Aïtantin Castle, the palace council hall.
It wasn't the big one but the small one near the edge.
However, everyone knew this small council hall was the place that truly determined the fate of Aïtantin and even the whole Northern Land.
Any order that was given out from this small council hall would affect the lives of millions of people.
Therefore, no attendants were allowed to get close to the council hall.
Other than those summoned by the king, only the royal court guardians and Aïtantin VI's only A Close Official, Monte, were allowed to get close to the council hall.
Of course, even an A Close Official had to be notified before he could enter the council hall.
Outside the porch, Monte shook his red clothes with golden edges. After making sure his clothes and face were all right, the vassal who had just completed the king's order smiled at one of the captains of the royal guards.
It wasn't a flattering smile anymore but a normal one.
His smile didn't look out of place under the thick layer of powder, instead, it had an unusual sense of steadiness that would make one feel good about it.
Everyone had a mask.
As for Monte, he had a couple of masks on.
He would choose different masks when facing different people.
When facing Kieran, he would flatter and flatter him.
When facing the royal guards, he would be respectful and equal.
When facing Aïtantin VI?
"Lord Monte, please come in."
The captain of the royal guards said.
"Thank you."
After expressing his gratitude politely, Monte walked through the door that the captain of the royal guards pushed open.
The small council hall was destined to not be too big.
It was less than 50 square meters.
The fire in the fireplace was burning fiercely, providing warmth to the room. A big study table was placed on the right side and on top of the table were quill pens, ink and many other documents. On the left wall was a wine cabinet connected to a bookshelf. The wine cabinet took up two-thirds of the space and it was filled with all kinds of alcohol that could be found in the Northern Land. There were also quite a few from the south.
The bookshelf was empty though.
Especially after the middle floor was occupied by a sailboat model.
Edatine VI was sitting in the only high-back chair in front of the fireplace. The few short stools around him were empty. The king, who had just entered his middle-age years, had white hair at his temples, saggy cheeks, and big eye bags. His bloodshot eyes made people feel like they were looking at a ferocious hound, especially when he looked at you, the pressure on you would multiply.
"Your Majesty."
Monte stood straight like a Knight. Then, he knelt down on one knee and lowered his head.
His movements were meticulous, but there was no hint of flattery. It was as if he was a true minister.
This was how Monte looked to Aïtantin VI: upright and loyal.
Not that he wanted this to happen.
Instead, Aïtantin VI liked this kind of person.
For an ambitious king, no treacherous courtiers or jesters were allowed to exist in the true sense. At most, he would set up a target to attract the attention of others.
For example: Monte.
He knew that he was such a target.
However, he knew it was Aïtantin VI who wanted others to see him, not Aïtantin VI who wanted others to see him.
As an A Close Official, Monte had to fulfill his duty.
He had to attract those who were in cahoots with evil and had a righteous heart.
He had to distinguish those who were truly capable.
Then?
It was Aïtantin VI's job.
As a king, Aïtantin VI was the most outstanding one in Monte's eyes.
Whether it was his abilities or his methods, Monte admired him immensely.
This time was no exception either.
The joint dinner between the new lord of Sicar and the Snake School Demon Hunters!
Of course, it wasn't just a simple dinner.
Monte could guess the purpose of the dinner, but he dared not truly speculate. He couldn't. After all, he was just an A Close Official.
"How is it?"
Aïtantin VI asked.
His Majesty's voice was hoarse and deep, like sandpaper grinding on metal. It sent chills down one's spine when they heard it.
"The guests have arrived."
Monte answered honestly.
"Did you see Svenson?"
Aïtantin VI asked all of a sudden.
Svenson's full name was Svenson Aïtantin. In simple words, he was the only son and heir of Aïtantin VI.
Monte did not panic in the slightest when faced with such a sudden question. The expression on his face did not even change.
"I saw His Highness.
He is in the main hall. "
He told Monte everything he saw, not mentioning anything irrelevant, neither would he make wild guesses.
