Chapter 264: Battle Report

Chapter 264

Battle Report

"This is my decision. Stop speaking out of turn," the Emperor waved off his two sons. In the end, that was the conclusion, with Jason smiling contentedly as he took a step back. Joseph, although frustrated, couldn’t propose switching tasks. Otherwise, the secrets of the Fernal family’s actions might end up causing more harm to him.

Ultimately, all the blame lay with the Fernal family. Joseph felt quite annoyed. He never really liked the Fernal family much. There was an engagement agreement between him and their eldest daughter, “Vivian Fernal,” but he felt no affection for her.

Joseph already had a woman he loved, but her status was much lower than Vivian’s, and her family wasn’t influential enough. For now, he could only keep his beloved in his palace as a “concubine.” After marrying Lady Vivian, he planned to find a way to get rid of her and the Fernal family once he attained the highest position.

That’s why he had always acted nicely toward the Fernal family. Even though he made it clear he didn’t want a romantic relationship with Lady Vivian, treating her family with respect should have been enough.

However, his attitude had significantly changed. His initial reluctance to be bound by the engagement, combined with the Fernal family’s declining status, made their power now comparable to an ordinary noble family. Compared to the Jarlon family, they were nothing more than dust.

The Jarlon family had long-standing deep roots. Even though they didn’t show much presence nowadays, everyone knew how reputable they were. If they ever needed help, even the Setter family might reluctantly lend a hand.

This was because the Jarlon family had benevolent ancestors. Every generation continued this idea, assisting those in need whenever they had a chance, hoping that when their time came, others would repay their kindness.

Of course, they chose which families to help. For instance...they never interfered with the Fernal family. At that time, everyone wondered if the Jarlon family had some issue since they never got involved, even before being chosen to send a daughter as a royal consort of the prince. It turned out they never interacted through generations.

Even when the Cherine family, friendly with the Fernal family, faced difficulties, the Jarlon family lent a small helping hand. But when it came to the Fernal family, they turned a blind eye. In conclusion...it was well understood that they would never be on good terms...Even the Emperor used this opportunity to balance the power, keeping them on opposite sides.

Prince Joseph frowned. He realized he needed to find new supporters, someone to replace the Fernal family, someone equal in stature. Otherwise, it would be an uneven fight, putting him at a disadvantage.

Initially, he had the Fernal family, which was crucial to every kingdom as they were the only ones capable of concocting the Invincibility Potion. However, now their status had significantly declined, and their power had diminished by almost half. If he were to find an equivalent family...it would undoubtedly be the Setter family.

Everyone knew that whoever had the Setter family’s support would undoubtedly become the next emperor. However, the Setter family rarely got involved in kingdom disputes. Their task of collecting resources was too immense. Especially now, they were even less interested in power because they considered themselves free from any threats. Therefore, he could rule out the Setter family. It was enough not to annoy them to the point where they might get involved.

For Prince Joseph, the Res family was an interesting prospect because they were essentially his maternal relatives. However... if they were going to support him no matter what, why should he sacrifice a position by his side to them?

Joseph’s eyes wandered. His knowledge of the nobility was far superior to his younger brother’s. He knew he wasn’t as academically gifted as his younger brother, so he often spent his time socializing, which wasn’t without its benefits. During his outings, he gathered interesting information and met many people since childhood.

As he pondered seriously, his eyes eventually lit up with a realization. Wasn’t there a certain family that hadn’t yet aligned with any side? They weren’t particularly noteworthy or powerful. This group was seen as academic rather than politically active. However, after recent events, their skills, initially perceived as academic, began to be viewed differently.

He was referring to the kingdom’s top stratagem creators, the Ryuger family!

He had heard they had an important daughter, a second-year student at the institute, and one of the students who had fought during the Rhea Kingdom’s invasion aimed at his troublesome younger brother. Given all this...it would be easy to elevate the reputation of this brave young woman.

He had made up his mind! The woman who would become his secondary consort would be the lady from the Ryuger family!

Jason had been observing his elder brother all along. Seeing the cunning look in Joseph’s eyes, he immediately knew that his older brother was planning something. His fists clenched tightly. It seemed his brother wouldn’t realize his predicament until it was too late! He was already halfway into being branded a "traitor" and didn’t even know it. If he continued to cause trouble, Jason wouldn’t hesitate to deal with him!

While the two brothers were contemplating their struggle for the highest position in the kingdom, Owen glanced at the girl disguised as Luke for the 3rd time. Normally, he kept his eyes closed because he was tired of seeing the sycophantic, deceitful behavior of the nobles. Anyone would feel awkward when accidentally making eye contact with him. To avoid such annoyances, Owen usually kept his eyes closed, keeping to himself. However, this time, he was lifting his teacup more often than in previous meetings, which even Steven noticed.

There was a saying, "A father and son don’t need to look at each other to understand." Steven felt very suspicious about his son’s behavior. He tasted the hot tea and found that its quality was no better than what they had at the Setter household. Therefore, his son’s actions must be related to the person in the black cloak. But...who could that be?

