routes, strategic hubs, resource-rich lands, and trans-oceanic trade. That's a 'huge' sum of money — if we succeed, I guarantee that you will never have to worry about financial resources again."
But the Chief of Finance only caught one keyword. His face was full of suspicion.
"If?"
Viscount Kenney's smile did not diminish.
"To achieve this, perhaps, and I mean perhaps, the number of regular troops and armaments can indeed be temporarily increased …"
Kirkirk gritted his teeth.
"Perhaps?"
Kenney coughed.
"Yes. But there is no doubt that the kingdom's gradual recovery and return to prosperous commercial trade requires trade routes, markets, gold and silver, exchanges, and more opportunities. In turn, this will provide considerable tax revenue for the kingdom. This will be a sustainable virtuous cycle …"
Kirkirk's face contorted and grew paler.
"Sustainable?"
Viscount Kenney shrugged.
"Anyway, Advisor Solder, Chief Kirkirk, the next time you go to war, will you consider it?"
Kirkirk Mann understood what the other party meant. His gaze shifted back and forth between the Minister of Trade and the military advisor.
Solder pondered for a moment.
"It's not that we can't, but we should find some time to look at the map and look for possible targets. The regular troops of the royal family need training …"
At that moment.
"If you want to go, go by yourselves!"
The ministers were startled and turned their heads.
Kirkirk had stood up at some point. His lips were trembling and he was furious.
"You prodigal sons, money-losing fools!"
The stingy chief was not stingy at all.
"In any case, don't even think of getting a single cent from me!"
"A single cent! One! Two! One! One! "
Under everyone's astonished gazes, Lord Money Bag spat angrily.
"Easy for you to say. Why don't you go to the Wang Family Bank yourselves, obsequiously and humbly invite all the rich men to Red Street Market, give them all the good wine and food they want, humble yourself to them like prostitutes, toasting and smiling obsequiously, shamelessly coaxing and pestering them, just so that they can extend the repayment date, and then lend us more money to make up for the financial deficit?"
Gilbert coughed softly, wanting to remind Kirkirk to be careful with his words.
But Kirkirk did not seem to notice at all. He continued to grimace.
"Then return to the government office and wait for vampires like you and Big Soldier to chase after us like spoiled brats who haven't been fed enough milk, crying and begging for money, turning the financial statements that we've painstakingly improved into a black bottomless pit again?"
Kirkirk chattered on. The more he spoke, the angrier he became. It was as if he had nothing to lose.
"The kingdom's chief of finance? Pfft! "
Perhaps it was because he had hit a sore spot, Kirkirk slammed his palm on the table.
"I'm a f * cking gigolo who sells my * ss with my face! Lying on the bed and forcing a smile while being f * cked by a customer, having to get up and give the money to the procuress with both hands before it even warms up! You have to pay for the lubricant yourself! "
Kirkirk Mann closed his eyes and waved his fists wildly in front of his chest. He enunciated each word clearly.
"Damn it, it's like this every year!"
"Every year!"
"Every! One! Year! "
Thales was inexplicably shocked.
Even the king had a strange expression on his face.
A few seconds later, Gilbert coughed loudly.
"Kirkirk, the occasion!"
The Chief of Finance took a few deep breaths before he came back to his senses. He was instantly shocked.
"Ahem, that," he bowed awkwardly to the king, "I, I was just making an analogy.
"I, I was just making an analogy. Rhetoric, rhetoric …"
The Imperial Conference was silent for a moment.
"I know it's difficult, Kirkirk." Finally, the king spoke in a rare consolation tone.
"That's why I need you in this position, more than anyone else."
King Kessel stared at Kirkirk from afar.
"This is a job that even the noblest of bigwigs can't do."
The Chief of Finance shuddered slightly, his expression instantly becoming inexplicably touched.
"Of course, Your Majesty, of course."
Receiving the king's encouragement and recognition, Kirkirk Mann looked grateful.
"It's my honor to serve you …"
"Again," Military Advisor Solder said indignantly.
"How many budget bills have he repudiated just like that …"
Kirkirk, on the other hand, only looked at the king loyally, as if he had not heard anything.
King Kessel raised his hand and rubbed his forehead.
"That's enough. Let's rest.
"The meeting will resume in the afternoon to discuss how to help Kirkirk solve the budget problem."
As if ringing the bell signaling the end of class, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Only Solder and Kirkirk, who were at the center of the discussion, glared at each other and turned their heads away in disdain.
Cullen, Krapen, Stylia Nydis, the scar-faced man from the Secret Intelligence Department … everyone bowed respectfully and got up to leave their seats.
Thales also heaved a sigh of relief. He stood up with Gilbert and helped him tidy up his notes.
Until —
"You stay."
Thales froze.
The king did not even open his eyes.
But everyone knew who he was talking about.
The prince sighed inwardly and sat back down.
'Alright.
'What's coming will come.'
The ministers glanced at him with different expressions.
"Relax." Gilbert patted him on the shoulder and said softly,
"Just answer truthfully."
Solder deliberately walked past Thales and bowed to the Duke of Star Lake.
"I hope I didn't scare you, Your Highness."
"It's a pity. If the war in Western Desert could continue," the military advisor sighed, "it would further prove that the suzerains' private armies are useless and pose a serious threat.
"The proposal to gradually reform the conscripts into a regular army would be more convincing."
He gave Thales a regretful look.
"Your Highness, if only you had stayed a little longer in the desert …"
A little longer.
Thales froze for a few seconds.
'Why does this sound so weird?'
A few minutes later, as the stone door closed, only he and the king were left in the Imperial Conference.
The cramped Ballard Room was much more spacious.
But the atmosphere was solemn.
Thales sat in his seat, trying hard to suppress the anxiety in his heart as he watched King Kessel rub the side of his forehead.
All of a sudden.
"Do you love her?"
Thales was puzzled.
"What? Love what? "
But the king had no intention of asking him.
"Every time that girl is mentioned."
King Kessel put down his hand and revealed a pair of cold eyes in the darkness.
"You're like an old hen protecting her chicks."
Thales was shocked. He tried his best to keep a straight face.
After the accident last night, he had imagined the reasons why King Kessel would look for him: assassination, duel, bet, acting on his own …
But this …
"I have a good relationship with her."
Thales frowned.
"But, no."
The Duke of Star Lake sneered and shook his head.
"She's the Archduchess of Dragon Clouds City.
"I don't love her.
"And it's impossible for me to love her."
After saying this, King Kessel looked at him for a long time.
Thales felt a chill in his heart.
"Then why, at the banquet last night."
The king spoke softly. Every word was powerful.
"Gilbert, Eastern Sea Hill, Land of Cliffs Region, Elaphure City, Reformation Tower, you cried to everyone you could find for help, wagged your tail and begged …
"Just to help her?"
'What?'
At that moment, Thales' heart skipped a beat.
How did he …
'No.'
Thales tried to frown and tried to defend himself.
"I don't understand. I saw a lot of people last night, but …"
But the king used an affirmative sentence, which did not allow him to refute.
"Your performance last night was terrible."
The Iron Hand King leaned back and completely sank into the darkness of Ballard Room. There was a hint of contempt in his tone.
"Lord Polaris."
Polaris.
For some reason, the title given to Thales by this Northlander made him feel a chill in his heart at that moment.
"So, the heir to the throne of Constellation fell in love with a Northland girl from the Walton Family."
At that moment, his father, his supreme king, spoke coldly.
"And he was head over heels in love.
"Unable to extricate himself.
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