Hall of Stars's civilians and small and medium-sized nobles suddenly became commotion in panic, and the guards had to shout loudly.
"You really dare to say that, Cyril." Duke of the North Val looked at Cyril deeply. "Thanks to you, no one should talk about returning to closed, small conference rooms anymore, right?"
The seals on the stone throne Count were silent in response.
"Sooner or later, something will happen," Duke Falkenhaus said with gloomy eyes, and even in the midst of laughter, his sharp voice remained. "Hey, I just removed your luck and fear."
"The 'undesirable' at the banquet," Duke Cullen sighed, "He is truly worthy of his name."
Jann, like most Thirteen Noble Families and Count, had a gloomy face and said nothing.
Ten seconds later, what was transmitted from Star Gathering Plaza to Hall of Stars was the panicked and chaotic hum of the general public, which was getting louder and louder.
The news of the upcoming conflict between Exeter and Star Kingdom has now been fully disclosed.
Count Sorrel looked at the king with evil eyes. "His Majesty, announcing this coming disaster to the people, the effect you wanted has been achieved - the question is, how will it end now?"
Kessel the Fifth, whose face was as cold as ice, did not speak, but only glanced at Sorel, who was still stubborn in response.
"This is easy," Count Talen stared at Sorel unceremoniously. "Do you want to fight or talk? If you want to fight, everyone should go back to their territory and blow the call."
"We still have the opportunity to negotiate. We have allies. Just like twelve years ago, we can ask them to mediate." Jann slowly raised his head and looked at the lords and princes. "The war may not break out, as long as a certain price is paid..."
"The one they died in the mission was Prince - the only son of King Noon and the only heir of the Walton Family." Falkenhaus interrupted Young Duke, and he said in a sinister manner, "Pay the price? That's right. Just cede which piece of northern territory to Exeter."
"Northern Territory will not give up an inch of territory," Earl Zemuto said coldly, "That is the land that our family has protected for generations."
"But that Prince did die within your jurisdiction, didn't he?" Count Dastan sneered, "This is your responsibility, and of course you have to pay the price."
"If you are not joking, Dastan," Earl Forris raised his head with a fierce look in his eyes. "Then we can go to the final platform to duel now."
"Okay, okay, then give them 20% of the supply of Eternal Oil in the East China Sea?" Duke Falkenhaus pretended to be deep in thought, first looking at Duke Cullen, then at Jann, with a nonchalant smile, "Or what about Pitch Crystal Mine in the south?"
"There is a limit to joking, Cyril." Duke Cullen responded with a rare seriousness.
Jann showed him a friendly smile and shook his head slightly.
At this moment, Kessel the Fifth lightly tapped the scepter.
All the nobles calmed down and looked at him.
Under the king's gaze, Gilbert nodded and took a step forward:
"According to Secret Section's channel, Dragoncloud City learned yesterday that Prince died in the Star Kingdom," he frowned. "And Grand Duke Black Sand is faster than their king. He had already started recruiting soldiers and mobilizing the army two days ago - Exeter The other two Grand Duke in the south are half a day slower than him, but they are generally the same."
There was an uproar in the hall!
"Quiet!" Gilbert said in a serious voice.
Amid the mixed emotions in the hall, Supreme King was heard saying in a low and deep voice, "If the two countries go to war, the royal family still has Talen Family, and will do everything it can to support Northern Territory."
Count Talen nodded firmly.
The king looked at Duke of the North with a dull expression. "Val, how much troops and supplies can you provide?"
"How many troops? Are you kidding?" Val·Arendt responded seriously, "I have summoned all the vassals, fifteen thousand infantry, one thousand archers, and five hundred heavy cavalry. There are even a small number of Magic Energy Gun! They will reinforce Dragonbreak Fortress in the shortest possible time and obey orders from Sonia·Lord Satherley."
"That's our territory! Once war breaks out, even women and children will take up arms!"
"As for supplies, it depends on how much land we can hold."
Zemuto and Furis, Count, nodded firmly in agreement:
"The thirty-five hundred people of Watchtower City will fight to the death."
