Chapter 182: Long Live King Kairuku IX!
"Your Majesty, I have returned."
"Solaz, I've heard of your valiant feats in the eastern border. Great job in dominating the Terravalleans, also, I appreciate your swift retreat. Those damned incompetent mercenaries…I should have hired the other group…" Kairuku IX said with a stern face, giving Solaz a tap on his shoulder for a job well done. "Come, let us discuss how to deal with the incoming coalition army."
Turning around, King Kairuku IX walked towards the meeting hall, only to realize that Solaz didn't follow him.
Noticing the frown on his grand marshal's face, Kairuku IX also frowned.
"Solaz, didn't I tell you to follow me?" the king said, unhappy with Solaz's insubordination.
"I apologize, your majesty. I would also like to discuss the strategy on how to deal with the Rougenfort-Terravalle Coalition Army, however, before that, there is something else I wish to discuss with you."
Hearing his subordinate's words, Kairuku's eyes narrowed into slits.
"Hoh? And what do you want to talk about?" the king asked.
"What should we do about the hundreds of thousands of refugees outside the walls?" Solaz replied with a questioning tone.
"What can we do? The future of the kingdom is at stake, we cannot accommodate them or our food supplies would quickly run out."
"So we'll simply allow them to die? They are your citizens, are they not? Citizens who trusted you to lead them."
"They are, and it is with a heavy heart that I decide to temporarily ignore their plea. There is simply no way for the kingdom to survive if we prioritize them. I hope you will understand my difficulties, Grand Marshal Solaz."
This time, Kairuku replied with a stern, almost threatening tone.
"I also hope I could, however, I apologize as my heart resonates more with those in need. We at least need to get them out of harm's way as they would surely starve or worse, be slaughtered by the hostile coalition army." Solaz deeply bowed before continuing: "It would be hard for me to defend the capital with everything I have if we leave the poor citizens out to dry. Please, Your Majesty, I beg you to reconsider.
Solaz's pleading yet sharp words carried a subtle threatening undertone, causing King Kairuku IX to inwardly fume in anger.
However, he cannot afford to lose the loyalty of his grand marshal at this critical juncture.
Gnashing his teeth and staying silent for a few seconds, Kairuku IX made a hard decision.
"Alright, Grand Marshal Solaz, I'll agree to your terms this time. But remember, nothing comes without a price. I can make arrangements for them, but only if men aged 18 to 55 are willing to fight for the kingdom. If not, accommodating them won't be possible. Plus, you'll need to show me tangible progress in the war; otherwise, they'll have to leave."
Solaz also inwardly fumed upon hearing his king's words, utterly heartbroken upon realizing that the king he was serving…was an utterly heartless one.
The man did not even care whether his subjects lived or died.
Learning this fact about King Kairuku IX disheartened Solaz.
He did not want to fight for the man anymore.
However, the citizens were depending on him.
He can't quit now.
With a forced smile, Solaz replied: "Thank you for your benevolence, your majesty. I shall fight to the best of my abilities."
"Hmmph, follow me then, we have a lot of strategizing to do."
Although unhappy, Solaz still followed Kairuku IX, inwardly vowing to resign from his position should the kingdom be lucky enough to survive this ordeal.
…
The proud sun had already retreated from its heavenly throne around two hours ago, giving way to a lunar dynasty wherein the biting darkness of the night consumed the world.
Outside Kairuku City, frosty winds howled, causing the poor citizens to helplessly shiver—cold and hungry.
They were losing hope as they had nowhere to go.
There were thousands if not hundreds of thousands of them.
The atmosphere outside the city was chilly and bleak, as though despair had taken over the minds of the citizens.
Clearly, their king did not care about them.
However, just when their eyes were turning listless, the city gates suddenly opened.
A seemingly high-ranking army officer escorted by two soldiers then walked out, carrying with them a decree.
"Citizens of Kairuku Kingdom, you may enter the capital, however, you must strictly follow his majesty's conditions. Those who will not will be kicked out. That is all. Men, assist these…peasants…"
The way the officer talked was nothing short of infuriating, however, to the refugees of Kairuku Kingdom's fallen villages, towns, and cities, they sounded like heavenly tunes.
Finally…they were safe!
Long live King Kairuku IX!
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