Chapter 816

Austin’s words were powerful and filled with emotion. The potential chaos in West Lucozia would undoubtedly affect not only the Eight Sovereigns but also numerous high-ranking officials and millions of citizens.

They all grew up in West Lucozia, and it was where their roots were. That was why anyone with a sense of patriotism could never turn a blind eye.

“Your Highness, your reasoning is sound, but I’m a timid and cautious person. I tend to weigh the consequences carefully.

“What if my forces suffer heavy losses while quelling the rebellion? What happens then?” Tyrus appeared hesitant.

“Uncle Tyrus, I can assure you that if you incur any losses, we will compensate you twofold!” Austin declared earnestly.

He understood that Tyrus was seeking tangible benefits. After all, this was a gamble with his entire wealth, and the potential losses could be substantial. His actions seemed reasonable, given the circumstances.

“Your Highness, it’s not that I don’t trust you. But in matters like this, words alone may not suffice,” Tyrus said, sending a hint.

“Uncle Tyrus, feel free to ask for anything. I won’t refuse you as long as it’s within my means,” Austin asserted confidently, showcasing his sincerity.

“Very well. Your words have reassured me.”

Tyrus smiled faintly. “In truth, I don’t seek soldiers or wealth. My only concern is for my daughter. She’s 25 years old this year and hasn’t found a suitable match. It would be a blessing if she could marry you, Your Highness.”

“Marry me?” Austin raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“That’s right.” Tyrus nodded with a smile.

“My daughter, Danielle, may not be the most beautiful, but she possesses charm and intelligence. If you marry her, I believe you’ll gain an excellent companion.”

He possessed wealth and influence and only lacked supreme power. The recent demise of the Prince of West Lucozia made Austin the likely successor to the throne.

If his daughter married Austin, she would become the Princess of West Lucozia, elevating Tyrus’ status significantly. By then, he would be the strongest among the Eight Sovereigns.

“Uncle Tyrus, I don’t exactly have the best reputation. I’m afraid it might be unfair for your daughter,” Austin said tactfully.

“Your Highness, your talents in both literary and military affairs are exceptional. My daughter has admired you for a long time. Marrying you would be an honor for her.”

Tyrus continued earnestly, “Once our families are united through marriage, we will stand together through thick and thin.

“Regardless of the challenges the monarchy faces, I will offer my assistance wholeheartedly, even if it means sacrificing my life or risking my entire fortune!”

“I .” Austin frowned slightly, unsure of how to respond. Tyrus’ conditions had exceeded his expectations.

“Your Highness, since Sir Storm is unwilling to support us, perhaps we should consider other options,” Dustin whispered. Although Tyrus’ assistance was crucial, Dustin didn’t wish to gamble away his brother’s happiness.

“Your Highness, please take your time to think about it. I’m not forcing you,” Tyrus said with a shrug.

“There’s no need for that. I agree!” After a moment of contemplation, Austin finally nodded.

“Can I take your word for it?” Tyrus’ eyes lit up.

“I may not be a gentleman, but I’m a man of my word,” Austin said solemnly.

“This is great! I admire your commitment, Your Highness!” Tyrus exclaimed. “Let’s not delay any longer. To enhance our cooperation, how about we formalize the engagement now?”

“Someone, bring me some paper and pen!” Tyrus was impatient and immediately ordered his men to bring him these materials to establish a marriage contract.

After all, an opportunity like this was extremely rare. Once his daughter married into the monarchy and became the future princess, his grandchildren could possibly become the next Prince of West Lucozia.

This gamble was advantageous to him, no matter how he saw it. It would bring him unprecedented wealth and power.

“Wait! Your Highness, this is a major life event. You must think about it carefully,” Dustin reminded Austin.

“Hmm?” Tyrus frowned, feeling displeased.

How dare a mere guard voice their opinion? He should be well aware of his place! Tyrus would have disciplined him much earlier if it had been his men.

“It’s fine. I’ve already made a decision.”

Austin smiled at Dustin and said, ” Uncle Tyrus’ daughter is a beautiful and intelligent woman. I consider myself fortunate to be able to marry her. How could I possibly refuse such a generous offer?”

“Your Highness, you have a discerning eye!” Tyrus praised him.

“Your Highness…”

Dustin was about to speak when Tyrus interrupted him sternly, “The nerve! How dare you interfere in your master’s affairs? Show some respect!”

Dustin narrowed his eyes, ready to retort, when Austin raised his hand to stop him. “Alright, that’s enough. I’ve made my decision.”

Without hesitation, Austin put down his signature on the marriage contract.

Dustin sighed, feeling a twinge of distress. His younger brother had matured, considering the broader implications of his decisions. It was a level of maturity that Dustin believed surpassed even his own.

“Uncle Tyrus, with the marriage contract in place, I hope you can fulfill your promise,” Austin said.

“Don’t worry, Your Highness. We’re family from now on. No matter the challenges the monarchy faces, I will offer my assistance!” Tyrus promised as he patted his chest.

“Thank you, Uncle Tyrus. I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll be taking my leave now,” Austin said.

“Have a safe journey, Your Highness!” Tyrus smiled and personally escorted Austin out.

Dustin removed his mask when they got in the car and left the mansion. He sighed and said, “Austin, you didn’t have to sacrifice yourself. We could have found another way.”

“Logan, you and Father have protected me my whole life. It’s time for me to stand on my own.”

Austin flashed a playful smile. ” Besides, I’m more than happy to marry a beautiful woman. This is hardly a sacrifice.”

Throughout history, noble families often engaged in intermarriages to strengthen their influence for mutual benefits and provide support for each other.

Even though he was the son of the Prince of West Lucozia, Tyrus’ daughter also held an esteemed status, making them a suitable match.

“Alright, Logan, don’t overthink it. Our current focus is on quelling the rebellion. We can discuss future matters at a later time,” Austin said with a smile.

Dustin nodded and changed the topic. ” Are we going to Southvista to meet the Marquis of Silvercrest next?”

“That’s right!” Austin confirmed.

“The Marquis of Silvercrest is the most influential among the Southern Four Sovereigns. However, he’s also the most challenging to deal with. Our plan’s success hinges on the Marquis of Silvercrest, Elijah Valor!”

Dustin and Austin opted to skip sleep, and the following morning, they swiftly arrived at Southvista. This territory belonged to Elijah Valor, the Marquis of Silvercrest.

It was renowned for having the largest military force and the strongest economy among the Southern Four Sovereigns.

However, Elijah was a stubborn and unpredictable man. There were instances where he showed no respect, even to Rufus. This unpredictability made Austin doubtful about convincing him.

“Logan, we’ve arrived at the Marquis of Silvercrest’s residence,” Austin informed as they, along with a few others, disembarked from the car.

“It’s been two days. We can’t keep your absence from the castle under wraps much longer. We need to speed up our efforts,” Dustin reminded.

“I understand.” Austin nodded.

“Elijah might not be easy to deal with, but he’s not entirely without integrity. With the right incentives and an emotional appeal, we should be able to convince him.”

Dustin nodded. “Alright, let’s head in.”

Austin adjusted his attire and refreshed himself before approaching the mansion. He then identified himself to the guards and, as expected, gained a smooth entry.

However, unlike previous encounters, they were directed to Elijah’s personal training ground instead of the main hall.

It was common knowledge that Elijah was a martial enthusiast. He personally led the training of his troops on a regular basis, resulting in a formidable and well-trained force.

“Your Highness, Lord Valor is currently training inside. Please, head in,” a guard said. He led them to the entrance of the training ground before leaving.

As they entered, they noticed a muscular middle-aged man in the center of the arena, engaged in a sparring session with several elite guards.

Wielding a long spear, the middle-aged man exuded a commanding presence.

His spearplay demonstrated a blend of agility and dominance, effortlessly pushing back the elite guards armed with swords and shields that surrounded him.

These elite guards were the cream of the crop from the monarchy, trained to fight as a cohesive unit. They were capable of taking on a hundred enemies on their own.

Despite their exceptional skills, the middle-aged man showcased his overwhelming strength as he effortlessly repelled their advances. That man was none other than Elijah Valor, the Marquis of Silvercrest.

“His technique is impressive!” Austin was visibly astonished as he observed Elijah closely.

Elijah’s spearplay was devoid of unnecessary movements, appearing both straightforward and unpredictable. It embodied a perfect balance of battlefield might and sophisticated finesse, nearing perfection.

“It is indeed quite remarkable.” Dustin nodded in agreement, casting an admiring glance.

Elijah’s skills had reached the pinnacle of a Grandmaster’s, making him one of the top ten martial practitioners in West Lucozia.

Despite receiving the title of marquis, Elijah remained steadfast in his dedication to martial arts. He showcased exceptional willpower, mental resilience, and determination beyond ordinary standards.

“Warrior’s Cascade!” After demonstrating his prowess, Elijah suddenly roared, grabbing the spear’s end with one hand.

He then swept it around himself, knocking down the elite guards in all directions.

Chapter 817

Only Elijah remained standing after his spear completed its sweeping motion.

“You are all becoming increasingly incompetent. From now on, you need to practice diligently. Do you understand?” Elijah reprimanded the guards.

“Yes, sir!” The guards responded while on their knees.

“Alright, you can all leave now.” Elijah waved, signaling the guards to depart. Only then did he turn his attention to Austin and his entourage.

“Uncle Elijah, your spear technique is truly exceptional. No one in West Lucozia comes close. It’s admirable,” Austin said as a way of greeting.

“Your Highness, I’m certain your presence holds a purpose after such a long journey. What instructions do you have for me?” Elijah wiped himself off with a towel, “I dare not give instructions, Uncle Elijah. I come with a request,” Austin responded.

“Is this about your father?” Elijah was not surprised. It was as if he had anticipated it.

“You already know about it?” Austin raised an eyebrow.

“The Prince of West Lucozia was assassinated. How could I not know about such a significant event?” Elijah drank some tea, seemingly indifferent as he settled into his seat.

“Then, have you heard about the Northern Four Sovereigns’ rebellion?” Austin asked.

“I’ve heard some rumors.” Elijah nodded.

“Uncle Elijah, given your loyalty and valor, I seek your aid in the monarchy’s time of crisis,” Austin said, lowering his head respectfully.

“Because of my admiration for your father’s character, I would have readily offered assistance had it been him who visited. However, as for you the qualifications.” You lack

After delivering his blunt and merciless statement, Elijah downed his tea in one gulp.

