Chapter 262: To the Palace

Chapter 262

To the Palace

The next morning, after an early breakfast, the association leader came to take Ellie along. They needed to report the recent events and plan the next steps with the various major families. Naturally, the only place suitable for gathering such influential people was the palace; holding a meeting elsewhere would seem disrespectful.

Ellie, under the guise of Luke, prepared meticulously. In front of so many people...she needed to be even more convincing, though she was already quite adept at it.

Firstly, no one could connect her identity to Ellie. There were rumors that the Setter family had sent a letter stating they wouldn’t let the young girl risk danger again. Although they didn’t name her directly, everyone knew who the Setter family was most concerned about.

Additionally, Ellie had performed exceptionally well in the recent battles. Otherwise, the noble families skilled in creating stratagems wouldn’t have sent letters of gratitude along with gifts. They also...hinted that the selling and development of stratagems for watering plants would take more time, all for the sake of the Ares Kingdom as well. So, even without participating in the battles, it was like she was supporting from behind the scenes.

If the war dragged on and people focused only on fighting, neglecting their crops, food shortages would be inevitable.

Or...for those already lacking water, their situation could become critical. If the Ares Kingdom had to bear these burdens, it would lead to even greater losses.

Therefore, developing stratagems to support various regions required the perfection of these stratagems. Of course, these were merely excuses. Even if the stratagems were still in development, would they truly be for the kingdom’s benefit? Regardless...the Setter family would profit greatly.

Knowing this, the kingdom couldn’t blame them for not sending people to help. This wasn’t just about the Setter family; other noble families were the same. As the Emperor thought, these nobles didn’t see it as their duty. They believed that since they paid for protection, they should receive it. So, they focused on managing their own territories and were ready to withdraw their forces whenever possible.

The Emperor couldn’t criticize them. He could only ask for minimal cooperation or in situations the kingdom couldn’t control. Otherwise, whenever he needed the nobles to act, he had to offer as many concessions as possible.

This clearly showed the discord between the royal family and the nobles. Only the Hunter’s Association maintained a consistent neutrality, perhaps because they relied on missions from both the kingdom and the nobles. Therefore, they were willing to assist this time.

But to say they were willing to help for free would be incorrect, as the kingdom still had to follow the usual rules: paying them the agreed compensation during crises.

When the association leader, Ellie, and the 2 4-star rank hunters arrived, the kingdom’s soldiers gave them slightly disdainful looks. Their attitude toward the hunters was not great, as hunters were often hired to take on their jobs, which embarrassed the soldiers.

Many civilians couldn’t wait for the soldiers’ slow response, so they pooled money to hire hunters. When the soldiers found out, they felt snubbed. This often led to conflicts between soldiers and hunters, but who could be blamed?... The soldiers didn’t do their jobs, and when civilians used money to solve their problems, they blamed the hired help.

“Please, this way,”

The soldier said with a stoic expression, indicating he was merely doing his duty. Ellie sensed the change in atmosphere. There were good soldiers, but there were also those best avoided!

They followed silently. The association leader was used to this kind of reception, but the two rank 4 hunters accompanying him were displeased, so they always radiated a high-level, intimidating aura. This made the soldiers did not dare to show any more disrespect, even if they wanted to.

If it had been just the association leader, they might have been ruder. There were rumors that he was lenient and didn’t hold grudges. Besides...every time he came to the palace, it was to take on missions the soldiers didn’t want to do. The soldiers chose to believe these rumors, despite not knowing the truth.

Soon, they arrived at the palace. Ellie, having previously attended banquets with the Setter family, was used to seeing the importance given to guests.

This was the first time she arrived to find the entire hall empty. Even the maids only set out tea. No sweets or snacks were provided. After setting the tea, the maids disappeared, leaving the 4 in silence.

Ellie was quite surprised, but it made sense. Considering the attendees today, the association leader had the lowest rank. It wasn’t unusual for him to arrive early to wait for the more important guests.

At first, Ellie thought the Setter family would be the last to arrive before the Emperor. She didn’t expect that after just 10 minutes, the head and the eldest young lord of the Setter family arrived.

They came with more than 10 kingdom soldiers escorting them. The maids followed with shocked and fearful expressions; it seemed that no one had expected their early arrival.

“Lord of the Setter family, Eldest Young Lord Owen.”

The association leader stood up and respectfully greeted them. Steven nodded back with little interest. Though there wasn’t a close relationship because the Setter family had never hired outsiders to do missions, they occasionally sent resources to the association for dissecting.

"Association Leader, I must trouble you to provide the necessary information today," Steven said politely, showing enough respect. Without waiting for a response, he walked forward gracefully.

