THE RISE OF THE KNIGHTS OF SINNERS
#14# MEETING OF NOBLES
A long table neatly arranged with soft chairs in a large space that is all white. In those seats sat the nobles of the kingdom of Gerelia with their guards. At the end of the table, the king of Gerelia, Charles, sat on a luxurious throne, and to the right of the king was also present the 12th holy priest of Deusia, Jeremus II. And to the left of the king, there is the next regent, Prince Theo.
The meeting began by listening to the complaints of the nobles about the territory they led. Then proceed with discussing health, development, and military issues. The discussion lasted more than 2 hours. After the formal discussion, the main topic was discussed about the Reynald case.
The king gave the nobles a chance to vote on Reynald's fate. Whether he will be punished or released. After the vote, many nobles decided to punish Reynald.
Seeing that many supported Reynald's condemnation, Jeremus as the holy priest immediately opened his voice, "Viscount Reynald was a devout Deus. From childhood he studied Deus in Deusia. A man as old as Reynald can't be misdirected. "
" If there were no wrong targets, why would king Iris bother to lead his own army to retaliate? " quick sahut archduke Berto. he is the current leader of the archduke Caspia.
" Iris is a criminal kingdom and its king is also greedy. In the kingdom there is a hunt for bandits, therefore the bandits run towards Valdia. We should be grateful that viscount Reynald managed to finish off the bandits before they harmed the pilgrims. Besides look, the king of Iris immediately withdrew the army after Valdia paid, right? " pastor Jeremus retorted.he kept trying to defend Reynald.
" What the noble Jeremus said has a point. Remember the first holy war. Iris was on our side. But because of the lure of abundant wealth, they ended up defecting, right? I'm sure what Iris did this time to blackmail us. They'll be back in a month and they'll take advantage of that by extorting our wealth even more. If we don't want to, it's clearly not that they're going to threaten us with a new holy war, "between Prince Theo who's supporting the priest Jeremus.
" Hmh, I agree with Prince Theo's opinion. Our military strength is currently very weak. It would definitely be used meticulously by Iris. By threatening them while showing their great strength, we will be wary and afraid and willing to give wealth. " count Randa is the count of Trixia and the younger brother of Prince Theo's personal advisor.
The opinion of the prince and Count Randa directly received support by count Lambert (count of Croxia ), count Ersa (count of kara ), count Jarwis (count of Furu ), and, count Aska (count of Aru), and archduke James (archduke of Fotia).
It was no surprise to marquis Aiden, archduke Berto, and Count Irka (count of Kania ). Because indeed the leaders of the Gerelia kingdom region have been split into two camps.
" Hmmmh.., because many support Reynald. So, do we agree to release Reynald ? " the king said after listening to the nobles' opinions.
" Wait your honor, "marquis Aiden stands. He opened the wooden box given by Leo. From inside the box, there was a white shirt full of dried blood taken by marquis Aiden.
" Shirt? What do you mean, Marquis Aiden? " ask the priest Jeremus.
Marquis Aiden threw the cloth into the middle of the table and threw several crescent-shaped pendants on the cloth.
" Now look at the emblem on the white shirt and look at the locket. They were victims of Reynald's murder. I don't mean to support the king of Iris, but we should be grateful that the king of Iris didn't send that shirt to Angelusia. If that shirt is sent there, the third holy war is bound to happen and we will obviously lose" said marquis Aiden.
" Are you sure this is the shirt of the victim Reynald killed? " ask the king.
" His Majesty can use magic to see the past if it touches relics right? Now your majesty can use your magic on that shirt, "reply marquis Aiden.
The king ordered his guards to bring the clothes and pendant closer. Then he touched it and drained the magic energy. Sure enough, the king saw for himself how the cruelty of Reynald and his troops slaughtered the inhabitants of Iris, one of whom was the priest Angelus.
The king immediately kicked the table. " I can't forgive Reynald's actions! That's right what Marquis Aiden said. We should thank the king of Iris. He was willing to break out of the eastern alliance and lie about the victims of this massacre in order to spare the world from holy war. I'm sorry, marquis Aiden, it's almost a holy war if you don't show proof of this, "
" It is unfortunate that many who support criminals like him even give him gifts for the massacres made, " marquis Aiden's insinuations were instantly countered with the cynical gaze of the holy priest and the nobles who supported Reynald.
" Well, then what demands does king Iris want for Reynald? In the letter you sent, no claim is written, "by king Charles.
