Chapter 218

"Wildea cannot be handed over to anyone else to govern!" the royal general said in a deep voice. "Your Majesty, a temporary setback is nothing. If even you give up, how desperate will the people of Wildea feel? Moreover, who is more qualified than Your Majesty to govern Wildea right now?"

"... I think His Your Majesty's idea is quite good."

A voice rang out.

Alfred stared at the other man, frowning, and said, "Duke Nock, what do you mean by this? Do you want to be king?"

"Alfred, even if you are the king's general, you shouldn't speak such words so casually!" Nock sneered. "Her Your Majesty hasn't made a decision yet, why are you in such a hurry? Her Your Majesty has her reasons for saying that."

Alfred sneered, "Then tell me, besides His Your Majesty, who else has the qualifications?"

The meeting room was completely silent.

Nock's eyes flickered as he glanced at the silent others. "Of course not, so I think we should arrange for an agent to take on that role."

"An agent?" Elvian's mind raced. "Go on."

"Yes," Nok replied respectfully. "In my opinion, if Your Majesty insists on a marriage alliance, then this is the best solution. Wilderness needs time, and the marriage alliance is a temporary measure. Your Majesty has your own plans, so what needs to be done now is to minimize the impact. If Your Majesty takes the throne, you will inevitably be restricted after the marriage alliance due to your status. If Your Majesty abdicates, who will be the new king of Wilderness? Therefore, the best option is to find someone to act as regent during Your Majesty's marriage alliance."

After saying that, Nock added, "Your Majesty, I am wholeheartedly devoted to Wildea. Please see this clearly."

"I know."

Elvian remained calm. She did not reprimand Nok. Although Nok was somewhat greedy and cunning, she was certain that he was loyal to the kingdom. Moreover, he was quite capable; otherwise, how could Nok have become a duke?

In fact, she agreed with Knok's statement.

One reason was to save face for the kingdom.

On the other hand, as queen, she was largely to blame for putting Wildeya in this situation.

As for the idea of a stopgap measure, she herself hadn't really thought about what to do next, since just protecting Wildea and getting revenge on Ryan was already quite difficult.

We can only take it one step at a time, but we can't say anything about it, otherwise others will become even more swayed.

"You all should speak up. At this critical juncture for the kingdom, there's no need for formalities. Feel free to share your thoughts," Elvian said.

This time, even Alfred didn't object.

He would definitely not agree if Elvian stepped down.

However, temporarily stepping down and having the monarchy act in his stead is indeed a feasible option.

"Since no one has any objections, let's think about who is suitable to manage Wilderness for me?"

The group looked at each other, but no one spoke.

Even Nock didn't dare to make the suggestion.

Proposing to act as regent? That's something the king would do; they wouldn't dare overstep their bounds.

Elvian was well aware of this, and said, "Then I will appoint." She looked at 'Avril' and said softly, "Would you be willing to temporarily manage Wilderia for me?"

"Me?" Avril was stunned. "Your Majesty, how could I..."

"Your Majesty!" Alfred said in a deep voice, "Avril is too inexperienced to act as regent. I beg Your Majesty to choose a new one."

Elvian didn't speak, but looked at 'Avril' and said, "I believe you can do it. Do you remember what I said? In my heart, you are my sister and the pride of the future kingdom."

"But I lack the qualifications, I'm afraid..."

"Seniority? It doesn't matter at all. I ascended the throne at the age of fourteen. At that time, Wildea was still weak. How many people questioned me? Now, in just ten years, Wildea has become the leader of the Northern Coalition. It's just a pity that one wrong step has ruined everything."

"Gentlemen, you think Avril is not good enough? But I think she is. You probably don't know yet, but Avril's profession is Starry Knight."

"Starry Knight?!"

Everyone was startled.

"That's right, that's the most powerful and oldest profession Faith Path. The appearance of the Starry Knight signifies the prosperity and strength of the Moon God's faith. The Moon God has not abandoned us. As long as Avril is here, given time, Wildea will surely return to... no, it will surpass its peak!"