Austin frowned momentarily but quickly regained his composure. He had long understood Elijah’s pride and unpredictability. That was why he had already mentally prepared for the challenges ahead.

“Uncle Elijah, I acknowledge that compared to my father, I am indeed inadequate and not qualified to make requests of you.”

Austin suddenly shifted his tone. ”

However, I carry the Rhys family name.

And more importantly, I am a man of West Lucozia.

“I cannot stand idly by while West Lucozia is in turmoil, watching the people become displaced. As long as I can calm this turbulence, I am willing to pay any price!”

“Oh?” Elijah raised an eyebrow slightly, quite surprised. He didn’t expect the once idle playboy to blurt out such words. It was somewhat unusual.

“Did your mother teach you to say that? “Elijah probed.

“These are words from the bottom of my heart!” Austin said with a serious expression.

“It’s been a few years since I last met you. You seemed to have changed. Elijah scrutinized him before continuing, “To be honest, before you came, Grand General Rhys had already sent me a letter. Can you guess what he said in the letter?”

“Grand General Rhys?” Austin’s pupils dilated, and his expression grew solemn.

“I’m not sure. Please enlighten me, Uncle Elijah.”

Elijah picked up his spear and wiped the tip with a white cloth. In a low voice, he answered, “Julius said that if I kill you and erase all evidence, he will give me two cities after all is done.”

Austin’s expression shifted dramatically with Elijah’s revelation. He didn’t expect Julius to be prepared to kill.

“Two cities!” Elijah stood up slowly and pointed his long spear at Austin.

A faint smile played on his lips. “This is a huge temptation. What do you think?

Should I agree?”

Seeing Elijah’s piercing glance and his raised spear, Austin was not afraid at all. He continued to keep his back straight.

“Uncle Elijah, the temptation of acquiring two cities is indeed huge. I probably wouldn’t refuse if I was you. If you want to use my life in exchange for the two cities, I’m willing to make that sacrifice.”

Austin clasped his hands calmly.

“What? Aren’t you afraid of death?” Elijah narrowed his eyes. “Or do you think that I don’t dare to kill you?”

“Of course, I’m afraid of death. If I could choose, I wouldn’t choose to die either,” Austin replied calmly.

He continued, “Plus, you’ve been on the battlefield for many years, killing all kinds of enemies. If you want to kill me, it won’t take much effort for you to do so.”

“Since you’re afraid of death, why are you so calm?” Elijah was a bit confused.

“Fear of death is one thing, but having the courage to face death is another. I’ve prepared myself for the worst ever since I entered,” Austin replied seriously.

“Plus, there’s no way I can escape if you want to kill me. It’s better to face you head-on, not to mention I can avoid some suffering.”

“Interesting.” Elijah suddenly smiled and slowly lowered his spear. “They said a fierce father would not raise a tame son. I finally got to witness this today. The Rhys family does not have a single weakling.”

“Thank you for your praise.” Austin tilted his head.

“Alright. I’ll stop joking around. Julius’ men did indeed come looking for me. However, I already killed him.”

a snap of his fingers, a few guards soon dragged a corpse to Austin’s feet.

“This is the man that Julius arranged.” Elijah kicked the corpse in disdain.

“Uncle Elijah, are you not planning to take over Julius’ offer of two cities? I can’t beat his proposal,” Austin said.

“Although I’m not a good person, I won’t do something so treacherous. I owe your father a favor. If I killed you, wouldn’t it make me the same as an animal?” Elijah replied indifferently.

“You’re such a righteous person. I respect that.” Austin clasped his hands respectfully. Austin was so confident partly because his eldest brother was there. Other than that, he also knew Elijah well.

Elijah was a decisive person. If he truly wanted to kill someone, he wouldn’t waste so much time talking. Instead, he would kill the person as soon as he saw them.

“Alright. Stop praising me. Although I didn’t kill you, it doesn’t mean I’ll help you,” Elijah replied indifferently. “I do respect your father. However, you haven’t gotten my recognition yet.”

“Feel free to state any conditions. If I can do it, I’ll definitely not refuse!” Austin said earnestly.

“Okay. Let’s forget about all personal affairs and only talk about business!” Elijah replied meaningfully.

“I believe you know the dangers involved if I follow you to betray and resist Julian, Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry.

“My troops will suffer heavy losses with a single mistake. How do you plan to compensate for that?”

“I can represent the royal family and give you a city!” Julian answered.

The Eight Sovereigns of West Lucozia had their own territories. Usually, neither side was willing to yield to the other when there was interference.

Gifting Elijah a city would mean disrupting this balance. It would cause plenty of trouble in the future. However, Julian couldn’t take it into consideration right now.

“A city is still not enough.” Elijah shook his head.

“Uncle Elijah, what else do you need? You can just let me know,” Julian replied.

“I want 800 soldiers in the Black Dragon Army. Pick the best of them!” Elijah answered.

“800 best soldiers in Black Dragon Army?” Julian furrowed his brow.

West Lucozia’s Black Dragon Army were extremely experienced soldiers, the elite among the elite.

Elites in the Black Dragon Army could refer to themselves as the king of soldiers.

For Elijah to want 800 kings of soldiers was going too far.

After all, each king of soldiers would undergo years of training. All kinds of rare resources would be used for them to train.

The manpower, money, and materials used on the soldiers were immeasurable.

“What? Are you not willing to?” Elijah asked. “You should know that if this was Julius, he would accept if I asked for 3000 elite soldiers, not to mention

800!”

“Julius has a large army and many soldiers. I don’t have a foundation, so I naturally cannot compete with him.” Austin sighed.

“That’s why I only want 800 elite soldiers. I’ve already considered your father when I proposed this condition.”

Elijah yawned. “Of course, you can discuss it with your mother if you cannot decide. However, I’m not sure if it’ll be too late by then.”

After hesitating for a moment, Austin nodded in the end. “Okay. I agree! If you can help us in the rebellion, I agree to give you 800 elite soldiers from the Black Dragon Army!”

“Very good!” Elijah couldn’t help but laugh after hearing that. “A man should be fearless. What’s 800 elite soldiers to you? When you inherit the throne, the entire West Lucozia will be yours!”

“Is it a deal, then?” Austin narrowed his eyes.

“Of course!” Elijah answered proudly. ” I don’t have many virtues except for being able to keep my word. From now onward, my troops are at your disposal!

“Thank you!” Austin let out a sigh of relief.

“Also, I decided to gift you something since you didn’t dilly-dally,” Elijah ordered some writing materials and quickly wrote a letter.

Then, he gave the letter to Austin with a smile.

“If I guessed correctly, you’ll be going to Marquis Lincon’s territory later. I have a good relationship with him. With this letter, your chances of convincing him will greatly increase.”

“Thank you, Uncle Elijah!” Austin clasped his hands gratefully.

“Alright. Time is ticking. Go on with it. “Elijah waved his hands in dismissal.

“Goodbye!” Austin said before leaving with his men.

Elijah had agreed to team up with him. This meant only one person was left- Lincon, Marquis of Riverside!

Lincon was different from powerful military commanders like Elijah. He was originally a civil servant.

He rose from a humble position to become a regional marquis.

Lincon was capable and extremely smart. No one could outwit him in West Lucozia!

If Austin could get Lincon’s support, he could add a strategist to his cause.

In the evening, Austin, Dustin, and a few others arrived at the border fortress, Peace City. Peace City was Lincon’s territory. A decade ago, it was still a deserted small town.

However, under Lincon’s leadership, it became West Lucozia’s top-five city in less than ten years. Peace City was one of the best in the military, economy, politics, culture, education, and even medicine sector.

It could be said that Peace City’s achievements were all thanks to Lincon’s knowledge and outstanding capability.

If Elijah was considered a hero in chaotic times, Lincon was a capable marquis in peaceful times.

A black SUV slowly stopped beside the road outside the Marquis of Riverside’s residence. The car door opened, and Dustin and Austin got out of the car one after another.

“Dustin, this is the last stop.” Austin looked at the Marquis Riverside’s door plate and sighed.

He continued, “Lincon has quite a good relationship with Dad, not to mention he’s also righteous, and we have Elijah’s letter. It should go smoothly.”

“It’s hard to say.” Dustin shook his head. “We must put our guard up despite approaching the last step. Lincon is a schemer. Even Rufus can’t see through him. Nobody knows what he’s thinking.”

“Are you scared that something will happen?” Austin tried asking.

“Since Julius has already contacted Elijah, he must have talked with Lincon as well. I’m scared that Lincon has already agreed to join Julius’ side. If that’s the case, we’re just voluntarily walking into a trap by coming here,” Dustin analyzed.

Julius was not stupid. It could be said he was both intelligent and a good fighter. He was the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry, after all.

his intelligence, Julius surely would be able to guess what they were thinking. Thus, he wouldn’t just sit back and watch them trying to get people on their team.

This was attested when Julius offered two cities in exchange for Elijah’s support.

Among the Southern Four Sovereigns, Wyatt and Arthur had handed over their military insignia. Thus, they were definitely on Dustin’s side.

Meanwhile, Tyrus had already signed a wedding agreement with the royal family. With mutual interests binding both sides, there shouldn’t be a problem.

As for Elijah, he rejected Julius’s condition and even killed his men. Thus, there was no way the two could work together anymore.

Now, only Lincon was left. What choice he would make was still uncertain. If Lincon agreed to side with the monarchy, Dustin would have the capability to confront Julius.

However, Dustin would be in big trouble if Lincon agreed to side with Julius.

“Dustin, your concerns aren’t without reason. However, we don’t have a choice. We must give it a try and hope Lincon will side with us,” Austin said with a sigh.

“Okay. With me around, at least I can ensure your safety.” Dustin nodded.

He had already prepared for the worst.

If Lincon sided with Julian and set a trap for them, Dustin would destroy his residence and support new personnel to take over.

Of course, he didn’t want to use violence to solve problems unless it was absolutely necessary.

“Let’s go and meet Lincon.” Austin became more confident and marched up to the door.

“Greetings, Your Highness!” When Austin got close, an old butler immediately greeted him.

“Huh?” Austin was stunned for a moment.

He didn’t introduce himself or take out his badge. Thus, he wondered how the butler recognized him with just a glance.

“You… You know me?” Austin felt a bit strange. After thinking for a moment, he remembered he had never entered the Marquis Riverside residence before.

Chapter 818

“Sir Blaze knows that you’re coming, so he asked me to wait for you,” the old butler admitted with a nod.

