The commoners and minor nobles in the Hall of Stars immediately became restless in fear. The guards could not help but berate them loudly.
"You really have the guts to say that, Cyril." Val, the Duke of the Northern Territory gave Cyril a profound look. "Thanks to you, no one should be talking about returning to the closed, small meeting room now, right?"
The appointed counts on the stone seats responded in silence.
"It will happen sooner or later." Duke Fakenhaz's gaze was dark. Even as he laughed, his shrill voice was still audible. "Hehe, I merely removed your hopes and fears."
Duke Cullen sighed. "The 'unwelcome guest' at the banquet really lives up to his name."
Zayen, like most of the counts from the Thirteen Distinguished Families, wore a gloomy expression and did not say a word.
More than ten seconds later, from Star Plaza to the Hall of Stars, the crowd's panicked buzzing noises became louder and louder.
The news of the impending conflict between Eckstedt and Constellation was made public.
Count Sorel's gaze was hostile as he stared straight at the king. "Your Majesty, you have achieved the effect you wanted by announcing this impending disaster to the people. The question is, how do you want to end this now?"
Kessel the Fifth, whose face was as cold as ice, did not speak. He only glanced at Sorel, who was still stubborn.
"That's easy." Count Talon stared at Sorel bluntly. "Do you want to fight or negotiate? If you want to fight, everyone will return to their respective territories and sound the conscription horn.
"We still have a chance to negotiate. We have allies. Just like twelve years ago, we can ask them to mediate." Zayen slowly raised his head and looked at the suzerains. "War may not necessarily break out, as long as we pay a certain price —"
"The one who died in the diplomat group was the prince, King Nuven's only son, the only heir of the Walton Family." Fakenhaz interrupted the young duke and said in a strange tone, "Pay a price? That's right. Give that northern territory to Eckstedt, and it will probably be done. "
"We will not give up an inch of the Northern Territory," Count Zemunto said coldly. "That is the land our family has guarded for generations."
"But that prince did die in your territory, didn't he?" Dagestan sneered. "This is your responsibility. Of course you have to pay the price."
"If you're not joking, Dagestan." Count Friess raised his head, his gaze fierce. "Then we can duel on the Stage of Eradication right now."
"Alright, alright. How about we give them 20% of the Eternal Oil supply in the East Sea?" Duke Fakenhaz pretended to be deep in thought. He first looked at Duke Cullen, then at Zayen, and smiled nonchalantly. "Or how about the Crystal Drop Mines in the south?"
"There's a limit to joking, Cyril." Duke Cullen was unusually serious.
Zayen gave him a friendly smile and shook his head slightly.
At this moment, Kessel the Fifth tapped his scepter lightly.
All the nobles quietened down and looked at him.
Under the king's gaze, Gilbert nodded and took a step forward.
"According to the channels of the Secret Intelligence Department, Dragon Clouds City already knew about the prince's death in Constellation yesterday." He frowned and said, "And the Archduke of Black Sand Region was even faster than their king. Two days ago, he began to recruit soldiers and mobilize the army. The other two archdukes in the south of Eckstedt were half a day slower than him, but they were almost the same."
The hall immediately burst into an uproar!
"Silence!" Gilbert said loudly and sternly.
Amidst the complex emotions in the hall, the supreme king said in a deep and sonorous voice, "If the two countries go to war, the royal family and the Talon Family will do everything they can to support the Northern Territory."
Count Talon nodded with determination.
The king looked at the Duke of the Northern Territory with a calm expression. "Val, how many soldiers and supplies can you provide?"
"How many soldiers? Are you joking? " Val Arunde replied solemnly, "I have already gathered all the vassals, fifteen thousand infantrymen, a thousand archers, five hundred heavy cavalry, and even a small number of Mystic Guns! They will reinforce Broken Dragon Fortress in the shortest time possible and listen to Lady Sonia Sasere's orders. "
"That is our territory! Once war breaks out, even the women and children will take up arms! "
"As for supplies, it will depend on how much land we can defend."
The two counts, Zemunto and Friess, nodded firmly in agreement.
"The three thousand five hundred people from Overwatch City will fight to the death."