"Elder Tower only has two thousand infantry, but we will fight to the last soldier."
"We can withstand the pressure of three Exeter Grand Duke, but if it is Exeter nationwide..." Duke of the North straightened up and glanced at every noble with piercing eyes. "We need the power of the entire Star Kingdom."
Kohn, who was standing behind Old Karabiyang Earl, scratched his head and whispered in confusion:
"Isn't this National Affairs Conference for all people? How can you talk about the deployment of troops like this?"
Old Karabiyang Earl gently closed his eyes and sighed imperceptibly.
"Don't you see?" He lowered his voice and told his son with a tired look on his face:
"This attitude of the northern nobles is for Exeter to see."
"Do you believe that Duke Arendell can summon ten thousand people? Star Kingdom has never recovered from Year of Blood - I suspect that one-third of the military strength claimed by the lords would be good."
Kohn was suddenly startled.
He looked at the top of the hall in disbelief, the pattern of Silver Cross with Twin Stars.
As descendants of the Empire, Western Continent's Shield, Starfall Kingdom are already weak to this point?
Kessel the Fifth nodded slightly, then turned to the scary-looking Cyril: "Where are the lords of Western Wasteland?"
Cyril·Falkenhaus tilted his head back, closed his eyes and said, "Wasteland Ruins can only send a thousand infantry - Desolate Bone Tribe has started to cause commotion again recently. As for Magic Energy Gun, we don't even have enough ourselves."
"Wing Castle is not good at military excellence," the young Deler·Kloma Count mused, "But we can send the best one hundred Raven Whistle Light Cavalry."
Bozdov also frowned fiercely. "Heroic Soul Fortress's surroundings have been uneasy recently. There is a Orc who is regarded as a leader. He is gathering the power of various clans - the Black Lion family can only send two hundred people."
Western Wasteland The stingy decision of the nobles made the nobles present start to whisper.
Kohn frowned. He had served on the Western Wasteland front line and in Purge Campaign after Desert War. But as far as he knew, Western Wasteland's military strength was by no means so thin.
"It was quite positive to reveal the secret just now," Val looked at Falkenhaus coldly. "When it comes to recruiting troops... hum."
Star Gathering Plaza Another burst of shouts came to Hall of Stars, this time it was excited cheers, including many fanatical voices,
"Alas," Count Talen touched his Five-Pointed Star brooch and sighed, "I bet the guard just passed on the message about Northern Territory's military strength, and he didn't have time to pass it on to Western Wasteland."
Kessel the Fifth remained calm. He turned around and asked Kurun: "What is the attitude of the Sun Sword Shield family and the entire East Sea Territory?"
"His Majesty, most of the people in the East China Sea rely on the sea to make a living. We don't have enough troops, but we can pay to summon Mercenary to fight," Fat Duke said with a smile, "If a full-scale war breaks out, as long as it doesn't winter and the offshore sea doesn't freeze, our fleet can still harass Exeter's east coast."
On the stone seat beside Duke of East Sea, Noah Count Havia and Clark Count Amond looked at each other and nodded in unison.
Duke Falkenhaus said solemnly, "Thank you very much for reminding us that it is December now and winter has begun."
Kessel the Fifth knocked on his stone seat and asked with a hint of meaning, "So there are no people, only money? I remember when I called Desert War, Prime Minister told me that if I don't need money, I can use people - it's a bit far to transport troops from the East China Sea to Western Wasteland?"
"People five years ago didn't know how to go out to make money, so there were people who didn't have money. But now people have gone out to make money, so no one has money." Duke Cullen replied with a smile without blushing.
The king sneered slightly, and Duke of the North's face turned extremely ugly.
King Kessel turned his head to the nobles in the south.
"The entire Southbank Territory has no usable cavalry. Cavendish Family can summon two thousand infantry from around Emerald City. There are also some Magic Energy Gun," Jann Before His Majesty asked him, replied worriedly, "But in the long march to the north, acclimatization is a problem, and my vassals will definitely not be happy - the quality of the soldiers cannot be guaranteed."
