Chapter 1851: Chapter 1851: Caldwell Palace
The heavily guarded Neolle Leocadia of the Black Pine League was grim and lifeless.
Even someone as strong as Gerrit Harris, one of the top three strategists in the world,
was captured and taken away.
Although he returned,
it was not without disgrace.
The masters of the Black Pine League believed they had done their best,
yet they still suffered a stab.
It was too humiliating.
And Gerrit Harris, upon returning to Neolle Leocadia, remained silent.
Hayden Marsh and Konrad Marsh urgently decided to convene a meeting in the evening.
The focus was to report on the search results for the King and the future stance of the Black Pine League.
Should it be the Ten Thousand Mountain Alliance or the Boulevard?
Should it be Julius Reed or Cold Nelson?
There must be a resolution.
Even if Gerrit Harris intended to reap the benefits of others’ struggles,
he had to take a stand in name.
The outcome of refusing to choose a side would be dire.
Outside Neolle Leocadia.
Declan Marsh led Julius Reed, Dorian Cook, Bane Cook, and others to a wasteland.
This wasteland was flat and vast.
But facing Neolle Leocadia, there was a small hill.
This lone hill perfectly blocked the view of Neolle Leocadia.
"When my father passed the throne to me, he mentioned a secret passage. It was meant for the day I faced danger, so I could escape alive."
Declan Marsh knelt on the ground, continually knocking with his hands.
He hadn’t used this secret passage when he initially fled.
Now, returning, he chose this route.
Declan Marsh had no time for emotions; his desire for revenge was more urgent than anyone’s.
"Only the Kings know of this passage through generations. Others, even royal uncles, are not qualified to know."
Clang!
Finally.
After probing with his Black Dragon Sword at his waist, Declan Marsh,
found a spot where the earth sounded different from elsewhere.
"Quite concealed." Dorian Cook chuckled softly, folding his arms, "Young man, aren’t you afraid this passage will be discovered? Or that I’ll sneak into your room someday?"
Declan Marsh drew his sword and thrust it fiercely into the ground!
Crunch!
A loud crash.
"The prerequisite is, you need a key." With that, he gripped the Black Dragon Sword and twisted it forcefully!
Rumble!
With a violent tremor,
a two-meter square hole appeared on the ground.
Declan Marsh jumped in first, the others followed behind.
Once inside, he inserted the Black Dragon Sword back in and twisted it.
The entrance swiftly closed.
The grass and soil above appeared untouched.
"Little brother, since you’re the King, you must have three thousand beauties. How about making me the Queen?"
Dorian Cook spoke casually.
What was going on?
Was she not charming enough?
Thousands of years ago, even the imperial capital was interested in her.
Why wasn’t her old trick working after a millennium?
It wasn’t like she had lost her allure!
She touched her face, still very smooth.
But these three men.
One was mourning, not saying a word.
One was quick to hit, no different from a eunuch.
And this young man, wasn’t it said kings were lustful?
Could she not compete with three thousand beauties?
Dorian Cook felt a bit frustrated.
"Sorry, the rooms are all full." Declan Marsh replied expressionlessly, "Neolle Leocadia is only so big, only one room is empty. I haven’t let anyone in; if you want, I can let you go."
"Really?" Dorian Cook’s tone was filled with surprise.
She didn’t care for what ordinary people valued; what she lacked was recognition!
Recognition from a man.
For Dorian Cook, if no man liked her,
then she failed tremendously.
"Sister knows you are not a straight guy, definitely different from those two!" Dorian Cook teased with a smile, "So insightful, is the room for the Queen reserved for me?"
"Caldwell Palace."
Declan Marsh answered expressionlessly.
A moment of awkwardness in the passage!
Dorian Cook wanted to kill someone.
Never in her years had she felt so murderous!
"Be content, Miss." Julius Reed consoled on the side, "Think of the Emperor, still sipping golden broth."
Dorian Cook took a deep breath to calm herself.
Was this even human talk?
...
A meeting was scheduled for the evening.
During the day, these great families gathered, discussing strategies.
"It seems like Konrad Marsh and Hayden Marsh are planning to usurp the throne!"
"That’s their family matter; we best not get involved. I heard the Marsh Family is willing to pay the price for us to have high autonomy."
"Then what’s there to say, today I’ll petition directly, requesting the Marsh brothers to govern. Who cares who’s Emperor, as long as we have freedom!"
The heads of several great families gathered, discussing privately.
This place was originally where military affairs for the Black Pine League were handled, where the King met ministers.
But after a series of assassination attempts, Neolle Leocadia was shell-shocked.
All forces were recalled to the inner court.
The external military affairs were directly handed to clans to guard.
Content with peace.
"I think we should go for it."
After discussions, everyone simultaneously looked at Frederick Jackson.
Currently, the Jackson Family holds the highest authority in the Black Pine League.
Whatever the decision, it ultimately needs Frederick Jackson’s approval.
"I say we do it this way." Frederick Jackson sat at his chair, a maid massaging his shoulders and back continuously.
"If I were to say I want to be King, would you comply? Certainly not! As soon as I proclaim myself King, you’d stab me in the back!"
Frederick Jackson raised his teacup, gently blowing, "So, the most suitable to be King now is still someone from the Marsh Family. It’s their family business, right? We take the benefits offered."
"What if Declan Marsh is found, then what?" someone inquired, "He was the one weakening us initially."
"Kill him! His uncles already proclaimed kingship; let him live?"
Frederick Jackson sneered coldly, "Most likely, he’s long dead."
"Mr. Jackson is wise!" many people praised.
But suddenly.
Outside the military affairs office.
Someone rushed in.
"Clan Leaders, the King is here!"
"Pfft!"
Frederick Jackson spit out his hot tea, stood up with wide eyes, pointing at the messenger, "Who came?"
"The King!" said the breathless messenger.
"Which King?" Frederick Jackson was dumbfounded.
"The current King!"
Just as the messenger finished speaking.
Outside the door, Declan Marsh led people inside with large strides.
"What, hoping I’m dead?"
"I dare not!"
Thud!
Frederick Jackson was the first to kneel to the ground, "I’ve daydreamed day and night, finally awaiting your return!"
"Your Majesty!"
The other clan leaders hurriedly followed suit, kneeling.
"Rise."
Declan Marsh gestured, and Frederick Jackson immediately moved a chair over. "Your Majesty, do the Marsh brothers know of your return?"
"They do not."
Declan Marsh sat in the chair, speaking coldly, "I am here, hoping you will help me capture the two royal uncles alive!"
With those words,
the clan leaders in the room all stared wide-eyed.
Baffled.
What was going on?
Returning to fight internally?
In this delicate moment, everyone looked at Frederick Jackson.
"Your Majesty, for what reason?" Frederick Jackson asked.
Inside, he was just as puzzled.