CHAPTER 388: His Majesty's Plea

An old man, past his prime, sat on the throne, living out the last vestiges of his life. The aura of life seemed to be slipping from his body at every moment. He could only keep his frail body upright by leaning against the throne, and his originally bright eyes had also been veiled by a layer of grey.

Han Shuo followed Candide inside. Looking at Uhtred's declining form, Han Shuo understood that his death was imminent. It was no wonder that the princes of the Lancelot Empire were so brazen in their attempts to seize power.

"Your Majesty, Count Bryan is here to see you!" Candide said respectfully after saluting the Emperor.

Uhtred coughed heavily, his grey eyes gradually showing a glimmer of life. Forcing himself to sit upright, he swept his eyes over Candide and Han Shuo, finally fixing his gaze on Han Shuo as he asked weakly, "Bryan, Candide has already mentioned to me your achievements in Brettel City over the past few months, you have done quite well!"

"Your Majesty flatters me, it was my duty." Han Shuo had talked to Candide on the way here and understood that it was best to keep his mouth shut when talking to such a person and only answer questions when asked.

"I heard news circulating outside that you have some sort of relationship with the Calamity Church. Hoho, that's quite interesting. With your clean lineage and the contributions you have made to the Lancelot Empire, how could they associate you with a sinister church like that!" Uhtred muttered, as if talking to himself.

"Your Majesty should realise that these are mere rumours fabricated by enemies," Han Shuo replied. "In that case, do you know who starts such rumours and what their intentions are?" Uhtred looked at Han Shuo and inquired.

Han Shuo replied, shaking his head, "I don't know."

"Candide, you can go first. I have something I want to discuss with Bryan alone." Uhtred did not question this matter in detail, but looked at Candide and instructed him in a low voice.

Candida didn't respond, bowing politely to Uhtred before turning to leave the main hall. He just gave Han Shuo a meaningful look as he passed by, suggesting that Han Shuo should not say things that should not be said.

After Candide left, Uhtred suddenly sighed and said: "Of all my sons, I feel I owe Lawrence the most. I have heard that you and Lawrence are very close, is that true?"

Han Shuo was stunned, not really understanding Uhtred's intentions. Most of the nobles in Ossen City were aware of his relationship with Lawrence, so it wasn't strange for Uhtred to know about his relationship with Lawrence. Han Shuo hesitated for a moment, then nodded honestly and replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

"Then you definitely support Lawrence?" Uhtred asked again.

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Han Shuo replied again.

Uhtred was silent for a long time, his two pupils focused intently on Han Shuo.It was only when Uhtred saw Han Shuo looking a little uncomfortable that he spoke, "Bryan. There are a few things I would like to discuss with you." "Your Majesty, feel free to tell me anything. As your subject, I will of course be willing to share some of your concerns." Han Shuo replied again.

Uhtred sighed. He suddenly stared at Han Shuo and said, "Bryan, I hope you can promise me one thing. No matter how my other three sons treat you, please spare their lives."

Han Shuo was momentarily speechless and looked suspiciously at Uhtred as he inquired, "Why would Your Majesty say such a thing?"

"Bryan, if you agree to my terms, I will hand over the throne to Lawrence and help you both consolidate the power of the Lancelot Empire." Uhtred stared at Han Shuo and spoke cautiously.

Han Shuo felt extremely agitated, astonished as he looked at Uhtred, momentarily unsure of what was wrong with Uhtred that he had actually said such an unspeakable sentence. He just looked at Uhtred dazedly, forgetting to reply.

"As long as you agree to my terms, I'll help you and Lawrence. What do you think?" Uhtred answered immediately, his voice so anxious that there was a hint of pleading in it.

As the true ruler of the Lancelot Empire, Uhtred was still the person who held the most power in the Lancelot Empire, even if he was very ill. However, at that moment, Uhtred's tone when talking to Han Shuo unexpectedly had a strange touch of pleading. This was something Han Shuo could never have expected.

At such a moment, Han Shuo even thought that Uhtred's illness was too severe, causing Uhtred to absent-mindedly say such ridiculous things. However, when Han Shuo carefully observed Uhtred, he discovered that although Uhtred's body was incomparably weak, his mind wasn't confused at all. This proved that Uhtred's emotional state was indeed normal.

While Han Shuo was still extremely astonished, Uhtred asked again. Han Shuo racked his brain and then asked Uhtred, "As long as I spare the lives of the three princes?"

Uhtred had a delighted expression on his face as he quickly nodded his head and hurriedly said, "That's right, as long as you spare their lives. You can strip them of all their powers and even imprison them in a small cell, as long as they are able to survive."