"The Lonely Old Tower only has two thousand infantrymen, but we will fight to the last man."
"We can withstand the pressure from the three archdukes of Eckstedt, but if it is the entire Eckstedt …" The Duke of the Northern Territory straightened his back and swept his piercing gaze across every noble. "We need the power of all of Constellation."
Kohen, who was standing behind the old Count Karabeyan, scratched his head and whispered in puzzlement.
"Isn't this a National Conference that is open to all the people? Why is the deployment of the military forces revealed just like that? "
The old Count Karabeyan closed his eyes gently and let out a barely noticeable sigh.
"Can't you see?" He lowered his voice and told his son with an exhausted expression.
"The northern nobles' attitude is a show for Eckstedt."
"Do you believe that Duke Arunde can gather ten thousand people? Constellation has yet to recover from the Bloody Year. I suspect that it would be good if the suzerains could even gather a third of their military forces. "
Kohen was instantly stunned.
He looked at the top of the hall in disbelief, at the pattern of two stars the size of a silver cross.
'As the descendant of the Empire and the shield of the Western Peninsula, has Constellation become so weak?'
Kessel the Fifth nodded slightly, then turned to the frightening Cyril. "What about the suzerains of the Western Desert?"
Cyril Fakenhaz tilted his head back and closed his eyes. "The Ruins can only send a thousand infantrymen. The Barren Bone Tribe has been in a commotion recently. As for the Mystic Guns, we don't even have enough for ourselves."
The young Count Derek Kroma muttered, "Wing Fort is not known for its vanguard, but we can send our best one hundred Raven Whistle Light Cavaliers."
Bozdorf also frowned. "Brave Souls Fort has been in a state of unrest recently. An orc is being worshipped as a leader. He is gathering the forces of various clans. The Black Lion Family can only send two hundred people."
The stingy decision of the Western Desert nobles caused the nobles present to start whispering among themselves.
Kohen frowned. He had served at the frontlines of the Western Desert during the purge after the Desert War. But as far as he knew, the military strength of the Western Desert was definitely not that weak.
Val stared coldly at Fakenhaz. "You were quite proactive when you revealed the secret just now. When it comes to recruiting troops … hmph."
Another wave of cheers traveled to the Hall of Stars from Star Plaza. This time, it was an excited cheer, and there was no lack of fanatical voices.
"Sigh." Count Talon stroked his pentagram brooch and sighed. "I'm willing to bet that the guards have just passed down the message regarding the military strength of the Northern Territory. They haven't had the time to pass it down to the Western Desert yet.
Kessel the Fifth remained calm and collected. He turned to Cullen and asked, "What is the attitude of the Sun Sword and Shield Family and the entire Eastern Sea Hill?"
"Your Majesty, most of the people of Eastern Sea depend on the sea for their livelihood. We do not have enough military strength, but we can fork out money and summon mercenaries to battle." The plump duke grinned. "If a full-scale war breaks out, as long as it is not winter and the coastal waters are not frozen, our fleet can still harass Eckstedt's East Coast."
On the stone seats beside the Duke of Eastern Sea, Count Noah Haweya and Count Clark Almond exchanged glances and nodded in unison.
Duke Fakenhaz said darkly, "Thank you for reminding us. It is December now, and winter has arrived."
Kessel the Fifth knocked on his stone seat and asked meaningfully, "So there are no people, only money? I remember during the Desert War, the Prime Minister told me that there was no money, but there were people. It was just that it was a little far to transport troops from Eastern Sea to Western Desert? "
"Five years ago, people didn't know how to go out and earn money, so there were people. But now, people have all gone out to earn money, so there are no people who have money," Duke Cullen answered with a straight face and a smile.
The king snorted softly, while the Duke of the Northern Territory's expression was extremely unpleasant.
"There are no usable cavalry in the entire South Coast Hill. The Covendier Family can gather two thousand infantrymen from around Jade City, and they also have some Mystic Guns," Zayen answered worriedly before His Majesty could ask him, "But the long march to the north will be a problem, and my vassals will definitely not be happy. There is no way to guarantee the quality of the soldiers."