“He knows that I’m coming?” Austin raised an eyebrow. Then, he took a look at Dustin uneasily.

There were only two possibilities why Lincon could guess they were coming beforehand. Either Elijah made a phone call to inform, or Julius’ envoy arrived ahead of them.

“Your Highness, Sir Blaze has been waiting. Please come inside.” The old butler bent over and extended his hand, beckoning them inside.

Austin nodded. Then, he made his way inside without a word.

Since they were already here, there was no way they could just leave. Austin must gave it a shot, even if it meant they were going inside the lion’s den.

They followed the old butler inside. After passing through various rooms, they arrived at the dining hall.

At that moment, the dining hall was already set with a table of delicious food. The aroma of food mixed with the smell of wine stirred their appetite.

Austin and the others had traveled for a day and a night without having time to eat. After seeing such a sumptuous meal, their stomachs couldn’t help but growl.

“Your Highness, you must be starving after traveling for so long. Please enjoy the meal first,” the old butler said respectfully.

“How about Sir Blaze?” Austin asked.

“He’ll be here soon. Please wait,” the old butler replied, keeping his head lowered.

“If that’s the case, don’t mind if I do.” Austin smiled and waved. “Come over, you two. Come and eat.”

“Yes!” the few bodyguards answered. Then, they picked up the cutlery and started to taste the food.

As well-trained bodyguards, they could go without food or drinks for three days straight. The main reason they ate right away was to test for poison on behalf of Austin.

One should always be cautious. If Lincon had added poison to the food, they would be able to find out right away.

“Sir Austin, it’s safe.” After trying out all the dishes, the bodyguards nodded at Austin. Austin smiled faintly. Then, he didn’t hold back and started to gobble down the food.

After not eating anything for a day and night, he was indeed hungry. It would be a waste not to eat so many delicious dishes.

After an hour, they emptied the dishes. They even drank a few glasses of alcohol, truly having their fill.

“Your Highness, are you full? Do you want to add more dishes?” At this moment, a well-dressed middle-aged man walked in with a smile.

The middle-aged man wore glasses and had a refined temperament. He looked kind and appeared like an educated teacher.

The person who arrived was the famous Lincon Blaze!

“Uncle Lincon, thank you for your warm welcome. I’m afraid I cannot eat anymore.” Austin rubbed his round belly and even burped.

“There’s not much good food or wine I can offer in such an impoverished village. I’m glad to hear that you had your fill. It makes me feel like my efforts were not in vain.” Lincon smiled.

“You’re too kind.” Austin smiled and continued, “Since you know we’re coming, you should also know what happened in the monarchy recently.”

“That’s right. I’ve generally understood what happened.” Lincoln nodded.

Afterward, he continued frankly, “To be honest, the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry’s envoy had already visited me this morning before your arrival.”

“Huh?” Austin narrowed his eyes. Immediately, his expression turned serious. “What answer did you give him?”

Lincon’s support was very important to them.

There would have been dire consequences if Lincon had sided with Julius!

Lincon didn’t reply to Austin right away. Instead, he sat down and poured wine for himself and Austin. After gently clinking glasses, Lincon downed the wine.

“Nice wine!” Lincon clicked his tongue and smiled in satisfaction. Austin wasn’t in a hurry, either. He also drank the wine and stared at Lincon, waiting for his reply.

“Julius invited me to join his team and even promised to give me a lot of benefits. However, I rejected him.”

Upon hearing that, Austin couldn’t help but show a hint of joy on his face. However, Lincon’s following words caused him to feel stunned.

“Your Highness, don’t get so excited. Although I rejected Julius’ invitation, I won’t send my troops to help you, either. I don’t like war, so I’ll choose to remain neutral,” Lincon said frankly.

“Neutral?” Austin furrowed his brow. Then, he quickly advised, “You’re a citizen of West Lucozia. How could you bear looking at the country being split up?”

“Your Highness, my abilities are limited. Thus, I can’t be of much help.” Lincon shook his head.

He continued, “I’m not ambitious, either. I only want to live a peaceful and happy life. That’s why I don’t want to participate in this war. I’ll be satisfied if I can keep my little piece of land.”

After pausing for a moment, he continued, “To be honest, both you and Julius are legitimately of the Rhys family bloodline. Thus, it doesn’t make a difference which of you becomes the ruler of West Lucozia. In my eyes, this so-called rebellion is just a struggle for the throne.”

“Well “Austin was rendered speechless for a moment.

Although he didn’t want to admit it, Lincon had a point.

“Your Highness, I’ve always been quite blunt. I apologize if I offended you in any way.” Licon nodded calmly.

“It’s reasonable that you want peace. However, if war breaks out, I’m afraid you won’t be able to stay out of it,” Austin said persuasively.

“Peace City is a small town at the border. It’s quite impoverished and has nothing to offer. Even if there’s a war, it won’t reach here,” Lincon replied indifferently.

He added, “Plus, I’ve already come to terms with Julius. As long as I don’t get involved in the war, he can assure me that Peace City won’t be impacted by it.

“I can promise you that if you help the monarchy suppress the rebellion and we succeed, I will reward you with a city.” Austin made an offer, trying to entice him.

However, Lincon immediately shook his head without giving it some thought. “Your Highness, I’m satisfied with just Peace City. I don’t have time to manage another city, either. Thus, I can only reject.”

“You must have something you want, right? Just tell me. I’ll definitely try my best to fulfill it!” Austin was a bit anxious.

Lincon seemed indifferent to both power and money. He had no ambition or desire and was satisfied with what he had now.

A person like him was way too difficult to persuade.

“I don’t have anything I want. I only want to get away from any trouble. Please understand,” Lincon said calmly.

“Uncle Lincon, I heard from my father that you’re best friends with him. Now that my father has passed away and something happened in the monarchy, are you sure you want to just ignore it?” Austin asked, deciding to use his father to persuade Lincon.

Lincon was not heartless. Austin still had a chance if he showed enough sincerity.

“Your Highness, although I’m good friends with your father, he wouldn’t force me to do something I don’t want, “Lincon said indifferently.

“To be frank, your father is talented and strategic, commanding respect from all citizens in West Lucozia. However, you fall short in many aspects. In my eyes, Julius is more suitable to be the ruler of West Lucozia than you.”

“You’re right. I’m indeed not capable of becoming the ruler of West Lucozia.” Austin nodded indifferently.

He added, “To be honest, I never thought of inheriting the throne. I only want to suppress the rebellion for the peace of West Lucozia.”

“Since you don’t want to inherit the throne, why do you want to fight for it? “Lincon remained indifferent.

“Although I’m not capable enough to become the ruler of Lucozia, someone is. That person is even more suitable than Julius!” Austin said with determination.

“Oh? Who is it?” Lincon raised an eyebrow.

“It’s my eldest brother, Logan!” Austin replied.

“Logan?” Lincon narrowed his eyes and nodded. “You’re right. He’s more than suitable to become the ruler of Lucozia.

“However, the problem is that he has been missing for the past ten years. There has been no news about whether he was alive or not. How can he inherit the throne?”

“Logan is still alive. Plus, he has already returned to West Lucozia. The throne should definitely be his!” Austin said seriously.

“Talk is cheap. Do you have evidence?” Lincon asked.

If Logan really returned to West Lucozia, everyone would have known about it. In Lincon’s eyes, Austin was trying to find an excuse to get him on his side.

“I can provide you with evidence. However, let me ask you something. If Logan inherits the throne, will you fully support him?” Austin shot back.

“Well…” Lincon furrowed his brow in hesitation.

Seeing Austin so confident, Lincon became somewhat uncertain.

“West Lucozia needs a good ruler. Nobody is more suitable to inherit the throne than my eldest brother. I’m sure you understand this,” Austin said.

“Okay! If I can see His Highness with my own eyes, I promise to support you all. Otherwise, please find another person to support you!” Lincon said seriously.

“No problem! It’s a deal then!” Austin smiled after hearing that.

Then, he turned and looked at Dustin. ” Logan, it has come to the point where you have to reveal yourself.”

Dustin nodded. Without a word, he removed his prosthetic mask and revealed his face.

“You’re…” Lincon instantly widened his eyes. He found it hard to believe.

“Uncle Lincon, long time no see.” Dustin smiled faintly.

“Your … Your Highness?” Lincon was shocked, unable to react. He never thought that Dustin would disguise himself as a bodyguard and hide by Austin’s side.

Nobody would have figured it out if Dustin didn’t expose his identity.

“Uncle Lincon, what do you think? What a surprise, right?” Austin smiled. He added, “You’re the second person besides me to know about his identity. We are now being open and honest with you, not hiding anything.”

“Your Highness, you’re … still alive?” Lincon’s voice was shaking. He got a bit emotional as tears welled up in his eyes.

As Austin might as well be a stranger to Lincon, he didn’t plan on supporting him at all. However, Lincon felt a sense of familiarity with Dustin.

The reason was simple. Back then, Dustin’s mother, Alba, had shown him kindness and even saved his life.

Lincon always wanted to repay her kindness. However, he never got the chance. He always felt regretful, especially after Alba passed away.

When Dustin stood right in front of him, Lincon felt like he was seeing the late Alba.

Chapter 819

“Uncle Lincon, thank you for worrying about me. I’m indeed still alive.” Dustin nodded. Dustin didn’t know about Lincon’s past. Thus, he felt a bit taken aback by how emotional Lincon got.

“It’s a good thing that you’re still alive! “Lincon was both surprised and happy. “Ten years have passed so quickly. You’ve gotten so tall. I almost didn’t manage to recognize you.”

“That’s right. It’s been ten years. A lot of things are different now,” Dustin replied with a sigh. Ten years ago, his mother passed away, and his father was also assassinated ten years later.

Over the course of ten years, both of his parents were no longer around. It was a tragic fact.

“Uncle Lincon, you said you would fully support the monarchy if you met Logan. Now that you’ve seen my eldest brother, you won’t go back on your word, right?” Austin tried asking.

“If His Highness is willing to inherit the throne, I’ll support him to ascend the throne even if I have to sacrifice myself!” Lincon replied earnestly.

Compared to his previous calm and indifferent demeanor, Lincon exuded a spirit that had never been seen before.

“Okay! You’re surely a trustworthy person!” Austin smiled, letting out a huge sigh of relief. Alas, Dustin could only be the one who could get the job done!

Austin had tried his best but still failed to convince Lincon. Yet, the man had agreed instantly after seeing Dustin.