"In that case, I will agree to your terms, Your Majesty!" Han Shuo no longer hesitated and replied immediately.

The true ruler of the Lancelot Empire, His Majesty Uhtred, actually visibly sighed in relief. His faint expression showed a slight smile as he waved his hand and said, "Bryan, I now bestow upon you the title of Marquis. In addition, I will order the Space Sacred Magus, Mr Sabakas, to help you set up a magical Transportation Matrixs in Brettel City and to help you eliminate the unfavourable news about you. Also..."

Uhtred suddenly made a series of promises, leaving Han Shuo stunned and staring blankly, wondering what was wrong with Uhtred today. When Uhtred had finished making his promises, he said, "Bryan, you may take your leave. I hope you will not mention today's business to anyone, not even Candide or Lawrence.

"Your Majesty, I promise. But could you tell me the reason? I really cannot understand why you would make such a decision." Han Shuo looked at Uhtred in bewilderment as he asked.

Uhtred shook his head and laughed bitterly as he replied, "It's better that you don't know. This is for your own good. You may leave now!"

Han Shuo couldn't understand what was going on and looked at Uhtred in confusion. He stared blankly for a moment before knitting his brows, bowing to Uhtred before leaving. He was extremely confused, but he didn't know who to blame.

As Han Shuo left, Uhtred seemed to age even more, sighing as he said, "As a father, I have done all I can for the three of you. Hopefully, you will all be able to survive after my death."

Suddenly, the sacred space magus Sabaka and the old astrologer Madam Grace appeared before Uhtred. Madam Grace was extremely pale and seemed more likely to die than Uhtred. There didn't seem to be much life in her whole body.

When Uhtred saw the two of them appear, he sighed again. He looked at the old astrologer, Madam Grace, and said, "Madam, I've never doubted your judgement in all these years. You said that Bryan will truly help the Lancelot Empire to prosper?"

Grace wiggled her lips as if to remove the thick wrinkles around her mouth and replied in a weak voice, "Your Majesty, at your request, I've consumed my life force to make a prophecy. All I know is that whoever this person helps will be able to become the new king. As long as he is in the Lancelot Empire, the Lancelot Empire will not perish. That is all!"

"That's enough. I didn't expect that the person who would influence the future of my Lancelot Empire would be such a young boy." Uhtred muttered to himself before looking at Grace and Sabakas and suddenly saying, "My days are numbered. I hope you will promise me one thing when I die."

"Your Majesty, you need not remind me, I think I may leave this world before you. I, too, have been extremely tired in recent years, and my life should finally come to an end," the old astrologer Grace sighed weakly as she helplessly replied to Uhtred.

"Madam, I'm sorry. You had used up your vitality for the Lancelot Empire." Uhtred understood that every time the old astrologer, Madam Grace, made a prediction, it would consume her life force. The more complicated the matter, the more vitality would be consumed.

The prophecy this time concerned the fate of the entire Lancelot Empire and had completely drained her of life force. Her death could be said to have been caused by Uhtred alone. However, as the future of the Lancelot Empire was at stake, Uhtred had no choice but to consult the old astrologer Grace for some clarity.

Even without the prophecy of the old astrologer Madam Grace, things could still go the same way. However, the power struggle between the princes would undoubtedly cause irreversible damage to the overall strength of the Lancelot Empire. In this situation, even if Lawrence succeeded in taking the throne, the strength of the Lancelot Empire would be far from what it was before.

It was precisely such a situation that Uhtred feared. Therefore, he would rather have the old astrologer Grace use up her life force to predict the future. This way, he could minimise the loss of the empire's strength, so that when Lawrence succeeded to the throne, the Lancelot Empire would still be as prosperous as before.

"You need not apologise. My teacher had also exhausted her vitality and died for the sake of the Lancelot Empire. Perhaps this is the fate of us astrologers. Ai..." the old astrologer Madam Grace sighed helplessly before looking at Sabakas and saying, "In the limited time I have left, I hope you can send me to places I have never seen before.

"Don't worry, wherever you want to go, I can get you there." Sabakas smiled amiably as he replied, then turned his head to King Uhtred of the Lancelot Empire and asked, "Your Majesty, what did you want to tell me a moment ago?"

"If Bryan does not keep his promise, I hope you can help me kill him." Uhtred hesitated for a moment before answering Sabakas.

"Your Majesty, I can only promise you that I will do my best. If the day should come when I cannot deal with him, I hope you will forgive me," Sabakas thought carefully before answering Uhtred.

When one reached a realm similar to Sabakas's, one would have been considered to have surpassed authority long ago. Not even the king of the Lancelot Empire would have the authority to order him to do things he didn't want to do. Sabakas knew a few things vaguely from the astrologer Grace's prophecy, so he answered Uhtred in this way.

