The Vastness of Magical Destiny-Chapter 153 - 10 Conspiracy_2

Chapter 153: Chapter 10: Conspiracy_2

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Chapter 153 -10: Conspiracy_2

“Rohl, don’t lose your composure, they are in no better position,” the Duke Zellin said, handing over the juice wine passed to him by his attendant as he took a light sip. “The ‘Utrecht Decree’ has still not been successfully implemented. If not for the support of financiers and usury merchants, the kingdom’s finances would have likely already collapsed. Now, with the Northern Beastmen running wild, the kingdom has many expenses to cover. There aren’t enough soldiers, and expanding the army requires funds. His Majesty the King is probably also having sleepless nights. However, those two fellows up North now seem a bit shaky, probably terrified by the beastmen’s atrocities. The Caucasus has now become the focal point of the kingdom’s attention. You should be more cautious. In my opinion, it might be better to gain control over that kid, or at the very least, ensure he remains quiet during our preparation period. We don’t need additional chaos, for we are the thorn in the kingdom’s side, and I don’t want that guy to become a thorn in ours.” Taking another sip of the fragrant juice wine mixed with the aroma of fermentation, a sensation Duke Zellin always savored and enjoyed.

He paused for a moment, then took a big gulp before continuing as if savoring something, “This may be our chance, and it’s a preparation we must make. These past few years have been prosperous, and after saving for so long, it’s time we made a move. I plan to moderately increase the numbers of the Galle Infantry Division, and adjustments to the Nirvana Knights regiment are also necessary. I’m doubtful whether the kingdom can withstand this year’s southern advance of the beastmen. Ah, just thinking of those beastmen wielding siege weapons and instruments of war, even I shudder. Sometimes I wonder if I should support the kingdom, for at least with it as a shield, we needn’t face the beastmen’s blades head-on. But this is indeed a rare opportunity, which we cannot fail to grasp. Perhaps if the kingdom survives this ordeal, our good days might come to an end.”

Philip felt a chill in his heart and mused for a while before replying, “Gofi, in your opinion, are we unable to maintain this situation for much longer?”

“Heh, Rohl, what time do you think it is? Do you still hope for a peaceful coexistence? Let me tell you, in recent years, the Church of Light has infiltrated too heavily in the North, making the kingdom vigilant, diverting some attention to them, and it took quite an effort to contain the Church of Light’s momentum. These beastmen’s disturbances just happen to lend us a hand; otherwise, His Majesty the King would have probably already taken action. Humph, His Majesty deeply resents our opposition to the ‘Utrecht Decree.’ The decree is the foundation of the kingdom’s survival and the death knell for our downfall. Its existence decides life or death. It’s only through our relentless resistance that the decree has not been fully enforced. Otherwise, our noble vassals below would have long since gone to Jazair to fawn over His Majesty. If that day comes, we would have no choice but to bow our heads. However, the king’s patience is wearing thinner, and such a day will come eventually. Haven’t you seen that the Iron Cross Corps has been established? Let me tell you, reliable sources say that even the Blue Dove Corps is set to be formed. His Majesty’s strong determination probably isn’t solely aimed at the beastmen, right?”

Duke Zellin glanced at his old friend walking beside him. This fellow still hadn’t abandoned those unrealistic fantasies, thinking that familial relationships could secure his position, not considering that, with His Majesty’s personality, he’d put the kingdom’s interests above blood ties – how naive. There are no more chances to turn back. If we hesitate now, all that awaits us is oblivion.

“No, old friend, you misunderstand, I am not interested in living peacefully with the kingdom, but as you said, the Beastmen are now surging in the North, and if we continue to drag our feet, I fear the kingdom will collapse immediately, and we would face the brunt of the Beastmen’s military might. If we could grasp a measure, let the Beastmen deplete the kingdom’s resources, we can take the chance to accumulate and expand our power without directly confronting the kingdom for now. Wouldn’t that be better?” Philip’s gaze flickered, seemingly indecisive.

“Wrong, terribly wrong! Philip, you are vastly underestimating the kingdom’s power. Those old fellows in the Central Kingdom are definitely not as simple and incompetent as you think. Although the Beastmen were able to gain temporary advantage in last year’s offensive, it was because the kingdom did not anticipate the Beastmen obtaining battering rams, high-grade instruments, catching them off guard. There are likely many mysteries involved, but I believe the kingdom will soon come up with countermeasures. According to the current situation, the Beastmen do not seem to master the technology of manufacturing these instruments, and are not even adept at using them. Moreover, according to reliable information, the quantity of these weapons obtained by the Beastmen is very limited. Perhaps a surprise attack at a crucial moment could achieve a temporary remarkable effect, but once the other side is prepared and understands their methods, it will be difficult to replicate the annihilation of the Three Kingdoms and city-states unless they receive a large amount of these instruments. So unless those who support the Beastmen in the shadows supply them with instruments on a large scale, the Beastmen will hardly pose a substantial threat to the kingdom, at most, a few allied countries to the west may suffer some loss. I’m thinking that perhaps we, in the eyes of His Majesty the King, are the greatest threat. Could it be that His Majesty the King intends to expand the army under the pretext of the Beastmen threat, but in reality, he is aiming at us?”

His tone became serious, and even his address changed to a formal appellation, which showed how seriously Zellin was taking this issue.

“Do we really have no choice but to stab the kingdom in the back?” With a complex expression, Philip had long known that both he and Zellin were already riding on the tiger’s back and had to keep going no matter what; either they would be successful, and there would be two more duchies on the Blue Continent, with the Kingdom of Nicosia losing the richest third of its territories, or the Homer and Galle regions would still exist, only under them would be numerous small territories, and no single family would be able to compete with the Central Kingdom again. Nonetheless, with his deep ancestral ties to the royal bloodline, he was always reluctant to accept this reality. As mentioned, the family’s interest was paramount—be it marital connections or blood relations, all must be built upon the existence of the family. He and Zellin couldn’t be blamed for this—it was the world that was too small.

“This year, when the Beastmen launch their attack will be our best opportunity. From now on, we cannot provide the kingdom with any assistance from Gold Shield. Jazair’s financiers, the allies in the west, and those Central Kingdom officials who have taken enough of our Gold Shields, we need to make our stance clear with everyone we can control and influence. The time has come to lay our cards on the table, unless the kingdom accepts our terms, which I believe the stubborn His Majesty the King would rather die than agree to at first. Therefore, we should try every means possible to weaken the kingdom, preparing as much as we can for our new order. I think when everything is considered thoroughly, His Majesty the King will make a calm and sober judgment,” Zellin did not answer the other’s question about which road was taken, for he had long understood what the other had in mind. That query was but a fig leaf to cover the hint of guilt in his heart. When the time really came, Zellin believed the other would act more decisively and cleanly than anyone.