Although it had been ten years, the name of the Rhys family’s descendant still resonated deeply in many’s hearts and commanded respect.

“Uncle Lincon, nobody knows that I’m returning to West Lucozia. I hope you can help keep it a secret until I find out who killed my father!” Dustin reminded him.

“Don’t worry. I’ll definitely keep my lips sealed!” Lincon nodded. Lincon was a smart man. Naturally, he knew Dustin’s intentions.

The remnants of the Dragon Guard had assassinated Rufus, causing West Lucozia to be in chaos. Plus, Julius was now vying for the throne.

If Dustin exposed his identity right now, he would become the target of criticism. On the contrary, it would be better for him to hide in the shadows and bide for time.

“Thank you, Uncle Lincon.” Dustin clasped his hands.

“Your Highness, I have a suggestion if you want to beat Julius,” Lincon said. An idea had suddenly popped into his head.

“Oh? Please enlighten me.” Dustin raised an eyebrow.

“Julius has considerable influence in the military. However, he still falls far short of the late prince.

Although the Northern Four Sovereigns are Julius’ men, more than 80 percent of the Black Dragon Army are faithful to the late prince and the monarchy.”

“If we use Your Highness’ name to secretly contact the late prince’s faithful comrades, I’m sure you’ll be able to gather a strong team. This team alone will be enough to crush Julius!” Lincon explained seriously.

After hearing that, Austin’s eyes lit up. “That’s right! Why didn’t I think of that? If I use Dustin’s name to issue a command, I’m sure a lot of people will support us!”

Although Julius was influential, he was not unbeatable.

As long as they partnered up with all the generals, they could completely sideline him without even going to war!

“It might have been possible ten years ago. However, I’m not certain about it now.” Dustin shook his head.

Ten years ago, he was at the peak of his influence and commanded widespread support in West Lucozia.

However, it was different now. A lot of things had changed after he disappeared for ten years.

Not many people would recognize and support him.

“Don’t underestimate yourself. For people like us, you’re the hope for the future of West Lucozia. As long as you inherit the throne, I’m sure many will be willing to support you!” Lincon was confident.

“Well…” Dustin furrowed his brow, seemingly hesitating.

“Your Highness!” Lincon suddenly clasped his hands and claimed, “I’m willing to help you with anything you face.

“If you trust me, let me handle this for you. I will secretly contact those loyal ministers and gather them. When the timing is right, we’ll surely assist you. You only need to give us a call!”

“You’re indeed a righteous person. I respect you for that!” Austin couldn’t help but praise.

“If that’s the case, thank you.” Dustin clasped his hands back at him.

“It’s my pleasure to be able to do something for you,” Lincon replied.

“Sir Blaze, something bad has happened!” a guard ran inside and shouted. “We got the news that soldiers have surrounded West Lucozian castle.

The monarchy is in a dire situation!”

“What? It’s being surrounded?” Austin and Dustin’s expressions went grim when they heard that.

They were only out of the castle for two days. However, they didn’t expect a change to happen so quickly.

“What happened? Tell us in detail!” Austin asked anxiously.

The guard took a look at Lincon. After his superior nodded in approval, he continued, “The Northern Four Sovereigns led a team of elite soldiers to infiltrate the castle last night. All castle guards at the rank of colonel and above were held hostage.

“The entire military force is immobilized. The Northern Four Sovereigns used the excuse of saving the country in times of danger to besiege the castle.

“They claimed to be purging traitors to avenge the late prince. In reality, they’re just trying to seize power!”

Austin was so angry that he slammed the table. “How dare all of them! How could they surround the castle with their soldiers? They’re going too far!”

Austin thought the most the Northern Four Sovereigns could do was a siege to put pressure on them.

He didn’t expect that they would be so ruthless. The Northern Four Sovereigns had pulled the rug out from under them!

If the monarchy fell and Julius got the military insignia, it was over for them!

“It seems like Julius is well-prepared.” Dustin furrowed his brow and fell into deep thought.

This unexpected move indeed caught them off guard. Dustin planned to ally with the Southern Four Sovereigns and persuade some loyal ministers to go against Julius.

However, he didn’t expect Julius to go ahead of them and took complete control. There would be severe consequences once the monarchy fell!

“Dustin, what should we do now?” Austin was a bit anxious.

“There’s no time to think. We have to return quickly and resolve the monarchy’s crisis,” Dustin said in a low voice.

“But the soldiers we have now are not enough to go against Julius. Even if Uncle Lincon and the others help us, it’ll take time for them to mobilize their troops. We might not have enough time.” Austin furrowed his brow.

“We don’t have a choice. All we can do now is take a gamble!”

Then, Dustin looked at Lincon and said seriously, “Uncle Lincon, please contact my father’s previous military department and aid the monarchy with the other three marquis. I will try to buy time until support comes!”

“Your Highness, isn’t this too risky?” Lincon frowned.

“We’ve already lost the chance to act first. Thus, we have to take this risk.” Dustin lowered his back and said seriously, “Uncle Lincon, I’ll have to count on you for everything that comes afterward!”

“I’ll… definitely not disappoint you!” Lincon nodded.

“Thank you.” After glancing at Austin, Dustin said, “Let’s go back to the castle and meet Julius!”

It was late at night, and a large number of armed soldiers formed a human wall outside the castle, surrounding it.

A dense crowd stood outside the castle, easily numbering tens of thousands! These were only the vanguard forces. There was still a team of armed military forces outside of the castle.

They were the soldiers of the Northern Four Sovereigns. Among them were also Julius’ guards.

However, they had disguised themselves to blend in.

Meanwhile, Eloise was wearing mourning clothes and a hat inside the castle. She had an indifferent expression as she stood outside the gate.

She was also holding a sharp sword. This caused her to look formidable and full of killing intent.

As the princess consort, she stepped forward unhesitatingly at the most critical moment. She stood alone at the forefront.

Jaxon stood behind her, along with Draken Guardians dressed in combat gear.

Although there were not many of them, they were the most powerful force in the monarchy.

Behind the Draken Guardians were a bunch of guards and servants.

The guards were armed with knives, while the servants had sticks. All of them were prepared for what was going to happen, ready to face death.

Further back in the inner courtyard, a group of elderly, weak women and children wore mourning hats and wielded knives. Their eyes were fixed firmly on the gate.

Once the Draken Guardians were wiped out and most of the servants and guards were killed, they would lunge forward unhesitatingly. All of them swore to live and die with the monarchy.

“Dad… Mom… I’m scared.” A young child of about ten years old wielded a knife in the crowd. He was shivering with fear, and his face was pale.

He had been pampered for his entire life. Thus, he had never experienced something like this before.

After knowing that thousands of soldiers surrounded the castle, he finally understood that the monarchy was going to fall. He would most likely lose his life tonight.

“You loser!” A middle-aged man glared at him and shouted, “All men of the Rhys family have traversed battlefields and been buried in them. If you dare to back away, I’ll kill you first!”

“Dad?” The child shivered, tears forming in his eyes.

“Stop crying! Men don’t cry when they bleed. You just got a scar the size of a bowl on your head. Wipe your tears!” the middle-aged man shouted.

The child didn’t dare to talk, immediately wiping his tears.

The woman beside him turned to look at him. She squeezed out a smile. ” Maverick, there’s nothing to be afraid of. Dad and Mom will be by your side no matter what happens.”

“Maverick, the more scared we are, the more we need to be strong. We can’t let people look down on us!” At this moment, a 14 or 15-year-old teenage girl spoke determinedly.

“Okay!” The child gritted his teeth and nodded.

“Tiana…” The woman took out a bottle of medicine and placed it in the teenager’s hand.

She urged, “Take care of your younger brother. In case we can’t hold on, consume the medicine. It can spare you from some torment.”

“I understand!” Tiana nodded while clutching the medicine in her hand.

She knew well that it was a bottle of poison.

If the castle’s soldiers couldn’t withstand the invasion, she could only drink the poison.

Otherwise, her fate might be even more terrifying than death.

A solemn atmosphere enveloped the entire castle.

Everyone knew that a huge disaster was about to befall the monarchy. However, nobody ran away despite feeling afraid and knowing they were about to die.

At this moment, the soldiers outside the castle started to bang on the doors.

Chapter 820

The heavy castle door was banged on relentlessly, and the noise echoed with a resounding impact. Each strike resembled the blow of a giant hammer, resonating deeply in the hearts of everyone within.

“Open the door!” Eloise shouted, ordering the servants to open the door. The unexpected move caused the soldiers attempting to break in to be completely baffled. They had no idea why Eloise would do such a thing.

At this time, it made more sense for Eloise to close the door and defend till the end. Thus, they wondered why Eloise took the initiative to open the door.

Perhaps there was a trap inside.

“Draven, Atticus, Mortimer, Ignatius, come out!” Eloise called out while holding her sword. The soldiers outside were reluctant to approach because of her formidable presence.

The four names she called out were the Northern Four Sovereigns, the main forces behind the rebellion.

“What’s the matter? Do you guys not dare to admit what you’ve done? Are you guys just a bunch of cowards?” Seeing that nobody answered, Eloise called out again. Her voice resounded in the entire castle.

After a few seconds, the military forces outside the castle suddenly scattered and formed a wide path.

Following that, four middle-aged men of different sizes walked side by side. They wore combat gear and were draped in capes.

The people who came were the Northern Four Sovereigns.

“Draven is here to visit Your Highness!”

“Atticus greets Your Highness!”

“Your Highness, this is Mortimer!”

“Greetings, Your Highness. I’m Ignatius!”

The four walked up to the door and greeted her.

“Do you still regard me as the princess consort?” Eloise asked indifferently.

“What are you saying? You’re always the princess consort,” Draven said, smiling slightly.

“If you view me as the princess consort, why are you still starting a rebellion?” Eloise shouted.

“You’ve misunderstood. We’re not starting a rebellion. Instead, we’re trying to help the monarchy,” Draven answered with a smile.

“That’s right!” Beside him, Atticus also nodded. “His Highness’ death is too mysterious. We heard that someone was plotting against him. Thus, we sent some soldiers to try and catch the murderer!”

“That’s right! We’re loyal to His Highness. Now that something happened to him, we can’t sit by and watch,” Mortimer added.

“I also think the same.” Ignatius’ answer was short and simple.

“We’re currently undergoing a thorough investigation about his assassination. You don’t need to worry about it. If you still have a shred of conscience, withdraw your troops immediately!” Eloise bellowed.

