Capítulo 101: Chapter 101: The Wrath of the Divine Kingdom! Necessary and Justified Countermeasures
"An ordinary steward? You are remarkably modest."
The Songstress, seated elegantly within the room, let out a light, melodious laugh.
She continued, her voice soft yet captivating, "We are both accustomed to traversing the shadows; why must you disguise yourself as harmless in my presence?
Justin, your connections with the Divine Kingdom can be uncovered with minimal effort.
Moreover, I am aware that you are not merely a merchant navigating the web of international intelligence; you also have some murky ties with the Silver Moon Kingdom…
Hmm, let me guess, how much do you suppose His Holiness would pay for such information?"
Justin's previously calm expression gradually darkened as he suddenly took flight into the room, biting down fiercely on the Songstress's neck!
"You talk too much."
Though the Songstress had been prepared for an attack, she had not anticipated such a direct assault!
She hastily summoned the twelve daggers that had been flung outside, but the magic was swiftly draining from her neck where he bit, rendering the flying daggers powerless as they fell to the ground.
"Hah… Hah…"
The Songstress struggled valiantly, but Justin's grip tightened, her own strength waning until her body gradually became limp.
"Ha—"
After a moment, Justin released his bite, exhaling a long breath.
Turning his gaze toward the griffon circling outside the window, he retrieved a white handkerchief to wipe the blood from his lips, then looked back at the Songstress, who lay helpless on the ground.
"Our brief acquaintance has been delightful; it's time for you to visit elsewhere."
...
In the latter half of the night, at the prison of Windward Harbor,
The interrogation of the [Songstress] mercenary team had been exhaustive, with all four members resolutely refusing to divulge any information regarding their employer.
As for the only female member and captain, the Songstress, she appeared pallid as though recovering from a grave illness, slumped in her chair, hardly able to utter a word beyond weak breaths of "Hah… Hah…"
The interrogation was not proceeding well, causing some anxiety among the higher-ups of the Divine Kingdom. Huyan Qingbai even rolled up his sleeves, intending to personally speak with the mercenaries, but Justin interjected to stop him.
"Gentlemen, the outcome of the interrogation is not of paramount importance."
His gaze swept over the assembly as he made a polite bow: "The goal of our esteemed teacher is to gain control over the entire Storm Kingdom; the means to achieve this goal are not rigidly confined."
As he spoke, a warrior from Nalan's team rushed over, excitement radiating from him: "One of the mercenaries has spoken! They claim their employer is the third prince of the Storm Kingdom!"
"It matters not who it is."
Justin replied blandly: "What you must understand is that the Divine Kingdom upholds a stance of peace and goodwill, assisting the seventh prince in managing Windward Harbor, while its high-ranking officials have been unjustly subjected to assassination attempts. The Storm Kingdom must pay for this!"
Zuo Qiu Yue and Nalan Huazi exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful.
Huyan Qingbai raised a finger toward Justin, shaking his head with a chuckle: "When it comes to feigning integrity while engaging in underhanded tactics, you truly excel!"
...
The following morning, the residents of Windward Harbor were astonished to discover that the number of patrolling armored warriors had multiplied several times, as the entire city fell into a state of lockdown!
The Divine Kingdom issued a proclamation, accusing the Storm Kingdom of violating the peace treaty and employing vile methods to undermine friendly high-ranking officials. The Divine Kingdom would take all necessary and reasonable countermeasures!
Shortly after the announcement, the former lord of Windward Harbor, the marquis, was awakened from sleep, pushing aside the bodies of two battered figures beside him, his eyes bleary as he inquired:
"What on earth is happening?"
"Milord! It's not good!"
Several attendants rushed in, panic evident on their faces: "The people of the Divine Kingdom have invaded! They claim you are suspected of colluding with assassins to murder high-ranking officials of the Divine Kingdom!"
"…What?"
The marquis jolted upright, hastily throwing on his clothes as he anxiously asked, "This isn't how the plan was supposed to unfold! Where is my teacher? Where is Douglas? Bring him to me!"
The attendants grimaced as they replied, "I just went to find him; Mr. Douglas is not here, and even the gifts of jewels and porcelain you bestowed upon him are gone!"
"Damn it…"
The marquis's face turned pale upon hearing this; that scoundrel Douglas had abandoned him and fled!
"Quick, quick! Gather the valuables; we must leave at once!"
He pointed and shouted at his attendants to pack up, scrambling toward the back door just as he collided with a squad of armored warriors!
At the forefront stood a smiling Huyan Qingbai.
"Oh, Lord Marquis, where are you in such a hurry to go? How fortuitous that we are on the same path; please, allow me!"
Seeing this, the marquis's legs gave way, and he collapsed to the ground.
It was over…
...
Under the pretext of high-ranking officials being attacked, the Divine Kingdom launched another purge of Windward Harbor!
Including the former lord marquis, all nobles who had not firmly pledged loyalty to the Divine Kingdom were arrested under the pretext of "colluding with assassins and undermining the peaceful relations between the two nations," with their assets confiscated!
The incident unfolded so suddenly that the royal family of the Storm Kingdom had not yet managed to respond, while the Divine Kingdom proclaimed:
"The Storm Kingdom fails to value the hard-won friendship and must provide sufficient reparations; otherwise, the Divine Kingdom will perceive this as a provocation!"
When these words reached the capital of the Storm Kingdom, warriors from the three families of the Divine Kingdom had already divided into multiple routes, advancing from Windward Harbor outward and forcefully occupying six towns!
Some lesser lords contemplated offering a counterargument, only to be showered with countless proclamations falling from the sky, detailing the despicable actions of the Storm Kingdom. The Divine Kingdom stood on the moral high ground, launching a righteous counterattack!
Griffons, laden with thousands of proclamations, accompanied the Divine Kingdom's army, scattering the documents across various towns, ensuring that the populace understood that the Divine Kingdom was administering punishment for the irrational actions of the Storm Kingdom!
Within the royal court, reports of defeats streamed in, leaving many noble ministers engaged in hushed conversations, their faces filled with concern.
They could discern that the Divine Kingdom was clearly resolved to abandon any pretense of negotiation!
King Chadton IX set down the battle reports, surveying the room with a solemn gaze, asking, "Shall we go to war, seek peace, or surrender? I invite your opinions."
"Your Majesty, the Divine Kingdom is advancing too swiftly; it is estimated that within two days, they will lay siege to the capital…"
A battle-hardened duke wore a grave expression: "If we are to fight, I suggest abandoning the eastern town of Lushuan and recalling the knight battalion for defense; with Caroline's assistance, we may still have a glimmer of hope!"
"Caroline, no matter how strong, cannot surpass the Storm Knights! Even Gaiji was defeated by the Divine Kingdom!"
An older noble, leaning on a cane, stepped forward to advise:
"Your Majesty, I suggest seeking peace! The Divine Kingdom is too powerful, and we were indeed at fault initially; we could cede two towns, provide sufficient reparations, and extend our condolences to the injured officials of the Divine Kingdom to maintain our friendship!"
As the king closed his eyes in contemplation, a figure clad in military attire burst through the hall.
"Surrender is tantamount to capitulation; today we cede two towns, tomorrow two more, and will the next step be to relinquish the capital?"
The third prince, sword in hand, strode down the steps toward the throne, proclaiming boldly: "Father, Mr. Belmo has prepared everything! If we can hold for three days, the Storm Kingdom shall surely triumph!"
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