Ellie had never seen their grandeur up close, except when she had to attend a party as Young Lord Owen’s dance partner. She could remember only seeing his strong back and his warm hand—nothing more. She had thought such treatment was just standard for noble families, but it seemed she had mistaken.

Eldest Young Lord Owen still didn’t speak to anyone, walking calmly while everyone around him prepared to assist. For a moment, Ellie saw him glance at her, making her heart flutter.

The maids quickly set up a table with various foods for the Setter family. Besides premium tea, there was fragrant wine and other beverages for their selection. This was truly preferential treatment.

Not long after the Setter family arrived, no one could believe that other nobles, big or small, would rush here so quickly, despite usually taking their time...

Even Prince Joseph had already took a seat next to the Emperor’s position. Though his supporting family didn’t get along with the Setter family, they couldn’t afford to anger the Setter family, who were not interested in politics, otherwise, it would be like creating more trouble for themselves.

Soon, the Jarlon family arrived. Although Lady Vida was absent, Prince Jason accompanied them. He seemed in better spirits, perhaps having realized after talking with the Jarlon family that they weren’t a threat to him. It turned out he had misunderstood them all along.

Furthermore...they shared a common enemy. Today, he wanted to see the reactions of the Fernal and Hart families when they saw him!

Prince Jason led them in with confidence. However... he paused briefly upon seeing the association leader and Hunter Luke, whom he had taken an interest in.

"I heard you went through a tough battle and emerged victorious. I must thank you," he said before moving on, showing no sign that he was also a hunter.

But in his heart, he wanted to put on his hunter’s attire and ask Luke questions. He had heard that Luke had managed to defeat nearly 100 Rhea Kingdom soldiers and fight a level 4-star beast! Even with all his resources, Jason couldn’t handle level 2 or 3-star beasts. Why did this seemingly indifferent hunter have such prowess!?

It was becoming clear why Luke wouldn’t join him or befriend him. Perhaps Luke saw him as too weak. Given Luke’s abilities, he wouldn’t easily follow someone inferior. Jason realized he needed to prove himself by growing stronger and defeating Luke first.

Prince Jason’s goal had finally taken shape. He now knew he needed to become much stronger. Well...It could be said that Ellie had opened his eyes.

Someone who had always been confident in his abilities, thinking himself superior to his brother in every way, finally realized after venturing into the wider world that his skills were nothing significant...

Once the nobles had all arrived, the Emperor made an early appearance. He couldn’t let the high-ranking nobles wait too long. Upon arrival, he formally greeted everyone, but his gaze intentionally lingered on his two sons.

He had always considered Joseph the one to watch. Joseph had built impressive relationships with many nobles. However... after the Fernal family lost its standing, Joseph’s main support was shaken.

At the same time, the other son, who seemed unlikely to be a contender for the throne, started associating with the Jarlon family, who had been prepped for this role from the beginning.

Yes! In truth, he was very interested in this son. Hearing how well he had performed academically, he felt Jason should be supported. Hence, he arranged a significant betrothal for him without him having to do anything, believing that with the Jarlon family’s backing, his chances of becoming emperor would be high. But Jason continually disappointed him.

No matter how many opportunities he provided, if Jason didn’t seize them, it was useless. Until this war...It began with Jason being punished and seeking help from the Jarlon family in an unexpected move. Today, he also demonstrated to everyone how close they had become. This...left the Emperor confused about what Jason was planning.

Not understanding his son’s actions, he sighed. Joseph, too, was unsettled seeing his brother arrive with the Jarlon family.

“I didn’t expect you to come with the Jarlon family. I heard you asked them for help with the punishment Father gave you? How can that be called a punishment then? I never thought you would do such a thing.” Starting a verbal sparring match before the meeting had become the norm.

If it were the old Jason, he would have been furious at the implication of needing noble support. However, this time he remained very calm.

“Do you think that in supporting the war effort, I should put my pride first? To ensure our kingdom’s soldiers receive the resources they need, I had to seek help from the nobles, just like you. Aren’t you asking for the Fernal family’s support?”

Joseph grew irritated hearing this. He wanted to argue that he didn’t rely on anyone, but upon reflection...he realized many things the Fernal family did were for him, even if he didn’t care much for his betrothed. This relationship was...something he should maintain.

“Sigh, you’re right. I still need to rely on many nobles, not just the Fernal family. One day, I might need the Jarlon family’s help too. I hope when that time comes...you won’t be narrow-minded,”

Joseph laughed lightly. His words sounded grandiose, as if he was already set to become emperor, which irked many.

Many noble families, if not for Prince Jason’s prejudice against them, would have supported him. But since only Prince Joseph valued them, they had to begrudgingly support him, even if they didn’t like it much.