The ministers and suzerains in the hall began to whisper among themselves. Many of them even smiled.
"Good girl." Duke Cullen smiled and whispered to the 'unwelcomed' Duke Fakenhaz beside him, "Did she learn to be mean from you?"
"Mean? What are you talking about? "Cyril Fakenhaz smirked and said quietly," But in my opinion, this is a natural ability of women. "
In the hall, Lasalle's expression froze. Then, his eyes shone with anger. "Using this kind of trick to drive a wedge between Eckstedt's ruler and his subjects? This is really the style of the Constellation Empire — just like how you shamelessly tried to murder our Prince Moriah! "
Thales' heart raced. 'Here comes the main course!'
Upon hearing this, most of the Constellation nobles in the hall revealed indignant and angry expressions.
However, a few of them began to ponder.
"That duchess' reflexes are really outstanding. She has already counterattacked without realizing it." Before Thales could react, Gilbert flashed a praising smile. "Your Highness, Duchess Tabark's attack has already yielded results."
Thales turned to look at the elegant duchess.
Lyanna seemed to have felt Thales' gaze. She turned her head and stared at him with a piercing gaze.
Thales shuddered and immediately smiled. Then, he pretended to look around as if nothing had happened. It was as if he had just inadvertently glanced at the duchess.
Gilbert chuckled. "This is not a simple attempt to drive a wedge between us. It is to test whether King Nuven and the Archduke of Black Sand Region's will and goals are the same in this crisis. This is very important!"
Thales' eyebrows twitched.
Gilbert said patiently, "And Lasalle's haste to bring us back to the main topic is an answer. Obviously, he himself knows that he cannot be entangled in the topic of who is stronger between King Nuven and the Archduke of Black Sand Region.
"In the first round of the sword duel, he was already the one who was forced to draw his sword first."
Thales suddenly understood. He recalled Gilbert's deduction in the carriage — the assassination of the Eckstedt Diplomat Group was also the wish of some people in their own country. 'It seems like …
'Although there is no evidence.
'But no matter what …
At least in the eyes of many, the discord between the Archduke of Black Sand Region and King Nuven is indeed not small.
Thales' vision returned to the hall.
"We, plotted against your prince?" Nanchester's One-Eyed Dragon snorted. "Even an idiot can see that the assassination of your diplomat group is a plot to incite a war between the two kingdoms. Does Eckstedt like being used by others so much? Even my hunting dogs aren't as obedient as you! "
"Constellatiates, do you think we care whether you are innocent or the mastermind?" Lasalle said slowly.
"Since you're not interested in the truth, why did you come here? Why don't we just chop off a few heads on the streets and hand them over to King Nuven? "Duke Zayen of South Coast Hill sneered.
Hearing this, Lasalle's eyes burned with anger and hatred. Under the gazes of all the nobles in the hall, he suddenly took a step forward and raised the red dragon seal scroll high in his right hand.
On the throne, Kessel the Fifth clenched his fists tightly and lowered his chin slightly. His gaze was gloomy and deep.
"No matter who is despicable enough to murder His Highness, we will tear him to pieces! Eckstedt will uphold justice on its own, there is no need for others to do it! "
"But our prince! The only son and heir of the Common-Elected King of Eckstedt and the Archduke of Dragon Clouds City! He died within Constellation's borders! "
Lasalle spread his arms and turned around abruptly. His fiery gaze swept across every suzerain, noble, and official in the hall.
"His last drop of blood fell on Constellation's soil, his last breath was Constellation's air, and his last sight was Constellation's scenery. He came to Constellation with a mission of goodwill, but you failed to protect him!
"Whether it was intentional or not, it was your incompetence and indulgence that caused his death!
"That is enough!
"Constellation must take responsibility and pay the price!"
Lasalle's eyes widened in anger. He tore open the seal on the red dragon seal and pulled the scroll open.
"Both Eckstedt and King Nuven must receive an explanation from Constellation!"
The six dukes frowned at the same time!
Thales' pupils shrank. He saw that there was no signature or seal at the bottom of the scroll that was filled with words.
There was only a handprint.
A bright red handprint.