Uhtred nodded and smiled as he said, "In that case, I can only thank you."

"Well, Your Majesty probably has many things to attend to, then we won't disturb you any further." Sabakas replied, neither haughty nor humble. He looked at the old astrologer Grace as a white light enveloped them both. Then they disappeared in a flash. King Uhtred of the Lancelot Empire then began to help Lawrence pave the way to the throne.

When Han Shuo returned from the palace to his residence, he discovered that Lawrence and Phoebe had not waited until the evening, but had already been waiting. It looked as if they were extremely eager to meet Han Shuo.

Phoebe's eyes were shining, her gaze never leaving Han Shuo's sight from the beginning to the end. As Han Shuo dismissed his servants and led them into an inner sitting room, Phoebe flirtatiously protested with a hint of anger, "What kind of man are you? After returning to Ossen City, Has your time in Brettel City been so satisfying that you have forgotten this old me?"

On the way, Han Shuo was a little confused, constantly thinking about what King Uhtred had told him. He was unable to understand what was going on with Uhtred, to have actually made such a queer proposal.

Han Shuo only reacted when he heard Phoebe's flirtatious protest and couldn't help but smile bitterly as he replied, "My lady, I would never forget you of all people. You should know that whenever I get something good, you are the first person I think of. Otherwise, why would Starry Sky be in your hands so quickly?"

Hearing Han Shuo's reply, Phoebe's beautiful expression took on an added delight and her voice became much softer as she asked tenderly, "In that case, what shameful deeds have you done since you returned to Ossen City? I've come by a few times, but the steward has always said that you are not in the residence."

"That was because I had some real business to attend to. Most of the time I was at the headquarters of the Dark Mantle, attending meetings. I had also just visited the palace. In short, I have not been idle." Han Shuo explained to Phoebe.

"Alright, alright. You two can chat slowly after I leave." Lawrence teased before looking at Han Shuo and asking, "Bryan, you have just returned from the palace, what did my royal father talk to you about?"

As Lawrence spoke, Phoebe blushed, as if she thought that once Lawrence left, she would have wonderful things to do with Han Shuo. She suddenly fell silent as her face turned red.

Han Shuo knew what Lawrence was worried about when he remembered his recent agreement with His Majesty. He couldn't help but feel suspicious once again. Then he smiled bitterly as he shook his head and replied, "Lawrence, I promised His Majesty that I would not divulge our conversation to anyone. His Majesty had specifically asked me not to tell you about our conversation before I left."

Lawrence became solemn and distracted, hesitating for a moment before asking, "Then could you tell me if I was mentioned in your conversation and if the matters you discussed were to my advantage?"

Han Shuo thought for a moment before nodding and replied, "Lawrence, I can definitely tell you that the focus of my conversation with His Majesty is precisely about you. It is only about matters that are favourable to you. I believe the likelihood of you receiving the throne will increase dramatically."

"Is... is that true? Bryan, are you telling the truth?" Hearing Han Shuo's answer, Lawrence was clearly indescribably excited , so much so that he suddenly stood up from his chair. Unable to hold back the ecstasy in his heart, Lawrence stood right in front of Han Shuo, pressed down on Han Shuo's shoulders, and asked impatiently as he looked into Han Shuo's eyes.

Han Shuo gave his affirmation, nodding his head repeatedly as he said, "That's right. Though I cannot divulge the details of our discussions, I can guarantee that your royal father would definitely pave the way for you. Lawrence, your destiny has arrived!"

Lawrence laughed to his heart's content, his wild side coming out after a long period of oppression. He laughed heartily as he said, "Thank you, Bryan. You are my happiness. Whatever you and the royal father talked about, I believe you played a large part in it. I will never forget your kindness.

Lawrence's mind was extremely quick and he realised that Han Shuo was a key person just from his words. Otherwise, why would Uhtred not find others to talk to and only look for him?

"Bryan, you're not joking, are you? Don't tell me that His Highness plans to support Senior Lawrence?" Phoebe snapped out of her charming and gentle reverie and had a shocked expression on her face as she looked at Han Shuo, as if she didn't believe what Han Shuo was saying.

"Don't ask me about the details. To be honest, I still can't believe it myself. But it is the truth. You will know it very soon." Han Shuo spread his arms in a helpless posture as he explained to Phoebe.

Lawrence had recovered from his surprise and said animatedly, "Alright, in that case I'll return early to prepare. If it turns out as you say, I need to make arrangements right away."

"Go ahead, you should indeed make proper preparations." Han Shuo gladly agreed.

