The Kingmaker System-Chapter 433 - 432. Time To Make A Move (2)

"I’ll start with the reason why I was summoned to the Royal Palace," I spoke, watching everyone.

"A couple of days ago, I got wind of something going on in a small town in Slavenreach. It was a small township that produces berries and is responsible for creating one of the best wines in the kingdom. Town Eirn," I explained.

"At first, it was only some calculation errors in the tax reports, but when I went there, I got to know that there was a whole different game being played," I said and went on to explain what Marquis Glines was plotting and what I did.

"It was a good thing that I managed to learn of it soon enough, so everything was sorted."

The men seemed agitated upon learning about the whole matter.

"How preposterous!" Count Wallace grimaced.

"How dare he impersonate you and do such bad things to tarnish your name, Master!" Earl Clive frowned.

"Both father and son deserve to be skinned alive," Zach spoke darkly.

I waved my hand. "I haven’t let them off the hook. After I got my hands on the evidence, I sent for His Majesty, and he summoned me for that reason."

"So, you were the one who sent for him first," my father spoke thoughtfully.

"Yes, but I didn’t expect him to call for me on Kai’s birthday," I sighed, then added, "Laude is in Eirn doing manual labor, and His Majesty assured me that he will take our side during the trial against Glines."

"Isn’t it dangerous to keep him there? Marquis Glines will have him killed since he’s caught now," Count Greene spoke.

"He can’t do that. I have placed some people there to keep an eye on Laude, and as for Marquis Glines—well, I’ve already sent for my knights to get him," I spoke and glanced once at Lyall.

"Won’t it be problematic with Esmertia? Even though His Majesty is siding with you, he won’t afford to make an enemy out of them," Viscount Langland asked.

"Besides, the current Minister of Justice is the brother-in-law of the Golden Serpent," Rune pointed out.

"That’s the reason why I approached him in the first place. I wanted to drive a deeper rift between him and the Golden Serpent—but I guess there wasn’t any need for it," I said with a smirk.

"And he agreed to side with you?" my father asked.

"What does he want in return?" Grandfather asked straightaway, making me smile.

"Two things," I said, bringing up two fingers.

"But before I get on that topic," I added, "Lord Clive, I hope you shall take up the case. I’ll provide you with everything that you need—just make sure to give them some hell in the courtroom."

Lord Clive stood up and bowed. "I’m honoured that you chose me for such a big responsibility."

I smiled and gestured for him to take a seat before turning my eyes toward Eric and Alys, who sat side by side after my father and Rune.

"Now, the two things the King wants from me," I started, and the men leaned forward.

"First thing—he wanted me to bring Princess Alys back to Sestia," I said, making everyone in the room react.

"What?!"

"Princess Alys? Is she even alive?"

"Do you know her whereabouts, Master?"

"Is it even safe for her to be here, even if she is alive?"

I walked over to Alys’ seat, where she sat between Eric and Silas. Silas frowned as he saw me approaching, his eyes narrowing in warning.

I stopped near her chair and placed my hand on his shoulder to keep him from reacting.

"Four years ago, His Majesty came to me with a request to ensure his niece’s safety. So, I told him that I had her sent over to Mordino," I said, making them all gasp in shock.

"Princess is in Mordino!"

"Thank heavens she’s all right."

"But why does he want her back now?"

"He seems to care about her. And ever since Prince Eric displayed so much potential in the war, he is now considering all three of them as candidates for the throne—Prince Eric, Prince Carlos, and Princess Alys."

I glanced once at Alys, who flinched hearing this. Her fists clenched on her thighs, and even Silas looked like he would jump up.

"I asked him to reconsider, since the Princess is detached from politics, but as he kept worrying, he asked me to find a solution," I said. "So, I suggested that she be married to a man who could keep her safe—even from the Esmertia family’s claws."

"Is there anyone—wait, are you going to marry Princess Alys then?" Zach asked, and Silas looked up at me with a dark expression.

"No, it’s not me."

I definitely can’t tell Silas that the King suggested my name to be Alys’s husband.

"I suggested Archmage Silas to be the one to do so."

"What?!"

"But the Archmage is..."

Everyone looked at him, then at the redheaded woman beside him, and I sighed, looking at Alys.

"Regardless, the King seemed to leave it to me—so I’ll ask the Archmage and Marquis Fairisles to give it a thought."

"All right," Grandfather responded thoughtfully, playing along with me, while Silas seemed displeased.

"Archmage?" I called.

"Fine," he grunted.

I removed my hand from his shoulder and walked over to Eric’s seat, who seemed relaxed despite me announcing that the King had been considering Carlos—and even Alys—besides him.

"As for the second thing," I continued, standing behind Eric’s chair, hands resting lightly on its headrest, "the King asked me whom I support. I said I remained neutral. So he gave me a responsibility."

Lord Devil’s frown deepened.

"I’m sorry to interrupt, Master," he spoke up. All eyes turned to him.

"What is it, Baron Oberon?" I asked.