'Could that be … King Nuven's bloody handprint?'
The hall immediately burst into an uproar!
"He did not sign or seal. I saw him cut his palm with my own eyes and pressed the handprint on it! “
"This is King Nuven's anger and despair! Do you understand? A Constellatiate? "
Lasalle's last few words were almost spat out through gritted teeth.
The uproar in the hall began to slowly die down.
Thales had only heard that the Eckstedt diplomat group had been assassinated. To him, that foreign prince did not seem to bother him at all. But now, he finally understood the severity of the matter.
Then, the supreme king's deep voice rang again.
"I understand King Nuven's anger and despair. Believe me, I have experienced that feeling before. Constellation will never shirk its responsibility."
Kessel said faintly.
The One-Eyed Dragon Koshder clenched his teeth imperceptibly.
'Is the king … going to give in?
'How is that possible? If we do not pay a sufficient price and cut a sufficient portion of the Northern Territory's flesh, how can the evil dragon in the north be satisfied?
If we give in, Kessel the Fifth will not only end up with a weak and incompetent reputation, it will also be destined to worsen his relationship with the Northern Territory, which was already at odds with each other.
When he thought of this, he could not help but look at Val Arunde, who was standing opposite him. However, the other only furrowed his brows and did not say a word.
It was like the calm before a volcano eruption.
"Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty." Lasalle put down his hand and said coldly, "Yes, I remember now. You, hehe, of course, I can understand your words."
Many people had a strange expression on their faces.
But Kessel ignored his sarcastic words and said directly, "Save the nonsense. What are King Nuven's conditions?"
Under everyone's complicated gazes, Lasalle snorted coldly, opened the scroll again and began to read.
"Eckstedt, from King Nuven to the nine archdukes, after learning of the tragedy, with great rationality, they endured the terrible grief and despair, and agreed that Constellation must bear responsibility for Prince Moriah's misfortune."
After saying this, Lasalle raised his head and looked around.
Then, Kessel nodded slightly.
"Very reasonable. The noble Prince Moriah met with misfortune in the kingdom. It is a disgrace to all Constellatiates."
Lasalle's cold eyes narrowed slightly. He then lowered his head and continued to read.
"First, appease the dead. Constellation must return the remains of our diplomat group in a complete, dignified and glorious manner, especially Prince Moriah's remains.
"Second, seek justice. Assist us in finding and handing over the murderer and the mastermind behind the scenes. "
Fakenhaz snorted softly. "Assist them? Oh my God, it sounds like a superior shouting at a subordinate. "
As if complaining, he said to Duke Cullen, who was beside him.
But the latter, who was preoccupied, only stared at Lasalle solemnly.
The words of Eckstedt's emergency diplomat continued.
"Third, recast honor. King Kessel, please personally issue a public apology to the entire Eckstedt Kingdom. "
Thales' eyebrows twitched.
Gilbert's words reappeared in his mind.
"Whether it is war or peace, His Majesty cannot escape the accusation of being cold-blooded, heartless, inconsiderate to the people, weak and easily bullied, and a disgrace to Constellation. This will greatly affect the reputation and authority of His Majesty and the Jadestar Royal Family in the kingdom."
But Lasalle's cold and straightforward words continued.
"Fourth, compensate for losses. Regardless of whether it's land or resources, we must receive corresponding compensation. Eckstedt should receive a territory no smaller than the size of Pine Cone County and two northern counties that are adjacent to our country as compensation, or thirty percent of the priority quota of Constellation's Eastern Sea Hill's premium Eternal Oil, or twenty percent of the priority quota of Constellation's South Coast Hill's Crystal Drop Mines.
"Fifth, maintain fairness. Eckstedt and Constellation must renegotiate the 'Fortress Treaty', especially the unreasonable borders from twelve years ago. Pine Cone County, Zalatan County, Leivo County, Bear County, and Deer Cry County should unconditionally return to Eckstedt's rule. The Count of Overwatch City should withdraw his reclamation team in the Northern Pine Forest. The number of hunters and herdsmen allowed into the Pine Forest every year should be decided after discussion with the neighboring Archduke of Black Sand Region. The Count of Lonely Old Tower should withdraw his scout patrol line six miles away and no longer unreasonably obstruct Eckstedtians from entering the public hunting area. "
The hall was so quiet that even a pin drop could be heard.