“We’re the marquis, and we’re obliged to come and help when the monarchy is facing trouble. Why are you reacting so strongly? Are you scared? Or guilty?”

Draven said meaningfully.

“How dare you suspect me?” Eloise glared at them.

“Naturally, we don’t doubt you. However, it’s hard to say the same about the people around you. To avenge His Highness, we need to search the castle and question all suspicious individuals!” Draven declared loudly.

“It’s the rule that outsiders cannot enter the castle armed!’ Eloise shouted.

“One must take extraordinary measures in extraordinary times!” Draven gestured. “Go in and search!”

“I’d like to see who dares!” Eloise suddenly stepped forward. She lifted her sword and pointed it at Draven’s throat. “If any of you dare to step into the castle today, I won’t go easy!”

After seeing such a scene, the soldiers who had just taken a step forward were frozen on the spot.

After all, Eloise was the princess consort of West Lucozia. After being in power for a long time, she exuded a subtle air of authority.

“Your Highness, we’re just trying to avenge His Highness. If you insist on stopping us, don’t blame us for being disrespectful!” Draven narrowed his eyes, a hostile glint flashing through them.

“The only way into the castle is over my dead body!” With a huge sword in her hand, Eloise stood alone with great courage at the main entrance to defend the castle.

She wasn’t actually a strong fighter. At most, she could pass as a divine-level martial artist. However, her current presence was stronger than that of a grandmaster.

The common soldiers and even Draven were stunned. His brow was locked in a deep frown, and he didn’t dare to move. The only thing he could do was to look at the three other sovereigns.

Threats and the palace revolution aside, they needed a valid reason to attack Eloise. If they didn’t, the people would protest and turn against them.

They surrounded the castle in the name of staking out the killer. They’d be able to get off the hook if they acted a little brashly.

They could use overwhelming sadness and being overly emotional as their excuse for their rude behavior. However, they’d never be able to explain themselves if the princess died in the revolt. If that happened, there would be a public outcry.

In addition, the powerful figures of West Lucozia would be shaken. Oakvale would also send military backup to quell the riot. After all, Eloise was the Princess Consort of West Lucozia as well as the eldest princess of Dragonmarsh.

Given her identity, they wouldn’t dare to do anything foolish. Simply put, they could kill anyone in the castle, but not Eloise, As such, when Eloise was determined to fight them, they were a little taken aback.

“Generals? What should we do now?” Draven looked at the three sovereigns and asked in a low voice.

“It’s too late to turn back now,” Atticus said coldly.

“That’s right. We’re so close to success. We can’t give up now,” Mortimer agreed.

“I understand that very well. What I’m asking about is what should we do about the princess?” Draven asked quietly.

“There won’t be any issue as long as we don’t put the princess’s life in danger,” Ignatius said suddenly.

“Do you mean … kidnap?” Draven raised an eyebrow slightly.

“Do you have a better way?” Ignatius retorted.

Draven said nothing, but he turned to look at Atticus and Mortimer with a doubtful gaze.

“This is the only way for now.” Atticus nodded.

“I agree.” Mortimer nodded as well.

“Alright, we’ll kidnap her then!”

When consensus was reached, Draven shouted, “Listen up! The princess is confused as she has been deceived by a traitor. Your duty is to protect the princess and send her to the hospital for treatment. Understood?”

“Understood!” the soldiers shouted their answer in unison.

“Listen to my orders now! Charge into the castle and save our princess!” With a wave of his hand, a huge troop of soldiers put their weapons down as they rushed forward.

Eloise was a respected princess, and they didn’t want to bring any weapons. They’d be in trouble if they hurt her.

“Stop!” When the four sovereigns were about to enter the castle, a loud and angry voice thundered across the sky.

At the same time, Austin descended from the sky in golden armor and blocked the main entrance. When he landed, his feet generated a huge energy wave, sending a few dozen soldiers flying.

A vast space was cleared before him.

“How dare you!” Standing at the entrance, Austin brandished his sword to block their entry.

His aura was unusually strong. It was as if he was a soldier sent from above, and his presence struck fear in those around him. “Austin?”

Eloise was delighted to see her son’s safe return. However, her happiness was soon replaced with gloominess.

She quickly realized that Austin came back with the same number of people and didn’t bring extra military support.

“Did he fail?” Eloise frowned slightly, and her heart was getting heavier by the minute.

Their only hope was to get military support from the Southern Four Sovereigns. Only then could they fight the Northern Four Sovereigns. From the looks of it, things were not looking up.

“How dare you! Who gave you permission to enter and search the castle? Are you courting death?” Austin shouted.

His voice was as loud as thunder, and everyone present could hear him. It was almost deafening. The soldiers under the leadership of the four sovereigns were suddenly afraid to move.

“Oh, it’s Prince Austin. You have returned.” Draven let out a short laugh.

He added, “We, the Four Sovereigns, have discovered that the killer is in the castle. To avenge Prince Rufus, we need to search the castle for the killer. Your Grace, please let us in.”

“Search my ass!” Austin growled. “Do you know where you are? The castle is not somewhere you can come and go as you please! Get lost!”

“Your Grace, we are loyal and sincere. We’re doing this for the country and the people. Why are you trying to stop us?” Draven replied calmly.

“Hmm! You can drop your act in front of me! Everyone knows you came with an evil intent!” Austin said coldly.

“Your Grace, we don’t know what you’re talking about,” Draven replied.

“Draven Vice! I’ll give you one last chance. Leave now, and I will pretend this never happened.

“You can still keep your titles as the West Lucozian sovereigns, and you’ll still enjoy your wealth for the rest of your lives.”

Austin suddenly changed his tone when he finished speaking and continued, ” However, if you insist on having your way, I guarantee you’ll live to regret this!”

“Your Grace, we’re just looking at the bigger picture. Please let us through!” Draven was adamant.

The other Three Sovereigns looked determined and had no intention to surrender as well. They had no real reason to surrender now that they were knee-deep in this revolt.

They’d be considered national heroes as long as they helped the new ruler rise to the throne. They would be more powerful than they were now.

In their opinion, Julius Rhys, the grand general, was the next best royal candidate to ascend to the throne after the death of Rufus Rhys, the Prince of West Lucozia. As for Austin, they saw him as just another punk. Austin had no right to order them around.

“Let me warn you now. If you dare to step forward, I’ll make your head roll!” Austin shouted furiously.

“Hm?” Draven raised his brows slightly and gave a signal to the royal guards behind him. The guards nodded and moved forward slowly.

“You asked for it!” Austin’s face darkened as he wasted no time lifting the sword in his hand and waving it in the air.

A sharp glint shot forth from the blade and sliced through the necks of a few of the royal guards with lightning speed.

The royal guards stood frozen in place. In the next moment, their heads fell and rolled around like a ball.

Draven narrowed his eyes, and instead of showing surprise, he shouted in delight, “Did all of you see that? The Crown Prince has gone crazy, and he is killing ruthlessly.

“As patriots, we should do our part to treat the Crown Prince’s insanity so he wouldn’t hurt the innocent!”

“Come quick! Arrest the Crown Prince! Search for the killer in the castle!” Atticus yelled.

“Arrest the Crown Prince! Search for the killer in the castle!” The Four Sovereigns started yelling one after another. In the next moment, a large troop of soldiers rushed toward Austin like a metal tidal wave. The battle had officially begun!

Chapter 821

“Fuck!” Austin was suddenly filled with anger when he saw the fully armed soldiers rushing in. He no longer had any mercy for them as he charged forward with his sword in hand.

He had already achieved the grandmaster status, and with his experience in the battlefields, he was ready for action. He stormed ahead with determination and courage.

“Protect the Crown Prince! Charge!” Eloise pointed her sword toward the sky. The Draken Guardians behind her quickly withdrew their weapons.

“Charge!” Waving his longsword, Jaxon led the Draken Guardians into the battlefield.

The Draken Guardians might be a small team, but each member was a trained elite fighter. They were an invincible force under the guidance of a grandmaster, Jaxon.

The team of around a hundred was like a sharp and long knife. It didn’t matter if their opponent’s numbers were in the tens of thousands as they’d be able to besiege the core of the army.

The Four Sovereigns retreated under the protection of the royal guards to prevent any assassination attempts.

“I had no idea the West Lucozian monarch had such a powerful team.” Draven was a little surprised as he narrowed his eyes and observed the Draken Guardians in action.

“It’s a good thing that it’s a small team of around a hundred. If not, we’d be in for a real match.” Atticus sounded quite relieved.

“If my guess is correct, this is the legendary Draken Guardians. Rufus Rhys personally selected the elites of the Black Dragon Army to be part of the team. Every one of them is the best of the best,” Mortimer said.

“No wonder they are so strong.” Ignatius nodded.

“It doesn’t matter how powerful they are. They are a very small team. It’s not a real threat to us. Don’t be fooled by their valor now. They’ll eventually get tired. When that happens, their fate is in our hands,” Draven added.

“Do you think something unexpected will happen?” Atticus suddenly asked.

“What could go wrong? The castle is surrounded. It will eventually fall into our hands. Our army is also stationed outside the city. If there’s any news, we’ll hear it first. Don’t you worry!” Mortimer reassured him.

“That’s right! All we have to do now is wait. It’s only a matter of time before victory is ours. Eloise Linsor and her son won’t change anything.

“Besides, we have the support of the grand general. It won’t matter if all of the Southern Four Sovereigns come to help. They won’t make any difference!” Draven was very confident.

After the death of Rufus Rhys, the monarchy was now left in a power vacuum. The weak would never be able to compete with Julius Rhys, who was very powerful.

It wouldn’t matter even if Austin managed to convince the Southern Four Sovereigns. Their troops couldn’t even enter the city, much less save the monarchy. Based on the current situation, victory was certainly theirs.

As time passed slowly, the battle only intensified. Austin and Jaxon led the Draken Guardians and fought relentlessly to defend the monarchy.

They were very valiant in the beginning. The army of the Northern Four Sovereigns was unable to stop them.

However, as the battle dragged on, the Draken Guardians were beginning to show signs of lethargy. The difference in strength was slowly appearing.

The Draken Guardians might be brave, but they were outnumbered. The army of the Northern Four Sovereigns had strength in numbers.

It didn’t matter how many soldiers the Draken Guardians killed, as there would be more soldiers rushing toward them.

