VOLUME 12: CHAPTER 15

VOLUME 12: CHAPTER 15

It was a sensitive but crucial question for the Coalition.

Although all of its members joined forces for a mutual goal, each of them would wish to prioritize their own nations.

But what would happen if all the territories of the coalition members were attacked at the same time? How would the coalition react?

Lark could argue it was impossible for the demons to create four portals at the same time, but he was certain it was not the kind of answer the Chief Royal Advisor wanted to hear.

By asking this question, the Chief Royal Advisor was probing on the capabilities of the coalition, its priority, and the strength of its army.

Instead of answering the Chief Royal Advisor directly, Lark decided to ask the Dragon a question instead.

"Vulcan, while we were on the carriage, you said you could destroy the walls of the imperial capital with just a couple of spells."

Vulcan looked at him quizzically, wondering why Lark was suddenly bringing up the past topic.

"That's right."

"By estimate, how much power do you need to destroy this city?"

Dangerous words started coming out of Lark's mouth.

Slowly, the faces of those in the throne room started to turn pale. Even Reginald Vont looked uneasy by Lark's threatening words.

"King Lark, what are you saying?" said the Emperor angrily.

The Chief Royal Advisor shook his head. "Please let King Lark finish his words, Your Majesty."

The Emperor looked vexed, but he listened to the Chief Royal Advisor regardless.

Lark continued.

"Tell me, Vulcan."

"What a strange question. Hmmm… This city is large, but judging by its defenses, it will probably take me two days? If the mages of the Empire turn out stronger than expected, then maybe five days at most."

Five days to destroy the capital of the Empire that was considered the safest place in the entire continent.

It was a bold claim, but since it came from a Dragon, it was believable.

Vulcan grinned sinisterly.

"But if it's a surprise attack, I can probably destroy it in one day! Kakaka! Why are you asking, King Lark? Should I destroy the imperial capital now?"

Hearing this, Lark thought Vulcan really resembled his youngest son. They were similar even in the way they looked down on everyone.

Lark said, "Don't be ridiculous. And it'll do you no good if you take the Empire too lightly, Vulcan."

Lark proceeded with another question.

"How about the capital of the Kingdom of Lukas? How much time would it take you to destroy it on your own, Vulcan?"

"Your capital? Why are you asking when you already know the answer, King Lark?"

Vulcan looked at him as though he was asking something ridiculous.

"Even if I tried, I wouldn't be able to destroy the capital of your kingdom."

Vulcan shrugged and added, "You need at least two adult dragons to destroy the barrier enclosing it, and the recently built tower is enough to kill even me in my Dragon form if I'm not careful."

Everyone in the throne room was dumbfounded as they heard this.

The Dragon, who claimed to be capable of destroying the imperial capital on his own, was now saying it was impossible to destroy the capital of a smaller nation.

Lark smiled at the Chief Royal Advisor. "This is my answer to your question. Even if the demons started attacking all of the nations under the coalition army, they would not be helplessly pushed back. The defensive artifacts we'll provide will be enough to hold back the enemies. I assure you this."

If the defensive artifacts were powerful enough to protect the cities even from a dragon's breath attack, then there was no longer questioning its capability.

At this point, there was no longer a need to directly answer the Chief Royal Advisor's question.

The Chief Royal Advisor probed further. "You're saying you'll provide the same barrier and defensive tower to the Empire? Is that even possible?"

"I already provided one for the elven kingdom," said Lark simply. "It wouldn't be a problem to also provide one for the Empire. And I understand that the Empire's territory is vast. But as long as I'm given enough time, it should be possible to create multiple barriers and towers in the Empire."

Hearing this, the Chief Royal Advisor said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty…"

"I know, Gaillart."

Emperor Sylvius frowned.

He had to admit, the offer to join the coalition had become a very attractive offer. Still, he couldn't bring himself to accept that young king as their leader. His pride wouldn't permit him to.

He needed some time to think things through.

The Emperor said, "How long do you intend to stay here in the capital?"

Lark said, "I did not come here as reinforcements, but as the leader of the coalition. Since the Empire isn't officially part of the coalition yet, we'll leave in seven days. Please give us an answer by then."

"Seven days…"

It was neither too long nor too short.

And unbeknownst to the Emperor, it was the minimum amount of time needed to refill the adamantite cubes with mana. Once the adamantite cubes had been refilled with mana, the Coalition Army could fly to their next destination.

"After seven days, if we refuse to become part of the Coalition, do you plan on going back to the Kingdom of Lukas?"