But Thales knew that this was just a facade.
Lasalle gently put down the scroll.
"These are King Nuven's and Eckstedt's conditions."
The eerie silence in the hall was finally broken.
"What kind of bullsh * t are you spouting?!"
Count Zemunto could not take it anymore. He roared, "Overwatch City will not take a single step back! Neither will we give up Pine Cone County and Bear County! Tell that bastard from Black Sand Region that if he wants our territory, he can bring his troops to take it! "
Count Friess also said coldly, "The same goes for Deer Cry County! Moreover, the Lonely Old Pagoda can patrol wherever it wants! "
However, the Duke of the Northern Territory, who had the most authority to speak, did not say a word at this moment. He only stared at Kessel the Fifth.
The people in the hall all looked at the supreme king with different expressions on their faces.
"Nuven, oh Nuven." Kessel stared at the steps beneath his feet. His expression was calm, as though what had happened was insignificant. "Eckstedt wants to use a dead prince in exchange for our seven counties. Isn't it too greedy?"
Lasalle raised his head and stared at Kessel. Without showing any signs of weakness, he said, "Eckstedt did not just lose a prince. It also damaged our glory!
"We sent out a goodwill envoy, but were treated this way! Who will wash away Eckstedt's humiliation? Who will quell the Great Dragon's rage?
"Also, Constellation! You took away a father's only son! " At this point, Lasalle gritted his teeth in resentment and said, "King Nuven's only legitimate heir, who came to Constellation with friendship and peace, died in a despicable assassination!
"King Nuven lost his blood kin, his only son, his only heir! Eckstedt lost the next Archduke of Dragon Clouds City, the future hope of the Walton Family! "
In the end, Lasalle practically roared.
"Despite such a blow, King Nuven did not launch an attack in anger. Instead, he proposed conditions. Isn't this the most restrained and rational choice?"
The hall was filled with the nobles' indignant inhales.
Kessel's tone was still calm, but it was filled with an unquestionable meaning. "The first three conditions can be satisfied, but the fourth and fifth …"
The king's cold voice resounded in the hall. "Constellation will not cede our land, nor is it prepared to hand over the quota of resources. If I say so, what are you going to do?"
Val slowly furrowed his brows.
Duke Cullen sighed deeply. Fakenhaz let out an ugly laugh.
Both Lyanna and Zayen pursed their lips and said nothing.
Thales lowered his head bitterly. 'Is war still inevitable?'
"Hahahaha, Your Majesty Kessel." Lasalle laughed in extreme anger. "When we came to Eternal Star, we also brought King Nuven and the nine archdukes' requests. King Aydi also rejected us.
"And then what happened?" Lasalle spread his hands and looked around the hall.
Many of the older suzerains, nobles, and officials tensed up.
"Yes, we 'generously' dispatched our troops."
Baron Lasalle's breathing quickened. His expression gradually turned cold as he gritted his teeth and said, "What it should have.
He gritted his teeth and said, "The Great Dragon will take it himself."
The people in the Great Assembly Hall began to ponder the consequences of this sentence.
Twelve years ago, the flames of war and disaster that affected half of Constellation were still vivid in their minds.
"If justice cannot be served, fairness will unfortunately be covered in dust." “
Lasalle raised his right hand in an extremely oppressive manner and slowly clenched it. "Of course, Eckstedt can only choose to use war to protect our honor and His Majesty's dignity."
He threatened, enunciating each word.
"When that time comes, it will not be a problem that can be solved with a few counties or some Eternal Oil."
"Enough!"
Kessel said in a seemingly profound tone.
"In your and King Nuven's eyes, is there no other way to resolve this matter between Constellation and the Great Dragon in a dignified manner?
"Do you really want to see the subjects of the two kingdoms bleed at the border?"
"War or peace, it all depends on you, Your Majesty," Lasalle responded quickly. "Are you going to tolerate humiliation and sympathize with your subjects, or are you going to wage war at all costs?"