"Senior, you only remember your own affairs, have you forgotten what we just discussed? Bryan is in great danger right now. If you don't help him now, Charles and the others will label him as a member of an evil church!" Seeing Lawrence about to leave, Phoebe snorted lightly, unable to resist rebuking Lawrence.

Lawrence smacked himself on the head. That was why they were here. He smiled apologetically at Han Shuo before saying with a serious expression, "Bryan, there are some rumours going around right now that are extremely harmful to you. I think we should carefully plan a strategy to deal with it. This matter is being spread by Charles and Kosse of the Church of Light. Their goal is to ruin the reputation and image you have worked so hard to build in Brettel City.

"We shouldn't worry about these things. His Majesty has already agreed to help me resolve this matter." Han Shuo replied to Lawrence calmly.

Lawrence and Phoebe looked at each other, both with stunned expressions. Seeing Lawrence's expression, Han Shuo couldn't help but smile as he said, "Alright, you should just go first and deal with your own affairs. There's no need to worry about these matters, your royal father will help us with them."

"Alright then, I won't bother you two any more." Lawrence understood, winking at Han Shuo and Phoebe and laughing as he left.

"Hey, what's with your expression. Damn, you have been led astray by Han Shuo!" Phoebe's charming face was captivatingly red as she rained curses in Lawrence's direction.

As soon as Lawrence left, Han Shuo smiled as he walked over to Phoebe, pulled her into his embrace and carried the flailing Phoebe straight to his bedroom. On the way, he moved his hands restlessly up and down Phoebe's body. A while later, Phoebe had curled up lazily on Han Shuo's broad chest, her entire body lacking the slightest strength. However, Han Shuo was still in high spirits, showing no signs of exhaustion. Instead, he conveniently pulled out a necromancy book and studied it diligently.

Phoebe had not used any of the aura in her body, her exhaustion was purely from her physical body. Looking at Han Shuo, who was in great spirits, Phoebe had a sweet smile on her face. Her complaints from the past few days had all disappeared, unable to hide her extremely satisfied amorous feelings. She was obviously extremely happy.

A strand of mysterious energy flowed through Phoebe's body, slowly circulating through Phoebe's limbs and bones, nourishing Phoebe's body. It gave Phoebe an extremely pleasant feeling, as if this strand of energy was replenishing her body, helping it to gradually recover and even strengthen.

Phoebe closely examined the refinement and nourishment of the energy string and suddenly reacted. That mysterious energy came from Han Shuo. Previously, after experiencing pleasure with Han Shuo, Phoebe seemed to sense the existence of such energy even when she was dazed. Only the last few times, Phoebe had been too exhausted and had fallen asleep immediately and had never felt it so clearly before.

However, Phoebe could sense that her body was improving. Previously, when she had refined her niedan, her body had seemed to be purified as well. The training of her aura was much easier than before. It also seemed that the changes in her body were the reason why Phoebe was able to become a Great Swordmaster so quickly.

After a while, Phoebe couldn't help but stare at Han Shuo as he solemnly studied the necromancy book. She suddenly understood in her heart that every time they made love, Han Shuo would send a strand of unknown energy into her body, helping her to reshape her body and improve her physical condition.

"Bryan!" Phoebe suddenly whispered softly, raising her head to look at Han Shuo.

Han Shuo, who was studying the characteristics of a bone demon, grunted slightly in response, smiling as he looked at Phoebe, his large hand conveniently slapping Phoebe's perky and round butt as he asked teasingly, "Yes? You want more?"

Phoebe's stunningly beautiful face reddened, blushing with shame as she pulled up the thin blanket covering her body, hiding her nosebleed inducing perfect curves, and said softly, "No, my whole body is already devoid of strength, you damned fellow!"

""Hehe, what do you want to say then?" Han Shuo put down the necromancy book in his hand, his left hand tenderly helping her to pull the blanket over her jade-like skin, smiling as he asked.

"Have you always left something special in my body every time we pleasured each other?" Phoebe's face flushed as she asked in a low voice.

"Of course, I did indeed leave something special. Hehehe. These are the seeds of life, the original essence in the creation of humans. Only they couldn't germinate. Why did you ask about that? Could it be that you want to ask why your belly has not grown? Oh, you can't blame me, maybe you didn't work hard enough?" Han Shuo smiled mischievously as he replied to Phoebe.

When Phoebe saw Han Shuo's evil smile, she knew that he must have misunderstood her question. She couldn't help but embarrassedly reproach him, "Not that thing. I am referring to the energy that helped me transform my body!"