Steven knew his son wouldn’t care about anything unless it was related to the girl who had saved his life. Thus, he speculated that this person must be connected to her somehow. The family head sipped his tea while secretly observing. Eventually, the similar behavior of the father and son made Ellie feel quite uncomfortable.

"Luke."

"Yes?" While listening to the argument between the two princes, the association leader could no longer bear the pressure. He, too, had extensive experience dealing with people and was skilled at reading their behavior. With so many important figures gathered, it was natural for him to be on high alert. He also noticed the behavior of the prominent father and son duo.

"You...uh, I know it seems unlikely, but...do you know anyone from the Setter family?" Hearing this question, Ellie was momentarily taken aback. It seemed that the father and son duo not only made her uncomfortable with their gaze but were also causing her some distress!

"Sigh, you don’t have to answer. I already know it’s impossible. The Setter family doesn’t hire outsiders or assign missions to the association. It’s unlikely they would use someone from outside their family." However, the association leader didn’t require an answer. No one knew if he truly believed that or simply didn’t want to hear the real answer.

Luke’s identity had always been a secret, but his abilities were certainly not low-level. Not only did he command exceptionally powerful beast, but he could also procure high-level restorative potions, numerous magic scrolls, and even expensive stratagems—he even used them without hesitation. Because of this, the association leader felt that this little hunter was no ordinary person.

It wasn’t surprising that he fully supported Luke, hoping that one day when this little hunter became a family head or a significant figure, he would support the association in return. After all...becoming the association leader was no easy feat. He needed to think far ahead to ensure the hunters had enough work.

"Alright, I think it’s time we get to the main issue. Does anyone else have any objections?" The Emperor spoke with a weary tone. How much more trouble must he endure? While battling the Rhea Kingdom, his own kingdom was still fighting among themselves. He truly felt a headache.

Prince Jason could feel that his father’s words were a subtle reprimand, as if he hadn’t warned in advance about causing such a disturbance today but instead abruptly brought it up. If he intended to target the nobles under his care, shouldn’t he inform the dog’s owner first?

Of course, this was his first time, and for future instances...Jason vowed not to displease his father again.

The association leader, who had just spoken with Ellie, hadn’t had time to converse further when he had to stand up immediately to fulfill his duty. His large elbow nudged the small boy’s body as a signal to follow. Seeing that Luke wasn’t foolish enough to cause further disturbance and followed him quietly, the leader felt greatly relieved.

It only reinforced his belief that Luke was no ordinary person. Seeing the Emperor, the princes, and numerous nobles in this place, anyone else would have been overwhelmed, but Luke remained calm.

"Your Majesty, may you be like the sun, a symbol of power and the center of divine mercy, guiding the Ares Kingdom for another 100 years."

"Alright, alright, no need for repeated formalities. Just tell me what happened." The Emperor waved his hand dismissively, barely acknowledging the association leader, and even less attentive to the follower behind him.

The association leader seemed used to such situation. His authority extended only to the common folk, and if one looked around, one would see that even low-ranking nobles could look down on him.

"Following the recent battle in the 2nd-floor city of our kingdom, the soldiers of the Rhea Kingdom employed despicable tactics against us, resulting in significant losses and nearly causing our defeat." Upon hearing this, a noble who had previously fought alongside merchant families shook his head.

"Do you mean the use of poison? If that’s the case..."

"Who allowed you to interrupt?" However... who would have thought that before the low-ranking noble could finish, the usually reserved man, who rarely spoke as if afraid that golds would come out of his mouth, interrupted rudely!?

"U-Uh, Eldest Young Lord Owen, I-I mean..."

"Be quiet. I want to hear the full story first." Owen reiterated, showing no concern for the noble’s anxious demeanor. Now, not even a breath could be heard from that noble.

Owen’s actions truly surprised everyone. The room fell silent, whether it was out of respect for him or not, but it left the entire hall with the barely audible breathing that no one could suppress.

After causing such a commotion, Owen glanced slightly at Ellie, acting like he wanted to see if she would show any reaction. Perhaps...he might expect that she would give him a thumbs up to thank him for dealing with the annoying noble.

Fortunately, no one dared to look at him directly afterward, so they didn’t notice that this seemingly stoic man was paying excessive attention to someone. Only the head of the Setter family sensed something off, and the association leader’s suspicions about the mysterious Hunter Luke grew even further. He even entertained the thought that Luke might be a younger brother or an illegitimate son of the other party.

If one considered that Luke might share the Setter family bloodline, then everything that had happened made perfect sense. His exceptional skills, his calm demeanor, and his intelligent decision-making all made the association leader believed it was impossible for an ordinary person to possess such qualities unless they were an anomaly like Young Lord Owen!

"Ahem...alright, continue with your report," the Emperor, equally stunned, commanded. He couldn’t allow Owen’s voice to overshadow his own authority.

The association leader felt extremely hot at this moment, as all eyes were suspiciously fixed on him. Well...It was clear that Eldest Young Lord Owen held his words in high regard, going so far as to interrupt a noble to prevent any disruption during his report...