He glanced coldly at the Constellatiate vassals, especially Count Zemunto. He laughed mockingly and said, "Especially when your Northern Territory does not even have enough troops to defend Broken Dragon Fortress in front of the Archduke of Black Sand Region's army."
The Duke of the Northern Territory clenched his fists.
"During the Bloody Year, the Northern Territory faced Eckstedt's most powerful army and suffered great damage. It was second only to Blade Edge Hill in the southwest." Gilbert sighed beside Thales' ear. "There was a period of time when the Northern Territory had more widows than children."
"You want me to make such a difficult decision?" Kessel snorted coldly. "Why don't you just let Constellation have a new king?!"
"Your Majesty, you are the Supreme King of Constellation. You are destined to bear this responsibility." Lasalle raised his head and smiled softly.
"If you can't do it, then as you said, among the hall full of nobles, let someone more responsible lead Constellation. Eckstedt will be happy to see that happen."
The people in the entire meeting hall were in an uproar!
Many people cursed out loud!
But Eckstedt's urgent envoy had not finished speaking!
"Anyway," Lasalle said viciously, "the next king of Constellation is also destined to not be a Jadestar, isn't it?"
Many nobles looked at Kessel with a strange expression, but more people looked at Thales.
'This envoy still doesn't know about the National Conference?'
Thales' mind suddenly went blank!
As expected, the diplomat group was assassinated, the suzerain forced to abdicate, and the Great Dragon's envoy arrived. All of these were connected. If he had not appeared, this would have been a meticulously planned chain of events. Just as Gilbert had said, there were people in Constellation and Eckstedt who had a tacit understanding with each other. Their intention was to determine the successor of the Iron Hand King and the successor of Constellation.
But why did his father, Kessel, bring the topic up to this point?
And the words that traveled into his ears made Thales' heart jump.
"So you're saying that Eckstedt, or rather, the nobles of Eckstedt, favor a certain noble from Constellation to be the Supreme King of Constellation?" Under the astonished gazes of everyone in the hall, Kessel raised his head and stared coldly at Lasalle.
Lasalle smiled in disdain and said, "With all due respect, no one here meets our expectations.
"Eckstedtians only admire heroes on the battlefield, even if they are our enemies.
"Is there anyone among you who can achieve such a condition?"
"Yes, my vassals are either too far away, or they are unwilling to send their troops." Kessel sighed for no reason. "Those who can gain prestige and recognition on the battlefield …"
"Only those who have no choice but to fight for their own territory, right?"
The entire hall suddenly fell silent because of the king's baffling words.
Lasalle seemed to have realized something. He looked at someone and gradually revealed a puzzled expression.
'That's not right.
'King Kessel …
He's … '
While everyone was confused, the plump Duke Cullen seemed to have realized something. He sighed deeply and looked at that person with a pained expression.
Under Thales' surprised gaze, Gilbert let out a low cry as if he had suddenly realized something. But then, he clenched his teeth and lowered his head to sigh.
While the hall was filled with puzzlement and surprise, Kessel the Fifth took a deep breath, closed his eyes and said,
"I see."
The king said quietly,
"From colluding with Eckstedt's ambitious schemers to assassinating the diplomat group and stirring up conflict.
"To stating the possibility of war in front of me and proposing to issue a general edict.
"Then, to instigate the restless suzerains to force me to appoint an heir and watch us fight among ourselves endlessly.
"Until this Eckstedtian diplomat before me forced me into a dilemma. No matter which step I took, it would be the greatest blow to me.
"In the end, you successfully provoked the war and colluded with Eckstedt. Of course, you could easily gain prestige on the battlefield and force me to abdicate.
"For this, you even sacrificed your own land, your own people, and your own country.
"Is that so, traitor?"
The supreme king's words were each more frightening than the last.
Thales listened to everything with rapid breathing.
The Iron Hand King, Kessel the Fifth opened his eyes desolately and looked at a person at the side of the hall who had been silent for a long time.
At that moment, the king's eyes were filled with darkness.
"It's you."
He said slowly,
"The mastermind of all conspiracies."
The king's deep and murky voice uttered a name that no one expected.
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