Chapter 204: The Empire's Show of Force

Ryan couldn't help but laugh as he covered his face. "Actually, even if our king designated him as the heir, Princess Morgiana probably wouldn't agree. First, he's too old, who knows how long he could stay on the throne. Then, his strength is insufficient; a mid-level elite is really not convincing. Lastly, Charles is someone who enjoys violence and flattery from his subordinates. He likes to swing a big hammer on the battlefield, often hurting his own warhorse instead of the enemy," Francois said helplessly. "Of course, he's still a qualified knight, at least when he was younger."

"So the knights of the kingdom gave him a nickname, 'The Hammer.' That's why he's also called Charles the Hammer or Big Hammer Charles." Julius also couldn't help but laugh, covering his mouth: "I suddenly remember, you used to be called 'The Hammer' too... Hehe!"

"...I am now 'Ryan the Devout,'" the Chosen Champion said helplessly.

"Hehe, indeed."

The three waited for a long time until Sulia and Sylvia completed their registration and got their numbers.

Just then, a Lake Prophetess rode up on a white horse, followed by several knights: "Lord Ryan? Lord Francois? You're here."

This was a very beautiful young girl with golden hair tied only with flowers, wearing a blue long dress, holding a unicorn's staff.

Ryan took a step back, signaling the duke to respond.

Francois, pleased with Ryan's politeness, replied: "Yes, what is it?"

"Tomorrow, Princess Morgiana and King Richard will formally receive the Empire's delegation in the Kurona Royal Palace. The king wishes all counts and higher nobles in Kurona to jointly welcome the Empire's delegation," the Lake Prophetess said to Francois. After receiving his acknowledgment, she turned to Ryan: "Princess Morgiana specifically requests Lord Ryan to attend."

"...I understand. Please tell Princess Morgiana that I will definitely attend." Internally, Ryan didn't really want to be part of this meeting due to his somewhat awkward status.

However, whether from his foster father Norman or his godfather Ivan, Ryan learned not to evade. Since the Lake Prophetess specifically wanted him to participate, he didn't plan to hide.

"Also, Princess Morgiana asks why you haven't moved to the Grail Cathedral," the Lake Prophetess continued, her beautiful face serious and businesslike: "Lord Ryan, as the Lady's Chosen Champion, you should reside in the Grail Cathedral. Princess Morgiana has prepared a room for you."

Ryan, with no choice, returned to Francois's mansion to pack his things, left Amelia in Sulia's care, and moved into the Grail Cathedral.

...

The next day, in the Kurona Royal Palace's Grand Hall, the splendid hall's southern end had a golden throne and canopy. The upper four walls were decorated with colored glass and six murals reflecting religious, knightly, and legal themes.

Here, King Richard of Britannia would receive the Empire's envoy and delegation.

The king himself wore a golden fleur-de-lis crown and a black-and-red striped silk robe, a large cloak requiring three attendants to hold its long tail, adorned with knightly embroidery and various gold and silver jewels. Seated on a two-meter-high golden chair, he awaited the Empire's envoy.

Princess Morgiana, the Lake Prophetess, sat not far to Richard's left. She wore a golden laurel and a tri-color violet-patterned long dress, her stunning face cold.

The kingdom's dual political system was vividly reflected here.

Meanwhile, the great nobles currently in the capital gathered on the left side of the long throne hall, leaving a prominent place and much of the right side for the Empire's delegation.

Ryan also entered the throne hall. As a Grail Knight, his presence at the meeting was unproblematic. Many nobles just glanced at him without further comment, some greeted him, while younger nobles looked at him with envy.

"Ryan Macado, please come here, sit next to me," Morgiana said as Ryan appeared, her icy demeanor melting a bit. She signaled Ryan to sit next to her, and the attendants brought a long chair beside her. Ryan sat down: "I'm a bit late, my lady."

"No, you're right on time," Morgiana turned her gaze to the main entrance of the throne hall.