After a few rounds of battle, the Draken Guardians were beginning to slow down and even suffered a few casualties. The Northern Four Sovereigns felt encouraged to see that.

Draven laughed, smiling gleefully. “Do you see that? The monarchy’s elite team can no longer defend themselves. Soon, they’ll be finished by us.”

“They were just too weak.” Mortimer shook his head.

“What a waste of talent. It’d be great if they were under my command.” Atticus sighed.

Just when Ignatius got ready to speak, he pointed to a direction while narrowing his eyes and shouted in surprise, “Look! What is that?”

The others looked in the direction he was pointing. They saw a dark object in the sky heading straight down, and it crashed in the middle of their troops.

The explosion was deafening, and everything quaked as dust rose. There was a gigantic wave of energy spreading outward from the point of explosion like tsunami waves.

The energy wave left a trail of destruction and painful moans wherever it passed. This attack killed and wounded at least a few hundred soldiers.

“The fuck! What the hell was that?” Draven squinted his eyes. He couldn’t see what attacked them due to the thick clouds of dust.

“Could it be a meteorite?” Atticus sounded a little confused.

“A shooting star? How could there be such a coincidence?” Mortimer refused to believe it.

“I can see it clearly now! It’s a person!” Ignatius had good vision and pointed at where the object fell. Then, he shouted, “He’s charging toward us!”

As soon as he said that, a dark shadow emerged from the clouds of dust and was running toward the Four Sovereigns.

The dark shadow held a black sword and was moving very fast. He was unstoppable and was undeterred by the obstacles on the way.

The fully armored soldiers were nothing to him as he defeated them easily. There were suddenly a lot of casualties.

“An assassin! Quick! Stop him!” Ignatius came to his senses quickly and gathered the royal guards as he charged toward the shadow.

“Hmm! He’s only one, and we have thousands of soldiers to protect us! He might be able to fly, but he’ll never get to us with the number of soldiers around us!” Draven said haughtily with a cold look.

Even though the most effective way to defeat an enemy was to kill the leader, it was actually the most difficult thing to achieve.

It could only be achieved through covert means. It was a suicidal act for this lone assassin to attack the leader of the enemy so openly.

They all had a team of royal guards to protect them. Even if there was a real threat, they could escape unscathed under the protection of the royal guards. They didn’t have to fear for their lives.

“Draven! Things are not looking up. That assassin is too powerful. The common soldiers couldn’t take him on, “Ignatius said with a frown.

He had very good eyes. Hence, he was able to see that the assassin was killing everyone blocking his way.

“Why are you flustered? It’s just an assassin. I doubt he could make any difference.” Draven’s attitude remained haughty.

He was one of the four esteemed sovereigns. He mustn’t show fear before an assassin.

“Draven! No, the assassin is getting too close. He’s just a few feet away from us. We must retreat to safety!” Ignatius shouted urgently.

“Well…” Draven frowned slightly and looked displeased. He had thought that the assassin would never get this far.

He had no idea that the assassin could actually penetrate this deep. The assassin had immense potential!

The problem was that he had just claimed the assassin wouldn’t get far. If he retreated now, wouldn’t it be a blow to his ego? It’d be very embarrassing for him if this got out.

“Fuck it! Whatever, retreat!” Ignatius decided to give the order to back down when Draven couldn’t make up his mind.

He immediately got ready to leave with the royal guards. They were so close to success tonight! It’d be the joke of the nation if they were killed by an assassin!

Ignatius was very alert. He quickly retreated with the royal guards when he saw the assassin advancing closer.

Keeping himself alive was a priority now. He just needed to avoid the assassination attempt. When the assassin grew tired, he’d order the soldiers to kill him. This was the safest option.

“Draven, I think Ignatius is right. Safety first. I’ll retreat for now.” Atticus didn’t dare to stay any longer as he slowly retreated with the royal guards when he saw Ignatius leaving.

“Hmm! All of you are just scared!” Draven frowned slightly with a disgruntled look. He then turned to look at Mortimer and expressively said, “Mortimer, you’ve always been a brave fighter. You’re certainly not retreating like those two, right?”

“Of course not!” Mortimer stretched a little bit and smirked, “It’s just an assassin. There’s nothing to be afraid of!”

He became a sovereign after a bloody and hellish experience. There was nothing he had not seen. A worthless assassin was not enough to scare him.

“Good! We’ll see how good this assassin is!” Draven happily nodded as he signaled his royal guards. “Get into formation! Capture that assassin!”

“Yes!” Behind him, a few hundred royal guards withdrew their longswords immediately and charged forward to surround the assassin.

“Capture the assassin!” Mortimer was eager to show off as well. He quickly withdrew his sword and led his team of royal guards to attack the assassin from another direction.

The royal guards were selected from the very best. Each of them could fight a hundred opponents on their own and was much stronger than an ordinary soldier.

The assassin might appear very skilled as he could defeat the common soldiers easily, but that was because he wasn’t fighting the elites.

When the royal guards entered the fight, it was impossible for him to kill and attack as easily. As expected, when the royal guards of the two sovereigns showed up, the assassin slowed down visibly.

The royal guards were much better than ordinary soldiers in terms of skills, armor, and experience. Even though they might not be able to take on the heavy hitters, they were able to wear them down effectively.

The ordinary soldiers wore only metal armor, but the royal guards wore steel armor. In terms of defense, both of them were at different levels. A grandmaster would spend much more energy killing ten of these royal guards than killing a hundred ordinary soldiers.

“Hmm! I thought he was really good. He couldn’t even fight our royal guards. “Mortimer snickered when he saw the assassin being surrounded by the royal guards. He was sure that they would win.

“Of course! We spent good money to train the royal guards. How could an ordinary soldier compete against them? “Draven laughed lightly.

“I’ll reward ten thousand gold coins to the person who killed the assassin!” Mortimer shouted, raising his sword to the sky.

Tens of thousands of soldiers got very excited when they heard that. All of them rushed toward the assassin as fast as they could.

The fear they felt earlier had melted into desire. Ten thousand pieces of gold coins were enough to drive anyone crazy.

“Quick! Kill him!” The soldiers shouted angrily and charged forward fearlessly. As they rushed forward, a weak link appeared unintentionally in the defense formation that they were in.

The shadow assassin saw the opening and sped up as he rushed toward Draven and Mortimer before they could close the weak link.

“Don’t rush! Steady yourself!” Draven frowned and quickly gave out orders. However, it was too late. The shadow assassin was too fast for them. When he saw the weak link, he was unstoppable as he rushed forward.

There was a trail of severed limbs wherever he passed. The royal guards of the two sovereigns tried to stop him but to no avail. The shadow assassin was on a killing spree.

“Shit! The assassin kept his abilities hidden. We fell for his trap!” Mortimer was mortified as he realized something was wrong.

The assassin feigned being weak and lured them to surround him when he fought with the royal guards.

Chapter 822

When the royal guards surrounded the assassin, he suddenly revealed his true abilities. The reason behind this was simple. He just wanted to lure the royal guards away from Mortimer and Draven, weakening the defense around them. As such, it’d be easier to assassinate them.

“Fuck! He’s quite crafty! Retreat!” Draven was flustered when his team of royal guards couldn’t counter the assassin’s attack.

He started moving backward with the royal guards covering him. However, at this point, they had already lost their best opportunity to defend themselves.

The dark shadow was rushing forward faster than they could retreat. The assassin was just a few feet away from them within a couple of minutes.

“Sir Vice! We’ll block the assassin! Please leave now!”

A few royal guards withdrew their swords decisively and charged toward the assassin when they realized they weren’t going to make it. However, they didn’t even last ten seconds against him.

“Fuck it! Die!” Mortimer growled. Instead of retreating, he withdrew his sword and ran toward the assassin.

“Mortimer! Calm down!” Draven’s face paled, and he tried to stop him. But it was too late.

Mortimer rushed forward and swung his sword toward the assassin’s neck. However, the dark shadow caught his blade instantly as his sword pierced Mortimer’s shoulder.

“Who are you?” Mortimer asked, gritting his teeth. He didn’t yell as he tried to suppress the pain. The dark shadow said nothing. He suddenly grabbed Mortimer’s collar and flung him skyward.

Mortimer soared through the air like a cannonball. He was flung a few hundred yards away beyond the castle’s main entrance, landing heavily in the front yard.

A loud noise followed his crash, and Mortimer left a human-shaped hole on the ground. He spat out blood as he wailed in pain. The impact had fractured many bones in his body.

“Mortimer!” Eloise, who was standing guard at the main entrance, quickly turned. She held her sword against Mortimer’s neck and shouted, “Ask your army to surrender now or die!”

Standing outside the castle, Draven was stunned to see Mortimer being thrown away. He quickly threw his weapon down and started running. He regretted being arrogant. If he had known the assassin was this strong and powerful, he would have retreated in time like Atticus and Ignatius. He wouldn’t have put his life at risk.

“Still trying to escape?” The dark shadow smirked and moved at lightning speed. He grabbed Draven’s collar from behind and lifted him up.

“Please… don’t kill me! I’ll give you anything you want!” Draven was scared and quickly pleaded, trying to strike a deal.

“Kill you? Isn’t that too easy on you?” With one smooth motion, the dark shadow assassin flung Draven skyward. He then leaped upward and kicked him in the stomach.

Draven was sent flying a couple of hundred yards away like a ball above numerous soldiers. He sailed past the main entrance of the castle and landed inside. Many injuries and bruises covered his body. And he coughed up blood as he groaned in pain.

“Seize him!” Eloise, who had been waiting for quite a while, quickly ordered her soldiers to tie Draven up.

They had already captured two of the Four Northern Sovereigns. The castle would no longer be at risk when the other two were captured.

“Your turn now!”

Outside the castle, Dustin lifted his head suddenly. His sharp gaze landed on Atticus and Ignatius in the distance. Lifting his sword, he charged toward them.

Dustin’s plan was simple. He wanted to capture the leaders before anything else. When the battle started, he let Austin and the Draken Guardians take on the majority of the enemy. Then, he would take the opportunity to attack the core and capture the Four Northern Sovereigns.

his abilities, he might not be able to fight the large troops, but he could easily capture the leaders among the soldiers.

To prevent the Four Northern Sovereigns from running away, he kept his true potential hidden when he first’ got into the battle. He wanted to show them that he was weak.

He kept this cover until Draven and Mortimer’s royal guards were lured away, at which point he revealed his true abilities and captured both of them.