Old Karabiyang Earl also looked serious and spoke at the right time, "Wola Territory is the same. Even if we add vassals, I am not confident that we can even recruit 300 troops."
Kohn, who was behind Count, lowered his head and sighed softly.
He still remembered that the last time his two sisters went abroad to visit friends, his father directly sent 500 troops to escort them.
Count Lacia is even more straightforward. "Soldiers from the swamp are not suitable for fighting in the north at all."
Kessel the Fifth didn't speak anymore, but just breathed out softly. "Duke Guardian of Cliff Land, and Duke Guardian of Blade Territory haven't arrived yet, but I guess they, as well as the remaining four families, probably have the same attitude?"
As nobles of Cliff Territory, Count Sorrel and Count Dastan both turned their heads and kept silent.
On the contrary, the Guild Master and Merchant who were watching began to whisper - they were more worried about the upcoming war.
"Is this how you repay Star Kingdom?"
Duke of the North's face was ashen. He stood up suddenly, pointed at the double cross star above his head and said angrily, "This is the country you swore allegiance to, and it was the greatest country in human history! Even though Northern Territory is not your territory, Cross Double Star Flag is floating on it! Just like your land!"
"Sir Duke, I also fought for the Star Kingdom five years ago," Count Dastan said coldly, "As a result, in Western Wasteland, I lost my eldest son forever - I guess you who don't have a son can't understand..."
"Bullshit!" Val stared angrily and turned his head sharply. "My only daughter, the heir of White Eagle, is now on the border between the two countries. Dragonbreak Fortress, under the command of Flower of the Fortress--Sonia·Lord Satherley! Her life or death depends on the victory or defeat of Dragon and Starry Sky!"
Hearing this, Kohn couldn't help but lower his head, sighed, and looked at Raphael behind Black Prophet.
"Maybe there is no need to go to war, we can choose to negotiate - Exeter Even if we send troops, it will only be for profit." Duke Cullen shook his head and sighed.
"And then force Northern Territory to give away his territory?" Val was like a predatory eagle, staring at everyone who answered with sharp eyes.
"Now, we all know the chips and the number of troops in our hands." At this time, Jann raised his head and looked at the king with firm eyes. "Whether it is war or peace, it depends on His Majesty's will."
Everyone's eyes instantly shot to Kessel.
Val's eyes are eager and intense, Kurun's eyes have a complex smile, Cyril's eyes are playful, and Jann's eyes are as plain as water.
"So, this is my country?" Kessel slowly raised his head, his eyes like knives, cutting at each lord.
"The king can only bring his own Standing Army and direct vassals to face the entire army of another country?"
"Otherwise, I will have to accept their possible conditions in humiliation on behalf of the Star Kingdom?"
Cyril·Falkenhaus said with a sinister smile, "Hey, without troops, we can't fight, but the dignity of the royal family can't be discussed..."
"It seems like what Suye said," Kessel the Fifth sighed, "Royal Capital is a lonely person."
At this time, a loud and angry voice came from the door of Hall of Stars!
"His Majesty, please take back this sentence!"
"With us here, you will never be alone!"
"As Star Kingdom nobles and descendants of the empire, how can we retreat even half an inch?"
Amidst the commotion in the hall, a middle-aged nobleman whose left eye was covered by a terrible scar, wearing a yellow and black cloak with a figure of a deer with upright antlers, walked up to the six stone seats with coldness and arrogance.
Some of the nobles and commoners in the field began to applaud enthusiastically, while others sneered or shook their heads and sighed.
Duke Cullen showed a helpless smile, while Val and Jann both responded solemnly.
"The One-Eyed Dragon of Nanshuister," Cyril·Falkenhaus laughed and said, "I thought you would arrive at night!"
Lord of Junlin City, Duke Guardian of Cliff Land, Kosted·Nanshuister said with a stern expression:
"Compared to this... look what you have done?"