"What Wildea needs is not seniority, but heroes. The kingdom needs a hero-king. And I believe that Avril is the future hero of the kingdom. What do you say?"

Elvian's gaze swept over the crowd, and this time no one raised any objections.

The king of Veldria is a hero king in every generation.

Only a powerful king can conquer everyone.

"Very well, then it's decided. You are not to disclose anything about Avril to anyone, understand?"

"Yes, sir!"

Everyone, including Alfred, looked at Avril with anticipation in their eyes.

Avril was already popular, and now that Elvian had said that, no one objected.

Just as Elvian said, if Avril's strength truly reaches a certain level, then Wilder's resurgence will be a natural consequence.

In an instant, all the dormant hearts in the room were stirred up.

At least it is indeed possible.

"Teacher, Avril takes office."

"Your subject obeys."

"Then let's adjourn the meeting."

Elvian dismissed everyone and sat alone in the hall.

After a long while, she let out a soft sigh of relief, a hint of anticipation appearing in her golden eyes.

"Next... Ryan, it's time for our feud to settle between us."

With the conclusion of the high-level meeting in Wildea, the Augustus Empire's offensive quickly came to a halt, and Elvian announced Wildea's joining the Augustus Empire.

The news was out, and the Wilder people were surprised but not entirely unexpected, since anyone with eyes could see the current situation.

It's either survive or perish.

Although it once aroused strong opposition from many people with ideals, and the pro-war faction vowed to fight to the death, Elvian ignored it at all, because this was not the most explosive news.

It wasn't until the news of Verdea's marriage to Augustus spread that the entire kingdom was in an uproar.

They could understand Wilde's act of surrendering with both hands, but what was with the Queen's marriage? They didn't understand!

However, experts quickly analyzed the Queen's good intentions. As Wildea's pillar of support, how could the Augustus Empire agree to Wildea's surrender if she did not choose to compromise?

Surrender requires qualifications!

The story of Elvian sacrifice to save the kingdom spread throughout Wildea, plunging the kingdom into a somber atmosphere. The idea of a king sacrificing himself for peace was somewhat hard to accept, but when faced with the choice between destruction and survival, most of the kingdom's citizens chose silence.

This is similar to what Elvian expected: why would someone choose to die when they can live?

If she didn't compromise and there was a chance to turn things around, that would be a different story. But right now, isn't there no other way?

The king's greatness needs no further explanation.

Surprisingly, the matter of having 'Avril' act as regent did not cause much of a stir, at least within the capital. Seeing her subjects accept Elvian so readily, she felt somewhat conflicted. She could no longer tell whether the people approved of 'Avril' or respected her decision as queen.

I guess it's still out of respect?

However, that wasn't what Elvian cared about. What she desperately wanted to know was what Ryan's expression would be when he heard the news, and yes, Magana's too!

That shorty!

Elvian was furious just thinking about how she was humiliated in Loss City. "Very well, you're so smug, aren't you? I'll see if you can still laugh now!"

Although we don't know how strong Magana's feelings for Ryan are, judging from 'Vainay's' statement, she must have liked him at least seven or eight out of ten.

So now, if she wants to marry Ryan, wouldn't that be blatantly stealing Magana's affection?

Moreover, Magana was completely helpless!

Even if she objected, it was useless. She didn't care. Even if Magana came to fight her again, she had already lost. The defeated have nothing to fear.

But what about Magana?

She's going to challenge the Empress for Ryan's sake, and regardless of the outcome, it will definitely be detrimental to the Western Territory.

Elvian could almost picture Magana's furious, exasperated, and helpless expression... Magana, I want to see that look on your face!

Magana did indeed jump.

But Ryan quickly smoothed his fur back down.

Although Magana once pointed to the heavens and cursed the old scoundrel 'Vainay' for deliberately ruining her relationship with Ryan and causing trouble for the peace of the Western Territory, she immediately smiled after Ryan gave her a reasonable analysis.