Now that Draven and Mortimer had been captured, he only had to deal with Atticus and Ignatius. The army surrounding the castle would surrender when the two were captured.

“It’s your turn now!” Dustin focused his gaze, and as soon as he found them, he charged toward them with his sword.

“Quick! Stop him!”

“Over here! Hurry! Don’t let him get any closer!”

Atticus and Ignatius were shouting for help, looking panicked. They had seen many skilled fighters on the battlefield. Yet, even the best fighters would die when surrounded.

However, this assassin was completely different. Instead of showing signs of fatigue, he was getting better and more formidable by the minute!

It was unbelievable that the troop of at least a few thousand soldiers couldn’t stop the lone assassin!

This person was comparable to Seth Hughes, the Sword Whisperer. When did the West Lucozian monarchy acquire such a skilled fighter?

“Protect the sovereigns!”

Atticus and Ignatius’ royal guards quickly formed a defensive formation in hopes of slowing Dustin down when they saw him rushing toward them with an unstoppable momentum.

They knew that they were unable to Dustin. They only wanted to buy more, time for Atticus and Ignatius to escape safely.

“Sir! Ignore the commotion! Get in the car!”

A few trusted royal guards pushed Atticus and Ignatius into the car without hesitation.

They had already sealed the roads around the castle when they surrounded it. There would be no obstruction on the road, and their journey should be smooth sailing.

The royal guards only had to hold on for a few minutes longer for Atticus and Ignatius to get to a safe area and hide. It wouldn’t be too late if they showed up after the soldiers had killed the assassin.

“Not so fast!” When he saw them leaving, Dustin swung his sword, and it transformed into a dark light. He dashed forward, aiming toward the car.

“Ultimate defense!”

A few hundred royal guards threw their weapons away and drew their shields, forming a sturdy human wall. They knew they couldn’t fight the enemy and had chosen to defend with full force.

“Get lost!” Dustin didn’t avoid it and crashed right into the human wall.

His sword danced, and blood splattered on the ground. Wherever his blade struck, everything would be split into halves. It didn’t matter if it was a human or a shield.

Even though he was unstoppable, it was obvious that there was more resistance. Dustin’s speed had been slowed down significantly.

“Hold your ground! We must not retreat!” the leaders of the royal guards shouted to their team.

They were buying time with the lives of other human beings. However, their difference in strength was obvious.

They could all sacrifice themselves, but they still wouldn’t be able to stop Dustin’s attack. They could, at most, slow him down.

“Start the car! Start it now!” Atticus and Ignatius cried urgently in the car.

One of the royal guards got into the driver seat, revved the engine, and floored the accelerator. The car drove away like a cheetah sprinting and left the battlefield quickly.

The people in the car let out a long sigh of relief as they got further away from the battlefield.

“Fuck! That was dangerous! We were so close to being captured!”

Atticus wiped the cold sweat from his forehead and could still feel the fear within him. It was a good thing they left first.

He was fortunate to have his royal guards sacrificing themselves to buy him time. If that assassin got any closer, they might just end up being captured alive, just like Draven and Mortimer.

If that happened, all their efforts would go down the drain, and they might even lose their status and lives.

“That’s weird. When did the monarchy acquire such a skilled fighter? Even a few thousand soldiers couldn’t stop him.” Ignatius frowned, lost in thoughts. According to their investigation, the monarchy had two skilled fighters- Jaxon Steele and Albert Horst.

Albert Horst was held captive by Julius Rhys, and Jaxon Steele was on the battlefield. Even if there was another elite team hidden in the castle, the Four Northern Sovereigns wouldn’t be caught off guard. The assassin was the only factor that was beyond their expectation.

It wouldn’t be an issue if it was a normal assassin. However, the assassin was too powerful. He was so skilled that he could easily behead them despite the troops surrounding them.

The terrifying sense of doom was beyond what Albert Horst and Jason Steele could instill. It was a serious threat for them.

“I think we should report this to Grand General Rhys as soon as possible. We must be very careful. This assassin is too powerful. If he was on a mission to behead us, we wouldn’t be able to prevent it!” Atticus said with a grave expression.

“That’s right! Contact Grand General Rhys immediately. We’ll ask him to quell the battle himself with his troops. We must use this opportunity to kill the assassin. If not, we’d be in a lot of trouble!” Ignatius said in a low voice.

“Right away!” The royal guard on the passenger seat heard the order and immediately took out his phone to send a message.

Suddenly, the driver stepped on the brake. The tires skidded across the road, leaving four long tire marks.

Atticus and Ignatius jolted forward in the car, and their heads slammed against the back of the front seats.

“What’s going on? Why did we stop?” Atticus massaged his head, sounding annoyed.

“Sir, there’s someone blocking the road ahead!” The driver pointed to the front.

When they finally got a closer look, they saw a middle-aged man in black armor with a spear in his hand standing fearlessly at the crossroad.

“It’s Elijah Valor, the Marquis of Silvercrest!”

When they saw him, Atticus and Ignatius frowned immediately. They had no idea that Elijah Valor would take part in this battle. And from the looks of it, he wasn’t on their side.

It must be made known that in the West Lucozian sovereigns, Elijah had always ranked first when it came to fighting skills among the eight of them. Even if the remaining seven joined forces, they’d still lose to Elijah Valor.

It might be worth a try if they still had their royal guards with them. However, they only had two of their royal guards with them. It was impossible for them to fight Elijah.

“Atticus Gleam and Ignatius Vance! How dare you stage a rebellion! Get out of the car now and surrender! If not, don’t blame me when I have to kill both of you!” Elijah bellowed. His voice was like thunder as it echoed continuously around them.

“Sir! Should I run him over?” the driver asked.

“Heck no!” Atticus said exasperatedly, “Elijah is a very skilled fighter. He’s never lost in a battle. If we run him over, we’d be dead meat!”

“What should we do then? Are we really going to surrender?” Ignatius was a little nervous.

“Back up! We’ll escape from another direction!” Atticus ordered.

“Yes, sir!” The driver stepped on the accelerator and made a turn, speeding away.

However, a dark figure descended from the sky. Like a harbinger, he landed just a hundred yards away from the car and blocked its way.

The figure was none other than Dustin, who had just fought his way out of a siege!

Chapter 823

Dustin was bathed in blood, exuding a dangerous presence. His black shirt was now dark crimson from the enemy’s blood. The Celestial Blade in his hand was quivering and buzzing softly. It felt as if he would attack anytime.

“Damn! How is he so fast?”

Atticus’ face paled when he saw Dustin standing before them. He thought that the royal guards would keep Dustin occupied for a while.

He had no idea they had been defeated, and Dustin was already catching up with them.

“We’re trapped! We’re in trouble now!” Ignatius was getting anxious. They were fighting alone now. They were trapped between two skilled fighters and couldn’t fight back.

It’d be better if it were just Elijah. He might not kill them due to their status. However, this assassin was different.

They saw how he killed ruthlessly and efficiently on the battlefield. If they resisted him, he might just kill them immediately.

“Atticus, what should we do now?” Ignatius asked, gulping in fear. Atticus sighed when he heard Ignatius and said with despair, “What else can we do? We have nowhere to run now. If we don’t want to die, we can only surrender.”

“Surrender?” Ignatius frowned. ”

Atticus, we just staged a rebellion. If we surrender, we’ll be exiled if we’re lucky. If not, they’ll publicly execute us! Regardless of the outcome, we’re doomed!”

“Of course I know that. However, we really have no other choice.” Atticus glanced at Dustin, who was ready to kill and looked at Elijah, who was still standing bravely.

He said bitterly, “Rather than being killed, we would at least be alive if we surrender. Besides, Grand General Rhys hasn’t made his move yet. As long as we’re alive, we can still regain what we lost!”

Ignatius suddenly lit up when he heard that. “That’s right! Grand General Rhys is still on our side! We haven’t lost completely!”

“Let’s surrender. We just need to be patient for a while longer before we welcome a brighter future!” Atticus took a deep breath.

“Alright, we’ll surrender!” Ignatius nodded. It might be humiliating to surrender, but they could at least stay alive.

They only needed to be patient and wait for the right moment to start again. Then, they would work together with Julius Rhys to take over West Lucozia.

After a short discussion, Atticus and Ignatius got out of the car one by one and shouted, “Hold on! We are ready to negotiate! Don’t attack!”

Their shout stopped Dustin and Elijah, who were getting ready to attack.

“Hmph! Old foxes like you know what’s good for you. If you were a few minutes slower, I would be leaving spear marks all over your bodies.”

Elijah dragged his spear on the road as he walked toward them, leaving sparks flying.

“Marquis of Silvercrest, what are you doing here?” Atticus asked inquisitively.

“The Four Northern Sovereigns started a rebellion, and I am a loyal servant to the country. How could I possibly ignore this? I rushed here through the night to quell the insurgency caused by you bastards!” Elijah huffed.

“Marquis of Silvercrest, there must have been a misunderstanding. We’re avenging the prince. We’re here to capture the killer with our soldiers,” Atticus tried to explain.

“Atticus Gleam, do you take me for a fool? Look at where we are now. Do you still think that you can escape?” Elijah sneered coldly.

A perfunctory speech like this would only fool the public. If they thought it could fool Elijah, it’d be an insult to his intelligence.

“Elijah, let us be honest with you now that it has come to this. We’ll tell you everything.”

Ignatius took two steps forward and said seriously, “After the death of the prince, we need a new leader. Who do you think is most suitable to be the new ruler of West Lucozia?”

“What are you trying to say?” Elijah sneered.

“I believe you’re well aware that the best candidate is Julius Rhys, the Grand General of the Iron Stallion Cavalry!” Ignatius said, raising his head.

He added, “Only when the grand general becomes the ruler of West of Lucozia can we have better development, more land, and more military reserves.

“This is inevitable, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. You’re smart. I trust that you know what is in your best favor?”

“Are you saying that I should join forces with you?” Elijah wore a cryptic smile on his face.

“That’s right!” Ignatius nodded.

He said proudly, “The grand general is very skilled in martial arts, powerful, and talented. He’s more than qualified to be the new ruler.

“As the saying goes, a wise man will choose their leader. If you pledge your allegiance to the grand general, your future will be in good hands. You’ll have everything you ever wish for!”

“That’s right, Marquis of Silvercrest.” Atticus followed suit. “We used to serve the same prince, and we got along just fine. As long as we serve a wise leader, our lives will definitely become better!”