Lark shook his head. "No, Your Majesty. We plan on going to the next nearest territory. The Three States Alliance or maybe the Republic of Everfrost. And there are more kingdoms further north. We'll decide by then, after we hear your answer."

They realized Lark planned on making the same offer to the other nations in the continent. And this seemingly impossible feat was made possible due to his formidable magic.

Whether or not the Coalition Army would stay long in the Empire would all depend on the Emperor's answer.

"Very well," said Emperor Sylvius. "I will give you an answer in the next seven days."

"Thank you for considering the Coalition Army's offer," said Lark.

"We'll provide accommodations for you and your soldiers, King Lark," said the Chief Royal Advisor. "There is a recently built camp near the southern gate. I believe it'll be adequate to accommodate all of your men. As for Commander Khuumal, King Lark, and the esteemed Lord Dragon, we can provide rooms in the imperial palace for the three of you."

"I shall take you up on that offer," said Lark.

The Emperor said to his daughters, "Kiera, Luna."

The ears of the two Princesses perked up upon the mention of their names.

"Your Majesty!"

"Your Majesty!"

"The two of you will guide King Lark during his stay in the capital."

"Yes!"

There was a reason why the Emperor decided to appoint them as King Lark's guide during his stay in the capital.

The Emperor knew that his daughters had nasty personalities, but it was undeniable they were great beauties. In the end, no matter how powerful, King Lark was still a man – and a very young one at that. It should still be possible for the two to beguile him during his stay in the capital.

Emperor Sylvius carefully studied Lark's expression. For a moment, the Emperor felt glad that Lark decided not to bring up the issue regarding the Morton Twins.

With this meeting, the Emperor finally realized that King Lark was nothing like King Alvis. This young king even reminded Emperor Sylvius of his younger self.

Bold. Ambitious.

The only difference was King Lark already held so much power at such a young age.

It was really ridiculous that someone so young had already achieved so much at that age.

***

After the leaders of the coalition army left, only Emperor Sylvius and the Chief Royal Advisor remained in the throne room.

For several minutes, the throne room was engulfed by silence. The two most powerful men in the Empire were currently in deep thought after meeting King Lark.

They did not expect the young king to hold so much power. And they did not expect him to hold so much sway in their negotiations.

It was surreal, but even the ancient fire Dragon listed to him.

Eventually, the Emperor spoke.

"Gaillart, should I retract the decree?"

It was one of the things bothering the Emperor currently.

Before they'd learned of the Coalition Army's arrival, the Emperor had already issued a decree to the Fifth Prince to secure the Town of Cirno.

The Town of Cirno was located near the City of Meredith and the City of Volkheim. That region had become infested by demons by now, and they needed at least a legion if they wish to reclaim that land.

The army of the Fifth Prince would be surely annihilated if they tried to secure it. And together with the Fifth Prince's army, the ambassador and the Blackstone Knights would also be killed in battle.

This perfect plan backfired the moment the Coalition Army arrived in the Empire.

They did not know how the Coalition Army would react if the ambassador were to be killed in this mission.

"It will sully Your Majesty's dignity and that of the imperial family if you retract it so soon."

Not even half a day had passed since the imperial decree had been given out.

The Emperor wryly smiled. "How very unlike you, Gaillart. Even you care about things such as dignity and pride, huh?"

"I'm also human, and I still have my emotions with me, Your Majesty."

"Of course," said the Emperor. "So, my dear confidant, what should we do?"

The Chief Royal Advisor said, "That mission is bound to fail. All we can do now is wait—"

The Chief Royal Advisor looked in the direction of the window. "—And hope the ambassador somehow survives the mission."

***

Princess Kiera always prided herself on having high standards in men.

Wealth, lineage, looks, and power.

A man must have all of these characteristics before she could even consider him a potential partner.

And for the first time in her life, Princess Kiera found a man who more than fit her criteria.

And she did not expect this man to be the king of another nation: King Lark, King Regent of the Kingdom of Lukas.

'That bitch.'

Princess Kiera gnashed her teeth as she watched Princess Luna casually talk to King Lark.

Together with Jacob Fraser, she started introducing the Fifth Prince who King Lark was meeting for the first time.

'Father tasked both of us to be King Lark's guide during his stay in the imperial capital! How dare you initiate conversation with him without your older sister's approval!'

Boiling with rage, Princess Kiera wanted to cut into the conversation, but she was afraid it would offend the Dragon.

'Damn it! Why isn't he even looking at me! At least talk to me!'