He kissed Kessel's ring, but did not sit down on the stone seat. Instead, he turned to Val and said:
"Arendt-sama, please don't worry!"
"Junlin City will march out with all his troops! Go north Dragonbreak Fortress!"
But under Val's surprised and complicated eyes, he immediately changed the subject and looked at Kessel the Fifth:
"Facing this nationwide war! As long as His Majesty can make followers feel at ease - I can't think of any reason to back down!"
Almost all the nobles in the room frowned.
Give followers peace of mind?
"Kosted," Kessel the Fifth said slowly, "What do you mean?"
"His Majesty, don't you understand yet?" Kosted said sternly, "A full-scale war is imminent, but the nobles are panic-stricken and push back and forth!"
"In this situation, you are the only one who, as our Liege Lord, is enduring the torment of war or peace!"
"That's not fair to you!"
"But why do you think that is?"
Kosted closed his one eye tightly, took a deep breath, and then said firmly:
"Iron-Fisted King, His Majesty Kessel!"
"The lords and nobles dare not follow you!"
"Everyone at the Star Kingdom is in panic... Twelve years have passed since the tragedy, and Former King's bones have been buried! But we still don't know what you are thinking!"
"We don't know what kind of king we are following!"
For a moment, the nobles were silent.
Gilbert and Jinnie frowned at the same time.
Kessel gently squeezed the scepter and looked at Kosted with a complicated expression.
But Kosted still said without flinching, "We are all afraid of you - no one knows what a king who lives alone and has no scruples, the last one of Brilliant Star, will do!"
"What's more, this is war!"
Kosted turned around, scanned every lord with his sharp one eye, and said word by word:
"His Majesty! The blood has disappeared, but Star Kingdom is still there."
"But why do you have to endure the suspicion of the nobles even for an obvious war decision?"
Kessel the Fifth's eyes became colder and colder.
The four Dukes invariably avoided his eyes.
Kosted pointed at the double cross star on the top of the hall and said loudly:
"His Majesty, for the interests of the Star Kingdom, and for the dignity of the Radiant Star Royal Family, we cannot hesitate in this crisis!"
"Therefore, His Majesty, please share the burden of the Star Kingdom on our shoulders!"
"Whether it's war or peace, let all of us bear the price of this decision."
"If Star Kingdom is stable, the future is bright, and the royal family will not be cut off - I think no one will shrink from such a national war!"
At this time, many people had already smelled something.
Morat·Hansen lowered his head and raised the corners of his mouth silently.
Coming.
So fast.
Jann pinched the bridge of his nose and closed his eyes.
Coming.
Hope it goes well.
Kurun looked at Kosted's performance with a smile.
Coming.
Interesting.
Val stared at that Duke Guardian of Cliff Land blankly, gritting his teeth.
Is this their purpose?
Kai and I are both prey?
Count people were whispering to each other on the stone seats, some were worried, while others nodded frequently.
Only many civilians who were listening were still whispering in confusion.
But everything in Hall of Stars is still going on.
"His Majesty, you will be forty-eight years old soon!"
"On the eve of the war of Dragon and Starfall!"
In front of everyone, Kosted was seen throwing off his cloak, with a stern face, waving his arms towards the nobles in the hall:
"Please choose the heir to the kingdom among us nobles!"
"Tell the nobles with actions that you still care about the stability and survival of this kingdom, and that you still trust these lords who are your arms!"
"At that time, we will fight for the dignity of the Star Kingdom! Fight for the glory of Brilliant Star!"
"No complaints!"
"Never back down!"
Dead silence.
Absolute silence.
A suffocating silence.
No one dared to be the first to speak out after these words.
Until a sharp and unrestrained laughter broke the dead silence.
"Hahaha..."
Duke Falkenhaus opened his big mouth, and laughed wildly under everyone's surprised eyes. His scattered teeth looked particularly terrifying:
"Far East, what is that sentence called?"
"Open the map and the dagger is exposed?"
"His Majesty? Want to fight a decent battle? Use the throne in exchange! Hahahahaha..."