“That doesn’t sound too bad.” Elijah’s lips curved upward.

“Does that mean you’ll join us?” Ignatius’ eyes lit up when he thought he had successfully persuaded Elijah.

“Marquis of Silvercrest! You’re an excellent fighter. If you help us deal with this assassin, we’ll definitely put in a good word or two for you with the grand general,” Atticus said and pointed toward Dustin.

“Hey, hold on. Who said I agreed to join forces with you?”

a devilish smile, Elijah added, ” I’m a very loyal servant to my country, not like you bastards. Please do not impose your corrupt thinking on my noble sentiments.”

“Elijah Valor! Don’t you know what’s good for you? How dare you go against the grand general?” Ignatius growled.

“So what?” Elijah shrugged and said indifferently, “I’ve already consulted the oracle. Julius Rhys is not fated to be the new ruler. You have placed your bets on the wrong person.”

“Nonsense! The grand general was born to be a ruler! There’s no one like him. The grand general is destined to be the new prince of West Lucozia!” Ignatius shouted with his eyes wide open.

Elijah laughed and said with a vague smile, “Are you sure you’ll succeed this time?”

“Of course!”

Ignatius puffed up his chest and said confidently, “The grand general is now fully prepared. No one will be able to go against him.

“Let me be honest with you. In addition to the 50 thousand soldiers inside the city, we have a troop of 100 thousand soldiers stationed outside the city.

“We have the whole kingdom surrounded. It doesn’t matter if you can fly. You won’t be able to make any difference!”

“Is that so? If you’re this invincible, why are you in a ditch now?” Elijah laughed.

“We underestimated our enemy and fell into their trap. But it’s not a big deal. It won’t change the final outcome, “Ignatius said.

He continued, “Elijah Valor, if you know what’s good for you, you should help the grand general ascend to the throne together with us. As such, you’ll get to enjoy the riches with us.”

Then, he threatened in a low voice, “If not, I’m afraid that you’ll suffer a terrible fate!”

“A terrible fate?” Elijah suddenly burst out laughing.

“Oh, Ignatius. You’re already dead meat! And yet, here you are, still spewing bullshit. I’m not sure if you can call this confidence or foolishness.

“Let me tell you a cruel truth. The Southern Four Sovereigns have already formed an alliance, and we have gathered a lot of loyal servants of the country.

“As we speak, your troops outside the city have been surrounded, and they have already surrendered. Death is the only thing waiting for people like you!”

Upon hearing Elijah’s words, Atticus and Ignatius were visibly taken aback, finding it difficult to accept.

“Impossible!” Ignatius immediately rejected the idea. “Our well-trained and well-equipped army of 100 thousand, surrendering? No way!”

“You’re absolutely right!” Atticus scoffed. He added, “Even if the Southern Four Sovereigns combined their forces, there’s no conceivable way they could defeat our hundred thousand troops overnight. You’re just trying to make us panic!”

The combined military might of the Southern Four Sovereigns hovered around two to three hundred thousand.

Even if they mobilized their entire force, swiftly overcoming their substantial force of 100 thousand proved to be a formidable challenge. After all, the defenders had strategically fortified their positions, providing considerable resilience even against odds multiple times their own.

Moreover, the Four Sovereigns couldn’t afford to deploy their entire military strength, as a portion had to be held in reserve to safeguard their cities from unforeseen threats. Given these circumstances, triumphing against their formidable army became an even more difficult task.

“A direct confrontation might not work, but if we shift our strategy, the scenario changes entirely,” Elijah said, his tone hinting at amusement.

He continued, “Consider your soldiers. They have loved ones, family, and friends. Imagine the reaction if their close ones learn about their rebellion.

“And suppose we bring the family and friends of those officers to persuade them in the military camps. What do you think the outcome might be?”

Elijah’s words left Atticus and Ignatius momentarily stunned, their bodies frozen in place. Beads of cold sweat formed on their foreheads.

Their initial covert siege on Celestria, though shrouded in a veil of loyalty, would inevitably be perceived as a rebellion by the general public.

As rumors spread, the military ranks were already plagued by doubt. Though bound by orders, each soldier harbored uncertainty.

In the face of unexpected circumstances, especially if Elijah’s plan unfolded with officers’ families influencing sentiments in the camps, the entire army might crumble in spirit. In such a scenario, surrendering without a fight became a stark reality.

As seasoned warriors, Atticus and Ignatius recognized the critical importance of morale. When doubt permeated the ranks about the righteousness of their cause, victory was already slipping away.

“How about it? Scared?” Elijah sneered, his eyes watching them as if they were jesters performing on a stage.

“No! That’s impossible! You must be lying. If our hundred thousand troops truly surrendered, why haven’t we received any news at all?” Ignatius remained incredulous.

“That’s your problem, not mine.” Elijah shrugged.

“Humph! Stop trying to intimidate us! Even if you say all that, it’s useless. You can’t deceive us because your words have a glaring inconsistency, an unexplainable gap,” Atticus said, narrowing his eyes at Elijah.

“Oh, really? What inconsistency?” Elijah asked with a smile.

“If the Southern Four Sovereigns really joined forces and your colossal army is advancing, and you’ve persuaded our hundred thousand troops. Then, where are the people?” Ignatius sneered.

He continued, emphasizing the lack of evidence. “You’ve said so much, yet we only see you here. Where are the other three sovereigns? Where are your thousands of troops? Are they hiding, or do they simply not exist? Everything you’re saying is just a lie.”

“That’s right! If you’re up for it, bring them forward, and let’s have a face-to- face conversation!” Atticus chimed in.

Undoubtedly, Elijah’s words packed a punch, adeptly pinpointing their most vulnerable spot. Yet, the challenge remained, as he was merely talking without providing any concrete evidence.

Chapter 824

Hence, Elijah’s words lacked credibility. Elijah chuckled, treating them like jesters. “Even in such dire straits, the two of you refuse to give up?”

He continued, “Fine, since you insist on seeing the evidence, I’ll show you.” He raised his hand and flicked his fingers.

A golden streak shot into the sky, exploding with a resounding bang. It transformed into a myriad of golden specks, gently descending like confetti.

After a moment, rhythmic footsteps echoed from the distant end of the street. Growing louder as they approached, Atticus and Ignatius could feel the ground beneath their feet subtly vibrating.

As the footsteps advanced, the ground tremors intensified. Upon sensing this, Atticus and Ignatius felt an unsettling premonition.

Before they could comprehend what was happening, a multitude of silhouettes appeared on the horizon. The sheer number covered the entire street, extending beyond their line of sight.

“How … how is this possible?”

Staring at the densely packed soldiers ahead, Atticus and Ignatius were dumbfounded. They had harbored a glimmer of hope, thinking Elijah’s words were just an attempt to sow fear. Now, any remaining defiance was drained from their faces.

Their 100 thousand-strong army guarded the city gates. External forces could not have breached them. The sudden appearance of this formidable new force meant only one thing-their own troops had indeed surrendered.

Elijah had spoken the truth. Ultimately, it was Atticus and Ignatius who had been deceiving themselves.

“Atticus, Ignatius, what you see now is only a fraction of it,” Elijah said. “Our alliance has three more armies, led by the Three Sovereigns, advancing rapidly from three directions toward the castle.”

He went on, “If I’m not mistaken, their forces should already be near the castle, perhaps even clashing with your people. Your forces are now trapped.”

“Unless you surrender, complete annihilation is only a matter of time. I say your situation is hopeless, with no chance of turning the tide.”

Elijah spoke with conviction, rendering the two men pale and drenched in sweat. Overwhelmed by a fragile mental state, Atticus sank to the ground in defeat.

“We’re done for, completely done for. The army outside the city is captured, and the army inside is surrounded. We’re defeated on all fronts!” Atticus lamented, his face drained of color.

“No! We haven’t lost yet!” Ignatius swallowed hard, feigning composure.

He added, “Though our army may have faltered, as long as Grand General Rhys remains undefeated, we still have hope to turn the tables!”

“Exactly! As long as Grand General Rhys is alive, we still have hope.”

Atticus nodded. He had found a new hope.

Julius commanded a significant share of West Lucozia’s military might. With credible justification, he held the ability to activate the military insignia and deploy the formidable Black Dragon Army, totaling 200 thousand soldiers.

The military strength of the Four Sovereigns in the south paled in comparison to the might of the Black Dragon Army.

Atticus and Ignatius just needed Julius to lead the charge, and the tables would turn completely.

“Alright, enough of your squabbling. Whether Julius becomes prince or not, you’ll find out tonight,” Elijah said impatiently, waving his hand.

He ordered his men, “Bring these rebels in and keep a close eye on them!”

“Yes, sir!” A squad of guards promptly approached, tightly binding Atticus and Ignatius.

“Elijah! We’re all sovereigns here. It’s disrespectful to treat us like this in public,” Atticus protested.

“Disrespectful?” Elijah sneered. “Both of you are now prisoners. What respect are you talking about?”

“Elijah! The outcome is still uncertain. Have you considered the consequences if Grand General Rhys ascends the throne, and you’ve treated us like this? “Atticus frowned.

“He’s right! You’re in power now, and that might not last forever. It’s wise to leave room for future interactions. Don’t go too far!” Ignatius chimed in.

“Whether you two will live through tonight is questionable. Don’t dare to rant in front of me. Gag them! I don’t want to hear any more noise,” Elijah ordered again.

“You-”

Before Atticus and Ignatius could say more, their mouths were forcefully sealed, and they could only make muffled sounds.

“Take them away!” Elijah gestured, and the two were escorted onto a waiting car.

Then, Elijah’s gaze shifted to Dustin. ” You look familiar. Have we met before?”

“We have. I’m from the castle,” Dustin replied.

“Oh, really?” Elijah narrowed his eyes, expressing skepticism. “I’m familiar with all the top talents in the castle, but you? I don’t recognize you. What’s your background?”

“My identity will be revealed in due time. Farewell, sir!” Dustin saluted Elijah, then with a swift step, he turned into a shadow and vanished down the street.

“Such speed!” Elijah was surprised.

a deep understanding of martial arts, he deemed himself to be among the top five fighters in all of West Lucozia.

The person who had just left gave Elijah a sense of profound mystery. Vaguely, he even saw shadows of the Sword Whisperer, Seth Hughes.

“Move! Reinforce the castle!” Without dwelling on it, Elijah immediately led a considerable force toward the castle. At the castle gates, Draven and Mortimer, the two sovereigns, were bound