When Phoebe said this, Han Shuo was suddenly enlightened and replied, "So that is what you were referring to. Hehehe, don't worry, that energy is only beneficial to your body and would do absolutely no harm. You shouldn't worry too much about it. Anyway, all you need to know is that it would make your body better."

"I know, of course I know the benefits that energy brings to my body. I'm just worried if it would harm your strength?" Of course Phoebe understood the changes in her body. However, as a young Great Swordmaster, Phoebe knew that no matter what kind of energy left the main body, it would have an effect on the person involved. What worried her was whether Han Shuo would be harmed.

"Hehehe, you need not worry. This is called duo cultivation. When I transfer energy into you, I'm actually getting some energy from your body as well. You just don't know it. Otherwise, why would I make you do so many unusual stances? This is actually a kind of martial art. To think you still have wild thoughts." Han Shuo smiled as he explained to Phoebe.

Listening to Han Shuo's explanation, Phoebe's blush had spread from her neck to her entire body. She couldn't help but pound Han Shuo's chest and said, "Nonsense! Since when was there a technique that was practised like this? You wanted me to assume so many embarrassing positions just to satisfy your unusual hobby. You evil person. You still want to lie to me!"

Helplessly shrugging his shoulders, Han Shuo smiled bitterly as he explained, "My lady, I am truly not deceiving you. There are countless martial arts techniques that you don't know about. However, this technique does exist. The stances I want you to take also have special purposes. It's just that you haven't experienced them carefully, and you've been lost in pleasure instead. If you're able to understand it carefully next time, you'll know that I'm telling the truth.

Phoebe was only somewhat convinced by Han Shuo's explanation and She stared at Han Shuo blankly for a while, realising that Han Shuo didn't seem to be joking. She then said quietly, "Bryan, you are telling the truth. This really is some kind of martial technique." Nodding his head, Han Shuo smiled as he replied, "Of course. It is precisely through this method that our pleasure would help increase each other's strength. Don't worry, the energy in your body would not harm me."

As Han Shuo explained, Phoebe was still astonished, but she didn't ask any more questions. Instead, she knitted her eyebrows in thought. After a while, Phoebe suddenly remembered something and looked intensely at Han Shuo as she asked, "Bryan, there's a question I've been holding back for a very long time, you must answer me today."

"Speak up, what's your question?" Han Shuo's big hand stroked Phoebe's smooth back, his eyes narrowing as he said lazily.

"What about Emily? Don't tell me you have no relationship with Emily. Hmph, I've seen her a few times, her skin and body condition are simply identical to mine. Bryan, I hope you can be honest with me about your relationship and not lie to me. Phoebe stared at Han Shuo as she questioned him arrogantly.

When Han Shuo heard the name 'Emily', he shuddered unexpectedly. By the time Phoebe had finished her question, his mind had suddenly become a mess. After a moment's hasty consideration, Han Shuo sighed as he said, "Since you already know, I won't hide it from you any longer. The last time in the Dark Forest, I raped her while I was unconscious due to my martial technique's cultivation deviation..."

Since things had come to this point, Han Shuo knew that no amount of concealment would be effective, so he systematically described what had happened between Emily and himself.

"As I expected, you really did have an affair with her. I had always wondered why her skin was as white and shiny as mine. Great, it turns out that it had been nourished by you. Bryan ah Bryan, you are really something, daring to rape the daughter-in-law of the Betteridge family..." Phoebe glared at Han Shuo angrily on the one hand, but on the other hand, she wanted to put on her clothes and leave despite Han Shuo's obstruction.

Han Shuo hugged Phoebe tightly and hurriedly explained, "Under the circumstances, I had no choice. You should know that you are the most important thing to me. Being together with Emily was just a coincidence..."

"I don't think it's that simple. Emily has such a seductive appearance. Is she very good in bed? Did she seduce you until you were confused and disoriented? Do you know that she is Mr Hahn's daughter-in-law? That her brother is the terrifying Amyes?"

Han Shuo nodded and then explained, "But when I raped her, I only took her as a spy for the Empire!"

Shaking Han Shuo, Phoebe quickly put on her clothes and stared at Han Shuo hatefully, her expression filled with resentment as she shouted, ""I had already sensed something fishy between you and Emily at the banquet given by Lawrence's father. It seems that you two have known each other for a long time. Emily has gone too far to actually follow your bad example and deceive me."

By the time she had finished her sentence, Phoebe had already finished dressing and was on her way out.

"Where are you going?" Han Shuo was shocked and hastily put on his clothes.

"I'm going to find that flirtatious tramp, Emily. Don't follow me, I want to talk to her alone." Phoebe replied with one sentence before rushing out of Han Shuo's residence.

Report Chapter Comments