The old Count Karabeyan's expression was also solemn, and he spoke in a timely manner, "It is the same for Walla Hill. Even with the vassals, I am not confident that I can even recruit three hundred soldiers."
Behind the count, Kohen lowered his head and sighed softly.
He still remembered that the last time his two sisters went out to visit friends, his father directly sent five hundred soldiers to escort them.
Count Lascia was even more straightforward. "The soldiers from the swamp are not suitable for fighting in the north at all."
Kessel the Fifth did not speak again. He only exhaled softly. "The Guardian Duke of the Land of Cliffs and the Guardian Duke of Blade Edge Hill have not arrived yet, but I reckon that they, as well as the remaining four families, probably have the same attitude?"
As nobles of the Land of Cliffs Hill, Count Sorel and Count Dagestan both turned their heads and did not speak.
Instead, the chiefs and merchants who were listening by the side started whispering to each other — they were more worried about the impending war.
"Is this how you report to Constellation?"
The Duke of the Northern Territory's face was ashen. He stood up abruptly, pointed at the Double Cross Star above his head, and said angrily, "This is the country you swore allegiance to, and it was once the greatest country in the history of mankind! Even though the Northern Territory is not your territory, the Double Cross Star Flag is still flying above it! It is the same as your land! "
"Your Grace, I also fought for Constellation five years ago," Count Dagestan said coldly, "In the end, I lost my eldest son forever in the Western Desert. I guess you, who do not have a son, will not understand …"
"Bullsh * t!" Val's eyes widened in anger, and he turned his head abruptly. "My only daughter, the heir of the White Eagle, is now at the Broken Dragon Fortress at the border between the two countries. She is under the command of the Fortress Flower, Lady Sonia Sasere! Her life depends on the outcome of the war between the Great Dragon and Constellation! "
Upon hearing this, Kohen could not help but lower his head and sigh. He looked at Raphael, who was behind the Black Prophet.
Duke Cullen shook his head and sighed. "Perhaps there is no need for war. We can choose to negotiate. Even if Eckstedt sends out troops, it is only for benefits."
"And then force the Northern Territory to give up its territory?" Val was like a predatory eagle, his sharp eyes staring intently at everyone who replied.
"Now, we all know the bargaining chips and the number of troops in our hands." At this moment, Zayen raised his head with a resolute gaze and looked at the king. "To fight or to make peace, it will depend on His Majesty's will."
Everyone's gaze instantly shot towards Kessel.
Val's gaze was eager and intense, Cullen's gaze contained a complicated smile, Cyril's gaze was playful, and Zayen's gaze was as calm as still water.
"So, this is my country?" Kessel slowly raised his head. His gaze was as sharp as a knife, cutting through every suzerain.
"The king can only bring his own regular army and direct vassals to face the entire army of another country?
"Or else, I have to represent Constellation and accept their possible conditions in humiliation?"
Cyril Fakenhaz laughed sinisterly. "Hehe, without military strength, we can't fight, but the dignity of the royal family, we can't even talk about it …"
Kessel the Fifth sighed. "It seems like it is indeed as Mane of Night said. Kings are all lonely people."
At this moment, a loud and furious voice came from the main door of the Hall of Stars!
"Your Majesty, please take back what you said!
"With us around, you will never be lonely!
"As the nobles of Constellation, the descendants of the Empire, how can we retreat even the slightest bit?"
Amidst the commotion in the hall, a nobleman in his prime, whose left eye was covered by a terrifying scar, and dressed in a yellow-black cloak with a rearing deer, walked up to the six stone seats with a cold and arrogant expression.
Some of the nobles in the hall, including the commoners, began to applaud enthusiastically, while others either snorted or shook their heads and sighed.
Duke Cullen, on the other hand, smiled helplessly. Val and Zayen looked at him solemnly.
Cyril Fakenhaz laughed and said, "One-Eyed Dragon of Nanchester, I thought you would only arrive at night!"
The Castellan of Steep Forest City, the Guardian Duke of the Land of Cliffs, Koshder Nanchester said with a stern expression,
"Compared to this … look at what you have done?"