For some strange reason, King Lark was completely ignoring her. He did not even bother to glance in her direction as he talked with Reginald Vont, Princess Luna, Prince Rykard, and Jacob Fraser.

Unable to stand it anymore, Princess Kiera decided to gamble. Even if it would offend the Dragon, she decided to join the conversation.

"Your Majesty."

Finally, King Lark looked at her.

Those cold, blue eyes. They were definitely the eyes of a ruler. A very powerful one at that. Princess Luna felt thrilled upon locking eyes with King Lark.

"Princess Kiera."

Hearing her name come out of the young king's mouth, Princess Kiera was delighted. She tucked her hair behind her ears and smiled as brightly as she could.

"I'm sorry for interrupting in the middle of the conversation, but I find this place inappropriate for someone as great as Your Majesty."

They were currently at the main hall of the imperial palace.

"My father, the Emperor, appointed me as your guide. Please let me guide you."

Princess Kiera didn't even bother including Princess Luna.

"There is a suitable sitting room nearby. I suggest you hold your conversations there, King Lark."

It was a perfect excuse to join the conversation. And once King Lark agreed to follow her to the sitting room, she would task the guards to silently remove Princess Luna from the picture.

She could easily arrange for such things to happen, as she held a great deal of power in the imperial palace.

But to her surprise, different words came out of King Lark's mouth.

"I'm afraid of taking away your precious time from you, Your Highness," said Lark in a gentle voice. "I am already acquainted with Princess Luna here. I believe she'll be enough to serve as my guide during my brief visit."

For a moment, Princess Kiera stood there, dumbfounded.

Although King Lark stated those words kindly, he was outright rejecting her offer to guide him during his stay in this city.

And to make things worse, she saw Princess Luna smirking at her, as though she planned everything all along.

Princess Kiera's body quivered from anger, but she couldn't even openly show it, as she was afraid of offending the leaders of the Coalition Army.

Even her father was wary of these men, and she knew her father wouldn't protect her if she offended them.

"I-I understand."

In the end, Princess Kiera conceded.

"T-Then, I wish you a wonderful stay in the imperial c-capital!"

Embarrassed, Princess Kiera quickly left the imperial palace.

After she left, Princess Luna laughed.

"That was amazing, Your Majesty."

There were tears at the corner of her eyes. She really enjoyed the spectacle she'd just witnessed. It was her first time seeing her older sister that flustered.

Lark chuckled, "Did I do well?"

Through the communication artifact, Princess Luna had already told Lark beforehand regarding Princess Kiera. And she made a request for King Lark to openly show favor to her should the opportunity arose.

It was a petty plan, but thankfully, Lark agreed to her request.

"You did reaaally well, Your Majesty!" said Princess Luna in a very pleased voice. "I'll never forget the look on her face! Serves her right, that bitch!"

It was only after she uttered the last word did Princess Luna realize she'd shown too much of her true self to King Lark.

Her ears turned red from shame, and she found it hard to look Lark in the eyes any longer.

"F-Forgive me for such uncouth words, Your Majesty."

Lark laughed, "It's fine. I actually like you better this way. You should loosen up, Princess."

"I-Is that so?!"

As their group continued to walk toward the exit, Lark turned his attention to Reginald Vont.

"I heard of the decree. You're tasked with reclaiming a town occupied by the demons?"

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Town of Cirno," said Reginald. "We're tasked to recapture it and fortify the city. I believe it'll serve as a rallying point in the future for the imperial army."

"And the city's location?"

"West of Volkheim and Meredith City. It's the second nearest town to both of them."

"Sounds like someone wants you dead, ambassador."

Reginald wryly smiled but didn't utter a reply.

From those details alone, Lark could already tell the intentions behind this mission. He knew that the Emperor used this mission as an excuse to finally get rid of the Blackstone Knights.

"I'll help you."

"Pardon? But I thought the Emperor hadn't agreed to become part of the Coalition Army yet?"

"Does that matter?" said Lark. "And I'll be acting alone this time. I won't involve the Coalition Army, as the offer to the Emperor still stands. I just feel it'll a shame if you and the Fifth Prince die during this mission, don't you agree?"

"Hey, I'm coming too," said Vulcan.

Hearing that King Lark and the Ancient Fire Dragon were coming with them, Reginald and Prince Rykard felt the heavy weight lift off their shoulders.

They could finally breathe easily.

It was truly a saving grace these people came here to the capital today.

"So, when are you going to depart?" said Lark.

Reginald replied, "Around two days from now, King Lark."