Chapter 429: Nobles' Meeting

Rolin and Lulans received Bruno's invitation for a high nobles' meeting during their discussions with Bruno yesterday.

Thus, the next morning, they set off for the Odium Palace with Sophia.

Though the founding celebration had ended, the lively atmosphere on the streets persisted for some time, not dissipating immediately.

"Rolin, the king has summoned us alone for this meeting. What do you think he wants to say?" Lulans asked.

Since Bruno announced the meeting without stating its agenda, Rolin had been pondering this question.

"I've recently heard of turmoil in the Trisia Kingdom. The king has summoned either major nobles ruling their domains or knights whose strength cannot be ignored. I suspect it might be related to the affairs of the Trisia Kingdom."

Lulans nodded approvingly. "My thoughts align with yours. Perhaps the thirty-year peace is nearing its end, and Odium and Trisia will once again ignite the flames of war!"

He hadn't expected that the flames of war ceased after his injury, and now, just as he recovered, there were signs of their resurgence.

Sophia, who had been leaning on her chin watching the scenery along the Golden Feather Avenue outside the window, turned back to attention. "Is the Odium Kingdom planning to attack while the Trisia Kingdom is in turmoil?"

Rolin nodded. "Highly likely."

Lulans added, "Even if we declare war, there will be a relatively long preparation period. War won’t start immediately."

Sophia sighed softly.

"In our land, though conflicts arise among humans, large-scale internal wars with heavy casualties are forbidden."

She looked out the window. "Here, without interference from demon gods and their minions, you should have focused on development to revive the glory of a thousand years ago. Yet, mutual conflicts have kept Orlant stagnant."

Sophia looked earnestly at Lulans and Rolin. "Do you two have any means to prevent this war?"

Lulans shook his head. "The conflict and hatred between the Odium and Trisia families have lasted over two hundred years. Though there have been brief periods of peace, they never abandon opportunities to devour each other."

Rolin also said, "The turmoil in the Trisia Kingdom stems from the 'Sacred Storm' organization, likely established by demon god minions. Attacking the Trisia Kingdom could also eliminate these minions."

Hameng had collected this intelligence over the past few days, so Sophia suspected the Sacred Storm originated from several dark lords of the Crescent Continent.

She also understood that if Odium attacked Trisia, they would inevitably confront the Sacred Storm organization.

But before that, she feared that while the two kingdoms warred, the Sacred Storm would seize the chance to rise.

The best scenario would be for Odium and Trisia to join forces, first uncover and eliminate the demon god minions, then sign a peace treaty, allowing knights and mages to focus on cultivation, nurturing more powerful individuals to support the Crescent Continent.

However, Sophia knew her idea was quite naive.

Unless the demon gods arrived on the Orlant Continent, people here wouldn’t regard them as the greatest threat; they would first eliminate the enemies before them.

Soon, the carriage arrived before the Golden Feather Palace. Under the knights' guidance, Rolin and his companions entered the Odium Palace.

At that moment, several nobles were already present in the hall: Count Hesos of Moonlight Valley, Duke Ferenz Gregor of the Ferenzburg Principality, and Baron Meron, representing Count Alfonso Fleming of Screaming Island.

"Is that him?"

As Sophia stepped into the hall, her gaze immediately fixed on Hesos.

She had studied the soul-witch clan and was very familiar with their aura. Without even releasing her spiritual perception, she knew Hesos was problematic.

Rolin nodded subtly. "Yes, that's him."

Sophia took a deep breath. If she weren’t in a foreign land, she would have acted already. Now, she forcibly suppressed her impulse to strike.

The three walked to their assigned seats and sat down.

Over the next period, other nobles arrived gradually.

Among them were familiar figures to Rolin: Broler, Randel of the Amethyst Earldom, and Duke Valgis of the Gistana Principality, among others. Duke Andrea of the Vera Principality arrived last.

Andrea’s seat was next to Lulans. They glanced at each coldly.

"You managed to recover, good for you, Lulans!"

"Hah, does my recovery and breakthrough upset you?"

Andrea sneered but didn’t continue mocking. Instead, he glanced at Rolin, his gaze carrying scrutiny and warning, devoid of any goodwill.

Rolin remained impassive, not greeting him, even neglecting basic noble etiquette.

He could foresee that if Odium truly intended to attack Trisia, it might well trigger a war between the Mount Wu Earldom and the Vera Principality during this period.

"Haha, apologies for keeping you all waiting!"

Bruno’s hearty laughter echoed into the hall first, followed by his strides entering, with Crown Prince Garret trailing behind him.

Rolin assessed the high-level combatants present in the hall.

Aside from his own faction, known silver moon knights included Garret, Andrea, and Valgis.

Regarding the unknown ones...

Rolin glanced at the escort knights beside the nobles, unsure if any among them possessed such formidable strength.

Bruno seated himself on the throne. "Originally, I hoped Ibn and Willis would also come, but unfortunately, the borders are unsettled, and they cannot spare the time."

Ibn was his eldest son-in-law, a silver moon knight;

Willis was the head of the Black Jade family, a peak meteor knight.

"I won’t waste words; let’s dive directly into the main topic."

He looked at his son Garret, who understood and stepped forward. "When I left the border to return, a vast area of the Trisia Kingdom had already been occupied by the 'Sacred Storm' organization, and this range continues to expand gradually. Our adversaries are sinking deeper into the quagmire."

Garret’s voice suddenly deepened, tinged with excitement. "Gentlemen, this is our opportunity!"

"We, the Odium Kingdom, are the rightful heirs of the Orlant Empire. Today, we can seize this rare chance to crush Trisia, the usurper, in one decisive blow!"

Bruno continued, "I plan to attack the Trisia Kingdom!"

The Odium Palace fell silent.

Though everyone had roughly guessed this matter, no one immediately voiced their stance.

After a while, Duke Ferenz spoke first. "Brother’s dedication to the kingdom’s plans is unwavering. We sincerely follow and support."

He shifted his tone. "But beforehand, we must indeed grasp the recent situation in Trisia Kingdom, obtain detailed intelligence on their conflicts with Garret’s mentioned Sacred Storm organization, and strike when they are fiercely engaged."

Ferenz appeared to agree but was actually delaying time. Yet others couldn’t fault him, as his points held merit.

Andrea nodded. "Your Majesty, I concur with Duke Ferenz’s proposal. Gathering more concrete intelligence is the most crucial step at present. As for..."

"But actively preparing for war, even deploying troops to the front lines, ready to strike at the first opportune moment—this is what we must do!"

Lulans interrupted him, looking at Bruno. "I support Your Majesty’s proposal to declare war on Trisia Kingdom. The major nobles should commence actions immediately!"

This wasn’t something Lulans wished to say; it was merely one clause of the "enhanced military assistance" agreed upon last night.

He couldn’t remain silent today after having agreed yesterday.

"Lulans, after so many years away from battlefields, have you lost your senses?"

Andrea mocked. "Regarding this so-called Sacred Storm organization, I lack concrete intelligence. Blindly attacking would only trap us in others’ schemes!"

A debate ensued.

Rolin could see Duke Valgis belonged to the neutral faction. The three major nobles—Ferenz, Andrea, and Meron—seemed to share a common stance.

In truth, gathering intelligence and deploying troops for frontline preparation didn’t conflict; yet they insisted on separating these tasks. Behind this lay their maneuvering against Bruno.

Having Bruno agree to their plan was one way to diminish royal authority.

Moreover, for them, they could exploit Trisia’s internal turmoil for certain actions, but these actions didn’t necessarily entail attacking Trisia Kingdom. (End of chapter)