Everyone Is A Lord: My Talent Is A Little Too Strong-Chapter 2046 - 1147: Lord, Sand Table, and New Deployments

"Please, Your Royal Highness, do command, I will certainly render all my service for Your Royal Highness!"

Antonio’s aged voice immediately sounded without hesitation.

More precisely, his response carried a touch of uncontrollable urgency, eager to showcase his skills before Leo Ray.

"Chief Magic Teacher, please remain calm. Before I speak of the trial, would you be so kind as to inform me of the latest situation of the Pars Empire?"

Leo Ray stood from his seat and walked to the giant sand table in the command hall.

He narrowed his eyes slightly, projecting his gaze onto the Imperial City at the center of the broad territory of the Pars Empire, and asked, "After you led the remnants back, how did the Emperor of Pars respond?"

"Reporting to Your Royal Highness, ten days ago, after the defeat, Her Highness Cecilia and I traveled day and night, rushing back to the Imperial City, while Barnett led the main forces corps back five days ago."

Antonio’s voice had no reservations as it replied, "When I and Her Highness Cecilia urgently met with the Pars Emperor, we expected punishment or reprimand, but nothing happened. The Emperor only commanded us to prepare immediately to resist the surprise attack of the Ironhand Archipelago’s grand army."

"You first lost the central army, then Braddon, and finally disobeyed orders withdrawing privately, yet that old Emperor Douglas had no reaction?"

Leo Ray slightly raised an eyebrow, probing further.

"Correct, Your Royal Highness. Based on my understanding of the old Emperor, he should at least have been furious, blaming us for tarnishing Pars’s dignity, yet he seemed indifferent, not even mentioning it, nor listening to our reports on the battle situation."

Antonio’s elderly voice sounded, responding, "It seems, just as I guessed in the ice arrow message, the Emperor might be controlled by the Temple of Light."

"And how did First Princess Cecilia and Chief Commander Barnett react?"

Leo Ray pondered briefly and queried again.

"Reporting to Your Royal Highness, although Her Highness Cecilia did not state it explicitly, her obscure expression of confusion and bewilderment upon leaving clearly indicates she sensed something unusual."

Antonio answered Leo Ray’s inquiries respectfully, "However, compared to Braddon, Cecilia is relatively restrained and respects the Emperor greatly, so she did not express it. I speculate she plans to continue observing the situation."

"As for Barnett, his situation is quite similar to Cecilia’s. Moreover, Barnett is Cecilia’s teacher, closely connected; the two have probably discussed privately already."

"However, as I am Braddon’s teacher, they would not easily share these matters with me. After all, both Cecilia and Braddon have rights of succession, this is unavoidable."

After listening to Antonio’s response, Leo Ray nodded slightly and continued questioning, "Overall, do you believe these two are not under the control of the Temple of Light like the Emperor of Pars?"

"To be candid, Your Royal Highness, I indeed think so. Aside from other subtle clues, if these two were also controlled by the Temple of Light, there’s no way they’d retreat voluntarily before the Unfallen Fortress."

Antonio’s affirmative voice came through mind talk, "Moreover, from the Temple of Light’s perspective, once they’ve controlled the monarch, there’s no need to exert effort controlling others."

At this point, Antonio paused momentarily and continued, "Your Royal Highness, are you contemplating to win over Cecilia and Barnett?"

"As expected of Chief Magic Teacher, your thoughts are indeed agile."

Leo Ray smiled faintly, openly stating, "Setting aside factions and positions, do you think these two are worth winning over?"

"Reporting to Your Royal Highness, though reluctant to admit, Cecilia surpasses Braddon in dealing with people and talent alike, holding high esteem among Pars Empire’s nobility and populace, especially after advancing to Tier 5 Powerhouse, reaching an unprecedented level."

Antonio replied with transparency, "As for Barnett, he is revered as a War God among Pars Empire’s generals, with outstanding military achievements."

"I can boldly state, controlling these two equals controlling half of Pars’s territory, the significance is self-evident."

Upon saying this, an elderly hint of difficulty appeared in Antonio’s voice, adding, "However, these two not only possess innate pride, careful thoughts, but are also loyal to the Pars Empire, starkly different from Braddon’s weak character."

The old magician paused, contemplating his words, then continued, "Forgive me for speaking frankly, even if Your Royal Highness captures these two, granting them greater freedom, I fear they might remain oblivious, failing to understand Your Royal Highness’s kind intentions."

"Expected indeed."

Leo Ray maintained a gentle smile, remarked, "If Cecilia and Barnett confirm the old Emperor is controlled by Gannon the Ninth, what would they do?"

"Reporting to Your Royal Highness, both would surely oppose the Temple of Light, endeavoring to free the old Emperor from control. If confirmed that the old Emperor is beyond saving, they might leverage their influence attempting to target the Emperor’s throne."