He kissed Kessel's ring, but did not sit on the stone seat. Instead, he turned to Val and said,
"Sir Arunde, please do not worry!
"The entire army of Steep Forest City will be mobilized! North to Broken Dragon Fortress! "
But under Val's surprised and complicated gaze, he immediately changed the topic and looked at Kessel the Fifth.
"In the face of this war of the entire nation! As long as Your Majesty can make your followers feel at ease, I can't think of any reason to retreat! "
Almost all the nobles in the hall frowned.
Make his followers feel at ease?
"Koshder," Kessel the Fifth said slowly, "What do you mean by this?"
"Your Majesty, do you still not understand?" Koshder said sternly, "An all-out war is imminent, but the nobles are panicking and making excuses!
"In this situation, only you, as our king, are enduring the torment of whether to fight or to make peace!
"This is not fair to you!
"But why do you think this is?"
Koshder shut his single eye tightly, took a deep breath, and then said firmly,
"The Iron Hand King, Your Majesty Kessel!
"The suzerains and nobles do not dare to follow you!
"The whole of Constellation is panicking and uneasy … Twelve years have passed since that tragedy, and the late king's remains have been buried! But we still do not know what you are thinking!
"We do not know what kind of king we are following!"
In an instant, the nobles were silent.
Gilbert and Jines furrowed their brows at the same time.
Kessel, on the other hand, gently tightened his grip on his scepter and looked at Koshder with a complicated expression.
But Koshder still did not back down and said, "We are all afraid of you. No one knows what a king who lives alone in the world without any scruples, the last person of the Jadestar Family, will do!
"Moreover, this is war!"
Koshder turned around. His single sharp eye swept across every suzerain, and he enunciated each word clearly.
He enunciated each word clearly, "Your Majesty! The color of blood has faded, but Constellation still exists.
"But why do you have to bear the suspicions of the nobles even for an obvious choice of war?"
Kessel the Fifth's gaze became colder and colder.
The four dukes avoided his gaze at the same time.
Koshder pointed at the Double Cross Stars at the top of the hall and said loudly,
"Your Majesty, for the interests of Constellation, for the dignity of the Jadestar Royal Family, we cannot hesitate in this crisis!
"Therefore, Your Majesty, please put the heavy burden of Constellation on our shoulders!"
"Whether it is war or peace, let all of us bear the price of this decision.
"If Constellation is stable, the future is bright, and the royal family is not cut off … I think no one will back down in the face of such a national war!"
At this moment, many people had already sensed something.
Morat Hansen lowered his head and silently curled up the corners of his mouth.
'It's coming.
'So fast.'
Zayen pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes.
'It's coming.
'I hope it goes well.'
Cullen, on the other hand, watched Koshder's performance with a smile.
'It's coming.
'Interesting.'
Val stared blankly at the Guardian Duke of the Land of Cliffs, gritting his teeth.
'This is their goal?
Both Guy and I are prey? '
The counts whispered to each other on their stone seats. Some were worried, while others nodded frequently.
Only many civilians who were listening were still whispering in confusion.
But everything in the Hall of Stars was still going on.
"Your Majesty, you will soon be forty-eight years old!
"On the eve of the war between the Dragon and Constellation!"
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Koshder flung off his cloak and waved his arm at the nobles in the hall with a cold and stern expression.
"Please choose the heir of the kingdom among us nobles!
"Use your actions to tell the nobles that you still care about the stability and survival of this kingdom, and that you still trust these suzerains who are your arms!
"At that time, we will fight for the dignity of Constellation! For the glory of the Jadestar Royal Family!
"Absolutely no complaints!
"Absolutely no retreat!"
Dead silence.
Absolute dead silence.
Suffocating silence.
No one dared to be the first to speak after these words.
Until a sharp and presumptuous laughter broke the deathly silence.
"Hahaha …"
Duke Fakenhaz opened his mouth wide. Under everyone's shocked and bewildered gazes, he laughed maniacally. His scattered teeth made him look especially terrifying.
"What is that saying from the Far East again?
"Spread out the map, and the dagger will be revealed?
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