The queen’s voice rang out forcefully, declaring, “The Grand Duke will not participate in the war, so the strength of the Easvil family gathered here is not above that of the other duke families. I suggest we give a chance to another duke family.”
Her disdain for the Easvil family was visible and her words hung heavily in the air, igniting a ripple of unease among the nobles.
The Duke of Norish couldn’t help but smirk as he listened to the queen’s words.
This is my moment to shine, he thought to himself, envisioning the power and prestige that would come with leading the army against their enemy. He leaned forward, eager to seize the opportunity, while Julian felt a mix of anger and disbelief.
Julian observed the humiliation etched across Alden’s face, in the face of someone so loyal and dedicated to his kingdom. Alden had consistently prioritized the welfare of their kingdom over personal ambitions, and seeing him belittled in such a manner ignited a fierce anger within Julian.
How dare they treat my father this way? he thought, feeling a surge anger with in him. Julian clenched his fists, vowing to stand up for his family and prove their worth in this critical moment, even if it meant facing the queen and her disdain head on.
Julian’s voice echoed throughout the grand hall, cutting through the tension, “Queen, why don’t you lead the army? Show us how it’s done!” His words thundered with authority and defiance, surprising everyone in the room.
Gasps filled the hall as nobles exchanged wide eyed glances, unsure of how to react to the young duke’s bold challenge. The queen’s expression shifted from disdain to fury, her eyes narrowing as she registered Julian’s audacity. Alden looked at his son, a mix of pride and concern in his gaze, knowing full well the risks of defying the queen.
The room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation, as everyone awaited the queen’s response to Julian’s unexpected outburst. Would she retaliate or would she recognize the strength behind his challenge? was the question etched in everybody’s face.
The king felt a strange aura radiating from Julian and decided to not get involved in the matter.
The queen, fuming, shouted, “You boy, you do not have the right to speak here!”
Julian’s eyes blazed as he shot back, “And what have you done for the kingdom, Your Majesty? Have you shed your blood? Have you shed your tears?”
His voice resonated through the hall, capturing everyone’s attention. The nobles stood frozen, torn between shock and admiration for Julian’s courage.
The queen’s face turned crimson with rage, but Julian stood firm, unyielding in his challenge.
Julian’s voice rang out with unwavering confidence, “No, you have not. You have not done anything, so if there is anyone who has less right to speak here, it is you, Your Majesty.”
The hall fell into an uneasy silence, the air thick with tension as nobles trembled at the audacity of the young duke.
The queen’s expression twisted in disbelief, fury flickering in her eyes as she struggled to regain her composure.
The queen’s rage ignited as she shouted, “I will kill you!” and gestured towards two Sovereign Realm mages.
Gasps filled the hall at her sudden aggression, but Alden remained silent fully aware of his son’s formidable power.
Julian, unfazed by the threat, raised his hand and summoned Heavenly Thunder. Dark lightning crackled around him as it illuminated the grand hall as he unleashed a powerful strike at the two mages. They disintegrated in an instant, leaving only silence and dust in their wake.
Everyone stared in shock, their faces a mix of fear and disbelief. The nobles exchanged glances, unsure how to react to the display of Julian’s power.
With an air of authority, Julian declared, “You better send an Arch Mage or Grand Mage next.”
His voice echoed through the hall, leaving an undeniable sense of awe and tension in the air, as even the king couldn’t help but recognize the shift in power dynamics.
The king’s voice resonated through the hall as he unleashed his Grand Mage aura, commanding attention. “Stop!” he ordered.
Everyone froze in their places, trembling under the weight of his anger. The queen sank back into her seat, her expression one of disbelief and frustration.
Julian, sensing the king’s power, retracted his own aura. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as all eyes turned to the king, waiting for him to address the situation. His presence restored a measure of order, but the shock of Julian’s defiance and the violent display of power hung heavily in the air, shifting the balance of respect among the nobles.
The king’s voice was steady but firm as he addressed the court, “How can you win the war against your enemies when you fight among yourselves?”
His gaze swept across the nobles, and then it landed on the queen, who visibly flinched under the weight of his words.
“Do not bring your personal grudges into my hall,” he warned, his tone leaving no room for argument.
The queen, feeling the intensity of his stare. She lowered her head, her expression shifting from anger to embarrassment. The nobles exchanged uneasy glances.
“I want this matter to be buried here and not spoken of again,” the king commanded, his voice echoing in the grand hall.
The nobles nodded in agreement, sensing the finality in his tone. They understood the weight of his words and the importance of unity in the face of the impending war.
With the tension still thick, the king gestured for the discussion to shift back to strategy.
“Let us focus on how we will defend our kingdom and ensure victory against Apollo. We must stand united as loyal citizens of Ares,” he declared, redirecting the conversation towards their common goal.
The nobles straightened, prepared to set aside personal grievances for the sake of the kingdom.
“And about the commanders,” the king continued, his voice steady, “the four dukes will be the commanders, each leading ten thousand soldiers.”
Even though some nobles had disagreement, they murmured in agreement, recognizing the authority of the duke families to lead their forces into battle.
The king looked around the hall, ensuring every duke understood their responsibility.
“Duke Alden of Easvil, Duke of Hans, Duke of Ethwer, and Duke of Norish will coordinate our strategies and unite our strengths. Together, we will ensure the safety of our kingdom and defeat our enemies.”
With the decision made, a sense of purpose filled the hall as the dukes nodded solemnly.
