NOVGO.NET Chapter 274:The King’s Decision
Chapter 274: 274:The King’s Decision
“Father, he is lying!”
“Don’t listen to him!”
“What… what did you say?” Mark stood up abruptly and pointed at his son, his face burning with rage.
His entire expression twisted.
“Do you mean to say that I am not a wise King?”
“Do you mean to say that I am not righteous?”
“The monarch who rules the hearts of all?”
“Is that what you are saying?”
Albert hesitated, then nodded weakly before stopping himself.
“Ye… I mean, no. I didn’t mean that.”
“I just mean that he is lying about the situation!”
Mark slammed his foot against the floor and looked around.
“Do you think I am a fool who cannot tell lies from the truth?”
“Tell me,” he roared, “which part of what he said about me is a lie?”
At those words, all the nobles lowered their heads.
For a moment, some of them even prayed for the ground to split open so they could jump inside and disappear.
They could almost feel their ears bleeding.
Every one of them was a master liar, but to speak such words with such a straight face and pull off this act of praise and threat at the same time…
Damn.
This man was a god-level liar.
No wonder people said never trust a pretty face.
Just listen to those words, then look at this man.
Did this King look wise?
Even the word “wise” would feel ashamed to be associated with him.
And at the center of it all, Ethan bowed his head slightly, his hands folded, a faint sinister smile hidden from view.
’You want to defeat me in acting?’
’Me?’
’A professional model and part-time actor?’
’Fuck you all. You are years behind.’
“No, Father, you don’t understand!” Albert almost cried. He glared at Ethan with hatred, as if Ethan had stolen something precious from him.
“That is for me to decide,” Mark snapped. “Or do you think you are old enough to understand everything while I have grown too old to judge?”
“Or are you telling me that I am not worthy to sit on this throne?”
“I didn’t mean that!”
“SHUT UP!”
Mark turned and shouted, his voice echoing through the hall.
“Guards! Someone drag away this stupid son of mine and locked him up.”
“You are under house arrest!”
“No!” Albert screamed as the Star Knights rushed forward.
They grabbed him firmly and began dragging him away, his protests echoing down the corridor as the court fell into an uneasy silence.
Albert desperately looked toward Duke Keeves and Duke Longburn, hoping for support. But both men stood frozen, shock written clearly on their faces.
At a time when the lion was roaring at the height of his vanity, what could a pair of mice possibly do?
Nothing.
They could only lower their heads and let him revel in his self-satisfaction. After all, everyone here knew one thing clearly.
This man’s days were already numbered.
Mark then swept his gaze across the hall and shouted, his voice sharp and commanding.
“Imprison that bastard.”
“Put Simon and the head of the Merchant Association into the dungeon.”
Ethan frowned slightly, but he did not let it show on his face.
“His Majesty is magnanimous as always,” Ethan said calmly. “Thank you for listening to the pleas of the people.”
“You have proven once again that despite your age, you are still sound in mind.”
“Hmmp!” Mark nodded with a satisfied grin and proudly rubbed his mustache.
Ethan was about to ask for permission to leave when Mark suddenly spoke again.
“Now that I see it…”
“You are a fine gentleman. And with such strength, I cannot help but admire you.”
“Thank you for praising this lowly one,” Ethan replied politely.
“What lowly one?” Mark waved his hand. “Also, stop being so humble. The more I look at you, the more I like you.”
“So I decided…”
’Decided what?’ Everyone in the court looked toward the King.
“I will grant you a marriage,” Mark announced loudly. “You are free to choose my daughter.”
The entire hall froze.
Eyes widened everywhere.
Even Ethan was caught off guard.
“Your Majesty,” Ethan began carefully, “for now, I have no need—”
“What?” Mark’s expression darkened instantly.”You are refusing me?”
“You dare to refuse me?”
“Am I not the wise King praised by the people, or are you questioning my intelligence?”
“Or are you saying everything you said earlier was false?”
Ethan felt his tongue knot in his mouth.
He looked at the King, who now wore a smug, cheeky smile, clearly enjoying himself as he stroked his beard.
’I’m trapped,’ Ethan thought. ’This old bastard cornered me.’
“I accept, then,” Ethan said at last.
’Having one more woman won’t be a problem,’ he told himself.
“Good. Good,” Mark laughed. “I will choose a girl for you and send her to your estate.”
“Now, adjourn. Everyone get out.”
“This King needs rest.”
He swept his hand dismissively, as if brushing away dust.
The court was dismissed.
As people began leaving, several nobles approached Ethan, forcing polite smiles despite the anger burning in their chests. Appearances still mattered.
Duke Longburn stepped forward first, his expression stiff.
“Lord Ethan,” he said coolly, “you certainly know how to seize opportunity.”
Ethan returned the smile. “Opportunity favors those who act, Duke Longburn.”
“Hmph,” Longburn snorted. “Let us hope your actions do not bring unnecessary trouble.”
Duke Keeves followed, clasping his hands.
“You are bold,” Keeves said. “Very bold. The court has not seen such confidence in years.”
“I merely spoke the truth,” Ethan replied. “If that unsettles some people, then perhaps they should reflect on themselves.”
Keeves laughed softly, though his eyes were sharp. “May your path remain… smooth.”
After exchanging a few more empty pleasantries, the nobles finally dispersed.
As Ethan turned to leave, he suddenly felt it.
Two sharp, heavy gazes locked onto him.
He instinctively turned toward the throne.
But the King had already left.
’Am I hallucinating?’ Ethan frowned inwardly.
He shook his head slightly and continued walking.
Behind him, in the shadows of the court, an old man with a wrinkled face stood silently. His eyes were deep and cold as he watched Ethan’s retreating figure.
“The young cubs know no fear,” the old man muttered softly.
“What a fine young man. Alas, it seems he is destined to stand against us.”
“With this, he has foiled our plans three times already.”
The old man’s lips curved into a thin smile.
“Do not worry.”
“Anyone who stands in our way will be cut apart, sooner or later.”
The shadows swallowed his figure as the great hall slowly emptied.