" King Iris wanted Reynald and his army to be taken to Iris and executed there, " replied the returning marquis Aiden.
" Can't! Reynald is a resident of Gerelia. If he is executed, it must be done here! " snaps Prince Theo who does not accept.
" The tradition of the kingdom of Iris is that whoever commits a crime against the people of Iris, whether he is in a distant land, when caught, the perpetrator must die in the land of Iris. We have to respect their traditions because we are wrong. The prince should have known it. "reply count Irka.
Prince Theo was silent. He glanced towards the holy priest with the intention of asking for his help but very unfortunate, the evidence Aiden marquis gave had silenced and embarrassed the holy priest.
" Well, if that's what the king of Iris wants, today Reynald and his entire army will be sent there. Now is the last topic, I would like to ask for your approval of the plan to join Gerelia in the holy kingdom of Deusia, "the king said as he gave the shirt and pendant to his bodyguard.
" I'm sorry before your majesty. Don't we have Deus' alliance? Then why do we ask for Deusia's shelter? " ask archduke Berto.
" Reminent archduke lord. The alliance we established is for security only, nothing more. But this plan of patronage was a plan of cooperation between all western empires in all fields, including the field of magic technology. In our kingdom there are many books of knowledge about military technology and magic that can be used as a reference in strengthening defense. However, the requirement for access to the book was to approve the holy kingdom of Deusia as a shade for the entire western kingdom. In addition, this cooperation could boost the economic progress of each member of the alliance" explained Jeremus.
" As we agree in Deusia, we have the opportunity to create new experiments and technologies from their books. That way this kingdom will be strong again like a few years before. All the western kingdoms have agreed and we are left alone who have not. So wait especially? " prince Theo vigorously supported and encouraged the nobles to agree with Jeremus's proposal. The nobles one by one gave their consent.
" In that case, our marquis Valdia declared her secession from the kingdom of Gerelia, "said the marquis of Aiden. The words immediately shocked everyone present there. Even the king choked on hearing Aiden's marquis decision. Meeting room was silent for a moment. They did not expect that Marquis Aiden would dare to say such a thing.
...Braaak...!...
Prince Theo kicked down the table and stood up from his seat. " What do you mean marquis Aiden!? " ask prince Theo who shows his anger.
" What gives Deusia territory is us. Isn't it funny that we who are a big kingdom beg for shade to a small kingdom with the lure of new knowledge? I would never accept that, "reply with Marquis Aiden.
" When you separate, then the whole matter will be over? Separating yourself means you are challenging the war of this kingdom marquis Aiden, "added king Charles who did not like the decision of marquis Aiden.
" That's not a problem. I archduke of Caspia and Iska count of Kania will join Valdia, "archduke Berto immediately interrupts without permission. The decision of the archduke from Caspia added to the shock and further heated up the tension in the room.
" Just for the sake of the Valdius family, you two would willingly defect? What kind of follower is that? Hey remember the Valdius family contains defectors, did you guys catch them? " the jeering of the priest Jeremus with an unpleasant tone was heard.
" Yes, even their ancestors alone dared to burn down the holy kingdom. They are actually a family of sinners. Are you willing to support such a noble family? " sahut prince Theo.
" Heh a sinner? Yes, my family is a sinner for killing many people to save the ass of his prince who ran away in a storm when the Taiyorian army attacked the capital. And we are also sinners who have saved the holy priest from the threat of the defeat of the second holy war. Besides isn't it more sinful to free corrupt officials and give them more territory? " reply to the taunts of marquis Aiden who silenced the mouths of prince Theo and priest Jeremus.
" This plan is very beneficial for the future of our kingdom. I hope Mr. Aiden doesn't bring up the past. And do not forget our help when Valdia experienced a crisis, "said the count of furu that Jarwis.
" Mister Jarwis, I hope you better keep quiet for the sake of the continuity of our child's relationship, "reply reply Aiden marquis who also directly silenced Count Jarwis.
" When Taiyoria comes you're just lucky to be given a strong physique a bad-looking base! And look at the iniquity of your family, you have borne their torment, right? Starting from the death of your whole family, the crazy of your son, and the death of your wife, right? I heard he's a mad magic researcher hahahaha...! " the archduke James.
The archduke James's woe enraged Leo. He who folded his hand immediately reacted by raising his right index finger. Instantly the meeting room temperature immediately dropped dramatically. The originally hot and stuffy meeting room turned cold even the water in the cups on the table instantly froze.