Monte remembered his identity, he wouldn't cross the line.
"He is a young man.
He has the impulsiveness of a young man.
And the rebelliousness of a young man. Even though I am a king, I can't stop my son from going through his rebellious phase, so I need someone to help me.
Someone who won't hold back because of Svenson's identity. "
Aïtantin VI sounded like he was muttering to himself, but at the same time, he sounded like he was pouring his heart out.
"Snake School's Monster Hunter is a good candidate."
The moment the king paused his words, Monte spoke at the perfect timing.
"Of course.
Whether it's Snake School or Wolf Sect.
They are both very good candidates. "
Aïtantin VI smiled, the loose flesh on his face trembling.
Monte, who knew some secrets, lowered his head even more.
Knowing more wasn't necessarily a good thing.
At least it was for Aïtantin VI.
The Black Cataclysm was a huge shuffle in the Northern and Southern Lands.
Countless factions were wiped out during the shuffle.
The most famous one was the Wolf Sect's Monster Hunter. Everyone even thought the Monster Hunter was a thing of the past, if not for the reappearance of Snake School.
Everything would be settled!
But now …
Things would have to be reevaluated.
Unlike those people and factions that could be driven by benefits, the Monster Hunters only acted according to their own principles. They were as stubborn as a rock. Once they found out the truth about the Black Cataclysm, they would fight to the death, wouldn't they?
With such a guess in his heart, Monte lowered his head with a trace of sorrow on his face.
He didn't want to be the Monster Hunter's opponent.
He knew how scary the Monster Hunters were.
When facing monsters, they were the best fighters.
But against enemies, they were the best assassins.
Without the Knight's sense of honor, the Monster Hunters would do anything to kill their enemies. Once he thought about losing his head in his sleep, Monte's neck couldn't help but tighten.
As for persuading the king?
Forget about it.
He would be killed by the Monster Hunters or later.
If he persuaded Aïtantin VI, he would die on the spot.
More so …
It was too late.
Svenson Aïtantin would surely make a move against that Snake School Monster Hunter.
It was the king's arrangement.
Later?
Of course, the well-prepared secret agents would swarm the king. There wouldn't be a fight, just an interrogation — it would be unwise to resort to violence in front of a powerful Monster Hunter.
However, as long as the Monster Hunters didn't put themselves in danger, they wouldn't attack commoners. Hence, this time, it was Aïtantin VI's victory.
A Snake Sect Demon Hunter who was' controlled '.
It would surely attract more Monster Hunters over.
There was Snake School and Wolf Sect.
After these people knew what happened, they would surely express their apologies, especially after Aïtantin VI showed his humility and magnanimity.
This was the effect His Majesty the King wanted.
A little conflict and his son was beaten up, yet he could tie the Monster Hunters to his chariot. It was worth it.
Moreover, it wasn't just the Snake School Monster Hunters.
There was also the Mist religious sect!
The religious sect that displayed its strength was also the one that the king wanted to rope in.
Of course, it also included the newly appointed lord of Sicar.
Monte was even sure that the king would throw out the real culprit of the Black Cataclysm at the most opportune moment!
Until then …
Monte's forehead started to break out in sweat as he thought of something.
The sweat flowed into his eyes, stinging him.
However, Monte didn't dare to wipe it off.
He lowered his head, waiting for Aïtantin VI to speak.
Fortunately, the king didn't have to wait for long before he spoke again.
"The people from Silent Night Secret Society have entered the city?"
The representatives of the 14 councilmen have all entered the city after noon.
"They have already entered Silent Night Town."
Monte reported again.
"Silent Night Town!"
A faint, unnoticeable grunt came from Aïtantin VI's nose.
To a king, what could be worse than having a city within a city built on his own territory, and not being able to interfere with it?
Of course, there were two such cities within a city.
Aïtantin VI leaned back on his high back chair, the crown on his head not moving at all. His bloodshot eyes were staring in a certain direction.
Monte didn't look up but he knew what his king was looking at.