Since it's a marriage alliance, he's nominally the Prince of Wildea. If he can take this opportunity to gradually gain control of Wildea, and with the addition of the Kingdom of Lotte, if Ryan rises to power, won't Magana also spiral upwards to the highest point?

As for whether Ryan can handle Elvian, Magana isn't worried at all. Ask the Wilderians if they can handle him, and see what kind of dire situation they're in right now.

And Ryan's marriage to the Queen was also to save the Wilder people from dire straits. Isn't this a debt of gratitude greater than the heavens? As for how they got into dire straits, that's none of your business.

Anyway, this is an opportunity, Your Grand Duke, shall we go for it?

Magana thought it made a lot of sense, but she was a little annoyed. Even if they didn't get married right away, just having this relationship meant that Elvian was going to be on equal footing with her.

Ryan replied, "Of course not. How can Elvian compare to you, Your Grand Duke? Rather, when she comes over, she'll have to Grand Duke you and me bully her, and she won't even have a chance to complain."

Besides, does a marriage alliance necessarily require a wedding? Who made that rule?

It's a political marriage anyway, so just establishing a connection is fine. Elvian will have to stay in Silvermoon City, Ryan isn't going to let that woman have her way. You came here for revenge, didn't you? Fine, let's see how big you are first.

Forget about being on equal footing with Magana. Once we get to Silvermoon City, that's Amabena's territory. Queen Amabena will make her do whatever she wants!

Simply put, it should be Magana> Amabena> Elvian.

The Grand Duke laughed immediately upon hearing this.

After appeasing Magana, the next step was for Augustus and Wildea to formally sign the contract. As Elvian and 'Vainay' had discussed, the status of a vassal state was now unavoidable.

The task of signing the contract naturally fell to Ryan. Originally, Elvian was supposed to bring people over, but Ryan wanted to take the opportunity to visit the Moon God Relic Site and get the Advancement Fragment.

So he asked Jonathan to be his temporary bodyguard, and together with Augustus's negotiating team, they boarded the train to Wildeia.

Three days later.

Royal City of Veldja, train station.

"Everyone says that Wildea is one of the top powers in the Northern Coalition, but it doesn't seem that impressive."

Ryan stretched as he stepped off the train and looked around.

They soon discovered that the area around the train station had been cordoned off.

Because of prior notice, the army had already taken over the security before Ryan arrived. Looking at the soldiers holding weapons and with fierce-looking faces, the Augustus negotiators accompanying Ryan couldn't help but swallow hard.

"Ryan, are you really alright?"

"A nobleman asked."

If possible, they would prefer to negotiate in Silvermoon City. Coming all the way to someone else's territory is just blatant harassment.

"Don't worry, even if I beat them up, they'll thank me."

"..."

Jonathan said in a low voice, "There are quite a few Supernatural Being around."

Why don't you say there are quite a few people?

"So you insisted on coming here? What, do you think the women of Veldria have bigger butts than the women of the Kingdom of Lotte?"

Jonathan may not have said anything, but he was on guard. After all, he was deep in enemy territory and had to protect Ryan.

Just then, a commotion arose in the crowd, Elvian walked towards them, surrounded by the crowd.

She wore a red evening gown, her long blue-gold hair tied back, looking dignified and elegant. Her exquisite face and golden eyes held a natural indifference; a noble queen, she walked gracefully, her gaze fixed on Ryan.

"Hiss! Such powerful killing intent!" Jonathan exclaimed. "Ryan, you bastard, you killed her whole family?!"

Ryan's lips twitched slightly. "Why would I kill her whole family?"

"A bright red dress, is that something to wear at a diplomatic event between two countries? It looks like she's after you." Jonathan swallowed hard. "Based on my years of intuition, this woman is ruthless, ruthless to herself, and even more ruthless to her enemies. Don't mess with her."

"What if we've already provoked them?"

Run!

Ryan shrugged.

There's no way to run away, Old Joe, when did you become such a coward?