Before long they were immediately made shocked by feeling a wave of powerful magic energy behind the coldness. The eyes of the members of the meeting were directly fixed on Aiden's marquis bodyguards wearing full armor and his helmet.
" T-this!? The perfect magic element evolution!? " ask the priest Jeremus.
" You!? " the eyes of King Charles glanced sharply at Leo. The old man realized who was behind the armor.
There were some nobles who knew that the second son of marquis Aiden was behind the armor. But most of them are just guessing.
" Let your finger down! " the marquis orders Aiden on Leo. He immediately lowered his finger and the cold disappeared instantly.
" I never thought you had such a great weapon, Marquis Aiden, " said King Karl.
" The power of Gerelia's kingdom now rests on Valdia, Caspia, and Kania. If we break away and you fight us, isn't it clear who won? Now that you know my ace, do you still want to agree to Deusia's plan? Remember, never mess with Valdia. We are double-edged swords, we can be weapons that help you but can also be weapons that kill you. I hope your majesty thinks well. "squeezed marquis Aiden.
The meeting room began to quiet again. They were all waiting for the decision of the thinking king to find the best solution for a few minutes.
" Well, if Deusia had broken up Gerelia's kingdom, I would have decided not to join. For the sake of the integrity of Gerelia, I declare that this kingdom will only join the Deus alliance but not with the auspices of Deusia" said King Charles who was greeted with relief by the other nobles.
The decision was clearly not to the liking of Jeremus. In his heart he continued to curse Marquis Aiden, indeed because he was Gerelia canceled to join. The holy priest came out of the meeting room in annoyance and was followed by prince Theo and several other nobles.
" Till here our meeting. All of you may leave the room except for Marquis Aiden, I want to speak to you in one eye "command king Charles.
The nobles and their bodyguards took turns to leave the room including Thalia and Leo. They went back to the dugout and left their father.
***
When she reached the previous room, Thalia immediately threw her body into the bed. He felt an extremely heavy mind load instantly disappear after the meeting.
" Fyuuuh.., I can hardly breathe when you dare to say that, "Thalia said as she caught her breath.
Leo took off his helmet and replied, "I still don't take it with those nobles. They insult our family! "
Thalia put on a sour face. He sat down and looked at Leo. " Hey stupid! It was common for any gathering of nobles to insult each other. Because of your actions, it seems like the king and some nobles already know your identity. I have repeatedly reminded myself to hold back. "
Leo fell silent, He immediately sat down with his head bowed before his brother.
" Hmmm quiet now? Isn't there a word I should listen to? " Thalia raised Leo's chin using her right leg.
" Sorry brother, " said Leo.
" Waaaah...! " Thalia suddenly hugged her sister. " Hear your apologies always knock me out my sister...! "
" It could be that I have an older brother who is in love with his own sister, "sayir Leo who is upset about being bullied by his brother.
...Tubs!...
Thalia hit Leo hard on the head. " Who do you mean? "
" Lu-forget it, "reply Leo stroked the head.
" Our task is done. You can go around town. For Indra's next guard and Yurei's troops to be on duty, "Thalia lay down again.
" Sister not coming? "
" I have to take care of your enrollment at the Gerelia academy, "
" Whataa!? I have no intention of going to school here! "
" As a child of nobility, you must obtain the title of knight from the kingdom. Even though you have graduated from another royal academy but still you have to go to school again here. Take it easy you will enter the second year, so only 2 years of your school here. Unfortunately, your clan still uses grandfather's clan. So you will be considered a student from another land not from the Valdius family, "
" Hhhhhh for years I went to school and graduated, and now I have to go to school again, " complained Leo as he scratched his blonde hair.
" In the academy of the capital many beautiful students, "
" I don't care–, "
" In addition to noble children, the beautiful students are the average children of wealthy merchants whose wealth is not exhausted seven generations, "
" Okay, I want to go to school here! "
" cherry. Why does the nature of the mother whose eyes are twitching decline to you, "
" Just ask your mother. Then I'll go around, "
" Let't you enter the comfort women's quarters or I'll kill you! "
" Yes-yes I understand. " Lo put on his helmet again and went out of the palace.
" Mother, I love your son more and more. Hopefully what you choose is right for him "thalia murmured as she looked at her sister walking out of the room.
^^^To be Continue^