In fact, a lot of people knew what the king was really angry about and dreaded.
The God of War!
An existence that was inseparable from Aïtantin.
In a certain period of time, the God of War could even influence the whole kingdom.
Although it wasn't as powerful as before after the Black Cataclysm, it still made the king feel like a fishbone was stuck in his throat.
"What about the south?"
Aïtantin VI kept his emotions in check and asked calmly.
"Our shipyards are operating at full capacity. When summer comes, our warships will fill the whole of Qitar Bay!"
Monte couldn't help but raise his voice a notch.
He was very excited. No matter how hard he tried to conceal it, he couldn't hide his excitement.
As a vassal of Aïtantin VI, he was always afraid of the king but at the same time, he admired the king. He knew if the king's plan succeeded, the whole Aïtantin situation would change completely.
The kingdom that was in its twilight years would surely shine with new life.
Aïtantin VI's achievements would also catch up to the first king.
"Summer, summer."
Aïtantin VI muttered softly.
Then, the king stood up.
The aged Aïtantin VI had the tall and buff physique of a northerner. Time had left many traces on the king's face but not on his body.
If one didn't look at the face, no one would treat the body as an old man.
They would think it was a middle-aged man in his prime.
A very buff kind.
He strode to the bookshelf and picked up the sailboat model.
It was made by the skilled craftsmen in the palace.
Not only was the size of the model accurate, but the sails, ropes, hatches, and cannons were exactly the same as the real one, as if it was shrunk and placed on top of the model.
Aïtantin VI's finger touched the cannons, his bloodshot eyes showing ferocious anticipation.
It was the gaze of a conqueror.
It was also the gaze of a conqueror.
"How did those bastards react?"
Aïtantin VI asked casually while he was fantasizing in his mind.
"They tried to rope in the Mist religious sect.
"But the people we sent failed."
They also tried to contact the Demon Hunters before, but before they could even get close, they were eliminated by our spies. "
Monte knelt down on one knee, slightly looking up at the king's back as he explained in detail. His tone was filled with disdain.
He knew what kind of attitude he should use against the orthodox faction.
He, too, felt that the old guard deserved his attitude.
A bunch of idiots!
Maybe there were some people that people should be vigilant and respected.
But most of them were idiots that couldn't do anything but spoil everything!
Think about the person who tried to rope in the Mist religious sect today.
Did he really think he was some big shot that could give out charity?
He didn't even know his own position and yet he wanted to negotiate a collaboration? Did he really think he was the main character in a novel?
If he had the resources, he would've …
Monte quickly stopped his scattered thoughts when the thought came into his mind.
He quietly waited for Aïtantin VI's next order.
He knew before summer arrived, the orthodox faction must be dealt with.
Otherwise, the king wouldn't be at ease to go to war!
Right at that moment …
Ring Ring Ring!
A bell in the small meeting room suddenly rang from behind the study table.
Monte looked at the bell in astonishment.
He never knew there was a bell there.
However, when he saw the slight changes in Aïtantin VI's face, he understood the importance of the bell.
Or rather, the existence of such a bell was normal.
The king before him always liked to prepare for a rainy day and be vigilant against any danger.
Aïtantin VI quickly returned to the study table and pulled the handle in the dark. The bell stopped ringing right away.
"What happened?"
Aïtantin VI asked in a heavy tone.
Compared to normal times, the heavy tone was more dignified and pressuring.
At least, the voice in the dark started to tremble.
"S-S-Si …"
The stuttering words plus the trembling voice made the sentence extremely incomplete.
Aïtantin VI frowned.
It was rare for the king to have a bad feeling in his heart.
"What happened?"
Suppressing the bad feeling in his heart, Aïtantin VI emphasized.
"It's His Highness Svenson!
His Highness Svenson was kicked to death by the Snake School Demon Hunters! "
The voice was clear.
Bam!
Monte, who was kneeling down, fell limp on the floor.
At that moment, there was only one sentence left in the A Close Official's mind.
It's over!
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