"Let us welcome the Imperial Envoy, the Grand Duke of Middenland, the High Count of Wolfenburg, the Baron of Middenheim, the Guardian of White Wolf City, the General of the Drakwald Patrol Camp, the Grandmaster of the Ulric Swordsmen, the Convenor of the Ulric Warriors, the Sympathizer of the Wolf Cult, the Faithful Follower of the White Wolf Ulric, the Chief Protector of the White Wolf Temple, the Guardian of the Leopard Knightly Order, the Honorable Lord of the White Wolf Knightly Order, the Worshiper of Ulric's Holy Fire, the Shelterer of the Turenne people, Elector Boris Todbringer of Middenland, and his White Wolf and Leopard Knights!" The courtier read a long list of titles, making Ryan dizzy.

Then, the Empire's delegation strode in, with Boris Todbringer reading a letter from Emperor Karl-Franz, essentially acknowledging Britannia's equal status and wishing to deepen their alliance, enhance cooperation, promote trade, avoid tariff barriers, and jointly contribute to humanity's long-term peace and prosperity by expelling Chaos, vampires, and other destructive forces.

King Richard affirmed Emperor Karl-Franz's goodwill, stating that for over a thousand years, the people of the two countries have been one. Since ancient times, Britannians and Imperials shared the belief of fighting darkness in humanity's name. On this issue, Britannia was willing to work hand in hand with the Empire, sincerely cooperating to protect humanity's future.

After a lengthy formal exchange, lasting over an hour, Ryan patiently listened and whispered to Morgiana, "Boris's mission is also a necessity. He was once one of the candidates for the Imperial throne. After becoming Elector, many rumors in the Empire suggested he eyed the throne. Boris had to come as an envoy personally, both to show submission and loyalty to Emperor Karl-Franz and to avoid suspicion."

Morgiana nodded, her blue eyes narrowing slightly in displeasure at the group of White Wolf Knights: "A bunch of barbarians. From the beginning till now, they keep glancing at me."

"White Wolf Knights are like that, my lady. The teachings of the White Wolf War God are... uh." Ryan hesitated, realizing he had said too much.

"..." Morgiana seemed to catch on and said no more.

"If I'm not mistaken, my lady, the Empire would never send a whole squadron of White Wolf Knights and so many Leopard Knights on an envoy mission... We should be prepared," Ryan continued, and Morgiana agreed, tapping his hand with her delicate finger to show understanding.

As Ryan expected, just after the formalities ended, Boris subtly signaled the White Wolf Knights. His remaining eye was full of cunning.

The White Wolf Knights quickly understood. Devoted to Ulric, they cherished only battle, ale, and women, and were bored with formalities.

"I've heard Britannia's knights are the strongest in the Old World. I, Becker of the White Wolf Knights, challenge them! In Ulric's name! Who will accept my challenge?" A young knight in a wolf pelt cape and full armor stepped forward, addressing Richard.

Several young Errant Knights of Richard's family stood up: "Knights never refuse honor and challenge. In the Lady's name!"

"Fight! Fight! Fight!" The White Wolf and Leopard Knights roared, cheering loudly.

On the other side, Britannia's nobles glared at these damn Imperial intruders.

The young White Wolf Knight, knowing some restraint, saw Hendrik of Connacht dragged back after being merely knocked unconscious. A few days' rest would suffice.

"Damn wolf pups!" "Little brat, that wasn't a fair duel!" many Britannian nobles cursed, their Errant Knights too weak against White Wolf Knights. Kingdom Knights were needed.

"Who's next? Don't the Lady's followers have any backbone?" Becker continued provocatively: "Isn't there a single honorable one?"

"Silence! This is Kurona, Britannia's honor is not for your disrespect! Tolran of Carcassonne, I accept your challenge!" A Kingdom Knight stepped forward.

"Good, let's continue!"

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