"I still don’t see how Princess Alys will remain safe. Once the public learns she’s alive, chaos will follow. She’ll be dragged into politics whether she wants to or not. And some may still be loyal to the former King and Prince Soros—they might demand she fight for the throne. Marrying the Archmage will only raise their expectations."

The murmurs of agreement rippled around the table. Alys hadn’t moved, her form tense and frozen.

"I agree that the other nobles won’t let her be but that doesn’t mean that they would force her to do anything if she is already under protection from Marquis Fairisles or even myself for that matter." I explained and then looked at Lord Devil.

"And considering the possibility of Golden Serpent or Esmertia then," I replied evenly, "the Mage Tower isn’t a place Esmertia can influence. And Marquis Fairisles is directly involved. Do you think the Golden Serpent would dare cross either of them?"

"But His Excellency is already backing Prince Eric. Won’t this cause internal friction?" Count Greene added.

"And the Golden Serpent won’t hesitate now that there are two more contenders," Lord Langland warned.

I turned to Grandfather with a sly smile. "Is it too much for you to handle, Your Excellency?"

Silas slammed his palm onto the table, silencing the room. "I will take care of it."

The room hushed. Grandfather cleared his throat. "Let’s move on. We must consult Princess Alys before deciding."

"Very well," I said. "Now, about the second request—the King entrusted me with evaluating who among the three deserves the crown."

Gasps filled the room.

"Pa—pardon?!"

I let the shock settle, then continued. freewēbnoveℓ.com

"He didn’t outright ask me to choose, but when I couldn’t give a definitive answer, I proposed that all three should undergo tests—challenges—to determine their worth. This way, the realm itself can witness the one most deserving."

Everyone burst into a flurry of questions and speculation. I chuckled and raised a hand.

"One at a time, gentlemen."

They quieted. My father seized the chance to speak.

"Isn’t this tantamount to you standing against the Golden Serpent?"

"That’s right!"

"Exactly my concern!"

I nodded, smiling. "I know. But I’m already walking that line. And this condition was part of securing the King’s help."

"But why even ask for his help?" Father asked. "You have evidence. You could take down Marquis Glines as you did with Baron Oberon when he was being framed by Count Peter Erkens."

Lord Devil cleared his throat. "With all due respect, Your Grace—my case was different. At that time, no one anticipated Master would arrive with the evidence. That was a surprise. That same strategy won’t work again."

Zach added, "The Golden Serpent knows what Master is capable of. This time, he’s the one calling for the trial. It’s likely he has powerful evidence to protect the Glines family. The Golden Serpent will fight tooth and nail."

Murmurs of agreement filled the hall.

"This trial," I said softly, "is not just against Marquis Glines. It’s me putting the Golden Serpent against the King. This could sever the last remaining thread of trust between them."

"But it won’t be easy," Count Greene said gravely.

"I know," I agreed. "But I believe the King will prove useful."

"Why do you believe that?" Earl Clive asked.

I smiled faintly. "Because, even if unknowingly, the King still cherishes his family. He’s unaware of the conspiracy that killed them, but that lingering love is something I can use—to help him see through her lies. To turn him against the Golden Serpent, once and for all."

Silence. Everyone stared, stunned.

"You mean... Her Majesty was behind Prince Soros’s death?" Count Wallace asked, his voice low.

I nodded.

"She’ll get her due. But first, we must reinstate Prince Eric and bring Princess Alys before the kingdom. Only then will the truth truly begin to shine."

I cast one last look at Alys, unmoving.

She might try to run from it. But this—this truth—would follow her to the ends of the earth.

Sooner or later, she would have to face it.

"Anyways," I sighed as I patted Eric’s shoulders.

"I was thinking of various trials to put our candidates through and since Prince Eric is here I’d warn him that even though I’m by his side, I won’t allow any unfair means to win these challenges. You will have to prove your worth before the masses that you’re going to rule." I said.

"I want you to crush the arrogance of those who think that being a King is only about the power and authority and become the one man that this kingdom would cherish. Can you do that?" I asked looking down at him.

His scarlet eyes shone with the fiery flames as he looked up at me.

"Yes, Master!"

"Good," I said and then looked at the others.

"The matter regarding Princess Alys will be discussed again once I have talked with her personally and listen to her decision. But this all can wait for the parade." I said and then looked at Grandfather.

"The King said that he will send a letter to Marquis Fairisles regarding reinstating Prince Eric back to the royal palace so, I’ll leave it up to you and Prince Eric regarding that decision."

Grandfather and Eric nodded and then I turned to Roan.

"And Roan, give the documents to Earl Clive." Roan moved ahead and placed the documents before him.

"These are all the collected evidences including the ledgers that details everything. I hope this will be enough, I’ll get Laude from Eirn when the date of trial is decided so, please study these and tell me if you need anything else." I explained and he skimmed through the pages before he nodded.

"I’ll study these and let you know, Master."

With that said, I looked around everyone.

"Does anyone have anything to add?" I asked and they exchanged looks but no one said anything.

"All right then, I’ll conclude this meeting here. You all may leave for your residences." I concluded.

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