Charles III's proclamation as emperor was like pouring a ladle of water into a pan of hot oil. Oil and water droplets exploded in all directions, blasting the Aslant Continent's pot wide open.
In the face of news this huge, even the heretic rebellion had to take a back seat. Rumors had become reality, and every major faction that received the news was stunned.
The Church was not the only one to react fiercely. The Ilibia Kingdom, also located on the Southern Continent, felt the pressure as well.
"Charles III has proclaimed himself emperor. The Franks' ambitions have been fully exposed. The Kingdom has reached a point where it must make a choice.
Opportunity and challenge coexist. The choice we make now will determine the Kingdom's future fate. Speak your minds. What do you all think?"
Bordeaux VIII's grave question immediately made the atmosphere in the hall turn solemn.
Though the Southern Continent was vast, it could not accommodate three overlords. The Frankish Kingdom, the Ilibia Kingdom, and the Church—among these major powers, only one could ultimately survive.
In the past, they had watched the Frankish Kingdom and the Church fight, choosing sides according to their own interests.
As time passed, the balance between the two was eventually broken.
On one side was the rising Frankish Kingdom; on the other was the declining Dawn Holy See. It was obvious which was stronger.
Watching the gap in strength between the two sides widen, the Ilibia Kingdom, which had once played both sides, inevitably began leaning politically toward the Church.
Yet because of the conflict between Royal Authority and divine authority, the two sides that ought to have worked hand in hand never truly stood together.
"Your Majesty, Charles III's proclamation as emperor was an utter blunder! For the sake of an